Shinobi World No. 1.
Autumn, Konoha Year 43.
Sunagakure, Sandcastle Base.
Sasori stood in Toyotomi Yinglang's study, his dark purple, high-collared uniform immaculate, a trace of undisguisable pride in his eyes.
Behind him, two women bound by layers of Sealing Jutsu knelt quietly on the floor.
The woman on the left had long, dark brown hair, delicate features, and eyes filled with irrepressible fear. She was Pakura-a Jonin of Sunagakure, the bearer of the Scorch Release Kekkei Genkai, the "Pakura of the Scorch Release" whose name struck terror into her enemies on the battlefield. Now, Sealing Runes wound around her hands, and her chakra was completely sealed, leaving her like a beast stripped of its claws and fangs.
The woman on the right had long black hair, a gentle face, and a serene bearing. She was Karura-the wife of Rasa, a Jonin of Sunagakure, and a potential inheritor of the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai. Her abdomen was slightly rounded, though not enough to show a pregnancy yet. Her gaze was calmer than Pakura's-not because she was unafraid, but because she knew fear was useless.
"Teacher."
Sasori spoke, his voice calm.
"This is my gift to you."
Toyotomi Yinglang leaned back in his chair, his gaze sweeping over Pakura and Karura. A satisfied smile slowly curved his lips.
"Pakura. Karura."
He spoke their names.
"Sunagakure's Scorch Release and Magnet Release."
"Sasori, you've done well."
"You flatter me, Teacher."
Sasori lowered his head slightly.
"Pakura was lured out of the village under the pretext of a 'secret mission.' Karura accompanied her under the pretext of 'assisting with the mission.' Neither knew that the mission itself was a trap."
"I designed the Sealing Jutsu myself. Chakra suppression, movement restriction, sensory masking-three safeguards. They can't escape, and no one will find them."
Toyotomi Yinglang