After crossing the desert, the group reached a rocky area. Just then, an exhausted Tenten suddenly thought of something and asked loudly, "Wait, don't we have flying puppets? Why are we walking all the way to Konoha?"
Anyo gave Sasori a look.
Sasori understood at once. He stepped forward, stroked Tenten's head, and said, "Tired? Then get some sleep. We'll be in Konoha when you wake up."
At Sasori's words, Tenten obediently replied, "All right."
Before long, Tenten fell asleep in Sasori's arms, her expression utterly peaceful. It seemed that over their years together, their feelings for each other had already reached a certain point, though neither of them had realized it yet.
Sasori took out a Mecha Puppet and carefully placed Tenten inside. Then the three continued onward. Gradually, the atmosphere grew ominous. Dark clouds rode in on the wind, packed so densely that not a single gap remained. They shrouded the once-bright sky, blocking out the sunlight until everything was pitch-black.
A damp chill seeped into their hearts, and they could only feel that something lurked within this sudden darkness.
Sasori stepped forward and said, "Since you're here, show yourselves."
No sooner had he spoken than Orochimaru and his companions appeared before them, and the dark clouds overhead dispersed at the same time.
Anyo's gaze settled on the two people beside Orochimaru. One was Kimimaro, and the other was the bespectacled Kabuto Yakushi. He had not expected this man to end up with Orochimaru after all.
"Heh heh heh. Lord Kazekage, your guard has very sharp reflexes." Orochimaru approached with a smile and greeted them.
Mabui, wrapped up from head to toe, said nothing, and the atmosphere immediately turned cold.
After his initial surprise, a flicker of displeasure crossed Orochimaru's eyes, and his smile faded. "Since you've come