Deidara stared at the Sand Ninja, dumbfounded. Only when he noticed their strange way of walking did he suddenly realize that they were all puppets.
Was Sunagakure's puppetry really this advanced? I couldn't spot a single flaw.
Seeing Deidara stand motionless for so long, the puppet said impatiently, "Come on. Do I have to come out and invite you myself?"
"Heh, interesting." Rather than getting angry, Deidara laughed, an interested look appearing on his face. At the same time, he secretly gauged how much clay he had brought and followed with complete confidence.
The puppet led Deidara straight to the door of the Kazekage's Office and pushed it open. Only one masked person stood inside. Judging by his clothes, this was the current Kazekage, Sasori.
Seeing Deidara enter, Sasori spoke first. "Didn't I tell you where the barrier was weak and where the hidden guards were stationed? Why were you still so slow? You didn't trust me and checked everything again, didn't you?"
At those words, Deidara finally understood what was going on. Pointing at the person before him in astonishment, he said, "You... you're Sasori."
Sasori chuckled. "Haven't you always been curious about my real face? Now I can let you see it."
As he spoke, Sasori removed his mask, revealing a face so handsome it was almost uncanny. Ever since gaining Dragon Vein Power, his appearance had remained that of a teenage boy. At first glance, he looked even younger than Deidara.
Deidara blinked and looked him over several times before saying, "Hey, Sasori, you're not younger than me, are you?"
"Age means nothing to me." As he spoke, Sasori tossed the One-Tail's container to Deidara.
"What's this?"
Deidara caught it and immediately understood. Yet there was not the slightest joy at completing his mission in his eyes.