Just as Kakashi and Sakura were about to be pierced by thousands upon thousands of needles...
Clang.
A blade rang as it left its sheath, and a flash of white light appeared. Blade light swept toward the poison senbon with a raging wind, scattering every incoming needle and still retaining enough force to strike at Sasori's puppet body.
Sasori sidestepped it, his eyes turning to the blade in Kakashi's hand. He said, enunciating every word, "The White Light Chakra Sabre. Kakashi Hatake, son of the Konoha White Fang. What a coincidence. Has fate brought us together?"
Ever since learning Anyo's identity, Sasori had abandoned his plans for revenge. During the Third Shinobi World War, he had only killed the Third Kazekage and used his puppets' poison mist to indirectly help Sunagakure attack Konoha, without taking direct action himself.
But giving up did not mean he had no lingering resentment. When he saw Kakashi draw that blade, the childhood hatred buried deep in his heart involuntarily surged up.
Seeking information, Kakashi did not press his advantage. Instead, he asked, "Do we have a history?"
"During the Second Shinobi World War, my parents died by the blade in your hand. Today, you die."
Sasori no longer concealed himself. The puppet Hiruko split apart, and a puppet that closely resembled his real body emerged, revealing a handsome, uncanny face. Five scrolls unfurled simultaneously in his hands.
Chakra of all five natures erupted. Explosive fire, surging water, rending wind, piercing lightning, and crushing earth swept toward the pair from every direction. The entire cave shook under the enormous chakra, on the verge of collapse, and despair appeared on Sakura's face.
"Don't be afraid."
Kakashi shielded Sakura behind him and uncovered the Sharingan hidden beneath his forehead protector. As its three tomoe spun, the Sharingan