Konoha's Lost Kunoichi

The Death of the Puppet King

Staring at my teammate, my friend I left behind, I remembered the situation we were all in and quickly masked my presence. It wouldn't bode well if they all knew I was here.

Sasori is my mentor, my sensei. I betrayed Sakura and the rest of my friends.

And if I had to pick a side I'd always choose hers.

She's my friend. Like a little sister. But I can't. I've made too many enemies since leaving. And being close to them would only endanger them. And I have no right to. For now, I must watch.

On Sakura's side is an older woman. Despite her age, I can see the great amount of chakra she has. She's a shinobi. And a good one at that.

I took in the situation and saw the broken pieces of Hiruko strewn about. Leaving Sasori out in the open. And although they're thin, undetectable, I could still see the strings connecting to Sakura from the woman.

Interesting. She's a puppet master, like Sasori. And Sakura is her puppet. "Become my puppet." Sasori's request rang in my ears.

He's done that as well. Connecting his strings to me. And given the situation, he would do the same were I to reveal myself.

I kept myself hidden, staring at them. At Sasori's slight smirk. Something he rarely does. What's going on here?

The older woman's gaze remained transfixed on Sasori. And his gaze on her. Blatantly ignoring Sakura. "What's the matter Granny Chiyo? Are you so filled with emotion that you can't speak?" Granny Chiyo?

Is . . . is this woman really his grandmother? "I'm not surprised. It's our first reunion in twenty years."

"Sasori. You . . ." She trailed off, eyes still wide. "While I have you, let me show you something special." A familiar scroll slid down his sleeve into his awaiting hand. My own eyes went wide. That scroll-is he insane?!

"I guarantee it will move you. This piece was particularly difficult to acquire."

I watched in disbelief as his fingers unfurled the scroll with the word 'three' on it. "But on the other hand, that's what makes me so fond of him. The scroll lit up briefly before a cloud of smoke obstructed my view.

When the smoke dispersed, there is the puppet of the Third Kazekage.

"No. That can't be. Impossible." Chiyo gasped. Sakura glanced back, making me snap my head out of view and press myself further into the stone wall. "What is? What's impossible?!" She asked, worry clear in her voice.

Ah shit. I fell on my bottom, sitting atop the water as I stared at the forest ahead.

I need to leave. Now. Before Sakura sees me. Before Naruto and Kakashi-Sensei return. Before Sasori knows I lied about not caring for my old friends.

Run away.

That's what I need to do. But why can't I? Why can't I run? "It's him. It's the Third Kazekage."

I shut my eyes tight. Sasori's chuckle broke through the tense silence and I clenched my fists.

"What do you think? Doesn't it take you back Granny Chiyo?" He taunted. I've never heard Sasori like this. Taunting someone like this. That's not a good sign. "The Third Kazekage.Lady Chiyo what does this mean?" Sakura questioned. But the old woman was still reeling in this information.

"So this must be what happened to him. It's been over ten years since the Third Kazekage suddenly disappeared from the village without a trace. We scoured the countryside but could never find him. The strongest of our Kazekage simply vanished. Sasori. It was you?!"