Madara and Obito walked into Roran while chatting, and Sara immediately sensed their presence and came out to greet them.
Through years of training, her sensory ability had become extremely sharp. The moment she saw Madara, she sensed a powerful aura.
She couldn't help but become somewhat wary, "Obito, this is…"
"I feel he's strong, stronger than anyone I've ever met."
Obito smiled and said, "Sara, you probably don't know much about the affairs of the ninja world. His name is Uchiha Madara, a big figure in the ninja world."
Sara suddenly understood, "I know Uchiha, Konoha's biggest clan. So he's a big figure from the Uchiha."
Madara snorted, "I have nothing to do with the Uchiha anymore."
Seeing this, Obito said, "Anyway, the situation is a bit special. It's complicated to explain. Sara, you'll understand slowly in the future."
"How's the factory doing?"
Hearing this, Sara immediately perked up, "Over a thousand of these machines have already been produced. I've injected Dragon Vein Chakra into a dozen or so of them. These machines are very sensitive, and if we sell them under Roran's name, it would bring disaster to Roran."
Obito nodded, "Let Akatsuki sell them. We'll take a trip to the factory, and also to Akatsuki, to discuss the sales matter. By the way, I'll also show you around Akatsuki."
Sara's eyes lit up, "Really? It just so happens I have no plans today, perfect time to go out and have some fun."
Just like that, the three arrived at the underground factory previously used by Anrokuzan to make puppets. It had now been transformed into a mass-production base for chakra converters.
Many workers were busy inside. Compared to the numb expressions during Anrokuzan's time, now their eyes were glowing and full of enthusiasm.
Sara said emotionally, "Many of them used to work in the factory before. When they heard I was recruiting, they were eager to join."
"I provided them with stable salaries and various benefits. I also allow their relatives to visit frequently. Some who were initially afraid are no longer scared. They're all satisfied with their current lives."
Obito nodded. He had no worries about Sara's secrecy work.
The whole of Roran was under Sara's surveillance, just like the Rain Tiger at Will Technique cast by Nagato in the Second Generation Akatsuki. Spies couldn't infiltrate, even someone at the level of Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, would be detected.
The three walked slowly, observing the various parts being produced on the production lines, and then assembled together.
Both Obito and Madara were slightly shocked. Many of Konoha's tools were still handmade, completely incomparable to the efficiency of this factory.
He now somewhat understood how these magnificent Roran buildings had been constructed.
A trace of reminiscence flashed in Sara's eyes, "Actually, all this was thanks to Anrokuzan. This factory inherited his creativity. If not for the matter of assassinating the Roran queen and secretly manufacturing war weapons, he was indeed Roran's most outstanding minister."
Obito nodded. Ordinary ninjas, even ordinary people, shouldn't be underestimated. Without opportunity, they might never become strong, but they could still provide all sorts of creative ideas.
He suddenly thought of Sasori. Anrokuzan's inspiration probably came from his identity as a puppeteer. Then what about Sasori? As the most talented puppeteer of Sunagakure, he should also have many creative ideas.
Thinking of this, Obito asked, "Sara, did you manage to gather information on that red-haired man?"
Sara thought for a moment and then recalled something.
"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would've forgotten. Our caravan did see someone like that not long ago, near the second oasis in the desert. If the judgment is correct, he should be living there long-term."
Obito's eyes lit up, "Perfect. We're going to Akatsuki today, let's recruit him as well."
Once Sara mentioned the location, he understood immediately. It was exactly the same place where Akatsuki recruited Sasori in his previous life. With that, he knew exactly where to look.
So, the three quickened their pace and soon arrived at a still rather empty warehouse.
Obito stored all the completed machines into Kamui's dimension, then led the two toward the second oasis in the desert.
And, for a bit of ritualistic flair, both he and Madara changed into Akatsuki's red-cloud black cloaks. Sara saw them and thought they looked pretty good, so she asked Obito for one too.
Obito reminded her, "Sara, this outfit isn't to be worn casually. Before you officially decide to join Akatsuki, it's best not to wear it."
Sara asked curiously, "Why?"
Madara snorted on the side, "Superstition, utter nonsense. As Akatsuki's current leader, I say you can wear it. Wear it if you want, take it off if you want."
Seeing this, Sara laughed and put on the Akatsuki uniform, twirling in place.
"So Lord Uchiha Madara is the leader of Akatsuki? You don't look like a bad guy at all, and the outfit is so cool, it makes me want to join Akatsuki too."
Madara nodded coldly, "Welcome aboard."
Obito was speechless. Once Sara found out what kind of person Uchiha Madara really was, she'd definitely regret today's decision.
Just as the three were preparing to set off, Obito closed his eyes and began sensing. Soon, he sensed a familiar chakra fluctuation from a very hidden location in the distance.
He opened his eyes and pointed in Sasori's direction: "It's over there. Let's go."
———
Sasori was walking alone in the desert.
After killing the Third Kazekage and avenging his father, he became lost.
He didn't know the meaning of his existence, nor where he should go.
He became obsessed with pursuing the art of puppetry. Perhaps this was one of the few remaining proofs of his existence.
To that end, he turned the Third Kazekage into a human puppet.
At this moment, three figures slowly emerged from the distant sandstorm.
A man, a woman, and a child, all wearing red-cloud black cloaks, fluttering in the wind, making a rustling sound.
The three walked up to him before stopping.
Sasori also stopped, "You came here just for me?"
Then, he noticed that the woman looked a bit familiar.
"You're… the Purple-Robed Dragon King?", The corners of Sasori's mouth involuntarily curved into a slight smile, 'A good quality material indeed.'
"Why did you come looking for me?"
Madara took a step forward and said calmly, "To recruit you into Akatsuki."
"Akatsuki?", Sasori was stunned, "So you're part of an organization. Interesting, but I've never heard of it."
Madara crossed his arms, "Soon you'll hear of Akatsuki's name."
Sasori was taken aback. The man before him exuded overwhelming dominance.
"So confident, huh. Unfortunately… I only want to pursue my art. I have no interest in working for others."
"Today's your lucky day. At least I've found two high-quality materials."
After speaking, Sasori untied the scroll on his back and released the Third Kazekage human puppet from inside.
"You have the honor of being the first to witness my proudest creation. Let it be the one to deliver your funeral."
Sasori linked the Third Kazekage human puppet with chakra threads. Its arms extended two blades, and suddenly began spinning, rushing at Madara at high speed…
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