bookrebus Chapter 775 Exquisite
Chapter 775 Exquisite
Her acting skills weren't particularly refined, but the helplessness and exhaustion she conveyed at that moment were genuine. This natural expression of emotion actually added a touch of realism to her "Queen" image, making her seem like a ruler weary from the weight of responsibility.
Zhang Hai smiled with satisfaction, very pleased with Mabui's performance. He gestured for Sasori to take good control of the Third Kazekage puppet, and then the three of them left the hidden cave together, heading towards the distant Sunagakure village.
At the entrance to Sunagakure, two guarding ninjas stared listlessly at the endless expanse of yellow sand. The wind whipped through them, stinging their faces; the monotonous routine of their daily lives had numbed them almost completely.
"Sigh, another day like this." One of the ninjas yawned and said lazily.
“Yeah, hopefully something new will happen.” Another ninja chimed in, his eyes filled with a longing for change.
Just then, their gaze inadvertently drifted to the distant horizon. One, two, three... three small black dots appeared and disappeared in the yellow sand. At first, they thought it was an illusion caused by the sandstorm.
"Hey, did you see that? There looks like someone over there?" A guard ninja rubbed his eyes and said in disbelief.
"I saw it too! At first I thought it was a mirage, but... it looks like someone is really getting closer!" Another ninja immediately became alert, his tone filled with surprise.
The two exchanged a glance, immediately regaining their composure. In Sunagakure, even the slightest disturbance was enough to raise their alertness. After all, the two consecutive Shinobi World Wars had dealt a heavy blow to Sunagakure, making them extremely wary.
"Quickly! Notify the captain and report to higher-ups! Someone is approaching the village!"
The alarm blared instantly, its sharp whistle shattering the tranquility of Sunagakure. The once peaceful village was instantly awakened, and countless ninjas rushed out of the buildings and quickly assembled.
Within minutes, a large number of Sand Village ninjas, armed with kunai, shuriken, and other weapons, surged towards the village entrance like a tidal wave. Well-trained, they quickly formed a semi-circular encirclement, completely surrounding the three approaching figures. A bloodthirsty aura filled the air; every Sand Village ninja had sharp eyes, poised and ready to strike, as if they would launch an attack without hesitation at the slightest command.
Of the three surrounded, the one in the middle wore a large cloak, completely concealing himself. He seemed to sense the tense atmosphere around him and let out a slow sigh.
"Hey……"
With that sigh, the man raised his hand and slowly lifted the cloak covering his head.
Beneath the cloak, a strikingly familiar face was revealed—the deep eyes, the resolute jaw, and the innate majesty between the brows all testified to his identity.
"This...this is!"
"The Third Kazekage-sama?!"
The Sand Ninja within the encirclement instantly broke down, their tense nerves snapping. Their eyes widened, disbelief written all over their faces, and some even rubbed their eyes hard, trying to make sure they weren't seeing things.
"Lord Kazekage...has returned?"
Exclamations and questions erupted one after another, plunging the entire entrance to Sunagakure into chaos. The Third Kazekage, the village leader who was thought to have been missing for many years, and perhaps even dead, had suddenly appeared before them! It was more unreal than a dream.
Zhang Hai, controlling the Kazekage puppet, coldly surveyed the surrounding Sand Ninja, a glint of cold light flashing in his eyes. He let out a chilling snort, a voice carrying the unique majesty and power of the Third Kazekage, seemingly capable of piercing the heart of every Sand Ninja.
"What? You don't even recognize me?!"
The familiar voice and the familiar oppressive aura completely snapped the Sand Ninja, who were still in shock and doubt, back to reality. That powerful aura was something only a true Kazekage could exude.
"Lord Kazekage! It really is Lord Kazekage!"
"Lord Kazekage is back! That's wonderful!"
In an instant, the tense encirclement crumbled. The Sand Ninja sheathed their weapons, their faces replacing the wariness and bloodlust with ecstatic joy. Some even wept with joy, shouting excitedly as they rushed forward to greet their long-lost village hero. The entire village entrance instantly transformed into a sea of jubilation.
Just as the Sand Ninja were preparing to make way for the Kazekage to enter the village, a calm and authoritative voice suddenly came from behind them, carrying an unquestionable command.
"and many more."
Her appearance instantly silenced the previously noisy scene. Granny Chiyo's seniority and experience were unmatched in Sunagakure; even the Kazekage treated her with great respect.
Granny Chiyo stepped to the front of the group, her gaze sharp as an eagle's, fixed intently on the Third Kazekage. Although a hint of shock flickered across her face, it was quickly replaced by deep suspicion.
"Lord Kazekage..." Granny Chiyo's voice was a little hoarse, but every word was firm and powerful, "Why did you suddenly disappear and then suddenly reappear? Where have you been all these years? Do you know how much suffering the village has endured because of your disappearance? You must give all the Sand Village ninja an explanation!"
Her words were firm and resounding, gradually calming the Sand Ninja who were still immersed in joy, and causing them to turn their attention back to the Third Kazekage, awaiting his explanation.
Just then, the person who had been standing silently beside Feng Ying, also wearing a cloak, slowly raised his hand and lifted the hood from his head.
A handsome yet otherworldly face suddenly appeared before everyone. The scarlet eyes, exquisite features, and the faint smile at the corner of his mouth made Granny Chiyo freeze on the spot.
“Scorpion…?” she uttered the name, her voice trembling with disbelief and ecstasy.
Grandma Chiyo's eyes instantly welled up with tears. She threw down her cane and rushed forward without hesitation. She stretched out her withered hands, trembling as she stroked Scorpion's face, as if to confirm that this was not an illusion.
"My child, my child!" Granny Chiyo's voice choked with sobs, tears streaming down her face. "Where have you been? Why have you been gone for so many years? Do you know how worried I was about you!"
She held Sasori tightly, as if trying to absorb all the worries and longing of the past years into that embrace. For Granny Chiyo, the return of her grandson Sasori brought her more joy and comfort than the return of the Kazekage.
Zhang Hai controlled the Wind Shadow Puppet, silently watching this scene with a cold smile in his heart. He knew that Granny Chiyo and Sasori had a deep bond, and this affection was a weakness he could exploit.