https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-830-The-Unpredictable-Ninja-s-Pitfall/12943837/
Chapter 831: The Puppet Master's Treasure: The White Zetsu!
Chapter 831: The Puppet Master's Treasure: The White Zetsu!
The battle between Sasori and Chiyo was a pinnacle of puppetry techniques.
However, this time, Sakura didn't have her 'super strength' and couldn't provide much help in combat, merely serving as a cheerleader and atmosphere creator.
If it were the original storyline's Chiyo, she wouldn't stand a chance.
But now, she was an enhanced version.
Setting aside the changes in her emotional state, having the presence of her son and daughter-in-law made Chiyo's spirit and mindset completely different from the original storyline.
As everyone knows, a ninja's mental state and willpower can influence their combat strength.
Not to mention, some of the precious resources from the Radiant Sun Country would be made available to the higher-ups of the Sand Ninja.
Resources like the 'Natural Potion' and the 'Life Potion' could enhance their vitality and lifespan.
Yekura naturally wouldn't hesitate to share these resources with Chiyo and Ebisu.
After all, these two elder advisors were like her 'Dragons and Phoenixes,' indispensable to the village.
Note that when Yekura mentioned 'Dragons and Phoenixes,' she wasn't referring to the likes of Danzo but rather as a positive example.
With her strength and state completely different from the original storyline, Chiyo's fight against Sasori was a one-sided lesson.
Yes, the opponent was indeed a genius.
And he had even developed the unprecedented forbidden technique of the 'Human Puppet.'
But Chiyo represented a thousand truths.
Your grandmother is still your grandmother, and she completely dominated the fight.
Watching this scene, it was hard to imagine that in the original storyline, Chiyo had struggled so much and even needed Sakura's help to win.
Of course, Chiyo also created opportunities for Sakura to demonstrate her presence.
After laying the groundwork and enduring some injuries, appearing to be on the brink of death, Chiyo finally took out the 'Father' and 'Mother' scrolls.
The finishing blow!
These two puppets weren't much to others, but to Sasori, they were like a natural nemesis.
Puff, puff!
The two puppets, imitating Sasori's parents, pierced his chest core from both sides.
"Phew!"
Tang Ping breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the battlefield in the distance.
As expected, Sasori, on the verge of death, revealed information related to Sasuke to Sakura.
This was the primary reason for keeping him alive.
Love-struck Sakura would definitely find a way to gather information about Sasuke, and since Sasori and Sakura were both from Akatsuki, they would naturally ask.
In his dying state, Sasori wouldn't refuse to answer such questions, and the plan proceeded smoothly.
Although it seemed like a natural process, Tang Ping had also prepared backup measures.
Even if Sakura didn't ask, Chiyo would proactively 'gather Akatsuki's information,' thereby exposing the spy, Do, that Sasori had planted in Orochimaru's organization.
However, it was more natural for Sakura to ask herself.
But after obtaining the information, the excited Sakura didn't notice that Chiyo had placed a talisman with intricate curse markings on the core of Sasori's human puppet.
And this talisman had only one effect.
Soul Seal!
Once the soul was in hand, creating a body for it was just the basics for Tang Ping, who had mastered the White Zetsu, and it didn't require much effort.
If Sasori's soul were sent to the Pure Land, resurrection would be a hassle.
Because Tang Ping, or rather the people of the Radiant Sun Country, weren't inheritors of the 'Ninja Will.'
If they dared to use the Summoning of the Dead to summon powerful souls, they would be discovered immediately, and the Six Paths would come after them through the technique.
Soon, Sasori's core was in Tang Ping's hands.
Sakura naturally wouldn't compete with Chiyo for this item, and it silently changed hands.
Next, Chiyo couldn't rest; she still had to 'sacrifice' herself to save Gaara, completing the original storyline.
Chiyo's 'sacrifice' had many benefits.
First, it showed weakness to the enemy! As a veteran Kage-level powerhouse, her death would significantly reduce the other ninja villages' wariness of the Sand Ninja.
Both her combat strength and abilities were at their peak, and only her age held her back; otherwise, her threat level would be even higher.
Then, it was a shift from light to darkness.
Some of the Sand Ninja Village's shady and dirty jobs were now easier to find people for, and after Chiyo's 'sacrifice,' she could take charge of them.
The key was that if Sasori were resurrected, he naturally couldn't appear openly, and he could perfectly assist with the 'shady jobs.'
Perfect!
Although this might sound a bit unfair.
But Tang Ping didn't travel to the Shinobi World to pursue fairness.
Maintaining a semblance of fairness on the surface was already a good outcome.
After defeating Sasori, Chiyo and Sakura naturally rushed to the front to meet up with the others.
At this moment, Itachi and Kisame, who had used the Elephant Transfer Technique, were defeated by Naruto's group. They brought Gaara's body back.
"Gaara!"
Tears fell from Temari's eyes.
Even though Tang Ping had given her assurance before, when she saw her brother's body laid before her, she instantly forgot all about it.
Kan Kyuuro was also deeply saddened, but he held back his tears to maintain composure.
This was not a private moment; no matter how heartbroken he was, he couldn't let the people of Konoha see his grief.
Naruto, uncharacteristically sensitive, silently gazed at Gaara's body, his emotions heavy with sorrow.
Only Naruto Shikamaru remained composed.
It's not that he lacked feelings; he had witnessed his father's death before him and was unable to save him.
His tears had long since dried up.
"My condolences," Yamato said, offering a brief comfort before quietly stepping away.
There was nothing to say at a time like this, especially given their relationship; it wasn't their place to offer solace.
Even Maki had the sense to stay on the sidelines.
In this somber atmosphere, a voice rang out.
"Let me make one last 'contribution' to the village!"
Chiyo slowly approached Gaara's body, held in Temari's arms.
Hearing this familiar voice, Temari looked up and saw Chiyo, and she also remembered their previous plan and promise.
Yes!
Gaara was indeed dead, but that didn't mean he couldn't be brought back to life!
With this thought, she quietly stepped aside.
She believed that neither Tang Ping nor Chiyo would do anything useless.
Before Chiyo began the resurrection, she naturally cleared the area.
Even if the people of Konoha knew Gaara could be 'resurrected,' they couldn't witness the specific details.
As for the resurrection ability being exposed?
In the past, it would have been a huge problem, but now it wasn't a big deal.
Soon, Nagato would go to Konoha to carry the rice, and by then, even the resurrection of an entire village could be accomplished. Now, with just one person being revived, what was the big deal about using a forbidden technique that required 'exchanging lives'?
"Impure World Reincarnation!"
'Chiyo' activated the technique.
However, upon closer inspection, one would notice a faint crimson glow in the eyes of this Chiyo, as if she were under a genjutsu.
Indeed!
This Chiyo was not the real one but a 'White Zetsu' prepared in advance and implanted with the Mangekyo Genjutsu.
White Zetsu was a treasure trove of abilities.
The life-filled liquid within its body could be harvested, essential for creating both the Elixir of Life and the Elixir of Radiance.
It could also disguise itself as a powerful ally, deceiving the enemy's spies.
Finally, it could serve as a disposable item, whether for resurrection techniques or as a sacrificial offering, with excellent results.
It was like a walking treasure chest.
Given how valuable it was, it was no wonder Tang Ping was determined to keep it out of Orochimaru's hands, and even Senju Tobirama didn't reveal its existence.
If it fell into Orochimaru's hands, the situation would spiral out of control instantly.
Because this was a clue to the 'truth.'
As for when the 'Infinite Tsukuyomi' plan was in motion, and the White Zetsu army appeared?
By then, it wouldn't matter.
Soon after! As the life force of Shukaku was extracted, Gaara, who had lost his life, slowly awakened.
"Gaara!"
Temari excitedly hugged her brother, who looked utterly bewildered.
Even Kan Kyuuro on the side struggled to contain his emotions and maintain his composure.
"I... I'm..."
Gaara was still extremely confused at this moment. He felt like he had just experienced a dream.
"It's okay, as long as you're alive!"
Temari hugged her brother, who had been lost and now found, and her heart overflowed with gratitude towards Tang Ping.
One could say that after this, she could accept his playboy ways. Wasn't saving her brother's life more important than anything else?
The city's schemes ran deep! She didn't realize that she had been played by Tang Ping.
Far from feeling ashamed, Tang Ping was proud.
You don't need schemes to flirt; do you think you're a succubus, and girls will pursue and fall in love with you at first sight, unable to resist your charms?
And he wanted to open a 'harem,' so he needed schemes even more.
Whether it was the 'Plan to Outdo the Worst' or others, he had to intensify his efforts.
(End of Chapter)
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