Naruto: I Am Uchiha Sasuke!?-Chapter 95 - 91 Storm Over the Sands

Over the next few days, Sasuke's Shadow Clone remained in Kirigakure, exchanging insights with Yugito Nii.

In particular, Sasuke shared his method of connecting with tailed beasts—his experiences, his struggles, and the path toward becoming a perfect Jinchūriki.

Yugito stared at him in disbelief.

"Are you serious, Sasuke? You're saying it's actually possible to communicate with the spirit of a tailed beast like that... and become a perfect Jinchūriki?"

Sasuke nodded calmly. "Of course."

It was the method Naruto had used in the original timeline. Even Kurama, the Nine-Tails, once consumed by hatred, had eventually been won over. If Naruto could bond with him, then Yugito could definitely reach her own connection with the Two-Tails, Matatabi.

"But what if Matatabi refuses to talk to me?" Yugito said, a hint of hesitation in her voice. "Tailed beasts... they don't trust humans easily. Not after everything."

Sasuke smiled gently. "Don't worry. I'll guide you."

With his Sharingan and powerful spiritual energy, he could enter the tailed beast's spiritual plane—just like Killer Bee had done for Naruto. With Sasuke's help, the connection between Yugito and Matatabi would only come more naturally.

And so, they began the process of merging their spiritual energy, forging a link between host and beast.

Yugito glanced at Sasuke's composed expression—so powerful, so calm—and felt her heart stir.

Meanwhile, in a dark underground stronghold, the remaining members of the Akatsuki gathered.

"Leader, you summoned us on short notice. What's going on?" Kisame asked casually. "Itachi and I were tracking down the Four-Tails. We're close."

"Deidara is dead," Pain said bluntly.

The room fell silent.

"...That guy's gone?" Sasori muttered after a moment. "His idea of art was strange... but he was a comrade."

Despite their differences, Sasori had respected Deidara. They were both artists, after all.

"Deidara-senpai was killed by shinobi from Konoha..." Tobi said with an exaggerated sigh. "I barely escaped with my life. And now, we've got money problems since Kakuzu vanished. Deidara-senpai wanted to help us fundraise with his art... But the world never got to see his final masterpiece..."

"Tch. That brat had a flair I actually liked," Kisame chuckled. "His energy was a rare light in this gloomy bunch."

"What's our next move?" Itachi asked, his gaze steady as always.

"We stick to the plan," Pain replied. "You and Kisame, go after the Four-Tails. Sasori, how is your infiltration going?"

"Ready. We can act anytime," Sasori said.

"Then One-Tail is yours."

The meeting ended.

"I'll remember Deidara..." Pain murmured. "He served us well."

"We're running low on members," Kisame commented with a sigh.

"Let me join as a full member!" Tobi suddenly declared.

"You? Forget it," Pain said and vanished.

"Tobi, better keep working on that," Kisame smirked as the others dispersed.

...

Land of Wind – Sunagakure

In a desert of constant wind and sand, Sunagakure stood strong with its heavy, stone architecture.

High atop a tower, Gaara looked out over the village, deep in thought. His battle with Sasuke had changed him—it had shown him the danger of relying solely on the power of the tailed beast.

For years, his father's harsh treatment had drawn out Shukaku's malice and twisted his own mind. But now... something was different.

He had begun to open up. He started to understand others. And the village, once fearful of him, had started to recognize his strength and leadership.

Behind him, Baki approached.

"Gaara—no, Kazekage-sama. The Jōnin Council has reached a decision. You have been chosen as the Fifth Kazekage."

Since the death of the Fourth Kazekage, the village had been left leaderless. There were no fitting candidates among the surviving elders, and the younger generation hadn't yet proven themselves.

But Gaara... he had earned the village's trust.

"Teacher, you don't have to call me that..." Gaara said, frowning slightly.

"You were my student, yes. But now, you're the Kazekage," Baki said with respect. "And today, the elders will announce it to the whole village. I hope you're ready."

"...I understand."

...

Elsewhere in the desert...

A hunched figure moved steadily through the sand, dragging a long tail behind him—Sasori, hidden inside his puppet body, Hiruko.

In the distance, Sunagakure came into view.

"It's been a long time... but I'm back," Sasori murmured. "The time has finally come."

...

Inside Sunagakure, the council handed Gaara the ceremonial cloak of the Kazekage. The Jōnin around him smiled with pride. After a long wait, they finally had a new leader.

Suddenly, one of the Jōnin, Yura, clutched his head and staggered.

"Yura, are you okay?" Kankuro asked.

"I'm fine... just feeling a bit off. I'll excuse myself."

Yura left quietly.

...

At the village gate, a group of guards stood watch. The desert made vigilance essential.

One of them noticed a lone figure approaching.

"Huh? Who's that..."

Before they could react, Yura leapt forward—his blade flashing.

Blood spilled instantly as the guards fell.

"That's my master..." Yura said, licking blood from his lips before kneeling in front of Sasori.

"Well done. So your memory has returned," Sasori said.

Before leaving Sunagakure years ago, Sasori had used Subtle Brain Manipulation to seal Yura's memories. Now, they were reawakened.

"One-Tail Shukaku is still in the village."

"Yes, Master. Gaara just assumed the title of Kazekage today."

"Interesting..." Sasori sneered. "Another Kazekage for me to crush."

Suddenly, Kankuro appeared, two puppets flanking him.

"Yura, you traitor!" he growled. "I knew something was off when you left during such an important moment!"

"Hmph... Looks like we've been spotted," Sasori said, amused. "A puppet master? How nostalgic."

"You picked the wrong target. Let's see what you've got!" Kankuro launched his puppets—Crow and Black Ant.

Click—click—click.

Mechanisms clicked as Crow darted toward Sasori.

But Hiruko's tail swept forward, blocking the attack with ease.

"What?!" Kankuro's eyes widened.

Crow broke apart into multiple pieces and circled the enemy. Still, every attack was easily blocked or destroyed by Hiruko's spinning tail.

"You're still using those outdated puppets?" Sasori sneered. "Sunagakure's puppet masters really have fallen."

Kankuro gritted his teeth. "Don't look down on me!"

The Black Ant puppet rose from the sand, jaws open to swallow the enemy—but Hiruko's tail smashed it with a single strike.

"Too slow."

Kankuro staggered back in shock—until the sharp tail pierced his abdomen.

His limbs went limp as the venom spread through his body.

"Poison... such strong poison..." Kankuro gasped, glaring up at his opponent.

"Don't bother using puppets against me," Sasori said coldly. "After all... I made them."

Kankuro's heart pounded as the weight of his opponent's words hit him.

The Red Sand Scorpion... was back.