Simu stared at the black-haired puppet in front of Sasori with great interest.
Over the past few months in the Hidden Sand Village, he had gathered a significant amount of intelligence, conducting a detailed investigation into past incidents and historical figures of the village.
Consequently, he recognized the origin of this puppet at a single glance.
"I didn't expect the legendary strongest Kazekage in the history of the Hidden Sand Village to end up in your hands. You truly are a genius puppeteer."
Simu did not hold back his admiration for Sasori in his words.
"Oh, by the way, I have another identity in the Hidden Sand Village; I am the manager of the Lycoris Company, Kamiki."
Seemingly worried that Sasori might not recognize him, Simu made a point to explain.
Of course, such an explanation sounded more like a threat in Sasori's ears.
Since he had been secretly monitoring the Lycoris Company and their manager, Kamiki, Simu's introduction was undoubtedly telling him: Your little movements have always been under my control.
Sasori narrowed his eyes, connecting many dots in that single instant.
"So it was you."
Sasori's gaze flickered slightly as he threw out a question he had been concerned about: "Was that monster acquired by the Hidden Sand high-level officials and those appearing in the desert also the handiwork of the Jashin Religion?"
"Naturally."
Simu admitted it directly. The Sasori of the Red Sand before him was a member he valued quite highly. If he wanted someone to join his camp, he had to demonstrate a bit of strength.
Furthermore, even Simu felt shocked and curious about the Human Puppet technology Sasori possessed.
The Third Kazekage before him was a perfect example. Although the body had undergone extensive puppet modification, it could still use all the ninjutsu mastered during its life, including the Kekkei Genkai!
To achieve this effect, one undoubtedly needed a massive and profound understanding of both puppetry and Yin-Yang Style.
This knowledge and understanding were exactly what Simu valued.
It could be said that Simu did not value Sasori as a person or his combat power, but rather the knowledge in his head and the brain capable of continuously creating such knowledge.
Hearing Simu's straightforward answer, a hint of shock still flashed in Sasori's eyes despite his mental preparation.
"Compared to Senior Simu's ability to manipulate souls, the puppetry I've mastered is nothing at all!"
A strange look appeared in Sasori's eyes as he looked at Simu. It was a difficult-to-explain sense of... admiration?
Simu keenly sensed this. Although a bit surprised, he remained composed as he adjusted his glasses and said politely, "Not at all. Mr. Sasori's Human Puppet technique makes me even more curious."
In the face of such praise, Sasori immediately responded, "No, no! Mr. Simu's control over puppets has already reached the level of true life, whereas I am still confined to these puppets that don't even count as semi-living beings. I am far too behind."
Although he hadn't expected Sasori to hold him in such high regard, Simu wouldn't let such a perfect opportunity slip away and took the chance to extend an invitation.
"You're too kind. If Mr. Sasori is willing to join our Jashin Religion, perhaps we can discuss and explore these topics together in the future."
"The Jashin Religion, huh..."
Sasori was a cautious person after all, and he cooled down instantly.
He glanced at Hidan, then back at Simu.
The former reportedly possessed an Immortal Body bestowed by Jashin, while the latter possessed the terrifying power to create life and toy with souls. The Jashin Religion seemed to be quite powerful.
Moreover, Sasori really wanted to know what kind of existence this so-called Lord Jashin actually was. After careful consideration, he finally nodded.
"Welcome to the Jashin Religion."
Simu reached out his hand toward Sasori. The boy hesitated for a moment before finally deciding to reach out and shake Simu's hand.
Watching this scene, Hidan felt like his brain was about to short-circuit.
Good grief, isn't this red-haired kid an enemy? Isn't that jerk Simu here to help me defeat him?
How come they started sucking up to each other after barely saying two words!?
They kept flattering each other until they started making eyes, and then this annoying red-haired kid just joins the Jashin Religion?
Did anyone bother to ask for the opinion of yours truly, the dignified Divine Son?
If this red-haired brat joined the Jashin Religion so easily, how was he supposed to maintain his status within the religion?
Hidan felt extremely displeased and immediately snapped, "Jerk Simu, I don't allow this red-haired kid to join the Jashin Religion!"
Simu looked at Hidan suspiciously and gave him a knowing look. "Hidan, you aren't afraid that after Sasori joins, his strength will steal your thunder as the Divine Son, are you?"
How could the dignified Divine Son of the Jashin Religion be so narrow-minded? He immediately denied it sternly. "Of course not! This time I was just careless. Let him fight me again; I'll definitely pin him to the ground and beat him!"
Simu immediately expressed his support for the idea. "In that case, Sasori, why don't you fight Hidan one more time?"
Sasori showed a harmless smile. "Certainly."
But Hidan backed down. He secretly tugged at Simu's sleeve and lowered his voice. "Jerk Simu, I said fight again, I didn't say fight right now!"
Hidan wasn't a total fool. Facing Sasori's large-scale field control, his current abilities really didn't leave him much room to maneuver. Fighting again now would only make him a laughingstock.
Simu shrugged as expected and said calmly, "How about this? You let Sasori join the Jashin Religion. That way, you'll have plenty of chances to spar in the future."
"You wouldn't want to carry the title of 'The One Defeated by Sasori of the Red Sand' for the rest of your life, right?"
Simu's mocking look almost made Hidan fly into a rage. Finally, he could only grit his teeth and say, "Fine."
Then he pointed menacingly at Sasori. "But listen up, red-haired brat. Even if you join, you're just an intern. I am the dignified Divine Son! Sooner or later, I will definitely defeat you!"
Facing the hostile Hidan, Sasori remained very calm.
He even took the initiative to walk up to Hidan and extend his palm.
"I am glad to become your partner, Senior Hidan."
Confronted with Sasori acting like a polite junior, Hidan felt embarrassed to keep making things difficult. He could only reluctantly, and with great tsundere attitude, give Sasori's palm a hard slap.
It counted as a temporary recognition of this junior.
After officially recruiting Sasori, Simu suddenly raised an eyebrow.
"It seems some guests have arrived."