Chapter 201
"It seems that Roran has mastered the art of puppetry," Zixu nodded. With enough energy, Roran could function as a mobile war fortress—similar to how that centipede integrated Roran's buildings into its own body.
"Energy isn't really a problem. Worst case scenario, we can just get a few more guys brought back by Edo Tensei (Impure World Reincarnation) and use them as power sources. Orochimaru's ambition knows no bounds. I wouldn't be shocked if he triggered the Fourth Great Ninja War," Zixu said, listening again to Sara as she detailed more of the puppet's functions. He recognized its massive potential.
Sara frowned. Puppets required an enormous amount of chakra—or energy, more precisely. Every function needed a reliable power supply. But now, even the dragon vein's branch source was drying up. Without a new energy source, they'd have no choice but to abandon the puppets and start from scratch.
But Sara wasn't willing to give up. She had poured over a decade of her life into building Roran into what it was today. Surrendering that? Not an option.
"Sky City must require a tremendous amount of chakra to operate. Lord Dragon God, you should be able to handle it," she said firmly. Sara trusted Zixu completely. She believed he'd guide Roran into the light—just like he had rescued it from Mukade more than ten years ago.
"Maybe," Zixu nodded. "But power sources aren't exactly easy to get right now. Once the chaos in the ninja world escalates, human-shaped power sources might start flooding in. Then Roran's puppets will have their time to shine."
He took a deep breath. Even though they were underground, the air felt much cleaner than above. The people living inside the puppets didn't seem to suffer from any abnormalities; their faces radiated a longing for a better life.
"Next, we prepare to face Akatsuki's assault. Eliminate them one by one. No hesitation," Zixu muttered. He tossed a small iron ball in his hand, engraved with the intricate formula of Hiraishin no Jutsu (Flying Thunder God Technique). He hadn't fully adapted to the jutsu yet, so all he could do was train and practice more.
Hatsuizumi, who had been secretly taking photos of Zixu, didn't really get what was going on. She adjusted her glasses, looking puzzled.
"Akatsuki would dare step into our turf? Wasn't last time's beatdown enough for them?"
"They'll definitely come," Zixu replied coldly. "They're after the One-Tail sealed inside Gaara. If they want to summon the Jūbi (Ten-Tails), they'll need all the Tailed Beasts—even if it means storming through hell to get them."