"A disciple?" Sasori asked. "Yes, his name is Kotetsu," Tecchin said. "And what exactly do you want me to teach him?" Sasori inquired.

"His ancestors built an advanced battle doll, and it was used to practice swordsmanship and refine the skills of other Demon Slayers. His father died unexpectedly, leaving him a lonely orphan; he was an only child. Unfortunately, this also meant that he alone had the knowledge about the inner workings of the doll, and should it break, no one but him could repair it. This led him to be protective of the doll to avoid further damage. And I would be grateful if you could teach him how to keep the battle doll in top condition," Tecchin said.

"Why does it have to be me?" Sasori inquired. "Sasori, you are the most skilled puppet maker I have met. I don't think there would be a better option than you," Tecchin said.

"Fair enough. Where could I find this young man?" Sasori asked. "He mostly spends his time in the north of the forest cleaning the battle doll I maintain," Tecchin said. "Very well, I will go meet him when I can," Sasori answered as he gave Tecchin a scroll.

"What is this?" Tecchin asked. "The blueprints for my puppets. To give you an idea of what kind of weapons will be suited for them." Sasori answered as he began to leave.

The sound of a bang could be heard. "What was that?" Sasori asked. "Oh, that's just Samuel. He's just excited that someone is finally interested in his guns," Tecchin said. "What is a gun?" Sasori asked. "Go ask Samuel himself; I don't get it either," Tecchin said.

Sasori left the building and traveled to the location where the sounds came from. He entered a clear area with test dummies lined up; some of them had holes in them. In the middle of the field, a man wearing a white hat with blue jeans and a blue shirt, and a brown jacket, wearing a Hyottoko mask with bushy white brows and a mustache. He was holding a sleek metallic device, its barrel elongated with a series of cylindrical attachments. The weapon bore intricate engravings, reflecting the craftsmanship invested in its creation.

"howdy there, young man, can I help you?" The man asked with an odd accent Sasori had never heard of.

"Yes, I was just wondering what you are holding?" Sasori asked courses about the metal object the man was holding.

"Oh, this is a shotgun," the man explained.

"What does it do?" Sasori asked, intrigued by the strange item.

"Let me show you." the man said and pointed the shotgun at one of the test dummies, pulling the trigger.

Bang

A loud noise erupted from the shotgun, sending out a burst of force that echoed across the clearing.

With Sasori's reaction speed, he saw a shell of some sort shoot out of the shotgun, impacting one of the test dummies and leaving a hole in its chest.

'That shell traveled at incredible speed; even a Chunin couldn't dodge it,' Sasori thought to himself.

"Can you tell me how it works?" Sasori asked.

"Sure. You load these cartridges into the chamber," the man explained, demonstrating the process. "Each cartridge contains small pellets called buckshot. When you pull the trigger, it ignites gunpowder inside the cartridge, propelling the buckshot out of the barrel at high speed. It's a simple yet effective way to hit targets at a distance."

Sasori observed the explanation, processing the information about this unfamiliar weapon.

"If you want, I can make you a gun if you're interested," the man said.

"I'm interested, but this shotgun is too big. Got anything that would be easier to carry around?" Sasori asked.

"Definitely. I can make you a handgun. Very easy to carry around," the man said.

"Could I also get some of those buckshot and gunpowder?" Sasori asked.

"Sure," the man said as he gave Sasori six buckshot and a small pouch containing gunpowder. "If you need more, just come to me," the man said as he left Sasori alone in the clearing.

"This world is more interesting than my old one," Sasori said as he inspected the buckshot.

-Workshop-

Sasori meticulously arranged the buckshot and gunpowder on the sturdy worktable before him. With methodical precision, he retrieved the left arm of a bandit, its lifeless form serving as a grim reminder of the harsh realities of his world. Without hesitation, he deftly detached his own left arm, setting it aside with practiced efficiency. In its place, he affixed the bandit's arm, seamlessly integrating it into his puppetry with a fusion of mechanical mastery and artistic finesse.

With unwavering focus, Sasori delved into the meticulous task of integrating the buckshot and gunpowder into his puppet arm. Each adjustment was made with precision, every mechanism was fine-tuned to perfection. Hours passed, marked by the rhythmic sound of Sasori's craftsmanship echoing through his workshop.

Finally, as the last modifications fell into place, Sasori stepped back to admire his handiwork. The seamless fusion of machinery and weaponry within his puppet arm was a testament to his skill and dedication. He envisioned the potential power it offered, a formidable addition to his arsenal.

As Sasori carefully reattached the modified arm to his body, he couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. The prospect of a puppet arm capable of firing projectiles added a new dimension to his combat abilities. With a sense of satisfaction, he flexed the modified arm, ensuring that it moved smoothly and retained its functionality.

-shooting range-

"Now, let's test its effectiveness in combat," Sasori muttered to himself. Aiming at a distant target. With a swift motion, opening his plume as a long barrel elongated from his plume aiming it at a distant target he unleashed a barrage of buckshot, watching as they scattered and hit the target with precision. The sheer force and impact left Sasori impressed, realizing the potential this modification brought to his puppetry skills.

As he examined his puppet arm and its newfound capabilities, Sasori couldn't help but contemplate the possibilities that lay ahead. The integration of this new world's weaponry into his traditional puppetry marked a significant evolution in his combat prowess, setting the stage for a formidable force on the battlefield.

"This should come in handy," he muttered to himself "Now, let's see how effective it will be with chakra," he continued, determined to assess the capabilities of his modified puppetry.

Sasori focused his chakra and infused it into his puppet arm. Aiming at another dummy, he initiated the mechanism, and a burst of chakra-enhanced buckshot shot out towards the target. The dummy was obliterated, demonstrating the devastating power of the combined puppetry and chakra.

"Quite effective, but I need to be cautious about overusing the chakra infusion," Sasori mused, assessing his arme.

It had a small crack in it. "It seems I can only infuse it with chakra only a limited number of times before it takes damage," Sasori noted, examining the small crack in his puppet arm.

"Sasori? What was that noise?" Ayumi's voice was heard from the edge of the clearing."Oh, nothing just tasting things out." Sasori said.

"Oh, I see," Ayumi said, her gaze shifting to Sasori's new sword that was strapped to his waist.

"Actually, I was hoping to talk to you," Ayumi said. "About what?" Sasori asked. "Yesterday when Shinobu came, I didn't really leave," Ayumi said. "I know you were snooping," Sasori said. "How?" She asked.

"I guess demon slayers do have a knack for tracking," she said. "You're not surprised?" She asked. "About what?" Sasori asked. "That I would 'snoop' so low?" She said, smiling at Sasori. "No, not really," Sasori answered. Ayumi looked disappointed at Sasori, expecting more of a reaction.

"Sooo?" Sasori asked. Ayumi sighed. "I originally worked at the Butterfly Mansion, and I didn't really know Kanae." She began, making Sasori raise an eyebrow. "The only time we talked was when we were healing slayers. We didn't really talk outside of work. I saw her giving me glances a couple of times, and when I looked at her back, she looked away," she continued.

"What made her have a crush on you?" Sasori asked. 'I haven't heard this good drama in a long time,' Sasori thought to himself.

"Well, one time when I was in my room not wearing my face cover, Kanae bursted in," she said. "She blushed and closed the door, apologizing, that is the only time I can think of." she continued.

Sasori raised his eyebrow.

"It's rude if you see a Kakushi face without their face cover," she answered the unanswered question.

"But didn't Kanae think you two were friends?" Sasori asked. Ayumi shrugged. "Not sure," she answered. "Did you talk to Shinobu about this?" Sasori asked. "No..." She said, "Whan are you going to talk to her?" Sasori asked "When I'm ready," Ayumi said as she left the clearing, leaving Sasori alone.

Sasori watched Ayumi leave, contemplating the complex web of relationships among the demon slayers.

"I should go meet my new disciple," Sasori said to himself.

Sasori made his way towards the north of the forest, it was quiet, and the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot echoed through the silent woods.

After a short journey, Sasori reached a clearing where he spotted a figure meticulously tending to a large, humanoid-shaped puppet. The gentle hum of nature surrounded them as birds chirped in the distance.

As Sasori approached, the details of the battle doll became increasingly apparent. Its frame was a symphony of carefully crafted joints and mechanisms as it had six arms, adorned with ornate details that hinted at the craftsmanship passed down through generations. The puppet's surface gleamed with a well-polished luster, reflecting the dedication and care put into its upkeep.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

"Are you Kotetsu?" Sasori called out.

The young man looked up, surprised to see a stranger in the clearing. "Yes, that's me. Who are you?"

"I'm Sasori. Tecchin sent me. He mentioned you might need some guidance in maintaining and enhancing your battle doll," Sasori explained.

Kotetsu's eyes widened in recognition. "Oh, you're the guy who beat the bandits!" Kotetsu exclaimed.

Sasori nodded. "Tecchin mentioned that you are the sole guardian of this battle doll. Tell me more about it."

Kotetsu shared the story of his ancestors, the creation of the battle doll, and the responsibility that now rested on his shoulders. As he spoke, Sasori observed the intricate details of the puppet, noting both its craftsmanship and the signs of wear and tear.

"I understand the importance of your role in preserving this legacy," Sasori remarked. "Let's start by examining the battle doll together. I want to understand its mechanisms and structure." Sasori said and opened the battle doll's chest.

"Ah, can you be careful I don't want it to break," Kotetsu said worried.

Sasori offered Kotetsu a reassuring smile. "Kotetsu, trust me. I'll handle it with the utmost care. And remember, even if it were to break, as puppet makers, we possess the skill to repair it. We'll bring it back to its former glory, stronger than ever."

"I don't know how to repair it though," Kotetsu said, sounding dejected.

Sasori paused for a moment, his gaze drifting to the intricate mechanisms of the battle doll before him. "Kotetsu, puppetry isn't just about crafting weapons or mastering combat techniques. It's about control. Control over one's destiny, control over one's enemies, and ultimately, control over one's legacy."

Kotetsu looked at Sasori with intrigue, urging him to continue.

"For me, puppetry is the embodiment of power and efficiency," Sasori explained, his tone measured. "It's about transcending the limitations of the human body and achieving perfection through artifice."

With deliberate motion, Sasori retrieved a scroll from his pouch, unraveling it. A puff of smoke appeared, revealing the Bandit Leader puppet." Behold," he intoned, his voice carrying a weight of conviction, "this puppet embodies the epitome of my convictions—a creation of unrivaled potency and exactitude, untouched by sentiment and liberated from the shackles of mortality."

"As puppet masters, we wield a unique form of power," Sasori continued. "We manipulate the strings of fate, orchestrating the movements of our creations with a mastery that borders on godlike."

Kotetsu listened intently, absorbing Sasori's words.

"That's why it's essential to embrace the art of puppetry fully," Sasori concluded. "To devote oneself entirely to the craft, to create works of art that will endure long after we're gone. Because in the end, it's not just about the puppets we create—it's about the legacy we leave behind, a testament to our skill, ambition, and unwavering resolve, Enduring as a testament that transcends the sands of time, persisting until the very last breath of humanity."

Kotetsu stood in silence, anticipation bubbling within him as Sasori began to retrieve various tools from his cloak. "Now, why don't we begin?" Sasori's voice broke the silence, carrying with it a sense of purpose and expertise. "Ah, yes, Sasori-Sensei!" Kotetsu exclaimed, his excitement palpable as he prepared to delve into the world of puppetry under Sasori's guidance.

As they worked together, Sasori shared his insights into puppetry, pointing out areas for improvement and suggesting modifications. Kotetsu absorbed the knowledge eagerly, grateful for the opportunity to learn from a master puppet maker.

In the following days, Sasori dedicated his time to training Kotetsu. They delved into the intricacies of puppet manipulation, refining control mechanisms, and enhancing the battle doll's combat capabilities. The sounds of whirring gears and Sasori's guidance filled the forest clearing as they worked tirelessly to improve the battle doll.

As their training sessions progressed, a bond formed between Sasori and Kotetsu, bridging the gap between mentor and disciple. The north of the forest became a hub of puppetry expertise, where the legacy of the battle doll was not only preserved but evolved under Sasori's guidance.

-With Shinobu in the hot springs-

Shinobu was immersed in the tranquil embrace of the hot springs, the soothing warmth enveloping her senses as she sought solace in its healing waters. The gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds provided a serene backdrop to her thoughts.

Suddenly, the peace was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching the hot springs. Shinobu opened her eyes to find Ayumi entering the water, her presence breaking the stillness of the moment.

For a while, they both remained in silence, each lost in their own thoughts amidst the steam rising from the hot springs. Shinobu contemplated the events of the day, her mind wandering through the intricacies of human relationships and the mysteries that surrounded them.

Then, Ayumi's voice pierced the quietude, drawing Shinobu's attention. "Shinobu, I need to talk to you," Ayumi's tone was serious, prompting Shinobu to focus her gaze on her companion.

"About what?" Shinobu inquired, her curiosity piqued by Ayumi's sudden urgency.

Ayumi began to relay the conversation she had with Sasori, detailing the revelations and uncertainties that had arisen from their discussion.

Shinobu listened attentively, her brows furrowing in confusion as she processed the information. The revelation seemed incongruous with her understanding of the dynamics between Ayumi and Kanae, leaving her perplexed and searching for answers.

"But why would Kanae say you two are friends when you don't even talk to each other?" Shinobu questioned, her confusion evident in her voice.

Ayumi's response was a simple shrug, her expression reflecting a similar sense of bewilderment. "Don't know," she admitted, her uncertainty mirroring Shinobu's own.

Feeling the need for solitude to contemplate the implications of Ayumi's revelation, Shinobu made a decision. "I need to go think about it," she announced, leaving Ayumi leaving Ayumi behind in the warmth of the water.

"I need to find something to get my mind distracted," Shinobu said to herself as an idea popped into her head. "I heard about a battle doll in the north side of the village that's sure to make me distracted," she said to herself as she began to head toward the north side of the forest.

After a short journey, Shinobu reached a clearing where she spotted two figures surrounding a humanoid-shaped puppet.

As she came closer, the two individuals were revealed. "Sasori? Kotetsu? what are you doing?" she asked. "Hello, Miss Shinobu. Sasori-Sensai was just teaching me about how to improve the battle doll!" Kotetsu said.

Shinobu raised an eyebrow, "Sasori-Sensai hu." Sainobu said looking at Sasori with a testing smile. "Yes, mister Tecchin requested me to teach Kotetsu the art of puppet making, and help him improve the battle doll," Sasori said.

Shinobu is intrigued by the unexpected scene. "Improving the battle doll, huh? That sounds interesting. Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.

Sasori and Kotetsu exchanged a glance. before Sasori nodded "We do need a taste subject." Sasori said.

"So what exactly do you want me to do?" Shinobu asked.

"You're a Hashira, the highest rank in the core?" Sasori asked.

"Yes," Shinobu answered.

"Well then, this won't be too hard for you. We want you to fight against the battle doll," Sasori answered.

"Sure. Do I need to hold back enough to not break it?" she asked. "Don't hold back," Kotetsu answered.

"Very well," Shinobu said as she unsheathed a thin rod-like sword that resembled a stinger.

The battle doll sprung into life, its six arms ready to strike. Shinobu, fueled by her determination, leaped at the menacing puppet, aiming her sword with precision to pierce its head. In response, two of the six arms swiftly formed an 'x' shape, blocking the incoming strike, while the remaining four blades converged at Shinobu from opposite directions. The synchronized movement resembled the precise and lethal motion of a pair of scissors.

With agility that reflected her elite demon slayer training, Shinobu deftly adjusted mid-air, narrowly avoiding the potential danger. The battle doll, however, was relentless. Seizing the opportunity, it lunged forward, rapidly swinging all six blades at Shinobu. In a remarkable display of skill, Shinobu managed to block three of the blades with a quick succession of parries. Swiftly, she countered by thrusting her sword into one of the undefended arms, momentarily disrupting the puppet's assault.

Undeterred, the battle doll adapted its tactics. The remaining blades continued their onslaught, forcing Shinobu to employ a combination of evasive maneuvers and precise blocks. With a swift and well-timed jump, she evaded the deadly strikes, leaping above the puppet's head. As she descended, Shinobu delivered a powerful kick to the battle doll's head, showcasing her agility and strategic prowess.

The impact sent the puppet staggering backward, providing Shinobu with a momentary advantage. However, the battle was far from over. The battle doll, though momentarily disoriented, recalibrated its attacks, ready to engage Shinobu once more. The training session intensified, becoming a dance of blades and calculated movements in the secluded clearing.

"The battle doll is moving much faster than it used to be!" Kotetsu exclaimed.

Shinobu, now more focused and aware of the battle doll's capabilities, prepared for the next onslaught. The puppet regained its composure, its six arms poised for another round of attacks. Shinobu took a defensive stance, analyzing the puppet's movements with keen observation.

The battle doll, with a sudden burst of speed, closed the distance between them, unleashing a flurry of strikes. Shinobu skillfully parried and dodged, her movements fluid and precise. As the blades clashed and sparks flew, she recognized patterns in the puppet's attacks, allowing her to anticipate and counter with strategic efficiency.

In a daring move, Shinobu ducked under a sweeping motion of the battle doll's arms, swiftly moving behind it. Seizing the opportunity, she aimed a well-aimed strike at the puppet's back, attempting to disable one of its arms. The battle doll, responding to the unexpected maneuver, twisted its body, narrowly avoiding the strike.

The training session evolved into a dynamic exchange of offensive and defensive maneuvers. Shinobu's agility and swordsmanship were pitted against the intricate design and relentless assault of the battle doll. The clash of metal echoed through the forest as the two entities engaged in a captivating dance of combat.

Sasori and Kotetsu observed the duel, impressed by Shinobu's skill and the battle doll's adaptability. The puppet, a testament to Kotetsu and Sasori's craftsmanship, demonstrated a wide array of attacks, each designed to challenge and push Shinobu to her limits.

As the battle continued, Shinobu knew that she had to delve deeper into her demon slayer techniques to overcome the puppet's resilience.

"Insect breathing fourth form: Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-Legged Zigzag!" Shinobu exclaimed.

Shinobu, relying on her agility, darted through the battlefield in a zigzag pattern. The Battle Doll's head swiveled wildly, struggling to keep up with Shinobu's unpredictable movements. This deliberate confusion created the perfect opportunity for Shinobu to launch a direct and decisive attack.

Seizing the vulnerable moment, Shinobu swiftly appeared behind the Battle Doll. With a calculated strike, she aimed for the doll's left leg, delivering a powerful blow that resulted in a resounding crack. The Battle Doll, now with a disabled leg, attempted to maintain its balance, but Shinobu capitalized on the advantage.

Undeterred, Shinobu swiftly redirected her focus to the doll's right leg. With another precise strike, she successfully incapacitated the remaining leg, causing the Battle Doll to collapse to the ground. The once formidable puppet now lay defeated, its limbs rendered immobile.

The forest echoed with the clang of metal and the mechanical whirring of the fallen Battle Doll. Shinobu, victorious and composed, stood over her conquered opponent. Sasori and Kotetsu watched in awe at Shinobu's strategic prowess and quick reflexes, impressed by how effortlessly she dismantled the mechanized foe.

As the training session concluded, Shinobu took a moment to catch her breath, her gaze focused on the fallen Battle Doll. The experience had not only showcased her combat skills but also provided valuable insights into facing unconventional adversaries.

Sasori sensed Kotetsu's chakra, knowing he was upset by the battle doll's destruction. "Don't worry. It's not too big of damage; it's easily fixable," Sasori said. "Right!" Kotetsu said, flapping his cheeks.

"That's the spirit. Now try and fix it," Sasori said and sat down as Kotetsu went and began to repair the battle doll's legs.

Shinobu took a seat next to him. "So, are you finally going to talk about the final selection?" she asked.

Sasori sighed. "Fine. What exactly do you want to know?" Sasori asked. "What did you do in the final selection? And did you see a pink-haired girl in the forest?" she asked.

Sasori, realizing what this was about, thought of a quick lie and exclaimed to her, "So you didn't see a pink-haired girl?" She asked, "No. Can you explain to me what this is about?" Sasori asked.

Shinobu sighed. "The pink-haired girl was killed by another participant. Me and the other Hashira are trying to figure out who it is," she answered.

'Did my genjutsu have a lasting effect on her? She wouldn't tell me if I was a suspect,' Sasori thought to himself.

"What makes you think the killer is still alive?" Sasori asked. Shinobu looked confused. "Maybe the killer died before they could escape," Sasori explained.

"That could be a possibility," Shinobu began as a villager came into the clearing. "Mister Sasori, the chief wants to see you," the villager said. "Well, it seems I need to go. unless you have more questions?" Sasori asked Shinobu. "No, I got what I came here for," she said as she also stood up.

"Come with me, Mister Sasori. I will take you to the chief," the villager said as he began to guide Sasori.