Where the boy was a mild curiosity before, now Sasori's interest magnified considerably. It was unexpected to find someone else from his world here; whether or not it would be a welcome surprise remained to be determined. There was something about it that almost underscored the unreality of the situation. What were the odds?

His gaze slid over the boy, assessing. There was no mistaking it with that familiarity made clear, not for someone with as much battlefield experience as Sasori. The way this boy carried himself, his careful scrutiny, the caution and the confidence to stand his ground alike, all of it suggested a fellow shinobi regardless of the lack of a visible identifying headband.

"Hmm, it appears we may have more in common than I anticipated, if you know that name," he said, what was visible behind hat and cloak collar still revealing little. "I wonder how far that commonality extends. Tell me, what village do you serve, boy?"