After a quick detour to the Land of Birds to retrieve the Explosive Blade: Shibuki, Deidara unlocked Explosive Mastery Level 2.
The battle with Konoha and Sunagakure shinobi had also yielded a surge of "Shock Value," enough to gain another level. With just the right amount of skill points, the [System] now displayed:
[Ultimate Artist System]
Host: Deidara
Shock Value: 11000/15000
Skill Points: 0
Unlocked Skills:
Explosive Techniques: Explosive Mastery Level 1, C2 Reinforced Dragon, Ultra-High Temperatures, Extended Detonation Range, Explosive Mastery Level 2
Morphology: Morphology Optimization, Insect Morph Mastery, Human Morph Mastery, Animal Morph Mastery
Material: Enhanced Clay, Anti-Lightning Clay
Ninjutsu: Chakra Enhancement, Ninjutsu Enhancement, Genjutsu Resistance Level 1, Clay Conversion
Deidara's growth had been substantial. He was now undeniably Kage-level, excelling in certain areas that even high-tier Kage-level opponents struggled to match. At this point, he had the credentials to cause a stir in the shinobi world.
"Sasori-senpai, where's Orochimaru?"
According to the plan, Deidara needed to find Orochimaru. Fortunately, Sasori had implanted Memory-Concealing Manipulative Sand Technique into Kabuto's psyche, making Orochimaru's location easy to trace.
"In the Land of Fields," Sasori replied.
Land of Sound?
So, Orochimaru was already preparing to establish the Sound Village?
As they headed toward the Land of Sound, they encountered unexpected visitors—a group of Iwagakure shinobi. Leading them was a stout, muscular ninja alongside a short-haired young girl.
"Well, if it isn't Akatsuchi and little Kurotsuchi. Long time no see."
It turned out that Iwagakure had finally come looking for Deidara.
Initially, when Onoki learned of Deidara's defection, he dismissed it as youthful rebellion. Even when Kumogakure sent a diplomatic complaint about their missing Jinchuriki, Onoki remained indifferent.
Why should I care about your Eight-Tails getting involved? It's not like Iwagakure's problem, he had thought.
However, after the incident with Kirigakure's defector and Deidara's involvement in the battle against Konoha and Sunagakure, Onoki could no longer turn a blind eye. He wasn't concerned about disciplining Deidara—he was more worried the rogue ninja might die and embarrass Iwagakure. After all, Deidara had essentially declared war on the entire shinobi world.
"Deidara-nii! You're alive!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed, her first greeting as bold as ever. The girl, already sporting legs long enough to rival grown shinobi, was well on her way to earning the title of Leg Shadow.
Deidara choked on his words. "What do you mean I'm alive? Did you expect me to die or something?"
"Well, Grandpa said you're in constant danger and could drop dead any moment!"
"Don't listen to that old man's nonsense. I'm fine!" Deidara waved her off nonchalantly.
"Deidara, you should come back with us. Staying out here is too dangerous," Akatsuchi said earnestly.
"No! If Deidara-nii's okay, he should just run for it. Don't go back!" Kurotsuchi interjected.
"Hey, Kurotsuchi! Don't mess things up here!" Akatsuchi looked at his junior in exasperation. Of the three former teammates, he felt like the only sane one left.
"But if Deidara-nii goes back, he might become the Fourth Tsuchikage!"
"That's not happening! The Fourth Tsuchikage has to be me!" Kurotsuchi declared, hands on her hips in a defiant stance.
"Well, Kurotsuchi, I admire your self-awareness," Deidara teased. "Don't worry. I'll leave the position to you. Anyway, the village might not even exist soon. Hope you don't cry about it later."
"Hmph!"
"You're only better than me because you're older! If we were the same age, there's no way you'd beat me!" Kurotsuchi puffed up her cheeks, clenching her fists in mock defiance.
Akatsuchi sighed, scratching his head helplessly. The siblings were bantering away happily, leaving him—the one tasked with bringing Deidara back—feeling like the bad guy.
"Deidara, if you don't return willingly, we have orders to take you by force," Akatsuchi finally said.
"Then let's settle this the usual way!"
"Sasori-senpai, don't interfere," Deidara added with a grin. The memories of their shared childhood stirred a mischievous desire. Scaring Kurotsuchi with bombs was always my favorite game.
"Alright, but don't go too far," Sasori said indifferently, stepping aside.
"Here we come! Be careful, Deidara!" Akatsuchi warned, forming seals.
"Earth Style: Rock Pillar Prison!"
Behind Akatsuchi, Iwagakure shinobi executed the technique, raising multiple rock pillars to encase Deidara.
"That's it? This is child's play!"
With a casual toss, Deidara unleashed a swarm of clay spiders, blowing the structure to pieces.
"Earth Release: Earth and Stone Dragon!" Akatsuchi retaliated with a rock-formed dragon lunging at Deidara, showcasing his exceptional Earth Style prowess as one of Onoki's disciples.
"C1: Specialized Multi-Snake Hands!"
Boom!
The stone dragon shattered into fragments. From the sidelines, Kurotsuchi grimaced in distaste.
"Deidara-nii, what kind of disgusting jutsu are these?"
"Girls really don't like soft-bodied creatures, huh?" Deidara chuckled wickedly.
"Watch out, Kurotsuchi! They're coming for you!"
"Don't cry like last time, okay?"
"Deidara-nii, you're so mean!"
Amid Kurotsuchi's panicked shouts and Akatsuchi's resigned sighs, the battlefield turned chaotic. It was just another day for Deidara.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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