After the general agreement on defecting was reached, the next priority was obtaining the Explosive Blade. Arguably, this was even more critical than the defection itself, as it was essential for progressing Deidara's skill tree. Without unlocking Advanced Explosives Mastery Level 2, stronger techniques would remain inaccessible.
"The Seven Ninja Swords were all returned to the village's custody after Mangetsu Hozuki's death," Kisame explained, his tone laced with a hint of frustration. "If you want to get the Explosive Blade, you'll have to infiltrate the Mizukage Building. And that's no easy task."
Deidara smirked internally. Infiltrate the Mizukage Building? Perfect. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
Although he couldn't fully grasp what Obito and Black Zetsu were plotting in Kirigakure, it was clear that the genjutsu-controlled Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, was a critical piece of the puzzle. Engaging him directly would expose their scheme, whether Deidara won or lost the fight.
After all, Kirigakure had a Byakugan user among them.
"Fine. On the night of our defection, I'll personally storm the Mizukage Building and take the Explosive Blade myself," Deidara declared, his tone nonchalant yet firm.
"No way!" Kisame's voice hardened. "Yagura is a perfect Jinchūriki. Provoking him would be a disaster. Remember what happened to Juzo when he attempted something similar?" He referenced the demise of their former Akatsuki colleague, trying to intimidate Deidara into reconsidering.
Kisame then offered a more cautious plan.
"I still have some connections in the ANBU. On the night of our defection, let me sneak into the Mizukage Building and steal the sword instead. That way, we avoid unnecessary risks."
Deidara chuckled inwardly. A less discerning person might have fallen for that suggestion, but he saw through the ploy. He knew the real reason behind Kisame's proposal: Obito's explicit instructions to avoid involving Yagura at all costs. Kisame's orders were clear, and violating them would mean burning bridges with the organization.
Still, outwardly, Deidara played along. "Fine, we'll go with your plan," he said, feigning compliance.
Of course, agreeing didn't mean he wouldn't pull some strings behind the scenes. If an "accident" were to cause enough commotion to draw Yagura out, well, that couldn't be helped, could it? After all, explosions were his specialty.
Deep into the night, in the middle of a narrow river, a shark emerged from the water. Its sharp teeth gleamed coldly under the moonlight. From its gaping jaws, a large blue hand reached out, followed by the figure of a shark-faced man climbing ashore—Kisame's water clone.
Moments later, space distorted beside him. Obito, donning his trademark spiral mask, stepped out from the vortex.
"Kisame, what's the situation?" Obito asked, his Sharingan scanning the distant, shadowed village of Kirigakure.
Kisame quickly recounted Deidara's plan and his obsession with the Explosive Blade.
"Deidara is determined to obtain the Explosive Blade. If he doesn't get it, he won't back down," Kisame concluded.
Obito shrugged indifferently. "It's just a sword. Let him have it. When the time comes, retrieve it directly from the Mizukage Building."
"As for the defectors…" Obito paused, mulling over the potential loss of such a significant pool of "resources." It stung, but there seemed to be no viable alternative.
Even mobilizing Yagura to stop them would likely backfire, causing unnecessary casualties without any real gains. Deidara's abilities were far too destructive, if pushed to his limits, he could obliterate the entire village.
"Let them leave," Obito decided. "It might even ease some of the internal tensions in the village. With the Blood Mist policies continuing, the opposition grows stronger by the day. Letting some leave serves as a release valve."
At the team's hideout, where Deidara and the others waited, things took an unexpected turn.
A voluptuous woman with striking red-brown hair and a blue low-cut dress, accentuated by a daring high slit, entered the inn. Her sultry presence exuded confidence and danger. Behind her trailed two men: a shy, bespectacled boy carrying two large swords, and an older man dressed in green robes with an eyepatch over his right eye.
It was Terumi Mei, Chojuro, and Ao.
Kisame immediately grew alert, recognizing Mei as Kirigakure's second-strongest shinobi—second only to Yagura. And without the Three-Tails, the question of who held the top spot might not even be up for debate.
"Relax, Kisame," Mei said coolly as she entered their room. "No need to look so worried."
Feigning ignorance, Kisame, who had transformed into the guise of an ordinary villager, replied,
"Who are you? Do we know each other?"
Ao stepped forward, the veins around his right temple bulging as he activated the Byakugan.
"Don't bother. Transformation techniques are useless against my Byakugan."
Kisame sighed, dropping the act and dispelling his transformation.
"So, it was Hozuki Ritsuki who told you about us, wasn't it?"
"Actually, I spotted you myself. Your chakra stands out like a beacon—nearly impossible to miss," Ao explained.
Mei crossed her arms, her expression calm yet commanding. "We didn't come here to chat, Kisame."
"Then why are you here?" Kisame asked warily. "Our arrangement isn't set until later."
"To fight," Mei said simply, her tone carrying an air of finality.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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