Chapter 26: Officially Becoming a Disciple
With that, the days of Deidara's ninja school came to an end, marking the beginning of a brand new ninja journey.
After the ceremony, Ōnoki called Deidara over. Under the envious gazes of many, Deidara, feeling somewhat fatigued, followed Ōnoki to a quieter spot outside the training area.
Accompanying Deidara were Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi. Deidara suddenly recalled a rumor he had heard earlier—that the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, had his eye on Akatsuchi's potential and would take him as a disciple.
It seemed that the speculation was indeed accurate. However, good-natured individuals like Akatsuchi naturally had their own blessings. Akatsuchi possessed a good character, often mediating among his peers, and both his efforts and talent were evident.
"You three are excellent graduates, and I believe you will become outstanding ninjas in the future," Ōnoki began, first complimenting the three before continuing, "For the sake of your future achievements and each of your dreams! So, do you wish to take me as your master?"
The three exchanged glances and then replied in unison, "We are willing! We greet you, Master Ōnoki!" They then bowed deeply to Ōnoki together.
Ōnoki couldn't help but smile. "Good! You are all my disciples, and I will not favor anyone. I will treat all of you equally," he said, clearly addressing Akatsuchi.
"Now, as your master, I have to give you some benefits. Each week, you will have one opportunity to ask me questions, and I will do my best to answer you."
"I've already given gifts to Kurotsuchi and Deidara, so Akatsuchi, what do you want? As long as it's not too excessive, I will grant it."
Akatsuchi did not rush to answer but instead asked, "Master, will the three of us form a ninja team in the future?"
Ōnoki's eyes showed a hint of appreciation. "That's right. A total of six people graduated early, so you three will form one team, while the other three will form another. Furthermore, I cannot be your team leader, so I have arranged for someone equally suitable to be your leader."
Akatsuchi nodded and then looked at Deidara and Kurotsuchi before speaking. "Master, I would like a ninjutsu that is both offensive and defensive, or perhaps a technique with strong defensive capabilities."
"Child, tell me your reasoning for this choice," Ōnoki replied, neither agreeing nor refusing but continuing to inquire about Akatsuchi's thoughts.
"Since we are a team, I want to contribute a little," Akatsuchi explained. "In terms of offense, Deidara's Earth Release is far superior to mine, and he has other means as well, so we don't need anything else for attacking. Kurotsuchi is very suitable for entangling and creating obstacles to trap enemies, so I thought I would make up for it by learning a technique that can withstand enemy attacks, so that our team can be more stable."
Ōnoki nodded in satisfaction. "That's a good idea, and I agree. I have a ninjutsu that completely meets your requirements, but this ninjutsu is very difficult to master, and there are even other dangers involved. So, do you still want to learn it?"
Without hesitation, Akatsuchi nodded, saying, "I want to learn!"
"Very well! The name of this ninjutsu is Earth Release: Clay Giant Technique. Its training difficulty is A-rank, but it's even harder to master than the usual A-rank ninjutsu. The danger of this technique is that if the user makes a mistake while using it, they could turn their body into clay," Ōnoki explained.
Deidara, who had been quiet, was startled by this and immediately urged Akatsuchi to refuse. The concept of becoming clay, unlike petrification ninjutsu, which only affects the surface and can easily be reversed, turning into clay is akin to training in Sage Mode – the person entirely becomes clay and then may disappear from this world.
Kurotsuchi also spoke up to persuade him, while Ōnoki remained silent, patiently waiting for Akatsuchi's decision.
After pondering for a moment, Akatsuchi waved his hand and said, "Deidara, Kurotsuchi! Please respect my choice. I do not wish to be a burden to you! I know I cannot defeat you, but at least I can take more damage for you so that you can focus on your attacks. Please respect my decision!"
Kurotsuchi wanted to continue persuading him but was stopped by Deidara. Noticing Kurotsuchi's puzzled expression, Deidara gently shook his head and said, "We are Akatsuchi's friends, and we also want him to live healthily. However, we cannot be an obstacle on his path to becoming stronger."
Kurotsuchi then nodded and told Akatsuchi, "Then please be careful; we're counting on you to protect us while we have a chance to output our strength!"
Akatsuchi smiled broadly, his round face nodding vigorously.
Ōnoki's serious expression once again turned into a smile, and he said, "Akatsuchi, come to my house tonight, and I will personally teach you that ninjutsu."
After arranging Akatsuchi's training, Ōnoki turned his attention towards Deidara.
Feeling Ōnoki's gaze, Deidara was somewhat puzzled. Hadn't he already given him a ninjutsu before? Did he have something else to impart?
Deidara's intuition proved to be quite accurate.
Ōnoki, with a hint of nostalgia, took out a scroll. The reason it was nostalgic was that Ōnoki's eyes were slightly red-rimmed.
As soon as Ōnoki produced the scroll, Deidara suddenly felt a powerful summons emanating from it.
This summons strongly affected his body, and Deidara felt his blood start to quicken.
Because his soul had also merged with some elements of 'Deidara's' soul, this summons felt particularly intense.
With slightly trembling hands, Deidara received the scroll, and tears involuntarily streamed down his face. This was an emotion stemming from deep memories brought on by the fusion.
Ōnoki let out a faint sigh and said, "You felt it too. This is your family's heirloom. Your father asked me to give it to you when you became a ninja."
"Your father told me that he lacked the talent to resonate with it, but he believed that his son certainly could inherit this legacy passed down from your ancestors."
Deidara wiped away his tears and solemnly bowed to Ōnoki, saying, "I truly thank you! I will definitely fulfill my father's wishes!"
Kurotsuchi, seeing Deidara in tears, felt a pang of sadness and encouraged him, "Brother Deidara, I believe you will definitely succeed! Go for it!"
After saying this, Kurotsuchi silently added in her heart, 'And remember, you are not alone; at least I will be with you!'
"Thank you, Kurotsuchi!" Deidara said, reaching out to ruffle Kurotsuchi's hair, a smile appearing on his face.