"So, you brought back Ōnoki's disciple?"
In Konohagakure, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the disheveled Kakashi, the laid-back Jiraiya, and the exasperated Kitagawa Minamoto. He couldn't help but rub his temples.
This mission had indeed been urgent, and he had mentally prepared himself for complications.
Especially since the mission took place in the Land of Earth—Ōnoki's territory.
His only hope had been for them to avoid causing trouble and to return with some useful information.
For the past month, he had been waiting anxiously, occasionally consulting Danzo for updates, though to no avail.
Yet, just a few days ago, he received a "breaking news report."
"Massive explosions occurred on the Iwagakure border, suspected to involve the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki. The area has since been sealed off."
Upon seeing this report, Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat.
He feared that Kitagawa Minamoto and his team might have been surrounded or that they had clashed with the mysterious organization, alerting Ōnoki in the process.
After several days of anxious waiting, the team finally returned—only with an unexpected addition.
"This isn't our fault! That brat insisted on following us, and we couldn't push him away."
Jiraiya, looking equally helpless, scratched his head as he explained.
"That kid kept saying he and Minamoto shared the same artistic vision. No matter what we said, he wouldn't leave.
But I'll admit, his technique is quite unique—he carried us back here by flying, after all."
As Jiraiya spoke, both he and Kitagawa Minamoto turned to look at Kakashi, causing Kakashi's eyes to widen in disbelief.
"Wait, I can—"
"Alright, that's enough."
Hiruzen cut Kakashi off with a knowing glance.
From Kakashi's current state, it was clear he'd be heading to the hospital again. At this rate, it might be time to consider bringing Tsunade back to address Kakashi's recurring injuries.
"Still, this mission is considered a success.
We've gathered a significant amount of critical intelligence."
Hiruzen shook his head and spoke seriously.
"The organization includes not only Obito Uchiha, Itachi Uchiha, and Kisame Hoshigaki, but also a mysterious bounty hunter and a zealot like Hidan.
We now know they were responsible for the death of the Third Kazekage, and that someone among them can even counter Ōnoki's Dust Release. Truly terrifying..."
"Indeed, they're no ordinary threat."
Jiraiya nodded, his expression grave.
"A group of such dangerous individuals, combined with Obito Uchiha's stated goal of changing the world... They're likely—"
"Yes, far too dangerous."
Hiruzen's brows furrowed deeply. This situation was truly challenging and fraught with difficulty.
One must never underestimate such an organization.
If they went into hiding, capturing them would be nearly impossible.
And with their immense strength, if they launched coordinated attacks across villages, any village would struggle to cope.
Especially with Mangekyō Sharingan users like Obito and Itachi, capable of controlling others through genjutsu.
The tragedy of Kirigakure might very well repeat itself.
"Send a message to Sunagakure, informing them we've identified suspects connected to the death of the Third Kazekage."
Hiruzen, puffing on his pipe, spoke slowly.
"Also, Ōnoki has sent a message. It seems he wants to probe us.
I think we should engage with him. What are your thoughts?"
"You've already made up your mind, haven't you, old man?"
Jiraiya smirked, muttering softly.
"With Ōnoki's disciple here, how could you not engage? What are you going to do, kill the kid?"
"That's not entirely out of the question."
Kitagawa Minamoto suddenly chimed in.
"That brat is erratic and has participated in numerous terror missions. Killing him might just sweep everything under the rug."
"No way!"
Before Minamoto could finish, Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Hiruzen all spoke in unison, glaring at him.
"That kid absolutely cannot be killed. Minamoto, don't act rashly.
He might be the bridge connecting us to Ōnoki, understand?"
"I was just joking."
Minamoto shrugged. He wasn't stupid—he knew Deidara's value.
Besides, the blond kid was quite amusing.
"Minamoto, you can leave now. Deidara followed you here, so take care of him."
Hiruzen rubbed his temples, speaking wearily.
"Also, I know you were joking, but don't make such jokes.
Don't pick up Jiraiya's bad habits—be mindful of your words and actions."
"Got it."
Minamoto nodded with a peculiar expression before turning to leave.
"I understand. I'll take my leave now."
"Go on."
Hiruzen forced a smile. Once the door closed behind Minamoto, he waited a moment before slamming his hand on the desk.
"Jiraiya! Kakashi! Your guidance is severely lacking!"
"...?"
"I told you last time to focus on education and cultivate his sense of responsibility.
What have you been doing?"
"...?"
Jiraiya nonchalantly scratched his ear, while Kakashi looked utterly embarrassed.
There was no way he could explain to Hiruzen that Jiraiya had been a major influence on Minamoto.
"I'll do my best."
"Fine, I'll help Kakashi guide the boy as much as I can."
Kakashi bowed, while Jiraiya remained indifferent, shaking his head.
"By the way, old man, there's one piece of intel I need to share with you.
But it's best to keep it confidential for now."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen noticed the seriousness in Jiraiya's demeanor and immediately realized the matter was grave.
"Go ahead, what is it?"
"I didn't want to mention this in front of Minamoto because it's too harsh.
Though he'll find out eventually."
Jiraiya sighed, then spoke solemnly.
"Do you remember the intel from the Fourth Mizukage about two individuals?
An orange-haired man and a blue-haired woman?"
"Yes, I remember."
"Well, it's likely... they were my disciples from back then."
Outside the Hokage Building
Sitting on a bench by the street, Deidara doodled in the dirt with a stick. When he saw Minamoto emerge, his eyes lit up.
"Hey, you're finally out!"
He tossed the stick aside and ran over excitedly.
"So, how about it? My clay's pretty amazing, huh? Flying us back saved so much time!
Oh, oh! Tell me more about your art!"
"...?"
Minamoto's mouth twitched as he stared at the enthusiastic blond in front of him.
He was starting to wonder if he'd stumbled into a nest of blondes.
There was a blonde living next door, and now he'd run into another one on a mission.
"And now, in addition to the White Fang and the Yellow Flash, there's an 'Artistic Resonator'?"
Minamoto was baffled.
He considered himself a proponent of endurance, yet somehow he'd become associated with "instant flashes."
"The art of the Flying Thunder God lies in resolving all problems in an instant."
Though speechless, Minamoto finally spoke.
"Like an explosion, the moment is eternal—or rather, my instant becomes your eternity."
"Mm-hmm! There are differences, but it aligns with my artistic philosophy."
Deidara nodded earnestly, clearly thrilled.
"I love explosions! Explosions are art!
Because in that instant, my art is fully realized!"
"Right, right..."
Minamoto nodded absentmindedly, humoring him.
This kid's obsession with art was borderline insane.
He had abandoned the path of becoming Tsuchikage or even a renowned shinobi to pursue life as a rogue ninja.
A script for a winner in life, yet he'd ended up blowing himself to pieces.
Still, one had to admire his unwavering dedication to his so-called "art."
"Hey, hey! How about a sparring match?"
Suddenly, Deidara's excitement spiked.
"We should test each other's art! What do you say?"
"Not happening. I don't have time for that."
Minamoto shook his head immediately.
Sparring with Deidara in Konoha? No way.
Maybe in Iwagakure, but not here.
"Come on, I'll treat you to some food.
The Hokage is preparing to contact your teacher. You'll be able to go home soon."
"What? No way!"
Deidara protested loudly.
"That old man's so annoying! He doesn't even acknowledge my art.
Seriously, hey, say something!"
Minamoto pretended not to hear, realizing Deidara was quite the chatterbox.
Thinking of Ōnoki, Minamoto couldn't help but recall their recent mission.
Particularly the moment when the Dust Release beam descended from the sky.
"That feeling... truly terrifying."
Minamoto muttered to himself, vividly recalling the devastating power of Dust Release.
The Magnetic Release defenses crafted by Sasori using the Third Kazekage were utterly obliterated by Dust Release in an instant.
Such power reminded him of the original story, where Ōnoki's Dust Release swept through Madara Uchiha's "Flower Tree World Descent."
Not to mention, it wiped out twenty-five Susano'o-clad "Wooden Madaras."
"Such power is utterly ridiculous..."
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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