After a few days of leisure, Deidara spent his time experimenting with new clay art and allocating points in the Strongest Artist System. Time flew by quickly.
Strongest Artist System
Host: Deidara
Shock Value: 8000/17000
Skill Points: 0
Unlocked Skills:
Pyrotechnics: Explosion Mastery Level 2, C2 Enhanced Great Dragon, Ultra-High Temperature, Greater Detonation Range, Timed BombMorphology Optimization: Morphology Optimization, Insect Form Mastery, Insect Form Activation, Human Form Mastery, Animal Form MasteryMaterial Science (Clay): Improved Clay, Lightning-Resistant ClayNinja Arts: Chakra Enhancement, Ninjutsu Enhancement, Genjutsu Resistance Level 1, Clayification
The Shock Value he had collected from Jiraiya and several toads allowed Deidara to level up twice, unlocking Timed Bomb and Insect Form Activation.
If he wanted to further enhance his Pyrotechnics, he would first need to unlock Advanced Clay. It seemed that discussing clay research with Orochimaru needed to be moved up on his schedule.
However, that wasn't an immediate priority. What truly required his attention now was participating in the upcoming Akatsuki Meeting, where they would decide who would represent the group in negotiations with Konoha.
"Is it meeting time again?"
"The frequency of meetings has gone down lately," Kisame Hoshigaki commented, as he was often the first to speak.
"Seriously, what's the issue this time? I've been running around with Kakuzu these past few days, and I'm exhausted," Hidan grumbled, as was his habit.
"Hmm? Where's Sasori?" Kisame suddenly noticed that Sasori's spot was vacant. "Could it be that he was killed? Or maybe he betrayed the organization like Orochimaru?"
Deidara explained, "Not at all. Sasori-sama has just been deeply engrossed in his new puppet art. He probably won't be showing up for a while."
"Ah, I see. Then you've been left without a partner lately, Deidara. Aren't you worried about running into danger?" Kisame asked with genuine concern.
"I'll be careful for now," Deidara replied.
"Alright, let's cut the chatter!" Nagato, speaking through Tendo Pain, interrupted.
"The plan with Konoha has progressed smoothly, and we're now at the final step."
"We need to select two to three people to go to Konoha to negotiate an alliance. If this succeeds, our goal of dividing the Five Great Shinobi Villages will be halfway achieved."
"This mission will be on a voluntary basis. Anyone interested?"
Nagato briefly explained the situation, then scanned the room. His gaze was meaningful.
Although the Akatsuki appeared to have many members, the number of operatives actually available for this mission was quite small. Kakuzu and Hidan couldn't go because their identities had already been exposed. Nagato himself couldn't go, as revealing the Rinnegan too early was not an option.
Sasori was "offline," Orochimaru had defected, and Tobi was out of the question.
That left just four viable candidates.
"I'll go!" Deidara volunteered enthusiastically. After all, this plan had been his idea, and he wanted to oversee it personally to ensure nothing went wrong.
"I'll go too," a cold voice chimed in. Everyone was momentarily stunned before turning to look at Itachi Uchiha. Normally reserved and silent, it was surprising to see him take the initiative.
Faced with the astonished gazes of his peers, Itachi felt a bitter frustration that he couldn't express.
It's all for that foolish little brother of mine!
I heard that Danzo has locked him up, and he hasn't eaten for days. If this goes on, he'll soon be branded with the Curse Seal of Tongue Eradication. How could I stand by and let that happen?
Sasuke is mine! No one else is allowed to touch him!
"Very well," Tendo Pain nodded. "If Itachi is going, then Kisame should accompany him."
"Of course, no problem. I've been curious about Konoha for a long time," Kisame said with his signature shark-like grin, baring his sharp teeth and looking genuinely intrigued.
"Let's also have Zabuza and Haku join. Since our identities aren't suitable for appearing openly in Konoha, Zabuza can take the lead as the official envoy," Deidara suggested.
"Agreed," Nagato responded.
And with that, the Akatsuki meeting concluded successfully.
Back in his inn room, Deidara spat out a Clay Clone, which would be the one to travel to Konoha this time. The mission was far too dangerous to risk his real body.
After all, just the thought of facing two Kotoamatsukami users—Danzo and Itachi—was enough to make Deidara shudder.
Who knows? Danzo might suddenly decide to use Kotoamatsukami to capture him, or Itachi might use it for some other purpose.
Better to play it safe.
Until he had confirmed the use of Kotoamatsukami or found a way to counter it, Deidara had no intention of appearing before Itachi or Danzo in person. During his previous visit to Kirigakure, his influence had been minimal, and Itachi likely hadn't paid him much attention. But things were different now; even Tobi had started to view him with caution.
He had to be vigilant against potential ambushes at all times.
A few days later, Deidara arrived at the gates of Amegakure and met two familiar faces: Zabuza and Haku.
Zabuza was the same rugged man as always, but Haku... Haku remained as charming as ever.
"Tsk tsk tsk... still as alluring as before," Deidara muttered.
"Deidara-sama, why are you looking at me like that?" Haku asked shyly, lowering his head as a blush spread across his cheeks. He looked absolutely captivating.
"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if you find your outfit a bit... tight?" Deidara asked, gesturing subtly at his chest.
"This kind of thing..."
"Hey, brat! Don't think you can act so recklessly just because your status is higher than mine!" Zabuza interrupted angrily, glaring at Deidara.
"Oh! The Executioner's Blade! I want it so badly!" Suigetsu suddenly appeared, drooling as he stared at the massive sword on Zabuza's back.
"Oh? A brat from the Hōzuki Clan, huh?" Zabuza glanced at Suigetsu.
"Too bad the Executioner's Blade is already mine. You'll never get it in this lifetime."
"Well, if you accidentally die someday, won't the Executioner's Blade become mine?" Suigetsu retorted mischievously.
"You don't have a mission to do?" Deidara asked Suigetsu.
"Ha! With 80% of the commission taken as a cut, what's the point of doing missions? I'll just lie flat and live off the village's relief funds," Suigetsu said, shrugging with a completely unmotivated expression.
"Fair enough. After all, your Hōzuki Clan can survive just by drinking water. That's a handy ability," Deidara remarked.
As they chatted, two more figures in black cloaks with red clouds approached from the distance. It was none other than Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki.
"Now that everyone's here, let's set off," Zabuza announced.
Zabuza would serve as the official leader of the diplomatic mission, with Haku as his deputy. Deidara and the others would use Transformation Jutsu to disguise themselves, and a few additional ninjas rounded out the group. This was the delegation's lineup.
After they departed, a swirling vortex of space appeared in the distance. From it emerged Tobi, his lone Sharingan eye observing the group as they left. His expression was unreadable.
"Tobi, the Akatsuki is drifting further and further out of our control," Zetsu said, emerging from the ground beside him.
"We need to take action."
"Don't worry. I've already made my move," Tobi replied indifferently.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
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