Naruto: Deidara’s Struggle

In the secret base of the Land of Rivers, the members of the Akatsuki gathered once again for a new round of discussions.

"Everyone has done well recently. Our organization is developing rapidly," Nagato concluded after a series of updates.

Of course it was progressing quickly—when you have so many Kage-level subordinates working for you, what task wouldn't move along swiftly?

"What's our next target?" Kakuzu asked.

"The Land of Water, Kirigakure," Nagato said slowly, enunciating each word.

"Kirigakure?" The group was somewhat surprised. Were they finally going to target one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages?

"Yes," Tendo Pain nodded.

He elaborated, "Due to its long-standing policy of the Bloody Mist, Kirigakure is rife with internal chaos."

"Dissenters and even rogue ninja are abundant, some of whom are exceptionally powerful."

"For example, Jūzō Biwa and Kisame Hoshigaki—both were originally shinobi of Kirigakure."

Seeing no objections from the group, Nagato revealed the mission objective for this operation.

"I want to send a team into Kirigakure to recruit talent. Who would like to volunteer?" This time, he didn't assign the task directly but instead sought the group's input.

After all, Kirigakure was still one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages. Even for Kage-level members, it posed a certain level of threat.

"I'll go with Brother Sasori," Deidara volunteered. "Besides, my art requires the sword Shibuki (Splash) from Kirigakure. Two birds with one stone. Hmm!"

Just yesterday, he had been thinking about finding an opportunity to collect the sword Shibuki and the Hōzuki Clan's bloodline. Now, the mission had practically fallen into his lap—how convenient!

But something unusual happened today. Zetsu, who rarely questioned or opposed the Akatsuki's decisions, suddenly spoke up.

"I think it would be better for Kisame and Itachi to go. One of them is a former Kirigakure shinobi, and the other has already been there once. They're relatively more experienced."

The speaker was Black Zetsu, his voice low and somber.

Something felt off.

This was Deidara's first reaction.

Black Zetsu actually wanted Kisame to go? Combined with the issue of Obito using genjutsu to control the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, there was clearly something hidden in Kirigakure.

If that was the case, Deidara was even more determined to go. After all, he had chosen to side with Nagato, which naturally made Obito his enemy.

And if Obito was the enemy, then sabotaging his plans was always the right move.

"No! I'll go instead!"

"I'm very interested in Kirigakure!" Deidara looked at Tendo Pain, hoping Nagato wasn't so foolish as to miss Black Zetsu's ulterior motives.

"Then Deidara and Sasori will go," Nagato decided with finality.

Thankfully, Nagato still had a decent level of discernment.

After the meeting adjourned, Zetsu emerged from the branch of a large tree. Inside the tightly closed Venus flytrap-like structure, faint voices could be heard.

"What do we do? If Deidara and Sasori go to Kirigakure, they might discover something," said White Zetsu, his tone much higher-pitched than Black Zetsu's.

"This unexpected variable… We'll have to inform Obito."

"Let him handle Nagato himself. No matter what, Kisame must accompany this mission. At the critical moment, Kisame can help us keep the secret," Black Zetsu said.

Not long after, the space beside Zetsu twisted into a vortex. A masked man with only one Sharingan visible—Obito—appeared.

"Zetsu, why did you call me here?" Obito asked calmly.

"Obito, we have a problem!" White Zetsu exclaimed.

"Nagato plans to send Deidara and Sasori to Kirigakure. Our secret might be exposed!" White Zetsu's voice carried a tone of concern.

This was entirely different from the last time Jūzō Biwa and Itachi were sent to the Land of Water. Back then, their mission was to assassinate a noble. While they did enter the Land of Water, they never actually went to Kirigakure.

It was only on their way back that they encountered the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, leading to a fierce battle in which Jūzō Biwa lost his life.

But this time, the mission was to infiltrate Kirigakure directly—a completely different scenario.

"What!"

Obito turned to Zetsu, his Sharingan revealing a hint of surprise and shock.

"Why did they suddenly decide to go to Kirigakure?" He had been busy with his plans in Kirigakure lately, leaving Zetsu to manage Akatsuki's affairs.

"Nagato, prompted by Deidara's suggestion, decided to expand Akatsuki's external forces."

"Because of Kirigakure's severe internal strife, many of its powerful shinobi have expressed dissatisfaction with the village, making it an ideal target for Nagato," Black Zetsu explained.

"You didn't stop him?"

"I objected, but it only aroused his suspicion. You'll have to handle this personally," Black Zetsu admitted, feeling a bit frustrated.

As intricate as their layered schemes to revive Kaguya were, the longer the plan, the more steps it required. And the more steps there were, the greater the chance for unexpected variables.

Now, just like this situation, a single misstep could unravel the entire plan.

"I understand. I'll talk to Nagato," Obito said. As he spoke, he activated Kamui, disappearing instantly.

"Nagato!" After a rapid journey, Obito appeared atop the central tower in the heart of the Land of Rain.

Though he was anxious, he maintained his usual calm demeanor, as if everything was under control.

Tendo Pain glanced at him without saying a word. Clearly, Nagato wasn't surprised by Obito's arrival.

Seeing that Nagato was already aware of the situation, Obito didn't bother with pleasantries and got straight to the point.

"For this mission to Kirigakure, Kisame and Itachi must accompany them."

"Are you giving me orders?"

Tendo Pain turned to face Obito. Though he made no overt gestures or displayed any aura, both Obito and Konan could sense that Nagato was angry.

Obito sneered inwardly at Nagato's posturing. His real body was practically a husk, drained by the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path, yet he insisted on acting like a god.

It was one thing to put on a show for others, but for someone like Obito, who knew the truth, Nagato's behavior was pure self-deception—a pathetic attempt to comfort his inferiority complex.

Still, since Obito needed Nagato to complete his plan, he had to make some concessions to give Nagato a sense of respect.

"It's just a friendly suggestion," Obito said, raising his hands in a gesture of deference.

"Or you could consider it a trade. If you agree to let Kisame and Itachi accompany the mission, I can provide you with a vial of medicine."

"This medicine can significantly enhance one's vitality. I don't need to elaborate further, do I?"

The implication was clear, and the offer was tempting.

A substance that could increase vitality was exactly what Nagato needed.

But Nagato was not someone who would trade his subordinates for personal gain. His pride wouldn't allow it.

"I refuse," Tendo Pain declared.

Obito wasn't discouraged. He had anticipated Nagato's rejection. After all, the person he truly intended to persuade wasn't Nagato.

"No! We'll agree to it!" Sure enough, Konan spoke up.

"Konan!" Nagato's tone was unusually firm when addressing her.

"Nagato, listen to me this time!"

"This medicine is far too important for you!" Konan understood Nagato's predicament all too well.

Though the Uzumaki Clan's vitality was indeed strong, the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path was even more draining.

Every battle, every use of the statue, was a gamble with death. It was far too dangerous!

"Then the deal is done!" Obito placed a small vial of emerald-green medicine on the table before activating Kamui and vanishing once more.

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