Naruto: Deidara’s Struggle

The group slightly lowered their guard. Since one of the visitors was Kisame Hoshigaki, a rogue ninja, they couldn't fully trust him, but at least it was clear that Deidara and his companions weren't affiliated with Kirigakure's leadership.

"Kisame, why have you returned to Kirigakure?" asked the Hōzuki ninja, his tone suggesting that the two were acquainted.

"Kazuki, I'm not in charge this time. If you want specifics, you should ask him," Kisame replied, gesturing toward Deidara.

At this, Deidara dispelled his Transformation Jutsu, revealing his true form to the group.

Kazuki Hōzuki's eyes narrowed as he noticed that Deidara and Kisame were wearing the same attire. Was Kisame now part of some mysterious organization?

"This time, I've come under orders from my leader, bringing peace to Kirigakure," Deidara declared.

"Hmph!"

"Spare me the empty talk. Let's get to something more practical," Kazuki sneered, clearly uninterested in lofty promises.

"At the very least, you're all sick of the Blood Mist Policy, aren't you?"

"Rather than living in constant fear of losing your heads in Kirigakure, why not defect and join our organization? What do you think?" Deidara stated his purpose plainly and directly.

The group seemed tempted, but hesitation lingered. If escaping were so easy, they would have done it long ago. The Blood Mist leadership kept a tight grip on the village, turning it into a virtual prison.

"How can we trust in your strength?" Kazuki Hōzuki asked. Despite his doubts, he couldn't ignore the glimmer of hope before him.

"We can demonstrate our strength, but I think this discussion shouldn't continue here. We need to meet someone who can truly make decisions," Deidara replied.

"I understand." Kazuki fell silent for a moment before continuing, "Tomorrow at noon, meet us at the bottom of the lake in Training Ground 7. I'll bring someone who can make the decisions."

After leaving the secret meeting point, Deidara quietly retrieved the Clay Centipedes he had planted. It was best that they hadn't been needed—no one wanted unexpected incidents in such a situation.

The next day, the four of them arrived at the lake in Training Ground 7. Gazing at the crystal-clear water, Deidara couldn't help but complain inwardly.

"The Hōzuki Clan sure knows how to pick their spots," he muttered. The Hōzuki Clan's unique ability to switch between water and solid form made such locations ideal for them, but it was a hassle for everyone else.

Deidara chewed and created a large Clay Centipede, using it to burrow a tunnel to the lakebed.

The lakebed was hollow, with a thin layer reinforced by Earth Release, beneath which lay a massive underground chamber.

Inside the chamber, three individuals awaited them. At the forefront was a middle-aged man from the Hōzuki Clan, flanked by an elder and a middle-aged woman.

Boom!

The three noticed movement in the earth and turned toward the source of the sound. A large hole had been created by the Clay Centipede, through which Deidara and his team entered one by one.

All four were dressed in identical attire, clearly part of the same organization. The middle-aged man from the Hōzuki Clan quickly assessed the situation.

Kisame Hoshigaki's strength was undeniable, and the fact that the others were on equal footing with him suggested they were no pushovers either.

Wait!

The Sharingan!

Among the active Uchiha clan members in the ninja world, there was only one person it could be—Itachi Uchiha, the Clan Slayer.

Even this dangerous individual was part of their organization?

Although countless thoughts raced through his mind, only a brief moment passed in reality. The three leaders visibly grew more cautious, a respect born of strength.

"My name is Deidara. How should I address you three?" Deidara stepped forward and initiated the conversation.

"I am Ritsuki Hōzuki, the leader of the Hōzuki Clan," the middle-aged man introduced himself.

"These two are Elder Kawaguchi and Lady Amie, both leaders of our resistance," Ritsuki continued, gesturing to the elder and the woman beside him.

"Let's get straight to the point. We can help you escape Kirigakure, but the condition is that you must join our organization," Deidara stated bluntly, skipping any pleasantries.

"I have one question first," Ritsuki said.

"What is it?"

"Is he really Itachi Uchiha?" Ritsuki asked, glancing at the slender, melancholic figure of Itachi.

"That's right," Deidara confirmed.

"I have no further doubts. I believe in your strength," Ritsuki said with a firm nod. Just the presence of Itachi Uchiha was enough to put his mind at ease.

"As expected of Itachi-san," Kisame remarked, his usual admiration for Itachi on full display.

Deidara, on the other hand, felt a twinge of annoyance. This was a remnant of the original Deidara's animosity toward Itachi. Despite being the same age, Itachi had always overshadowed him, fueling a deep-seated resentment.

Although Ritsuki expressed his trust in their strength, negotiations like this were never so easily concluded.

Sure enough, Ritsuki spoke again. "While I trust your strength, I know nothing about your organization. If your group is as oppressive as Kirigakure, we'd merely be trading one tyrant for another. Our rebellion would be for nothing."

"I propose that you first take a few of our people out. Once we receive positive feedback from them, we can proceed with a full-scale action," Ritsuki suggested.

"No way! That's too troublesome!" Deidara refused outright.

"Our organization sent the four of us here to resolve this issue in one go. Otherwise, this trip would be a waste!"

Seeing that cooperation might break down, Deidara relented slightly. "I can promise that once we leave Kirigakure, only those with significant strength will be required to join our organization. Ordinary ninja can decide for themselves whether they want to join or not."

"After all, our organization doesn't want too many weaklings dragging us down."

The three leaders exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

After a few minutes, Ritsuki turned back to Deidara and nodded. "Agreed."

Seeing the deal finalized, Deidara added, "Additionally, I hope you can contact other resistance groups. Since we're all leaving, we might as well do it together."

Ritsuki considered it for a moment. More participants would increase their chances of success, so there was no harm in the idea.

"Alright. The three of us will immediately begin reaching out to them," Ritsuki agreed.

"Three days from now, we'll meet here again. We'll bring the leaders of the other resistance groups to finalize our collaboration."

~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~

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