The Happiness of Deidara in Naruto

Chapter 15: The Path to Becoming Stronger

After a brief rest at home, Deidara took a shower and prepared to head to the home of Tsuchikage Onoki.

Since this was a visit to the home of his future master, it was important to tidy up his appearance. He had just come from a fierce battle and was covered in dust. Although he wasn't injured, a shower not only cleaned his body but also helped him relax.

Deidara styled his hair back into its previous configuration. The spiky ponytail was somewhat troublesome, and having just showered, he preferred to leave his hair down for now. With a slight tilt to his bangs, both eyes visible, Deidara smiled at his reflection—he looked like a clean and tidy boy who would surely make the girls swoon!

He opened the door, locked it behind him, and headed straight toward the Tsuchikage's house.

Evening was approaching, and he was looking forward to the cooking from his master's wife. It might not be as delicious as the two-leveled ramen, but it would still be good.

After knocking on the door, he was surprised when Kurotsuchi peeked through and quickly slammed the door shut. Deidara was baffled—had he done something to offend her?

"Ah! Brother, please wait a moment! It's a bit inconvenient inside right now; just wait outside for a second, and I'll let you in soon," Kurotsuchi's voice came from behind the door.

Now Deidara felt curious; what could be so secretive inside? Was someone taking a shower? No, that didn't seem likely, as they shouldn't keep him waiting for that reason!

Well, he'd just have to wait. Standing at the door, he quietly pondered.

His strength had already reached the level of a Genin, that much was undeniable. From his observations, even a Chūnin could fall victim unexpectedly.

Right! Deidara decided to refine his unique chakra technique that could launch attacks from his eyes. It was simple and straightforward, using his eyes to unleash an attack.

He could try directing that chakra to other areas, like his hands, to deliver stronger taijutsu attacks or to incorporate it into his ninjutsu during hand seals.

If he succeeded, it would significantly boost his power!

Moreover, he had to make a choice: whether to inherit the traditional path of a Doton (Earth Release) ninja or to wait for the elusive explosive clay ability.

Certainly, the explosive clay ability was formidable; even in the original story, it could take down an apparent Kage level opponent if they lacked a means to counter it.

However, the drawback was apparent—he was vulnerable to Raiton (Lightning Release). Deidara hadn't thought deeply about that yet, considering he hadn't even started practicing that ability!

If he opted for the traditional Doton route, he would have a clear path ahead and could easily grow stronger, especially since the entire Iwagakure village was filled with experts in Earth Release, with Tsuchikage Onoki as his future master.

Additionally, he had no trouble learning Doton techniques. Other ninjas might take ages to master certain Doton ninjutsu, but Deidara could grasp them quite easily.

Innovation aside, his rapid learning ability was extraordinary. However, he needed to keep in mind that the most powerful techniques in Iwagakure weren't Doton but rather Dust Release and Lava Release!

Dust Release, initiated by the Second Tsuchikage, was inherited by the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki. Its capabilities were terrifying; Dust Release: From the Original World technique was an exemplary technique that combined attack and defense, capable of reducing opponents to atomic state, rendering them irreparable.

Once struck, an opponent would instantly die without pain.

Lava Release, a bloodline limit of Onoki's family, possessed both offensive and outstanding support abilities.

These represented the pinnacle of Iwagakure's powers, but they were beyond Deidara's reach. Even if Onoki wished to teach him, as it was a bloodline limit, he wouldn't be able to learn it.

Thus, Deidara faced two paths: either he would diligently walk the path of a Doton ninja and surely reach a high level, like Kurotsuchi's father, the Yōtō.

Yōtō was one of the ninjas who had perfected Doton. Although he was a jōnin, Deidara presumed he was at least close to Kage level in strength. If Deidara chose this path, surpassing Yōtō could be a feasible goal.

The other path was to wait for the opportunity to gain the explosive clay abilities. This path was likely more challenging than the first.

While having explosive clay would mean Deidara had the power to eliminate jōnin in an instant, the apparent weaknesses were worrisome.

If he were an ordinary person, he would naturally choose the first path, as it was a safe and steady route. Waiting for an uncertain factor seemed less appealing than seizing a definite path to becoming stronger.

However, Deidara wanted to try the second path because the Deidara from the manga had left a profound impression on him.

That feeling of pouring out sweat and unveiling the brilliance of his creations in an instant, that artistic sensation captivated him.

Moreover, the ability to fly was enviable as well. While there were flying techniques within Earth Release, they required Dust Release; purely relying on Doton would significantly decrease his strength when leaving the ground. Having Dust Release made a considerable difference, broadening the range of impact.

Thus, Deidara resolved that if by the time he became a Genin and Onoki formally took him as a disciple, the opportunity for explosive clay had not appeared, he would choose the first path.

After all, in this world, strength was the foundation of everything. While "Deidara" as an artist was appreciated, the ability to fly was excellent; his art also needed to be passed down.

People often had to compromise some aspects for the sake of something else.

Deidara sighed and remembered that regardless, he needed to enhance his taijutsu.

With the second chakra, he could fill a gap in his genjutsu; this ability could also counter other genjutsu. Once he became stronger, he could likely withstand most of them.

Pulling himself from his thoughts, he looked up and noticed that the door had opened slightly. Although he felt a bit skeptical, he soon relaxed. This was Iwagakure, home of Tsuchikage Onoki; who would dare to act recklessly?

With that in mind, he strode confidently inside.