https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-244-Do-You-Want-to-See-Konoha-in-Ruins-/12553586/
Chapter 243: Target, Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Uzumaki Naruto!
Chapter 243: Target, Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Uzumaki Naruto!
~Ding, ding, ding~~~
The familiar sound of a wind chime rang out.
Just outside the Akatsuki base, where they had been resting, Kakuzu and Hidan of the Two-Tails capture squad still donned their Akatsuki cloaks. They put on straw hats and, citing "time is money," declined Kisame's suggestion to wait a while longer for him to join them. Instead, they set off first toward the Land of Lightning.
Kisame, who was also headed to the Land of Lightning, could only shrug and wait with Deidara for their new teammate to arrive.
Before long, the sound of rushing air signaled someone's rapid approach.
Kisame narrowed his eyes, his black hair and dark eyes resembling an old acquaintance as Sasuke appeared at his side.
"Let's go," Sasuke said with a slight tilt of his head, his tone indifferent.
For a moment, Kisame felt a sense of daze, as if Itachi had returned to his side.
He patted the same shark-like skin on his back and grinned. "So, Sasuke, you're in charge of the next move."
Sasuke nodded calmly and turned to leave.
Kisame immediately followed.
The Eight-Tails capture squad was now officially on its way.
Alone and still waiting outside, Deidara scowled at Sasuke's departing figure.
This senior of his hadn't even bothered to greet him.
"Just like Itachi, what a rude guy."
"And that junior who's made me wait so long in the cold wind is just as bad! Hmph!"
Deidara glared at the horizon, thinking about what kind of welcome he should give his new partner and junior when they finally arrived.
Finally, the latecomer appeared.
"I am Qingming," said the fully armed ultimate ninja tool as he descended from the sky, his expressionless face turning toward Deidara.
Deidara looked at him, waiting for what seemed like forever, only to find that the other party had nothing more to say.
"So?" Deidara asked, taken aback.
Just four words? You're a newcomer, and on top of showing no respect to your senior, you can't even be bothered to greet me properly?
The two of them were meeting for the first time, and yet there was no sign of gratitude, concern, or even a proper self-introduction—just four curt words.
Deidara couldn't understand why everyone he had met that day seemed so aloof.
Especially now.
In response to Deidara's question, Qingming simply gave him a look that clearly said he couldn't be bothered to answer such meaningless questions.
Deidara glared at him.
Crack.
He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "Looks like I'll have to teach you a lesson about respecting your seniors before we go on this mission! Hmph!"
"Senior?"
At the mention of the word, Qingming finally spoke up again.
He glanced at Deidara and said calmly, "In terms of age, when I was around, your grandfather wasn't even born yet. I don't mind you calling me 'senior.'"
Deidara thought Qingming was mocking him.
He couldn't hold back anymore and was about to make a move.
Suddenly, a voice called out from behind him.
"What he said is true. His age far surpasses yours, Deidara."
Sasori emerged from the base, his gaze filled with curiosity as he examined Qingming. "I never expected to see the Eternal Art in another person."
As a master puppeteer, he could instantly tell that Qingming was not human but a being akin to a puppet, devoid of flesh and blood.
Qingming turned to appraise Sasori, his eyes quickly analyzing him before he, too, expressed surprise.
"I never expected that the once niche art of puppetry would produce someone like you. However, your natural state is still too fragile. It pales in comparison to the refined and tempered ninja tools."
"As for the Eternal Art... that's a fitting way to describe me, indeed.
"No! Ninja tools surpass puppets in both defense and power!" Qingming argued.
"Ninja tools are too monotonous! Puppets are eternal because of their flexibility and versatility!"
"Ninja tools are eternal!"
"Puppets are—"
Scorpion and Qingming engaged in a heated debate, each passionate about their beliefs.
On the side, Deidara, who had been about to make a move, stood dumbfounded, watching the unexpected turn of events.
How had he suddenly become an outsider to this conversation?
Nonetheless, with some understanding of Qingming's identity and the dispute revolving around artistic beliefs, Deidara soon joined the fray, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "You're both heretics! True art lies in the beauty of the moment! Eternity can never be synonymous with art! Hmph!"
"Nonsense!"
"Deidara," Sasori interjected.
Soon, the artistic dispute between two became a three-way argument, each passionate artist refusing to back down.
Fortunately, all three were aware of the pressing matters at hand and the need to depart soon. After a lively exchange, they realized that none could convince the others, and the debate came to a temporary halt.
"I never thought that after Scorpion left, another believer in eternity would join us," Deidara muttered as he pulled out his clay giant bird and mounted it, shaking his head.
"Compared to you, I still prefer Scorpion." Deidara turned to Sasori with a hopeful expression. "Won't you reconsider teaming up with me, Scorpion?"
Sasori glanced at Deidara and let out a soft chuckle.
"Alright then."
Knowing that Sasori still hadn't resolved his misunderstanding, Deidara could only sigh in resignation and accept that Qingming, despite being his junior in name, was far older than him, would be his partner.
"You old geezer, don't you dare kick the bucket on me." Deidara turned and glared at Qingming.
"The same goes for you," Qingming replied nonchalantly.
As an ultimate weapon, Qingming had always considered the tailed beasts as potential targets, viewing them as future power sources to be harnessed.
While others might fear the tailed beasts, he, with his myriad of countermeasures, did not.
Moreover, he, too, could fly.
Accompanying Deidara to Sunagakure to capture the Jinchuriki of the One-Tail was a fitting task for him.
As for the issue of loyalty...
After the tempering he had received in Lock Front Village, coupled with the repeated blows dealt by Yuyi Xuan Yue, the undisputed champion, Qingming had come to terms with his place in the world.
Rather than toil endlessly in the forge, he chose to serve under Yuyi Xuan Yue, the undisputed ruler of the ninja world.
At the very least, if his master ruled the ninja world, then by association, he, too, could claim a share of that glory.
Thus, Qingming, driven by his desire for power and finding a kindred spirit in Yuyi Xuan Yue, had become a loyal member of his camp.
"Let's go," Deidara said, ending the discussion. With a final farewell to Sasori, he urged his clay giant bird forward, its wings beating powerfully as it took to the skies.
Qingming followed suit, soaring into the air in pursuit.
And so, the squad tasked with capturing the Jinchuriki of the One-Tail was off.
Scorpion watched their departing figures for a moment before turning and striding off in the opposite direction, his mission a solitary one.
Deidara's earlier explosion had decimated his puppet army, and with his strength not yet fully recovered, he was assigned to guard the outer perimeter of the Outer Path Magic Image, ensuring that no careless souls stumbled upon their hidden lair.
Each member with their assigned tasks, they set off.
As the key to this entire operation, Yuyi Xuan Yue also embarked on his journey, his destination—Konoha Hidden Village.
His target—the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, Uzumaki Naruto!
(End of Chapter)
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