It had been about a month since Obito had slipped away during their last confrontation.
During this time, Deidara had been pushing Kakuzu to complete the development of the Rasenshuriken, and he had successfully unlocked the C4 Enhanced Type: Sun.
Coincidentally, after leveling up during the last battle at the Village Hidden in the Clouds, Deidara had also unlocked a branch skill extending from C4: the C4 Enhanced Type: Death Wings.
Strongest Artist System
Host: Deidara
Shock Value: 7000/27000
Skill Points: 0
Unlocked Skills:
Pyrotechnics: Explosion Mastery Level 3, C2 Enhanced Great Dragon, Ultra-High Temperature, Greater Detonation Range, Timed Bomb, C3 Enhanced Type: Number 18, C4 Enhanced Type: Sun, C4 Enhanced Type: Death WingsMorphology Optimization: Morphology Optimization Level 2, Insect Form Mastery, Insect Form Activation, Human Form Mastery, Human Form Activation, Animal Form Mastery, Animal Form ActivationMaterial Science (Clay): Improved Clay, Lightning-Resistant Clay, Advanced Clay, Durable ClayNinja Arts: Chakra Enhancement, Ninjutsu Enhancement, Genjutsu Resistance Level 2, Clayification
The C4 Enhanced Type: Death Wings was an upgraded version of the C2 Great Dragon. With the bombs reaching the C4 level, Deidara's strength had once again skyrocketed.
By his own estimation, he was now at a quasi-Six Paths level, capable of going toe-to-toe with someone like Hashirama Senju.
The reason for his urgency was the sudden emergence of Mōryō, which had completely shattered the original storyline. The butterfly effect caused by his presence was growing increasingly unpredictable, and the world was developing in unexpected ways.
Originally, Mōryō was merely a minor antagonist who appeared briefly in a movie storyline. During the Fourth Great Ninja War, he wasn't even mentioned.
But now, Mōryō had actively stepped into the spotlight and was even aiding Obito. This development demanded caution, especially considering that, according to the lore, Mōryō possessed world-ending power.
World-ending—surely that meant at least Six Paths level.
"Lord Deidara, Lord Hiashi has extended an invitation for you to visit the Hyūga Clan tonight. Would that be acceptable?"
While Deidara was deeply engrossed in his research on C4-level art, Hyūga Kanade approached him with the message.
After Danzo's death, the Hyūga Clan had relocated to the Village Hidden in the Rain. Although Hiashi Hyūga still controlled the Caged Bird Seal, both he and his two daughters had been branded with it by Danzo in the past, so he didn't dare to abuse it.
Hiashi had proven to be a shrewd leader. Even in such circumstances, he maintained his position as the clan head.
He promised to completely reform the Hyūga Clan's structure, abolishing the division between the Main and Branch families. From then on, no child of the Hyūga Clan would be subjected to the Caged Bird Seal. This promise garnered immense support.
Hiashi also demonstrated exceptional administrative talent, securing benefits and status for the Hyūga Clan within the Village Hidden in the Rain. His efforts even earned the admiration of Nagato and Konan, and he was appointed as a member of the village's newly established advisory council.
Under these circumstances, even former rebels like Hyūga Kanade gradually came to acknowledge Hiashi's leadership.
"Am I the only one invited, or are others included?" Deidara asked.
"Just you, Lord Deidara," Kanade replied.
"Hiashi Hyūga invited me? What for?" Deidara found it odd. Despite his formidable strength, he held no official position of power within the Village Hidden in the Rain. Why would Hiashi go out of his way to curry favor with him?
Kanade's expression turned somewhat peculiar at the question. "You'll understand when you get there."
Deidara thought for a moment. After several days of being cooped up at home, he figured it wouldn't hurt to step out and get some fresh air.
"Alright, let's go," he said, following Kanade.
After a new round of expansion, the Village Hidden in the Rain now surpassed the size of the former Village Hidden in the Leaves.
Having absorbed so many shinobi from the Mist, Sand, and Leaf villages, along with countless others seeking refuge amidst the chaos of the ninja world, the Village Hidden in the Rain had become the largest village in existence.
The Hyūga Clan's compound was located in the northern outskirts of the village. It wasn't that they lacked the wealth to secure land within the inner circle; rather, Hiashi Hyūga understood the importance of maintaining a low profile.
After all, times had changed. The Hyūga Clan's power had been significantly diminished, and in a village teeming with Kage-level shinobi, they dared not make waves.
When Deidara arrived at the gates of the Hyūga compound, Hiashi was already waiting with his clansmen. Upon seeing Deidara, Hiashi immediately stepped forward with enthusiasm.
"Lord Seiryū, thank you for gracing us with your presence!" Hiashi's demeanor was exceedingly humble, and the clansmen behind him bowed deeply in greeting.
The display made Deidara feel somewhat uncomfortable.
While this level of respect was befitting a Kage-level shinobi, Deidara's experiences since joining the Akatsuki had skewed his perception. Surrounded by monstrous enemies and allies alike, being Kage-level didn't seem all that impressive.
But in reality, Kage-level shinobi were the pinnacle of power, even for the Five Great Nations. In smaller villages or countries, a Kage-level individual could do as they pleased—rule as they wished, crush any opposition, and leave behind a legacy of countless descendants.
Under Hiashi's warm guidance, Deidara entered the Hyūga Clan's new compound and was led to the reception hall.
The hall had been lavishly prepared. At Hiashi's insistence, Deidara sat in the seat of honor, while Hiashi took the position to his right.
With a clap of Hiashi's hands, maids began serving food and pouring drinks. A group of dancers gracefully entered, and soft music filled the hall.
Such decadence! Such indulgence! Hiashi Hyūga, you're... quite impressive!
The feast continued in a lively and harmonious atmosphere for over an hour.
When the time seemed right, Hiashi finally spoke.
"Lord Seiryū, the reason I invited you here today is that I have a favor to ask."
Deidara's ears perked up. After such an elaborate setup, was Hiashi finally revealing his true intentions?
"Clan Leader Hiashi, I appreciate your hospitality, but I must clarify—I hold no official power within the Village Hidden in the Rain. Please be mindful of the nature of your request."
Deidara felt that Hiashi, being as astute as he was, deserved some assistance. However, he also believed in setting boundaries—such behavior shouldn't be encouraged too much.
Hiashi's expression remained calm. Instead of answering directly, he gave a few instructions to the maids behind him.
Soon, two girls—one older, one younger—were brought into the hall.
Deidara immediately recognized them: Hinata Hyūga and Hanabi Hyūga. He'd seen them countless times in the anime—and in, well, other types of content.
"Lord Seiryū, what do you think of my daughters?" Hiashi asked.
So that's it—Hiashi wanted to find a teacher for his daughters?
It was a reasonable request. Not overly demanding, and it would quickly strengthen the Hyūga Clan's ties to the Akatsuki, the core of the Village Hidden in the Rain.
Hiashi Hyūga, quite the clever strategist.
"Lord Seiryū, neither of my daughters is married. Might you be interested?"
Pfft!
Deidara spat out his sake in shock.
Never in his wildest dreams had he expected this! Hiashi Hyūga, your ambition is incredible! Trying to make me your son-in-law, are you?!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
The story isn't over...🤔 Want to know what happens next to the characters? 🤫 Eager to explore the untold secrets of this world? ✍ Ready to read more of my wildest stories?✨patreon.com/GoldenLong