Naruto: The Abstract Strategist of the Akatsuki

Chapter 27 Let's stay here with Deidara!

"By the way, the Flying Thunder God technique I mentioned earlier is just one of the goals. I'll also help you get the training method for the Multiplying Explosive Tags while I'm at it."

"Multiplicative explosive tags?"

"That's right. As a master of creating forbidden techniques, Tobirama Senju was limited to creation."

Whether it's the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, the Impure World Reincarnation, or the Flying Thunder God Technique, there are always people who use them more effectively than his original version.

The only thing no one has surpassed him in is the mutual multiplication of explosive tags; it's perfect for you, Xiao Nan.

"I'm wondering, can Konoha really compromise so easily?"

The paper on Xiao Nan's cheek trembled twice as the wind blew.

"It's alright. Once Orochimaru's Konoha Crush plan begins, we'll go and offer our help. They won't be able to refuse."

Bai Mo had already planned this out, but since there was still some time before the Chunin Exams, he didn't go into details.

"Orochimaru? Right, you said before that you wanted to bring him back."

Xiao Nan suddenly realized that Bai Mo had mentioned it before.

"Is he planning to destroy Konoha?"

"...Wait, are you planning to stop Orochimaru from destroying Konoha?"

Xiao Nan was somewhat surprised.

They were so surprised that they didn't even complain that Bai Mo's actions weren't "providing help in times of need," but rather "profiting from someone's misfortune."

"If Orochimaru succeeds in destroying it, what will Pain destroy next?"

"..."

Just kidding.

Bai Mo regained his composure and said, "Orochimaru doesn't have the power to destroy Konoha. At most, he can only kill the Third Hokage."

"So you're going to save the Third Hokage?"

"Bingo, that's right."

"Let me give you a breakdown of the combat strength lost by Konoha during the time the Third Hokage was in power."

"Kakashi's father, the White Fang of Konoha, was driven to suicide by the inherently evil public opinion of the Konoha villagers."

"Let's not even mention the entire Uchiha clan, and Itachi isn't included either."

With the Mangekyou Sharingan possessing the abilities of Fugaku, Shisui, the clan leader, not to mention the Mangekyou Sharingan, if these two were to activate Susanoo on the battlefield and control the tailed beasts with their Sharingan, who could stop them?

Moreover, there's no need to worry about their power growing uncontrollably; the Kaleidoscope will gradually blind you as you use it.

As a result, they did nothing, and it was gone.

"The Yellow Flash Minato Namikaze, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki Kushina Uzumaki."

"Orochimaru, the defector."

"Hizashi, the younger brother of the Hyuga clan leader."

"Even Konan and the others, if it weren't for Danzo, you would have had a decent impression of Konoha back then because of Jiraiya, and could have become a force to be reckoned with at any time."

"The examples I've given are all direct or indirect consequences of the Third Hokage's governance methods."

"If he can retain these fighting forces, Konoha alone could easily take on the other four."

"So do you understand now? If Hiruzen Sarutobi is killed by Orochimaru, the ones who should be most heartbroken are not Asuma Sarutobi, nor Konohamaru Sarutobi, but the Kazekage, Tsuchikage, Mizukage, and Raikage."

"Saving Hiruzen Sarutobi's life will make our development easier."

"If the examples I just gave happen again, we can take over Konoha's forces and strengthen ourselves."

When Bai Mo said that, Xiao Nan realized it was true.

For the first time, she discovered that there were situations in this world where keeping an "enemy" alive was more useful than having them dead.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, just like Hanzo the Salamander whom they once admired.

They all once had grand ambitions and broad minds.

But as they get older, they gradually become content with mediocrity.

"This is what you call a stupid teammate... What's that word again? A pig teammate."

Xiao Nan's mood gradually improved, and a slight smile appeared on her lips.

"……Um."

Bai Mo really wanted to complain.

How dare you call your teammate a "pig teammate"?

If he hadn't reacted quickly and been lucky, he would have been sealed away by his incompetent teammate Nagato with Chibaku Tensei.

Although this seal can be broken on its own.

-

The Land of Earth is located in the northwest of the Ninja World.

The terrain is mostly rocky mountains.

The overall environment wasn't as scorching as the desert in the Land of Wind; instead, it was rather cool.

To the west of the Land of Earth lies the Land of Snow, which is covered in snow year-round.

Bai Mo and Xiao Nan arrived near the target location where Deidara was trapped.

There was no need to contact Deidara again to confirm; several squads of Iwagakure ninja were already lurking below this spot.

On the towering rock wall, there is a cave, the entrance of which is covered with a layer of white exploding spiders.

Deidara must be hiding inside.

Onoki, the Tsuchikage, used the Rock Clone Technique to guard both sides of the rock wall.

There's a saying: "If you're taught by the same master, you can't break through their defenses."

Deidara is now facing an even more serious situation—his opponent is his master.

Ōnoki was fully aware of all the methods employed by Iwagakure.

The Iwa ninja below were there to prevent Deidara from using the Earth Dragon Concealment Technique to escape underground.

He stayed above to prevent Deidara from escaping through the air, and also tried to persuade Deidara to return to the village from the cave entrance.

I don't know how long this has been going on.

Anyway, Onoki didn't say a word. He just sat cross-legged on a protruding rock wall with his eyes closed, as if he wanted to play a war of attrition with Deidara.

On the rocky mountain of Deidara, a figure flew up and arrived at the entrance of the cave.

It was Kurotsuchi who used the Light and Heavy Rock Technique.

"Black Earth, don't go over there. That kid has planted bombs all over the outside, and there are many more hidden in the rock walls."

Onoki opened his eyes and called out to his granddaughter who had acted on her own.

"It's alright, I'm not going in. I've seen you trying to persuade Deidara for days, old man, but it's no use. I might as well do it."

Without turning his head, Kurotsuchi waved to Onoki behind him and floated towards the cave entrance.

"Deidara, are you there?"

"Not here."

"..."

The black soil floating at the cave entrance twitched at the corner of its mouth, feeling its fist harden.

However, she still needed to offer some advice; she hadn't forgotten her purpose.

"Many of your former comrades from the demolition team are down the mountain. Aren't you going to come out and see them?"

Black Earth spoke towards the cave.

"Tch, they're not my kind of people. They don't understand art at all. Treating art like a job is an insult to art! Hmm!"

Deidara's voice came from inside the cave.

Clearly, relying on friendship or bonds to salvage the relationship is useless.

Because in Iwagakure, there is simply no one who can understand Deidara's art.

"Just because someone uses the same explosive ninjutsu doesn't mean they'll be considered an ally by Deidara."

An unfamiliar voice came from behind the black soil.

Black Earth turned around alertly and saw a man also floating in the air.

If the other party isn't from Iwagakure, how did they become floating?

Wait, he just mentioned Deidara...

Kurotsuchi recalled some information that Deidara had inadvertently revealed during the days of pursuit and interception, such as that he had joined an organization.

And he is contacting that organization to ask for help.

"So you're a member of Deidara's organization? Then don't leave today, stay with us!"

Black Earth formed a hand seal, puffed out his cheeks, and spat out a large cloud of lime towards White Ink:

"Dissolve and Congeal: The Limestone Condensation Technique!"

Bai Mo made no attempt to dodge, letting what was either lime or cement spray onto his body and gradually solidify.

During this time, Bai Mo only did one thing.

He pulled out something he didn't know and aimed it at the black soil.

Then he replied to Heitu with the following:

"What are you staying for? To play with leg shadows?"