It had been about a month.
During this time, Deidara had been pushing Kakuzu to complete the development of the Rasenshuriken, and in the process, he successfully unlocked C4: Enhanced Sun.
After ranking up again following the battle against Kumogakure, he also gained access to a new branch ability: C4: Enhanced Deathwing.
[Ultimate Artist System]
Host: Deidara
Shock Value: 7000/27000
Skill Points: 0
Unlocked Skills:
Explosives: Explosion Mastery Lv.3, C2: Enhanced Dragon, Extreme Heat, Extended Detonation Range, Timed Bombs, C3: Enhanced Type - Number 18, C4 Enhanced Sun, C4 Enhanced Deathwing
Morphology: Morphology Optimization Lv.2, Insect Form Mastery, Insect Form Activation, Human Form Mastery, Human Form Activation, Animal Form Mastery, Animal Form Activation
Materials Science: Improved Clay, Anti-Lightning Clay, Advanced Clay, Durable Clay
Ninjutsu: Chakra Enhancement, Jutsu Enhancement, Genjutsu Resistance Level 2, Clayification
C4: Enhanced Deathwing was essentially an upgraded version of the C2 Dragon. Now that his explosives had reached the C4 level, Deidara's strength had taken another massive leap forward.
By his own estimation, he was now at least at the pseudo-Six Paths level—strong enough to go toe-to-toe with Hashirama Senju.
His urgency stemmed from the unexpected appearance of Moryo, which completely shattered the original storyline. The butterfly effect he had created was growing stronger, making the world's development increasingly unpredictable.
Originally, Moryo had only appeared briefly as a villain in one of the Naruto movies and was irrelevant to the main storyline, including the Fourth Great Ninja War. But now, Moryo had emerged on his own and was even assisting Obito, making him an unpredictable variable.
After all, according to the original lore, Moryo was supposed to have world-ending potential.
World-ending, huh? That had to be at least Six Paths level.
"Deidara-sama, Hiashi-sama has invited you to the Hyuga estate for a visit this evening. Would you be interested?"
As Deidara was engrossed in his research on C4-level art, Hyuga Kazuto approached him with the message.
After Danzo's death, the Hyuga clan had settled in Amegakure. Although Hiashi still controlled the Caged Bird Seal, he had also been branded with it by Danzo along with both of his daughters, leaving him unable to abuse his authority.
That being said, Hiashi was still a skilled leader. Even in this difficult situation, he continued to serve as the clan head.
He had promised to reform the Hyuga clan's structure entirely—abolishing the branch family system and ensuring that no future generations would be subjected to the Caged Bird Seal. This promise alone had garnered him immense support.
Additionally, his leadership abilities shone through as he fought to secure the clan's influence and position within Amegakure. His efforts even earned the recognition of Nagato and Konan, granting him a seat on Amegakure's newly established advisory council.
Because of this, even former rebels like Kazuto had gradually come to accept his authority.
"Am I the only one invited, or are there others?" Deidara asked.
"Just you." Kazuto confirmed.
Deidara frowned. "Hiashi invited me? What for?"
Although he was powerful, he held no official position within Amegakure. Why would Hiashi go out of his way to curry favor with him?
Kazuto's expression turned a bit odd. "You'll understand when you get there."
Deidara considered it. He had been cooped up at home for days—getting some fresh air might not be a bad idea.
"Alright, let's go." He followed Kazuto out.
Amegakure had expanded significantly after its recent construction efforts, now surpassing even Konohagakure in size.
With an influx of refugees from Kirigakure, Sunagakure, and Konoha, along with others drawn by its growing reputation, Amegakure had become the largest village in the ninja world.
The Hyuga clan had settled in the northern outskirts. They certainly had the means to purchase property in the inner district, but Hiashi understood the importance of keeping a low profile.
After all, the Hyuga clan had suffered great losses, and Amegakure was teeming with high-level ninja. Given the sheer number of Kage-level figures in the village, a clan like the Hyuga couldn't afford to be too ostentatious.
When Deidara arrived at the Hyuga estate, Hiashi was already waiting at the gate with several clan members. As soon as he saw Deidara, he immediately stepped forward with enthusiasm.
"Thank you for honoring us with your presence!"
His posture was extremely humble, and the rest of the Hyuga clan bowed in unison.
The sight made Deidara a little uncomfortable.
Technically, this was the level of respect an elite Kage-level ninja should receive. However, since he had joined the Akatsuki right after transmigrating—and his enemies were all absurdly strong—he never really felt like being Kage-level was that impressive.
But in reality, Kage-level ninja were the ultimate trump cards of the Five Great Nations.
In a small village or minor country, a single Kage-level individual could live like a king—doing whatever they pleased, taking whomever they wanted, and fathering dozens of children without a care in the world.
Under Hiashi's personal guidance, Deidara was led into the clan's newly built estate and seated in the main hall.
The room had been meticulously decorated, and despite his protests, Hiashi insisted that Deidara take the seat of honor while he sat respectfully on his right.
Then, with a clap of his hands, servants entered to serve food and pour drinks. A troupe of dancers followed, and soft music filled the hall.
Too decadent! Too indulgent!
Hiashi, I must say… I like your style!
The music continued, and the feast stretched on for over an hour.
Once the atmosphere was just right, Hiashi finally spoke up. "I invited you here today because I have a request."
Deidara's ears perked up. After all this effort, Hiashi was finally revealing his true motives.
"Clan Head Hiashi, I appreciate your hospitality, but I must clarify—I hold no official power in Amegakure, so you should be careful with your requests."
Deidara didn't mind helping someone as tactful as Hiashi, but he wasn't about to go overboard. Encouraging this kind of behavior could set a bad precedent.
Hiashi remained composed, not answering directly. Instead, he gestured to a maid, who promptly brought in two girls—one older, one younger.
Deidara recognized them instantly: Hyuga Hinata and Hyuga Hanabi.
He had seen them plenty in the anime... and in certain other materials.
"What do you think of my daughters?" Hiashi asked.
So that's it—he wants a teacher for them?
A reasonable request. Not excessive, and a great way to quickly forge ties with Amegakure's leadership.
Smart move, Hiashi.
But before Deidara could speak, Hiashi continued, "My daughters are both unmarried. I was wondering... would you be interested in them?"
Pfft!
Deidara choked on his sake, nearly spraying it everywhere.
Never in a million years did he expect this.
Hiashi, you ambitious bastard! Are you trying to make me your son-in-law?!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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