The Strongest Artist in Naruto

"I have no interest in schemes and conspiracies. What I want to collaborate on are your research projects—those are the truly valuable treasures."

"Well said. It seems you, too, understand the true nature of this world."

Orochimaru's perception of Deidara shifted slightly, now tinged with recognition. While he excelled at manipulation and deception, Orochimaru did not hold them in high regard. Truth and knowledge—those were his true pursuits.

"But my research is invaluable. What price are you willing to pay in exchange?" Orochimaru's voice carried a hint of amusement. To him, the pursuit of truth was priceless, and anyone hoping to strike a deal would need to offer something extraordinary.

Deidara, unsurprised by the reaction, casually tossed a sealing scroll to Orochimaru. Inside was a small sample of the Eight-Tails' flesh.

"Eight-Tails' tissue." Orochimaru's eyes widened for a moment, betraying rare surprise.

"I have plenty more. If you agree to cooperate, it's all yours." Deidara produced another scroll, this one containing additional samples collected during their recent battle with the Eight-Tails.

"Heh, heh!"

"It seems you've been up to something remarkable." Orochimaru's face lit up with excitement, though he didn't press Deidara on how he obtained the samples. The details didn't matter to him.

"Fine. What is it you want in return?" Orochimaru asked, his curiosity piqued.

"For now, I don't want anything material from you. Consider it a friendly investment," Deidara replied with a sly grin. "But as interest, I'd like you to focus your research on the First Hokage's cells. In the future, you'll share your findings with me, and I'll compensate you further."

Deidara's interest in Hashirama's cells was tied to a grander purpose: strengthening Nagato. After all, the system had assigned him a mission to summon and defeat Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. That required activating the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and someone had to carry out the plan. Among Madara, Obito, and Nagato, Deidara deemed Nagato the most salvageable option—the other two were too stubborn to reason with.

"How do you know I've been researching the First Hokage's cells?" Orochimaru's tone turned guarded, his suspicion evident. Did Sasori have another spy planted in his ranks besides Kabuto?

Deidara smirked. "A lucky guess, really. Think about it—just as every village seeks to control the Tailed Beasts, there's no way Konoha's leaders could resist the allure of the God of Shinobi."

"Hmm, fair point." Orochimaru's wary expression softened into a grin. "Deidara, I must admit, you have a sharp grasp of human nature."

Taking the scroll, Orochimaru glanced at the Edo Tensei corpse of the Third Kazekage. "It seems there's still room to improve my Edo Tensei technique. Until next time, gentlemen."

"Deidara, are you seriously planning to collaborate with Orochimaru?" Sasori asked, displeasure evident in his voice. The two men had a history of enmity, after all.

"Come on, Sasori. Think big!" Deidara said, waving a hand dismissively. "Orochimaru's expertise in genetics is terrifying. Imagine one day commanding an army of Tailed Beast puppets or Wood Release puppets—he can make that a reality!"

"Hmph. It'd better be worth it," Sasori grumbled. Though he wasn't easily swayed, his recent defeat at the hands of the Eight-Tails had left him yearning for more power.

Leaving the desolate lands of the Land of Wind, the duo crossed the border into the Land of Rivers.

Setting the Scene in the Land of Rivers

The Land of Rivers, though the largest of the smaller nations, lacked military strength and didn't even have a hidden village. Its mountainous terrain made large-scale agriculture nearly impossible, much like the Land of Wind. This geographical disadvantage ensured the larger nations rarely paid it much attention.

Akatsuki had chosen Matsuzaka City, a mid-tier city in the Land of Rivers, as the site of their new base. It struck a balance—neither too impoverished nor too prosperous to draw unwanted attention. With limited personnel to guard it, a low-profile location was ideal.

As Deidara and Sasori walked along a forested mountain trail toward the city, they enjoyed a rare moment of peace. Birds chirped overhead, rustling noises hinted at wildlife in the bushes, and occasional travelers passed by.

Despite their violent lives, most shinobi secretly longed for tranquility. Even Deidara, a newcomer to this world, felt the burden of endless battles wearing on him. Without moments of peace, even the strongest minds could crack.

Unfortunately, peace never lasted.

Suddenly, a group of rogue samurai and mercenary ninja burst from the woods, surrounding a nearby caravan. Though their main target was clearly the merchants, Deidara and Sasori were caught in the crossfire.

"Gentlemen, there's no need for this! We're just humble traders!" an elderly man pleaded, holding up a permit with trembling hands. "We've paid our dues to Zoey-sama—look!"

"Out of my way, old man!" The leader kicked him aside, sending him crashing into a cart and coughing up blood.

"Grandfather!" A young man rushed to the elder's side, glaring at their attackers with fiery determination.

"Quit stalling. Lady Jun is in that caravan, isn't she? Hand her over, pledge loyalty to Zoey-sama, and you might just live to see another day," the leader sneered, brandishing a kunai.

When his identity was revealed, the young man dropped his Transformation Jutsu, revealing his true form—a sharp-eyed youth with spiky brown hair.

"You'll never take her! We won't bow to that tyrant Zoey!"

"Then you'll all die, and I'll find her myself," the leader growled, signaling his men to prepare for battle.

"Tch. More fighting." Deidara sighed. "Sasori, this one's all yours."

"Oh no. You're the one who enjoys pointless battles. Go ahead," Sasori retorted, unmoved by Deidara's deflection.

As the bandits closed in, the air grew thick with tension.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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