Chapter 221: Deidara's Proposal

Outside Uchiha Madara's hideout, a tense atmosphere hung in the air.

Madara observed Orochimaru, who stood frozen in fear, and chuckled with genuine amusement.

"Hahahahahahaha!"

Could it be that my grandson once disguised himself as me to terrify this man? Madara thought to himself.

How intriguing.

According to Black Zetsu, the man before him, Orochimaru, was a notable figure in the ninja world.

Madara couldn't help but wonder—what exactly had his grandson done to leave such a lasting impression on this so-called legendary ninja?

"Heh."

Madara's smirk sent a shiver down Orochimaru's spine, causing him to tremble even more.

"Obito-sama, I swear my attack on Konoha wasn't aimed at you!" Orochimaru pleaded, his face pale.

"I only wanted to test the strength of the Edo Tensei technique!"

"Edo Tensei?"

Hearing the mention of Tobirama Senju's forbidden technique immediately soured Madara's mood.

But judging from Orochimaru's tone…

Did Obito know about this? Worse, had he even condoned Orochimaru's research?

Madara's curiosity was piqued. He decided to slip into character, playing the role of his "grandson." A mocking smile curved his lips.

"Oh? Do you really think I'd believe such nonsense?"

Orochimaru, desperate to prove his sincerity, nodded fervently.

"It's true, Obito-sama! I wouldn't dare lie to you!"

"Besides, I've never forgotten the task you entrusted me with!"

As he spoke, Orochimaru slowly reached into his robe, his movements deliberate, as if to avoid provoking any suspicion.

Madara watched with a bemused expression, making no move to stop him.

What a joke—did this junior truly think he could catch him off guard?

From within his robe, Orochimaru carefully pulled out a scroll and presented it with both hands, bowing respectfully.

"Obito-sama, I am pleased to report that I have succeeded. This is Uchiha Izuna's summoning scroll."

"…Izuna?!"

Madara's heart trembled, his composure cracking for a fleeting moment.

Obito intended to use the Edo Tensei to bring back Izuna?

Orochimaru noted Madara's stunned reaction and felt a flicker of doubt. Why was "Obito" so visibly shaken?

Still, he dismissed the thought quickly. The more dramatic the reaction, the better for him.

With a smirk, Orochimaru tossed the scroll toward Madara, then leapt backward, forming hand seals at an alarming speed.

Just in case things went south, Orochimaru had prepared countermeasures ahead of time. On his way here, he had reincarnated Tobirama Senju and Hashirama Senju as additional safeguards.

After being humiliated by "Obito" so many times, Orochimaru was determined to turn the tables.

"Didn't expect this, did you, Uchiha Obito?" he thought smugly.

"I'll use the very people you wish to resurrect to defeat you!"

Tiger → Serpent →…

Before Orochimaru could complete his seals, a chilling voice interrupted him.

"Banshō Ten'in."

A powerful force yanked Orochimaru forward before he could react. His throat was seized in an iron grip.

Madara's eyes glimmered with an ominous light as he forcefully invaded Orochimaru's mind.

"This sensation… You're not Uchiha Obito!" Orochimaru gasped, his voice trembling as his mental defenses crumbled under Madara's relentless assault.

"No… It can't be… You're Uchiha Madara?!"

In an instant, Orochimaru pieced everything together.

Obito had been working for Madara all along. That's how he'd so flawlessly mimicked the man's demeanor and aura.

The reason Obito had tasked Orochimaru with finding the remains of Tajima Uchiha and Izuna Uchiha became clear—it was all part of Madara's plan.

Though Orochimaru didn't know how Madara was still alive, he realized he had no time to dwell on the matter.

"Madara-sama!" Orochimaru cried out, seizing his final chance.

"Obito has betrayed you! I have proof!"

But Madara paid him no heed, his expression cold as he rifled through Orochimaru's memories.

Moments later, Madara's face darkened further.

"Obito…"

...

In Iwagakure, within a secluded room…

Deidara slammed the table in frustration, his voice rising in anger.

"Quit joking around, old man, hmm! You expect me to work for you for the rest of my life because of some half-baked story?!"

"You're even more shameless than our Akatsuki leader, hmm!"

Onoki, infuriated, glared at his rebellious former apprentice. His fists trembled as he resisted the urge to use Dust Release.

"You ungrateful brat! Do you have any idea what an honor it is to lead a village? And you dare call it a punishment?!"

Deidara sneered, crossing his arms.

"Honor, my ass. Only a fool would want to be Tsuchikage, hmm!"

Onoki's blood pressure skyrocketed, but he knew that yelling at Deidara would only make things worse. Taking a deep breath, he decided to change tactics.

"If that's how you feel, I won't force you…" Onoki sighed, his tone softening.

"But come home, Deidara. Not just for me. We all miss you."

Deidara's expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

Onoki noticed and felt a surge of hope.

'Got you now, you brat,' he thought, inwardly smug.

But after a brief silence, Deidara raised his head, his resolve renewed.

"I refuse. I won't return, hmm."

Faced with the choice between the family he'd grown up with and his like-minded comrades, Deidara chose the latter.

Before Onoki could explode in anger, Deidara continued, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"But I do have a suggestion, old man."

Onoki narrowed his eyes, sensing trouble.

"Speak."

Deidara smirked confidently.

"How about this—you bring Iwagakure under the banner of Yoru? Then I can visit everyone whenever I want, hmm!"

"Let's be real, our Yoru is going to unify the ninja world sooner or later. If you join early, you might even score some benefits, hmm."

"I'll even put in a good word with the boss and get you a cushy job. Our village chief position is open right now, hmm!"

Onoki's face turned black as coal. He looked seconds away from a heart attack.

But Deidara, oblivious to the storm brewing, continued with his self-satisfied grin.

"With me backing you up, old man, you'll definitely…"

"Shut your mouth, you insolent brat!" Onoki roared, unable to hold back any longer.

"I've been trying to help you out of the goodness of my heart, and this is how you repay me?!"

Deidara flicked his hair and rolled his eyes.

"I'm trying to help you too, you stubborn old man, hmm!"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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