Chapter 72: The Raikage’s Furious Outburst

"Bring it on!" Anko straightened her posture, puffing out her chest with a defiant air, as though embracing the inevitability of death.

"What's with you, woman? Are you out of your mind?" Deidara mocked, a sly grin on his face. "I'm only asking you to lead us to the Kumogakure camp. What were you expecting?"

The sky had darkened, making it the perfect time for a nighttime raid.

"Wait... What?" Anko froze, her mind grinding to a halt.

"I said, take us to the Kumogakure camp," Deidara repeated nonchalantly.

"Our mission is to help you take down the Ay-Bee duo. A battle of that scale would cause massive collateral damage. You wouldn't want the fight to spill into the Konohagakure camp, would you?" he added with feigned innocence.

Damn it! This brat is toying with me again!

Anko blushed as she scrambled to her feet, realizing Deidara was messing with her—again. Why couldn't he just talk normally?

Still, the idea of a direct assault on the Kumogakure camp gave her pause.

"Don't you think this is too reckless? There are thousands of Kumo shinobi there, not to mention the Ay-Bee duo's reputation. Charging in feels like a death wish," she said hesitantly.

"If we die there, wouldn't that suit you just fine?" Deidara replied with an amused smirk.

"You'd love to see us gone, wouldn't you?"

"Well… I mean…" Anko stammered before catching herself. "No! You're our allies, after all! Of course, I'm concerned about your safety!"

"Enough. Let's go," Sasori interrupted, his tone sharp with impatience. "We've wasted enough time already."

Startled by Sasori's abruptness, Anko reluctantly took the lead, guiding them through the dark forest.

After two hours of silent travel, the trio reached the outskirts of the Kumogakure camp. Patrols and hidden scouts dotted the perimeter, but Sasori eliminated them with silent efficiency.

"This is as far as I go. You're on your own now," Anko said, eager to make her exit.

Deidara nodded. "Fine by me. Get going."

Not needing further encouragement, Anko vanished into the shadows.

Turning to Sasori, Deidara grinned. "Sasori-senpai, hold up. Let me give them a little gift."

Sasori stopped him with a raised hand. "Forget it. Kumogakure's set up a sensory barrier. The moment you enter, they'll detect you."

The Raikage had been briefed by Obito about the Akatsuki's capabilities and wasn't taking any chances. The barrier was designed specifically to counter threats like Deidara's explosives or Pain's overwhelming techniques.

"Tch!" Deidara clicked his tongue, annoyed. "That damned Obito, ruining my artistic performance!"

Sasori's puppet, Hiruko, twitched slightly, reflecting its master's growing impatience.

"No need for theatrics. Leave this to me. They dared to challenge Akatsuki, and now they'll face my wrath!"

Hiruko's hands clapped together. "Wood Release: Nativity of a Sea of Trees!"

In an instant, massive trees erupted from the ground, transforming the barren landscape into a lush, predatory forest. The twisted branches lashed out like living creatures, strangling the Kumogakure shinobi caught within.

Deidara's eyes widened in awe. "Sasori-senpai, you've mastered that technique? Impressive! No wonder your puppet has such an edge with Hashirama's cells!"

Sasori chuckled. "Focus, Deidara. The enemy is coming."

A thunderous roar shook the battlefield as the Eight-Tails appeared, its massive form towering over the forest. Killer Bee had gone straight into full beast mode.

"Careful! The Raikage's here too!" Sasori warned. "He may not match the Eight-Tails in raw power, but his speed makes him far more dangerous."

Before Deidara could respond, a flash of lightning streaked toward him. The Raikage's fist pierced through Deidara's chest like a bolt of pure energy.

But the body crumbled into clay.

"Tsk, such terrifying speed," Deidara remarked, emerging unscathed from the shadows.

"Damn you, Akatsuki!" the Raikage roared, his voice thunderous. "I'll kill every last one of you!"

He charged again, his fist crackling with energy, only to smash another clay decoy.

"Did you really think I wouldn't prepare for your speed?" Deidara taunted, stepping into view. "If destroying my clones calms you down, go right ahead."

With a snap of his fingers, dozens more clay duplicates emerged from the shadows, surrounding the Raikage.

"You bastard!" the Raikage growled, his voice trembling with rage.

"Careful, Raikage-sama!" Bee's voice echoed as he struggled against the forest's assault.

Deidara grinned mischievously. "Oh? Still holding back? Should I head over to the Eight-Tails and liven things up?"

The Raikage's fury reached its peak as he shouted, "Don't mock me!"

With a burst of speed, he obliterated the clones one by one, his fists tearing through them like paper. But for every decoy he destroyed, more appeared to take their place.

"You're just flailing around now," Deidara said mockingly. "I've got 3,000 of these, so take your time."

The Raikage, now drenched in sweat and seething with frustration, roared once more—a sound that echoed across the battlefield like the cry of a cornered beast.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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