Infiltrating Iwagakure

A few days later, Shizuki came beneath the Sacred Tree and told Houka the intelligence that Deidara had been "captured" by Iwagakure.

"In fact, shortly after the people I sent entered the Land of Earth, news of Deidara's capture reached us. I think they deliberately leaked this information," Shizuki speculated. "Their goal is to lure you over."

Houka nodded. "I'm a Missing-nin now. Naturally, Iwagakure wants revenge against me."

During the Third Great Ninja War, he and Minato Namikaze had joined forces to kill Haitō, the disciple of the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki. Afterward, Houka had caused havoc in the Land of Earth, tying down a large number of Iwagakure's forces. Then Minato Namikaze had forced Iwagakure to surrender in the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. With all that added together, the grudge between them ran deep indeed.

Moreover, Houka believed that besides Iwagakure, Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and even Kirigakure were all setting their sights on him.

If he had not found a way to replenish his Mangekyou, Houka truly would not have dared to be so reckless.

"What do you plan to do?" Shizuki asked, looking at him somewhat nervously.

If Houka ignored Deidara's fate, then Shizuki really would have to reconsider whether to throw in his lot with him.

"Heh. Since they want me to go, then naturally I'll pay them a visit." An amused smile appeared at the corner of Houka's eyes.

Shizuki sighed in relief, though he was still somewhat worried. "Lord Houka, Iwagakure must have laid an ambush with a large number of ninja. Wouldn't it be too dangerous for you to go like this?"

"Who said I was going alone?" Houka replied righteously.

Shizuki's mouth twitched. "Well, Lord Houka, I suddenly remembered that I have something to take care of. Um, I'll take my leave first."

"...Get