"Drink!"
With Deidara's shout, three clay centipedes several meters long burst from the ground at once, baring their fangs and claws as they pounced toward Naruto Uzumaki.
A violent explosion rang out. Thick smoke rose as the cave shook intensely.
When it came to the power of ninjutsu, Deidara's clay bombs ranked among the very best in the entire Ninja World. At the same level, they far surpassed Lightning Style and Fire Style, which were famed for their ferocity and offensive power.
"Damn it!" Naruto Uzumaki snarled. Just as he was about to act, he sensed a Black Shadow hurtling toward him.
"Gaara?"
He immediately recognized the Black Shadow through his senses. His expression changed, and two chakra arms extended to catch the other person.
"Sasori, now! Hurry and leave!"
The instant Naruto caught Gaara, Deidara hurriedly whispered. A white clay bird had already appeared... from the very beginning, he had never intended to confront Naruto head-on.
He had witnessed the gap in strength between them three years ago. Though he was confident that he had grown much stronger over the past three years, he was not arrogant enough to challenge Naruto.
Sasori raised a hand, yet remained where he stood without moving. Glancing toward Chiyo, he said quietly, "You leave first. I have some matters to deal with myself."
"What?" Deidara's eyes widened instantly as he said anxiously, "How can that—"
Before he could finish, Sasori said calmly, "Go. If you don't leave now, you won't get another chance. Don't worry, I won't go looking to die. Even the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki won't find it so easy to kill me."
Seeing the resolve in his eyes, Deidara knew he could not persuade him. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Then be careful, Sasori. We'll meet at the old place."
The white