The two artists had different understandings of art.
Deidara believed that art was explosion, that fleeting beauty was true art.
But Sasori believed that beauty which lasted forever was art.
The two often argued because of this.
Aboard the clay bomb bird, Sasori asked Deidara, "Why are you so excited whenever the Land of Earth is mentioned? Aren't you a rogue ninja from the Land of Earth?"
Deidara curled his lip. "That old geezer can't be blown to death anyway. Besides, he never recognized my art, so I'll show him what art really is."
Sasori said, "The hell kind of art is yours? It's gone in an instant."
Deidara said, "You don't understand. The light and heat created at the moment of explosion, the energy released in that instant, those beautiful colors, that heart-stopping shockwave—that is art!!"
Sasori still did not understand.
What was so good about momentary art?
Art that could be passed down and remain eternal was true art.
Of course, Sasori had achieved his own art as well.
After all, Kankuro had turned Sasori into a puppet. That counted as another kind of eternity.
Land of Earth, Iwagakure, above the Tsuchikage Building.
Deidara began kneading clay nonstop. The clay transformed into one clay spider after another, falling from the sky and landing in every corner of the Tsuchikage Building.
It seemed as though they would explode the very next moment!
The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, had just finished handling documents and felt his waist becoming stiff.
Sigh, he was old and useless now.
Rubbing his waist, Ōnoki walked onto the rooftop and looked at the clear, cloudless sky. "What lovely sunshine!"
Suddenly, Ōnoki spotted a tiny black dot. Wait.
What was that black dot?!
Before Ōnoki could react, a shout rang out from the sky. "Drink!!! Katsu!!!"
Ōnoki