With the affairs in the Land of Demons concluded, the Akatsuki, which had been hiding in the shadows, began to stir as well.
The so-called Akatsuki was a mysterious organization composed of dozens of ninja. Its ten core members were all S-rank criminals listed on wanted posters. Itachi Uchiha of Konoha, Kisame Hoshigaki of the Hidden Mist, and the former Orochimaru were all members of the Akatsuki.
Amid the desert winds and sand, two figures wearing black robes patterned with red clouds walked step by step toward Sunagakure through the desert of the Land of Wind. The strong wind swept over the straw hats they wore, making their bells ring with a light, ethereal sound.
One of them was a tall man wearing a straw hat, with blond hair. His left eye was hidden beneath long bangs that hung below his face, while his visible eye was blue-green.
These two were both core members of the Akatsuki: Deidara and Sasori of the Red Sands!
The other Akatsuki member, Sasori, appeared much shorter. His true body was bound within his puppet, Hiruko, as the two slowly advanced toward Sunagakure.
Sasori asked in a deep, hoarse voice, "Deidara, are you sure that little clay is enough? The target is a Jinchuriki."
Deidara laughed. "All my ninjutsu is art. The target is the One-Tail, after all. Old man, should I say you really are a middle-aged uncle in your thirties? Your temper is as lousy as ever."
"Deidara, keep talking nonsense and I'll turn you into one of my artworks!" Sasori threatened Deidara.
"Artwork? Hmph, old man Sasori, true art is the beauty created by an instant explosion!" Deidara retorted fearlessly.
Sasori spoke in a cold voice. "Eternity is true art, Deidara."
"Old man Sasori, artists will never compromise their principles. A fleeting