The Will of Akatsuki

In the Tsuchikage's Office, Deidara sat in the seat of honor, wearing a formal Tsuchikage Robe bearing Iwagakure's emblem and a few artistic touches of his own. His expression was grave.

Kurotsuchi stood quietly behind him and to one side, her eyes sharp.

Samui sat in the guest's seat, still dressed in her crisp civilian official's attire. Her usual calm professionalism had returned.

She wasted little time on pleasantries. When Deidara asked why she had come, she got straight to the point.

"Kumogakure sent me here to forge a strong alliance with Iwagakure."

Samui's voice was clear and steady. "In the Shinobi World today, Kumogakure possesses military and technological power unmatched by any other nation."

"And under Tsuchikage Deidara's leadership, Iwagakure has achieved astonishing economic prosperity and developed a cultural influence all its own. Together, we would be a formidable force."

She leaned forward slightly and continued to lay out her vision. "What's more, we've reached preliminary agreements with Sunagakure in the mineral-rich Land of Wind and Kirigakure in the Land of Water, which controls vital sea routes."

"With our four nations united, we could shape a new, more balanced order for the Shinobi World."

"A four-nation alliance?" Deidara interrupted. His blue eyes narrowed as he seized on the heart of the matter.

"Who are you gathering all this power to fight? There's only one target on this continent worth such a show of force. Konoha, isn't it?"

Samui met Deidara's gaze without flinching and nodded.

"Konoha now stands above every other village. Naruto Uzumaki's reputation and strength are unmatched throughout the Shinobi World."

"If our four nations don't unite to counterbalance Konoha, it will eventually use its overwhelming advantage to defeat us one by one, perhaps even swallow us whole. This is necessary for our survival and our future."