Deidara's strength

[The Canopy Screen shifted. The two fled the abandoned mine in a sorry state. Looking back, they saw thick clouds of dust and smoke billowing from the entrance.]

[Kurotsuchi was still shaken, while Ōnoki stared at the smoking entrance, his face livid.]

[Just then, a deadly Dust Release beam shot out from the lingering dust over the rubble.]

[The two bandage-wrapped clones stepped out of the smoke unscathed, their clouded eyes locking onto the pair again.]

["We're not done yet!" Kurotsuchi gritted her teeth, Lava Style chakra already gathering in her palms.]

[Ōnoki's expression grew even graver. He formed hand seals again, ready to stake his life on the fight.]

[Yet just as the four were about to clash again, the two clones seemed to sense something and abruptly leaped sideways!]

[Almost simultaneously, the sky darkened. Countless clay spiders, centipedes, and birds rained down like a black cloud of death, engulfing the spot where the clones had just stood!]

["Art is an explosion! Ha!"]

[BOOOOM!!!]

[Deafening explosions turned the entire area into a sea of fire, shock waves sweeping outward with shattered rock and searing heat.]

["Deidara!" Kurotsuchi cried in delighted surprise.]

[Deidara descended gracefully from the sky, landing in front of Kurotsuchi and Ōnoki.]

[He first cast an indifferent glance at the grim-faced Ōnoki, then turned to Kurotsuchi, his gaze instantly softening:]

["Leave this to me. Take the old man somewhere farther away." His tone was calm, but carried unquestionable confidence.]

[Anxious and furious, Ōnoki shouted, "Deidara! Don't underestimate these clones! They can use not just my Dust Release, but even your explosive clay..."]

[Before he could finish, the clones attacked! One flung out both hands, sending four crudely made clay centipedes skittering crookedly along the ground toward Deidara!]

[At the sight of those ugly clay creations, utterly devoid