Preparations for battle

"What?! You've got some nerve, Sasuke Uchiha!" Deidara instantly flared up, slammed his palm on the table, and sprang to his feet, pointing at Sasuke.

"Are you looking for a fight? Hm? We can step outside right now! I'll show you my new art!"

"Hey, hey, calm down, Deidara!"

"Sasuke, give it a rest!"

Naruto Uzumaki and Kurotsuchi, who was taking the meeting minutes nearby, hurried to their feet. Kurotsuchi pushed Deidara back into his seat before he could charge over, while Naruto gave Sasuke a resigned pat on the shoulder.

Once the tension had eased a little, everyone turned their attention to the Fifth Kazekage, Gaara.

Gaara was about to speak, but Sasori, who had remained silent beside him, spoke first, his voice as flat and calm as ever:

"I'll go as Sunagakure's representative."

Ignoring the faintly surprised looks around him, he continued in the same tone he used to analyze a puppet's structure. "As it happens, I'd also like to see for myself just how advanced this so-called alien civilization's technology and creations are. This is a rare opportunity to observe and learn."

"Sasori, my man!" Deidara's eyes instantly filled with tears of gratitude, as though he had found a kindred spirit. He spread his arms to give Sasori an enthusiastic hug. "We really are partners forever! Hm!"

Without a change in expression, Sasori reached out, planted his hand squarely against Deidara's approaching face, and pushed him away. "Piss off," he said coldly. "I'm simply making a rational decision based on my own needs. Don't flatter yourself, Deidara."

"All right!" Seizing the moment, Naruto Uzumaki slapped the table and settled the matter. "Then this decapitation squad will consist of me, Sasuke, Deidara, and Sasori! With the four of us working together, we'll definitely send the mastermind behind this