Ch. 221Deidara's proposal
Key plot points
- Outside Madara’s base, Orochimaru insists his attack on Konoha was only a test of the Impure World Reincarnation technique. He gives Madara a scroll containing Uchiha Izuna’s summoning formula, claiming he completed Obito’s assignment.
- Believing he has prepared for a confrontation, Orochimaru tries to summon Hashirama and Tobirama against Obito. Madara stops him with a gravitational technique, grabs him, and searches his memories.
- Orochimaru realizes that the man before him is the real Madara, not Obito. He tries to warn Madara that Obito has betrayed him, but Madara ignores him as the memory search confirms disturbing suspicions.
- In Iwagakure, Ōnoki tries to persuade Deidara to return home, appealing to his affection for Kurotsuchi, Akatsuchi, and the village. Deidara briefly hesitates but ultimately refuses.
- Deidara proposes instead that Iwagakure join his Night Hidden Village, offering Ōnoki a future post as Village Party Secretary. Ōnoki erupts at the suggestion, and the two resume trading insults.
Character developments and interactions
- Madara is stunned to learn Obito wanted Izuna reincarnated, then becomes grim as he uncovers the truth in Orochimaru’s memories.
- Orochimaru shifts from frightened appeasement to attempted resistance, but his preparations fail. He discovers the connection between Obito and Madara and tries to use that knowledge to save himself.
- Deidara makes clear that his loyalty to his chosen companions and ideals outweighs his ties to his home village. He still cares about his old family, however, and frames his proposal as a way to stay close to them.
- Ōnoki moves from anger to a gentler appeal, then back to fury when Deidara’s “compromise” amounts to absorbing Iwagakure into another village.
Significant themes
- Loyalty and belonging: Deidara chooses his current comrades over returning home, while still wanting to remain connected to those he left behind.
- Deception and revelation: Madara’s disguise as Obito collapses, and Orochimaru’s memories expose the hidden relationship and possible betrayal between them.
- Clashing visions of power: Ōnoki values the honor and independence of leading Iwagakure; Deidara dismisses that honor and expects his village to join a larger project.
- Humor amid danger: The tense Madara–Orochimaru confrontation contrasts with the comic, escalating argument between Deidara and Ōnoki.