Chapter 769: The Show Begins
Although events were unfolding according to Uchiha Yin's plan, Ōnoki genuinely wanted a proper fight with his student, Deidara. He had no other motive than to test his strength thoroughly. If Deidara wasn't up to the task, better that he died at Ōnoki's hands than out in the world—or worse, ruined Uchiha Yin's grand plan and brought destruction upon all of Iwagakure.
Deidara was somewhat afraid, but he was also brimming with fighting spirit. After all, he had spent some time studying explosive clay and believed he had already achieved a certain degree of mastery. In reality, however, apart from a brief spar with someone from his village in which he detonated a tiny piece of clay, he had barely ever used explosive clay in combat, let alone fought someone at Kage Level.
He had never forgotten what Uchiha Yin had told him. Every member of the Akatsuki possessed extraordinary strength, with almost all of them meeting Kage Level standards. If he kept muddling along like this, he would likely die in the Akatsuki before completing his mission.
They were master and student, after all, and on this matter, their thoughts aligned without either having to say a word. Their gazes grew sharper and more serious as they looked at each other.
Ōnoki spoke pointedly. "Since you've decided to take this path, let me see how strong you are. If you're capable enough, then I, your teacher, won't be able to keep you in line anymore!"
Deidara naturally understood what Ōnoki meant and felt deeply grateful, but he showed none of it. Instead, he laughed. "If that's the case, I'll really have to thank you, teacher!"
With that, he stuffed a small lump of clay into his mouth, worked it around a few times, and