Qingyun set out from Konoha with Kushina, Tsunade, Miroku, and Shion. He did not summon the Divine Condor to travel, either. After all, according to Miroku's estimate, although Moryo was about to emerge, there was still some time before he fully erupted. It was rare for the whole family to go out together, so naturally, they wanted to enjoy the sights of the ninja world.
Laughing and fooling around along the way, Qingyun and his family gradually left the Land of Fire behind and headed toward the Land of Bears.
As Qingyun's family was about to reach the Land of Bears, Deidara was also approaching the Land of Fire. After his encounter with Kakuzu and Hidan, he had focused entirely on traveling.
Yet even with Deidara's speed, Iwagakure's pursuit squads intercepted him just before he reached the Land of Fire.
"Deidara, come back with us to see Lord Tsuchikage. You're his student. If you come back with us, you'll receive a little punishment at most. Lord Tsuchikage won't do anything serious to you!"
The ANBU captain in charge spoke calmly to Deidara.
"Ah!!! What a pain. I'm not going back. Tell the old man I'm no longer an Iwagakure ninja. I'm going to find my boss!"
Although the ninja from three Iwagakure pursuit squads had surrounded Deidara, he did not panic at all. Instead, he looked at the ANBU around him with a bored expression and spoke indifferently.
"Hmph, so you're determined to become a rogue ninja, Deidara. Then don't blame me for showing no mercy. Earth Release: Earth-Splitting Palm!"
The ANBU captain flew into a rage at Deidara's words. His hands flashed through hand seals, and he unleashed an Earth Release technique at Deidara.
Seeing their captain use Earth Release, the surrounding Iwagakure ANBU swiftly formed hand seals as