Just as Shin Uchiha was taking Naruto to the Hokage Office, two uninvited guests arrived near Sunagakure, where sand filled the skies.
"Sasori, was the environment in your old village always this bad? We've been walking forever, and we're still not out of this sandstorm."
Sasori ignored Deidara's complaints. He gazed at the sandstorm around them with nostalgia before saying:
"The reason Sunagakure is the weakest of the Five Great Shinobi Villages is that the environment here is simply too harsh.
And a ninja village without an economic foundation is doomed never to develop."
After saying this, Sasori scanned their surroundings again and continued:
"If I remember correctly, we're not far from Sunagakure now. Once we get there, I'll activate the spy I left behind. Then we'll be able to enter Sunagakure with ease."
At this point, Sasori glanced at Deidara beside him and added:
"What's more, Sunagakure has very few defenses against aerial attacks. Those flying clay bombs of yours will give you an overwhelming advantage."
Hearing Sasori's words, Deidara perked up, his earlier complaints forgotten, and said:
"Of course! Ordinary people don't stand a chance against my works of art. Aside from that bastard Uchiha Itachi, no one is a match for me."
As he spoke, Deidara instinctively touched his monocle.
Ever since suffering defeat at Uchiha Itachi's hands, Deidara had been unable to let it go. He often trained his eye, believing this would let him resist Uchiha Itachi's genjutsu.
Hearing Deidara dwell on it yet again, Sasori gave him an expressionless glance. After a brief silence, he said:
"Speaking of which, Uchiha Itachi seems to have a younger brother. According to my intelligence, his brother, Sasuke Uchiha, has also ventured out into the world. If you're interested in him, I'll give you the intelligence on him