Ōnoki did not answer Deidara's panicked words. Instead, he turned his face aside, looking furious.
Kurotsuchi knew how things stood between her grandfather and Deidara. After seeing her grandfather's reaction, she explained to Deidara in a sorrowful voice:
"Deidara, not long ago, the legendary Asura of the Ninja World, Madara Uchiha, invaded Iwagakure. Not only did he destroy the entire village, but he also captured our village's Jinchūriki.
"Grandfather was gravely injured trying to stop Madara Uchiha in that battle. If Konoha's Lord Hokage hadn't saved him in time, Grandfather... Grandfather might already be dead."
Hearing Kurotsuchi's words, Deidara immediately understood. Panic filled his eyes as he hurriedly looked around.
Only after studying his surroundings carefully did Deidara recognize that this stretch of ruins was actually the place where he had grown up.
"This... this is Iwagakure?"
Deidara's voice trembled slightly, as though he could scarcely believe any of it.
The village had been almost completely destroyed, leaving nothing but ruins.
Yet the surrounding landscape was still familiar to him, so Deidara soon confirmed that this was indeed the place where he had grown up.
Just then, Kurotsuchi pressed her lips together and spoke in a subdued voice:
"Deidara, could you stay? After this battle, Grandfather's health may never recover.
"And my father died while trying to save the village.
"Right now... Iwagakure really needs you."
After hearing Kurotsuchi's words, Deidara looked around blankly before finally turning his gaze to her and Ōnoki.
At last, under Kurotsuchi's hopeful gaze, Deidara nodded with great difficulty.
Seeing Deidara agree, Ōnoki quietly breathed a sigh of relief. His expression softened somewhat before he said in a serious tone:
"Deidara, although you are still my student, you did betray the village.
"With that stain on your record, even if you return, becoming Tsuchikage will