"What the hell is that? He's nothing like a human!!"
Deidara patted his chest and sucked in a sharp breath. His face, usually fixed in an arrogant grin, now showed a trace of lingering fear and shock.
He took half a step back and looked around.
The surrounding Stone Ninja had already sensed something amiss. Dozens quickly gathered around him, their expressions wary. Some had already formed hand seals, ready to strike at any moment.
And when they recognized Deidara-that unmistakable blond hair and the madness flickering faintly in his eyes-
The crowd immediately stirred, startled murmurs rising one after another:
"It's... it's Deidara?!"
"Hasn't that guy been wanted for ages?"
"Don't tell me... he's going to blow us up again!"
The atmosphere tightened in an instant. Some even began quietly retreating, avoiding the madman who had once demolished an entire battlefield with the words "Art is an explosion."
Just then, at the front of the crowd.
Kurotsuchi slowly stepped forward, her arms folded across her chest and a faint, mocking smile on her lips.
"I thought you'd hide up in the sky forever, a coward who only dared to blow things up."
Her voice was clear, but she made no effort to hide her teasing as she advanced step by step over the sand and gravel.
Deidara stiffened, irritation flashing across his face.
He looked away and snorted, curling his lips as he spoke through gritted teeth:
"Huh? Who's hiding? I'm an artist! Do you even understand the aesthetics of perspective?!"
"Looking down on an explosion from high above-that's true perfection!! What would you brutes know about aesthetics?"
After that, Deidara snorted twice more, as if trying to salvage his pride.
"And you, little Kurotsuchi, don't start running your mouth the moment we meet... this isn't the time for