In the distance, Deidara crouched behind a broken rock, having long forgotten to release the explosive clay clenched in his hand.
He had originally wanted to intervene.
But one look told him this was a battle he had no business joining.
"..."
Deidara quietly ducked back down.
Pakkun lay beside him, his chin propped on his short legs, wearing an expression that said, "I knew this would happen."
Deidara lowered his voice.
"Pakkun, did you just say this guy... belongs to the Inuzuka Clan?"
Pakkun nodded.
"He's from the Inuzuka Clan's ninja dog line, and he's pretty senior, too."
Deidara blinked.
"A ninja dog? Doesn't that just mean he's a dog?"
Pakkun gave him a sidelong look.
"You could try saying that to his face."
Deidara immediately shut up.
In the distance, Miki Yūya was still taking his revenge on Gaara in all sorts of ways. Back then, Gaara and Shukaku had tortured him every way they could, denying him even the release of death. His memory was far from poor.
Deidara's eyelids twitched as he watched.
He looked at Pakkun again.
"Miki Yūya's little brother is the ninja dog partner of the Inuzuka Clan's young master?"
Pakkun nodded.
"You know Akamaru, right?"
Deidara fell silent for two seconds.
"No, but I... get it."
He didn't entirely understand, but he no longer dared to ask.
The wind swept across the sand, stirring up fine dust.
Miki Yūya stood with his back to them in the dim yellow light, his shoulders relaxed and his posture casual. Yet somehow, all Deidara could see was that this thing wasn't human.
Deidara swallowed, then leaned toward Pakkun as though something had occurred to him.
"Wait, if he's a dog too, does that mean he's one of those legendary great monsters that can take human