The Strongest Artist in Naruto

Hearing Deidara's response, Mei rolled her eyes again.

"Just say I'm weak already—so weak I don't even deserve to be killed."

At that moment, Kisame's battle had come to an end. The Sanbi had been reduced to the size of a small pot, trembling in fear as Samehada clenched it tightly in its jaws.

"What a delightful fight," Kisame said, still brimming with energy. The constant absorption of the Sanbi's chakra had not only left him unfazed but even stronger than usual, his vitality overflowing.

The group from Kirigakure grew even more somber seeing how easily Kisame had subdued the Sanbi.

Even though they'd witnessed the duo's power before, the sheer dominance they displayed was shocking every time.

"What exactly are you gathering the Tailed Beasts for?" Mei asked after a moment of silence.

"For peace."

"We're building a unified shinobi village. Naturally, dangerous things like Tailed Beasts must be collected first," Deidara replied smoothly. "So, how about it? Want to join us?"

As expected, Mei shook her head. "That's too far-fetched. Even with your strength, unifying the shinobi world? Impossible."

She didn't elaborate, but her meaning was clear.

Deidara and Kisame turned to leave.

"Believe it or not, when the tide turns, you won't have the luxury to refuse."

"And if you try to stand in our way, prepare to be crushed," Kisame added with a toothy grin.

They transported the captured Sanbi to their hideout in the Land of Waves. With some rest, Itachi had recovered slightly and joined in the sealing process, speeding it up significantly.

"Ugh! My neck's stiff!" Hidan complained loudly, cracking his neck once the sealing was done.

Ignoring the outburst, Nagato spoke up.

"A diplomatic letter from Konoha has arrived."

"They're requesting our assistance to fend off Kumogakure's invasion."

"What do you think?"

"We have to send reinforcements, of course," Deidara said. "Our alliance with Konoha is part of the bigger strategy—to let them weaken the other villages for us. But considering their current state, where do they get off using that tone with us?"

"Help is fine," he added. "But they'll have to pay!"

The word "money" immediately lit up Kakuzu's eyes.

"Exactly! Payment is non-negotiable. I'll handle this mission with Hidan."

"Plenty of hearts to collect on the battlefield," he added, already relishing the thought.

"I was hoping to go," Kisame said, sounding disappointed.

"Not happening!" Kakuzu barked. "Money is at stake. And while the earnings go to the organization, you know I won't pass up a chance to earn!"

"Hey, Kakuzu!" Hidan snapped. "Don't I get a say in this?"

"Shut up, Hidan, or I'll kill you!"

The two began bickering, their squabbles met with indifference from the others.

Deidara turned to Nagato. "Orochimaru's sent word that his research has made progress. Kisame and I will check it out."

Nagato nodded. "Aside from Konoha's request, the organization has no pressing matters. Just don't forget about that girl you brought back. She's been causing a scene, demanding to find someone."

"Tch. Women are such a pain," Deidara grumbled.

"Don't pretend you're not soft-hearted," Kisame teased.

...

Konoha Village

Since its founding, Konoha had never been this weak. Struggling to fend off simultaneous invasions from Sunagakure and Kumogakure, the village had poured every resource into defense.

Seventy percent of their shinobi were stationed on the front lines, while the remaining thirty percent were burdened with endless missions. Even mission fees had been taxed at 50%, and additional funding from the Daimyo barely kept things afloat.

"What?!"

Danzo slammed his hand on the desk.

"Amegakure dares demand five million ryo per day for their support?! They might as well rob us!"

His subordinates stood silently, knowing better than to provoke his wrath. Ever since Konoha's situation had worsened, Danzo's temper had grown increasingly volatile. Just recently, he'd accused a Chunin of espionage for a minor mistake, leading to a gruesome execution.

When no one spoke, Danzo's scowl deepened. Finally, his advisor, Ryoma Aburame, mustered the courage to speak.

"Hokage-sama, Amegakure's reinforcements include one Kage-level, one near-Kage-level, and four elite Jonin. The rest of their troops are formidable as well. The price is reasonable."

Ryoma wasn't exaggerating. With Kakuzu, Hidan, Zabuza, Haku, a Hozuki Clan elite, and a highly skilled Ame ninja, plus hundreds of trained shinobi, the team was a powerhouse. Five million ryo was a bargain.

"Still, how will we handle the cost?" Homura Mitokado asked, his voice weary.

Danzo's advisors, once sidelined, had been reinstated to stabilize the crumbling village. They were more than willing to comply, seeing this as their last chance to leverage their influence.

"Request additional funds from the Daimyo," Danzo barked at Koharu Utatane.

"Yes, Hokage-sama" she replied hesitantly. "But the Daimyo has already provided extra funding multiple times this year. He may refuse."

"Then tell Amegakure they'll get their payment later," Danzo growled.

"That won't work," Ryoma interjected. "Amegakure is firm. No payment, no troops."

CRACK!

Danzo slammed his hand down again, splitting the Hokage desk in two.

"Those arrogant bastards!"

As Konoha's situation spiraled further, Danzo's options grew fewer. His mind drifted to a last-resort plan, a "trump card" he had hoped to avoid using.

Just as despair loomed, someone stepped forward.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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