Bloodline Limit - Chapter 476

However, Deidara was extremely dissatisfied with this. He already knew Tobi’s identity, the person who saved him back when he first faced Kakashi within the Kamui. But what irritated him even more was that his accomplice had been deceiving him all along. Moreover, Tobi had rescued Sasuke during their battle. Wasn’t this a blow to his own pride? However, considering that Tobi had saved him, Deidara decided to consider it as a favor owed to Tobi.

He allowed Sasuke to join the Akatsuki without killing him. However, at the same time, Deidara also refused to be partners with Tobi. Instead, he chose to team up with Kisame. Tobi could only sigh helplessly at this outcome. Nonetheless, this was already the best outcome. If Deidara had insisted on killing Sasuke, Tobi would have had no choice but to follow Sasuke everywhere to protect him. That was the only way. So, he had to accept this result.

As for the returning Sasuke, seeing how useless he was and how he kept boasting about utilizing the Akatsuki, wasn’t that using him? Deidara, being a member of the Akatsuki, was even more infuriated. Arrogance was fine, but you had to have the skills to back it up. If Sasuke had brought back the Eight-Tails, Deidara wouldn’t have minded. But this arrogant and self-conceited fellow couldn’t achieve anything and was still claiming to use him. It made Deidara utterly disgusted.

“Tobi, initially, joining the Akatsuki involved selection. If you doubted the strength of a member, you could challenge them. If that person couldn’t demonstrate enough strength, they weren’t qualified to join.”

“I simply can’t find a reason for Sasuke to join. Not only is he not in sync with the Akatsuki, but he’s also quite arrogant. Now that he’s failed and come back, he’s acting as if he’s very powerful. I just can’t accept it,” Deidara said.

The remaining members of the Akatsuki gathered for a small meeting. Of course, both Pain and Konan were present. Pain was dissatisfied with Sasuke; this person’s presence not only resulted in the loss of a member (Itachi), but also their first mission after joining ended disastrously. Losing was not a problem; after all, failure was allowed. They could win next time. But this fellow acted like he was the big shot after losing, irritating Pain. Deidara was the first to express his dissatisfaction.

“Although Sasuke’s strength isn’t that great, his explosiveness with the Mangekyo Sharingan is still strong. Unless you can avoid his Mangekyo Sharingan, many people will still be defeated by his Mangekyo Sharingan,” Tobi stated.

Tobi had no choice. Although he could be considered the mastermind behind the scenes, he couldn’t incur the wrath of the majority. So, he had to come out and explain.

“Regardless, he’s now a member of the Akatsuki and a valuable asset. It’s a bit wasteful to discard him. However, everyone here is working towards a common goal. Even though our beliefs and reasons for fighting may differ, our objectives are the same.

I don’t want to see internal discord before we achieve our goal. Also, I hope certain individuals can tone down their arrogance. Here, everyone is highly skilled, and no one person can decide everything,” Tobi stated.

Pain contemplated for a moment. Although he was unhappy with Sasuke, he possessed the Mangekyo Sharingan. Moreover, Tobi had hidden Itachi’s eyes. It was highly likely that Tobi could bring out the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan at a crucial moment, an indispensable strength, at least until they captured the Tailed Beasts.

However, Pain also had to consider the feelings of other members, especially Deidara, whose strength had significantly improved. Deidara had become proficient and formidable with his Dust Release, a fact that even Pain had to take seriously and respect.

Following this trajectory, Deidara would soon surpass the Fourth Tsuchikage in Dust Release mastery. As for his current combat power, the Fourth Tsuchikage was getting older and often had physical issues.

In battles, Deidara’s skills were continuously improving, especially with Dust Release. Even Pain had to give him recognition and acknowledge his progress.

At this rate, Deidara would soon surpass the Fourth Tsuchikage and his body, which often had issues. Considering Deidara’s increasing proficiency with Dust Release and the power it granted him, he might not surpass the Fourth Tsuchikage in terms of Dust Release mastery as of now, given that the Fourth Tsuchikage had immersed himself in Dust Release for many years. However, in actual combat, Deidara was becoming stronger, and with his proficiency in Dust Release, he was becoming more formidable.

In the end, the Akatsuki respected strength above all. Therefore, Pain’s final words were clearly directed at Sasuke.

However, not far away, even though he was just a projection, Sasuke, who was covered in wounds, had an extremely unpleasant expression upon hearing this. Yet, he had nothing to say. He knew that the reason he could still survive was entirely due to Tobi. Additionally, Deidara didn’t kill him because he was repaying a favor to Tobi. Now, even Pain, who possessed the supreme Rinnegan, was displeased with him. Even if he was a fool, he knew he needed to restrain himself.

So, he remained silent after hearing this. Although he had the Mangekyo Sharingan, facing the Rinnegan, he felt an indescribable sense of oppression. Pain’s strength also made him feel unfathomable.

As he possessed one of the Three Great Dojutsu, the Sharingan, he was aware of how terrifying the Rinnegan was, being the foremost among the Three Great Dojutsu. After all, he had learned many secrets unknown to ordinary people from the stone tablet of the Uchiha clan, Itachi, and Tobi. He was also more aware of the dreadfulness of the Rinnegan.

Hence, within the Akatsuki, he dared to be arrogant towards anyone but didn’t dare to be haughty towards Pain, who possessed the Rinnegan. It must be said that he was both arrogant and fearful, truly a personality of self-inferiority and self-pride. However, Tobi saw this trait in Sasuke and found it easy to control.

“Alright, let’s stop here. With Kumogakure Village in such a mess because of Ryoha, both the Eight-Tails and Raikage are severely injured, and dozens of high-ranking ninjas are dead, with many more heavily injured. Now is the best opportunity to capture the Eight-Tails and the Two-Tails. Therefore, we must arrange personnel to capture them. It’s up to you to choose.”

“Either come with me to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki in Konoha, or choose an easier route and seize the chance to capture the Eight-Tails and the Two-Tails. Regardless of your choice, I want to remind you all that our Akatsuki has captured so many Tailed Beasts. The Five Great Countries have already put up very tight defenses against us.”

“So, even with Kumogakure Village in chaos due to Ryoha’s rampage, and both Raikage and the Eight-Tails jinchuuriki injured, do not underestimate the enemy. Because of Ryoha’s chaos, their vigilance and alertness towards outsiders have reached their peak. Underestimating them will lead to a gruesome death. Now, tell me, what’s your choice?”

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