"Uh..."
Sasori was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling that the new leader was being overly enthusiastic.
Naruto didn't pay much attention to Sasori's reaction. Instead, he turned to Deidara, who, despite being two years older than him, was half a head shorter and still looked bewildered.
With a smile, Naruto said, "Deidara, I have high hopes for you too."
Deidara was also a pleasant surprise for Naruto. He remembered that in the original work, Deidara had joined the Akatsuki at the age of twelve. He hadn't expected the boy to be brought into the organization at just nine years old here.
Naruto guessed that a large part of the reason was the absence of Orochimaru, Kakuzu, Hidan, and Itachi, leaving the Akatsuki severely understaffed. They couldn't even afford to pass up a nine-year-old.
While Deidara's Explosion Release had its limits, it was still highly practical.
He could control the intensity of his explosions, allowing for precise assassinations or large-scale demolitions. It was an incredibly versatile ability.
Hearing Naruto's words, Deidara's eyes lit up. Eager and full of anticipation, he asked, "Do you understand my art?"
Naruto looked at the nine-year-old boy and realized that this was an age where recognition was crucial.
Whether it was his defection from Iwagakure in the original work or his arrival in the Land of Rain now, much of it stemmed from a rebellious spirit. The Third Tsuchikage had never acknowledged his art.
Naruto couldn't help but feel emotional. He felt this Ninja World is really abnormal. Of course, it may also be due to the influence of Chakra that made children mature so quickly.
'At five, they were already caught up in matters of love. By six, they were pursuing their Ninja Way in the Academy. And here was Deidara, at nine, ready to betray his village and wander the world for an art he barely understood...'
'At an age when most kids were still causing trouble, they were already pondering the meaning of life.'
Naruto thought back to what he was doing at that age in his previous life. Probably standing in front of a TV with his arms raised, lending his strength to Goku.
"Of course I understand. Using the instant of explosion to achieve the eternity of art. That fleeting brilliance is something worth remembering for a lifetime."
As Naruto spoke, Deidara's clear, innocent blue eyes grew brighter and brighter. It was as if, after a long and arduous journey, he had finally found someone who understood him.
'Art. This person understood my art.'
'Using the instant of explosion to achieve the eternity of art'… these words struck a chord deep within Deidara, giving him a deeper understanding of his own art.
Though only nine years old, Deidara himself couldn't accurately describe what his art truly was... But he had always longed for someone who could understand it.
Seeing this, Naruto couldn't suppress the smile on his face. He then countered with a question.
"I understand your art..."
"But, Deidara, do you truly understand what the art you're pursuing really is?"
"Art is..."
Deidara instinctively wanted to repeat the phrase he always used, but then he remembered Naruto's earlier words.
'Could that simple words truly capture the essence of my art?'
'No wonder my art had never been acknowledged by the old man. Even I couldn't articulate it clearly.'
Suddenly, Deidara didn't know how to respond.
Then, he felt a warm hand rest on his head, and Deidara looked up instinctively.
A pair of blue eyes, just like his own, met his gaze, filled with a sense of earnest guidance.
"Deidara, do you know why your art has never been acknowledged?"
Deidara lowered his head, feeling lost.
Naruto continued, his tone patient and instructive.
"Art isn't about solitary self-admiration in an ivory tower. Your so-called 'Art is explosion' is, at its core, just your own wishful thinking."
"Because art itself is intricately connected to politics, economics, faith, and even popular trends."
"True art cannot be separated from the masses. If it's detached from the people, it ceases to be art and will never gain recognition."
"It's not that art gains recognition from everyone. Rather, what is recognized by everyone can become art."
Deidara, who had only received little formal education, felt his head spinning.
He felt like he was on the verge of grasping the true essence of art, yet it remained just out of reach.
Naruto couldn't help but chuckle softly and patted the boy's head again.
"Deidara, be mine... cough, follow me. I'll help you achieve true art."
Deidara was still a bit dazed, but he quickly steadied himself.
He took a step back and bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, his voice sincere. "Deidara is willing to follow you, Leader! For you, for art, I can do anything! "
Deidara spoke with great excitement. He had long vowed to dedicate his life to art.
Seeing this, the other three people in the room were stunned.
'How could he be fooled just after just meeting each other?'
Especially Sasori, who found it utterly unbelievable.
He had gone through great lengths to lure Deidara out of Iwagakure, and they had argued constantly along the way.
Several times, it had escalated into physical fights, and it was only after Sasori had beaten him a few times that Deidara had finally settled down.
Sasori couldn't believe that their new leader had managed to win over Deidara with just a few words.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of wariness.
'This leader is different from the previous leader, he is very good at fooling people.'
"Good, good."
Naruto smiled as he helped Deidara to his feet. Seeing that the final matter had been resolved, he added, "Since that's settled, we can prepare to move out."
"Move out? Is there another mission?" Sasori asked doubtfully.
He had just returned from the Land of Earth. Although the mission hadn't been difficult, dealing with Deidara had left him mentally and physically exhausted.
"Not a mission. We're heading to the Land of Waves."
Naruto explained: "Nagato's legs need treatment in the Land of Waves. We'll also get the two of you settled there. With your abilities, staying here would be a waste."
The Flying Thunder Formation for teleportation had already been prepared. If it weren't for waiting for Sasori and Deidara, he and Nagato would have left yesterday.
"I'll leave the Land of Rain to you. If anything comes up that you can't handle, contact me immediately."
Standing on the formation, Naruto gave Konan his final instructions.
Konan smiled and replied, "I understand. Don't worry."
"Konan, thank you for holding the fort. I'll be back as soon as I can." Nagato said.
"Nagato, just focus on recovering from your injuries."
After a final round of goodbyes, a flash of light enveloped them, and Naruto and the others vanished.