"Um..."
Sasori was momentarily unsure how to respond, feeling that this new Leader was a bit too enthusiastic.
Naruto didn't pay much attention to Sasori's thoughts, turning his head to look at Deidara, who was two years older than him but half a head shorter, and currently in a daze.
Smiling, he said, "Deidara, I have high hopes for you too."
Deidara was also a pleasant surprise for Naruto. He remembered that in the original story, Deidara joined Akatsuki at the age of twelve, but here he was brought to Akatsuki at the age of nine.
Naruto guessed that a large part of the reason was that Orochimaru, Kakuzu, Hidan, and Uchiha Itachi were all absent, resulting in Akatsuki being too short on manpower, not even letting go of a nine-year-old child.
Although Deidara's Explosion Release had a limited upper limit, it was quite practical.
He could control the intensity of the explosions, allowing him to carry out both single-point assassinations and large-scale demolitions, which could be said to be quite useful.
Hearing Naruto's words, Deidara's eyes lit up, and he eagerly and expectantly said, "Do you understand my art?"
Naruto looked at this nine-year-old child and understood that he was at an age where he desperately needed recognition.
Whether it was defecting from the Hidden Stone Village in the original story or coming to the Land of Rain now, it was mostly out of a rebellious mentality because Ōnoki had never recognized his art.
Naruto's heart was filled with emotion. This Shinobi World was truly abnormal. Of course, it might also be because of the influence of Chakra that the children of the Shinobi World were precocious to a terrifying degree.
They started engaging in love affairs at the age of five, began pursuing their Shinobi Way at the Ninja Academy at the age of six, and Deidara even betrayed his village and wandered the world at the age of nine for an art that he didn't even fully understand...
At an age when everyone disliked them, they had already begun to think about the meaning of life.
Naruto thought about what he was doing at this age. It seemed he was still in front of the television, lending Hikari to Ultraman Tiga.
"Of course, I understand. Using the moment of explosion to realize the eternity of art, that moment of splendor is worth remembering for a lifetime."
As Naruto's words fell.
Deidara's clear and innocent blue eyes became brighter and brighter, like someone who had traveled over mountains and rivers, experiencing many hardships, and finally found a kindred spirit.
Art, the person in front of him understood his art.
"Using the moment of explosion to realize the eternity of art" was simply speaking to Deidara's heart, giving him a deeper understanding of his art.
Although Deidara, who was only nine years old, could not accurately describe what his art was... he had always longed for someone who could understand his art.
Seeing this scene, Naruto couldn't suppress the arc of his lips, and then he asked.
"I understand your art..."
"But, Deidara, do you really understand what kind of art you are pursuing?"
"Art is..."
Deidara subconsciously wanted to say the words he always had on his lips, but he quickly thought of what Naruto had just said.
Could just six simple words really express his art well?
No wonder his art had never been recognized by the Old Man, because even he himself couldn't explain it clearly.
Suddenly, Deidara didn't know what to say.
Then he felt a warm hand on his head, and Deidara subconsciously looked up.
A pair of azure eyes, just like his own, appeared before him, filled with earnest teachings.
"Deidara, do you know why your art has never been recognized?"
Deidara lowered his head, somewhat blankly.
Naruto then continued to explain earnestly.
"Art is not about self-admiration in an Ivory Tower. Your so-called 'explosion is art' is, in the end, just your own wishful thinking."
"Because art itself is inextricably linked to politics, economics, beliefs, and even popular fashion."
"True art cannot be divorced from the masses. If it is divorced from the masses, then art is no longer art, and it is even less likely to be recognized by others."
"It's not that art is recognized by everyone, but that which is recognized by everyone can become art."
Deidara, who had not received much cultural education since childhood, felt his head spinning.
He seemed to be about to touch the real threshold of art, but he couldn't seem to reach it no matter what.
Naruto couldn't help but feel a little amused, and patted the other's head again.
"Deidara, be my... ahem, follow me, and I will help you realize true art."
Deidara was still a little confused, but soon became firm again.
He took a step back directly, then bowed ninety degrees, and said sincerely, "Deidara is willing to follow Leader, for you, for art, I can do anything!"
Deidara said excitedly, he had long vowed to dedicate his life to art.
The other three people present who watched this scene were all dumbfounded at this time.
How could he be fooled so easily after just meeting?
Especially Sasori, who felt even more incredible in his heart.
He had spent a lot of effort to abduct this kid from the Hidden Stone Village, and they had quarreled a lot along the way.
Several times they had directly fought, and after being beaten by Sasori several times, Deidara became honest.
He didn't expect that their new Leader had already made this kid bow down with just a few words.
Sasori's heart couldn't help but feel a little more alert.
This Leader is different from Nagato, he is very good at fooling people.
"Good, good, good."
Naruto smiled and helped Deidara up, seeing that the final matter had been resolved, and then said.
"Since that's the case, then we can prepare to set off."
"Set off? Is there another mission?"
Sasori asked suspiciously.
He had just returned from the Hidden Stone Village. Although this mission was not difficult, accompanying the child had exhausted him physically and mentally.
"Not a mission, it's returning to Wave Country."
Naruto explained, "Nagato's legs need to be treated in Wave Country, and we'll also settle you two there. With your abilities, staying here is a complete waste."
The Flying Thunder God 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 for now. If anything happens that you can't handle, contact me in time."
Standing on the magic circle, Naruto instructed Konan.
Konan smiled and replied, "I understand, don't worry."
"Konan, thank you for your hard work during this time, I will come back as soon as possible," Nagato said.
"Nagato, just focus on healing your injuries first."
After a final farewell, with a flash of light, the figures of Naruto and the other three disappeared.
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