Chapter 155
Deidara had originally believed that his C4 would serve as the ultimate display of explosive artistry, a masterpiece that would purify those who dared to blaspheme against true art. But he never expected his carefully crafted bomb to misfire—no sound, no detonation, nothing.
"Damn it! Is there interference? Lightning Release is known to suppress my bombs. Could it be that some powerful Lightning Release user is secretly obstructing me? Yeah, that has to be it!" Deidara couldn't make sense of the situation. His entire arsenal had gone silent in an instant, and he knew things were looking grim.
"I need to get out of here. The old man's probably around too. Damn, he's stubborn as hell. If I run into him, I'll get an earful." Deidara didn't hesitate. His chakra reserves were nearly depleted, and lingering any longer would only spell disaster.
Rosinante had no time to worry about Deidara. The range of the C4 bomb was massive, and if he didn't stay focused, it might actually go off.
"Forget him. Secure the area, tend to the wounded, and get back to the village." Aburame Hatsuizumi decided against pursuing Deidara. The bomb wasn't an immediate threat, but Rosinante couldn't sustain his ability indefinitely. Clearing it was the priority.
The remaining Mist and Rock shinobi, who had escaped the blast's range, gathered nearby. They had watched everything unfold and gained a clearer understanding of the mysterious black spears.
Meanwhile, Konoha's forces had already withdrawn per Jiraiya's orders. As Hokage, he always prioritized the safety of his village. Having witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, he deeply understood the suffering of those who had lost everything. He despised unnecessary conflict between villages, but he had a duty to act in Konoha's best interests. If the village didn't profit from war, its people wouldn't have enough to eat. Preserving his forces was his best move for now.
"Uchiha... Itachi!" Sasuke's senses sharpened as he detected a familiar chakra lingering in the air. His Sharingan flared as he stared into a massive crater.
"That bastard was here too..." Sasuke clenched his fists, his hatred unwavering despite all the changes he had undergone.