Chapter 803: A warm and not-so-warm Welcome!
"Deidara died on your watch?" Nagato asked emotionlessly. However, Obito could feel a sense of disdain directed at him in Nagato's voice. The image of 'Uchiha Madara' he created in Nagato's and Konan's minds long ago was slightly shaken. After all, if Madara couldn't stop a teenager, was there any reason to treat him like he was in his prime?
Obito understood it. Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do considering that something else had happened during the battle which was far more humiliating than Deidara's death. He ignored their hidden disdain and replied, "Deidara may have betrayed Akatsuki. Or rather, he had some dealings with Fujin. It was why I didn't save him. Fujin turned on him to ensure that we didn't get any information."
Nagato and Konan were surprised by the revelation but didn't care much. After all, Deidara's death didn't affect Akatsuki much and Akatsuki was already dealing with another traitor. Obito continued, "As for Suzuki Fujin, he is a rather odd young man. Don't underestimate him if you face him in battle. Zetsu will inform you about his abilities."
Obito was about to leave when Nagato said, "Sasori is without a partner once again. We'll have to find a replacement for Deidara."
Obito nodded before disappearing into his dimension. Konan muttered, "To think the mighty Uchiha Madara failed to protect a rank S ninja from a young Shinobi… I knew he had lost his strength, but I didn't think he'd deteriorate to this condition."
Nagato replied, "Even so, his ability can't be underestimated."
Konan nodded. She had no intention of taking him lightly. While they were allies, she was extremely suspicious of him and was preparing a plan in case he ever targeted Nagato.
[A/N: Ideas for a new partner for Sasori are welcomed. Exceptions: Tobi, Fourth Mizukage.]
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