Deidara had no idea that Kimimaro's explosive bugs were far more complex than simply throwing them like grenades.
This was their first meeting, so Kimimaro wasn't going to reveal all the features of his Starburst Bugs to Deidara.
The way he just used them was only the most basic application.
Even so, it was still impressive.
The bugs autonomously locked onto their targets and then exploded, acting like homing missiles.
Their most terrifying function, however, was the ability to enter an enemy's chakra pathways, consume the chakra, and then detonate.
This internal detonation method was strikingly similar to the C4 Garuda that Deidara would develop later.
However, in terms of stealth, they still couldn't match the Garuda.
This was precisely why Kimimaro sought out Deidara.
The Starburst Bugs needed to evolve further to increase their power, and Deidara's Explosion Release chakra was the best material for their evolution.
As long as Kimimaro could obtain Deidara's Explosion Release chakra to feed the Starburst Bugs, the evolution could begin.
This matter, of course, needed careful negotiation with Deidara.
Though capturing Deidara and directly feeding him to the bugs was an option, it might provoke him into a self-destruct, and that would ruin the evolution process.
If he used Lightning Release to restrain Deidara, his Explosion Release chakra wouldn't activate, making it impossible to absorb.
Thus, the best approach was for Deidara to willingly feed the Starburst Bugs.
To make Deidara his tool, Kimimaro needed to thoroughly deceive him.
By the end of it, Deidara would even thank him.
"It seems my art surpasses yours, Deidara-senpai."
Kimimaro's face showed just the right amount of regret.
"I…"
Deidara didn't know how to respond.
From the looks of it, while the power of the Starburst Bugs might not exceed his Explosive Clay, the fact that they weren't weak to Lightning Release was a huge advantage.
After all, there were plenty of Lightning Release experts in the shinobi world, especially in the Hidden Cloud Village, which produced them in droves.
Deidara was quite vulnerable to being countered.
He might dare to challenge the Hidden Sand Village alone, but he would never provoke the Hidden Cloud Village by himself.
"One day, I'll develop Explosive Clay that's immune to Lightning Release too!"
Deidara said passionately.
He was still young, and his path as a powerful shinobi was just beginning.
Creating Lightning-resistant Explosive Clay wasn't impossible.
But it would take time.
Until that day came, he would be a ninja with a glaring weakness, easy to counter.
"I believe with your skills, Deidara-senpai, developing such Explosive Clay won't be difficult. However, I have a way that might help you quickly overcome this problem. Would you like to try it?"
Kimimaro spoke like a devil whispering in his ear, instantly reigniting Deidara's spirit.
"You have a way? What could you possibly offer?"
Deidara was skeptical.
"The method lies within the Starburst Bugs."
"These little bugs?"
Deidara looked at the Starburst Bugs in Kimimaro's hand.
Hmm, they were pretty and powerful.
But how could they help with his weakness?
Unless…
"You're not suggesting I give up my Explosive Clay and switch to using these bugs, are you? I'll never accept that—it's an insult to my art!"
Deidara rejected the idea furiously, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Senpai, you misunderstand. This is my art; I would never hand it over to anyone. The Starburst Bugs can consume chakra and also release it back.
So, my idea is to merge your chakra with the Starburst Bugs.
This will significantly reduce the earth chakra component in your Explosive Clay and replace it with the bugs' chakra.
If the fusion goes well, you'll be able to inject this new chakra into your Explosive Clay, enhancing your explosive art.
This would make your Explosive Clay far less susceptible to Lightning Release—perhaps only a tenth as effective, or even less."
The more Deidara listened, the brighter his eyes became.
It was a great idea.
It didn't change the form of his art but optimized his chakra.
This way, his weaknesses would be largely mitigated.
Could there really be such a good deal?
Deidara hesitated, his eyes showing a hint of caution.
They had just met—why was Kimimaro helping him?
"What's in it for you? Why are you helping me?"
"Because I admire your art, Deidara-senpai. It's a pursuit of art that mirrors my own. People like us should support each other so more can appreciate the fleeting beauty of explosive art!"
Kimimaro's eyes shone with a fitting intensity as he spoke of art.
Seeing this, Deidara's expression changed.
His wariness turned into recognition.
The code words were correct!
"I never expected to find someone else who truly understands art! Kimimaro, you're like my brother from another mother!"
Deidara was overjoyed.
A true kindred spirit!
Especially someone who shared his artistic philosophy—an incredible rarity.
"Deidara-senpai, let's study the art of explosions together!"
Kimimaro added one final push.
"Alright! Let's do it! From now on, we're the Blast Duo! Our art will rock the entire shinobi world!"
"Exactly!"
The two stared into each other's eyes, filled with mutual admiration.
At this moment, Deidara saw Kimimaro as his confidant, his partner.
As for Sasori—sorry, not that close.
"Deidara-senpai, I'm sorry about earlier. Let me heal your wounds."
"Brother, you know medical ninjutsu?"
"A bit. I only learned it for the sake of art; otherwise, I wouldn't have thought of merging chakra with the Starburst Bugs."
Kimimaro said, performing the Mystical Palm Technique to heal Deidara.
The minor wounds quickly healed.
"You've got skills, brother. So when can we start on that method you mentioned?"
Seeing Kimimaro's healing ability, Deidara was more convinced about the chakra fusion plan.
"If you're eager, we can start right now. It's a slow process, though—not something done in a day or two. We can at least try once today."
"Great! Let's start now!"
Deidara was eager.
Kimimaro naturally had no objections, and soon, hundreds of Starburst Bugs flew from his sleeves.
"Alright then, let's begin. Deidara-senpai, focus your chakra and channel it into the Starburst Bugs. They'll absorb and merge with it, then return it to you.
However, there's about a ten-to-one loss rate, so it'll take at least ten rounds to see results."
(Chapter End)