It was a long time before Ōnoki composed himself, shaking off distracting thoughts and tidying his appearance.
After regaining his composure, he pushed open the door and walked out of the Tsuchikage Building.
Moments later, Ōnoki stood outside Iron Rock Mountain's prison, where he and Deidara stared at each other in silence.
After a while, Ōnoki sighed, rubbed his nose, and asked, "That thing—have you really researched it?"
Deidara scoffed and shouted, "Otherwise, why would I call you over, hmm!"
As he spoke, Deidara began unwrapping the bandages from his forearms down to his palms—not to treat wounds, but to reveal something hidden.
As the bandages hit the ground, he held his hands out flat, palms facing Ōnoki—startling the old man so much he nearly retched on the spot.
Both of Deidara's palms had transformed into mouths!
And as if to emphasize the horror, the mouths stuck out their tongues and wriggled them in all directions—slimy and dripping saliva.
"Deidara, what in the world have you been researching, you scoundrel!?"
Ōnoki recoiled in shock, covering his mouth in disgust.
Deidara remained unfazed, casually explaining:
"This is my highest-level research! I figured out the Ninja Crafting Technique and combined it with Earth Release Chakra to re-forge the 'Explosive Mouth.' One application of this technique is modifying mouths onto the body."
These mouth-like formations were designed specifically for Exploding Clay.
Before use, Exploding Clay had to be chewed to thoroughly mix in the user's Chakra, enhancing its detonation power and enabling precise control over explosion timing.
However, in battle, chewing clay took time. Having just one mouth meant slower activation—and jaw pain!
Due to these limitations, Exploding Clay had mostly been abandoned in Iwagakure, only used in small amounts by the Explosion Squad for specialized missions.
But now Deidara had implemented the Explosive Mouth on both palms.
In combat, this meant faster production and activation of Exploding Clay, removing most of its practical disadvantages.
Ōnoki, though still disgusted by the sight, immediately recognized the significance. This wasn't just grotesque—it was revolutionary.
With this, Iwagakure's Explosion Squad could make a huge leap in strength, possibly creating an entire group of pseudo–Explosion Release users.
The possibilities left him breathless. Perhaps Iwagakure would rise to new heights under his leadership.
"What do you want in exchange for this technique?" Ōnoki asked, calming himself.
He knew Deidara wouldn't give up something so valuable for free. If he'd intended to, he would have submitted it as soon as it was ready. Revealing it now clearly meant he had demands.
Sure enough, Deidara grinned.
He laughed and said, "I want freedom—and also all cultivation insights on Wind Release left by skilled Wind-nature Ninja! Hmm!"
"Hmm?" Ōnoki blinked, surprised by the simplicity of the request. He had expected something far more outrageous.
As the Tsuchikage's disciple, Deidara could easily access most techniques. Exchanging the 'Explosive Mouth' for cultivation insights was practically symbolic—just enough to make Ōnoki feel like he owed him.
And Ōnoki understood why.
"You want to cultivate Wind Release to prepare for Dust Release?"
"Exactly. My Earth and Lightning dual-nature Chakra is already sufficiently refined. Now, I just need to master Wind Release to meet the requirements for Dust Release. Hmm!"
"You… you genius traitor!"
Ōnoki was speechless. This kid reminded him of Uchiha Madara—both genius, arrogant, and completely crazy!
Deidara was already an elite Jōnin, having mastered two Chakra natures and developed a unique Explosion Release Kekkei Genkai.
Now he aimed to master a third nature to awaken Dust Release?
He might become the youngest Kage-level powerhouse in Iwagakure's history.
"How about it? Worth the trade, right? Hmm!" Deidara smirked.
He wasn't worried Ōnoki would refuse. Anyone with a shred of awareness would recognize the massive strategic value of the Explosive Mouth.
Sure enough, Ōnoki hesitated only a few seconds before agreeing.
"Fine. As Tsuchikage, I approve your release and grant you access to high-level Wind Release cultivation notes. Additionally, as your master, I'm giving you seven days of access to Iwagakure's Ninja Crafting Technique archives."
Ōnoki not only met the request but offered even more.
He knew Deidara loved experimenting with techniques—especially explosive ones—so granting him broader access might yield more breakthroughs.
"Old man Ōnoki, at least you're still reasonable. Hmm!" Deidara nodded with satisfaction.
"You… you damn brat!"
Ōnoki snapped, his arms instantly coated in hardened stone. He punched through the cell door and dragged Deidara out.
"Is the phrase 'respect your elders' not in your vocabulary, you damn traitor?!"
He began thrashing Deidara with furious punches.
"Stop! Stop! You rotten old man, I swear I'll develop C3 Model Eighteen and blow up your Tsuchikage Building!!" Deidara yelled, covering his face.
Enraged, Ōnoki went berserk, pummeling Deidara for an entire morning.
Eventually, the madness stopped—one was too tired to beat, and the other too tired to curse.
Nearby jailers watched with cold sweat dripping. Good heavens, only Deidara would dare argue with the Tsuchikage like that. Anyone else would've been flattened.
Only this explosion maniac would casually provoke Ōnoki to his face.
After resting a few minutes, Ōnoki floated upward using the Light-Weight Rock Technique, dusting off his robes.
"You brat, later today, go to the Tsuchikage Building archives to study the Ninja Crafting Technique. And don't cause any explosions during this period!"
Apparently, something serious had recently occurred, and Iwagakure needed to stay on high alert. If Deidara triggered any blasts, enemies could take advantage.
Deidara noticed the seriousness in Ōnoki's tone and waved lazily.
"Yeah, yeah. I won't blow up the village until I finish researching C3."
Ōnoki: "…"
This brat—what did he mean by "until I blow up the village"? He made it sound like he was the village's enemy…
Shaking his head, Ōnoki floated out of Iron Rock Mountain, confident that Deidara would keep his word.
Despite being reckless, the brat had a strange sense of boundaries. He'd never hurt innocent people—but buildings? Buildings were never spared.
Right now, Iwagakure needed peace, and Deidara understood that.
After Ōnoki left, the jailers approached to unlock Deidara's shackles and help him change into his regular clothes.
The process was smooth. The jailers and Deidara were already familiar—after all, they met regularly. The jailers could practically unlock his restraints with their eyes closed.
Even Deidara himself was learning how to do it. A few more visits, and he might unlock himself with hidden tools.
That was the terrifying power of an Iwagakure prison VIP member.
End of the Chapter.