423. The Difference Between The Pair

"Deidara is just a bit unruly. Was it necessary for you to be so ruthless?" After successfully saving his disciple, Onoki turned to Uchiha Itachi with a dark expression, his voice filled with accusation.

In Onoki's eyes, his disciple was simply mischievous and needed a bit of discipline.

However, the actions of this young boy in front of him seemed aimed at crippling Deidara, which was something he couldn't accept.

Facing the Tsuchikage's question, Itachi showed no signs of nervousness. Instead, he responded calmly and firmly:

"According to Konoha's public security regulations, flying over the capital without prior authorization is strictly prohibited."

"Your disciple not only deliberately violated Konoha's laws despite warnings from the ANBU but also used explosives to resist, posing a significant threat to the lives and property of our citizens."

"Under such circumstances, Konoha ninjas have the right to use any means necessary to eliminate such threats."

Itachi's words were firm and resolute, showing no compromise despite the other party's status as the Tsuchikage.

Onoki, being publicly challenged by a young boy, grew visibly angry, his killing intent surging.

"So you're saying that even if Deidara had died, it would have been his own fault?" Onoki's voice was laced with threat, his dissatisfaction clear.

In response, Itachi straightened his back, his chest puffed out, and his eyes unconsciously turned crimson.

He clenched his teeth and said:

"That's right!"

"You insolent Uchiha brat, I'll teach you a lesson—" Onoki was furious and was about to discipline this arrogant boy when the appearance of another figure made him swallow the rest of his words.

"Shimura Danzo..." Onoki gritted his teeth as he looked at the man before him.

Danzo stood quietly, leaning on his cane, effortlessly neutralizing Onoki's imposing aura.

"I heard someone wanted to teach my disciple a lesson?" Danzo's voice was calm, but a terrifying pressure suddenly emanated from him, sending a chill down the spines of everyone present.

Even Onoki's expression turned serious.

But for the sake of pride, he snorted coldly and pointed at Itachi, saying:

"Danzo, this brat is arrogant and disrespectful. Is this how you teach your disciples?"

Danzo sneered in response. "Regardless, Itachi is far better than that troublemaker behind you."

Hearing Danzo's mockery, Deidara, who had just broken free from the genjutsu, immediately grew agitated.


But before he could speak, Onoki shot him a fierce glare, silencing him.

Seeing this, Danzo narrowed his eyes.

"According to Konoha's laws, Deidara violated the flight regulations and carried dangerous items. He should be sentenced to five to ten years in prison."

"However, considering he is a participant in the upcoming Chunin Exams, we'll settle for a fine of five million ryo and a public apology."

Danzo's words made Onoki's face turn ashen. This wasn't just a fine—it was a slap in the face of Iwagakure!

But as he looked at Danzo, the "Darkness of the Shinobi," and the numerous Konoha ninjas and ANBU surrounding them, Onoki ultimately chose to swallow his anger.

Continuing to escalate the situation would only result in more losses for Iwagakure...

"This matter was indeed my disciple's fault. We accept Konoha's punishment."

"We'll settle the rest in the competition!"

After delivering this final remark, Onoki turned and left, dragging Deidara with him without looking back.

As they walked away, the watching citizens and ninjas erupted into cheers.

A strong sense of national pride and honor surged within everyone at that moment.

Even Temari, who was among the crowd, felt a sense of amazement.

This was something she had never experienced in the Land of Wind or Sunagakure.

"Um, teacher, did I cause trouble for you?" Itachi asked softly as he followed Danzo on their way back.

Although he believed he had done nothing wrong, the other party was, after all, the Tsuchikage's disciple.

If not handled properly, it could escalate into a diplomatic incident, potentially affecting the relationship between the two nations.

Danzo looked at Itachi and replied seriously:

"Itachi, you did nothing wrong. In fact, you made the right choice."

"No one has the right to act recklessly in our country!"

After affirming Itachi's actions, Danzo gently patted his head.

"Don't worry. Your teacher will always stand behind you."

Hearing Danzo's reassurance, the dimness in Itachi's eyes vanished, replaced by a bright determination.

He nodded firmly and said, "Don't worry, teacher. I'll do my best in the Chunin Exams!"

Seeing his disciple so determined, Danzo smiled.

"Do your best, but don't put too much pressure on yourself."

——————

While the Konoha pair enjoyed a harmonious atmosphere, the mood between the Iwagakure teacher disciple was extremely tense.

"I told you not to cause trouble here. Why can't you just listen to me, Deidara?" After a long silence, Onoki finally spoke, his voice cold and stern. His sharp gaze bore into Deidara like a knife.

But Deidara was completely unfazed, his hands in his pockets as he replied:

"Tch, it was just an accident."

"Don't worry, old man. I'll make sure the entire shinobi world knows what true explosive art is during the Chunin Exams!"

"Including that damn Uchiha Itachi!!"

When he mentioned Itachi's name, Deidara's voice was filled with resentment and anger.

In his view, his defeat was entirely due to carelessness.

As long as he maintained distance in the next battle and guarded against Itachi's crows and Sharingan, there was no way he could lose.

Not just Itachi—even if all the Konoha ninjas teamed up, he wouldn't be afraid.

Seeing Deidara's attitude, Onoki felt both a headache and a sense of relief.

The headache came from Deidara's complete disregard for his warnings, still acting recklessly.

The relief came from the fact that Deidara hadn't lost confidence after this defeat.

His fighting spirit remained strong, which would undoubtedly help him perform better in the upcoming exams. After all, the exams were the main focus now.

With this in mind, Onoki suppressed his anger and warned:

"I hope you can keep your promise in the upcoming exams, Deidara."