The Happiness of Deidara in Naruto

Chapter 4: Becoming a Disciple

"Hello, I am Left Gate Deidara. Lord Tsuchikage wishes to see me." Deidara informed the guard, waiting patiently for him to report.

Once granted permission, Deidara found himself at the door to the Tsuchikage's office.

*Knock, knock, knock.* "Come in." The voice was old yet full of strength, commanding authority that left no room for rejection.

Deidara pushed the door open. A small figure sat behind a large desk, not lifting his head but rather continuing to handle paperwork.

Deidara dared not disturb the Tsuchikage and simply stood there quietly, waiting.

He had initially expected to meet a frail old man, but anyone who could become the Tsuchikage could not be ordinary. Even if the man appeared average, his years of holding power would have transformed him profoundly.

That heavy, serious aura made it hard for anyone to speak freely.

After a while, Ōnoki, the Second Tsuchikage, raised his head and scrutinized the hero's orphan before him. Deidara could feel the Tsuchikage's gaze, and his body tensed up.

This was more about the unease a commoner felt under the stare of someone in a high position than a question of mental fortitude.

"Deidara, you are called Deidara, right?" the Tsuchikage said.

"Yes, Lord Tsuchikage."

"Do you know why I've called you here today?" Ōnoki found the situation slightly unusual. Within Iwagakure, relations between superiors and subordinates were quite serious, different from other villages.

Ōnoki had seen children cry after being questioned by him! This did not mean he was unloved; it was simply the management style of Iwagakure.

Yet here was Deidara, only six years old, who did not appear overly intimidated by the Tsuchikage's status; this was a courageous child. Under evaluation, if he proved capable, Ōnoki could consider fulfilling the request.

Ōnoki narrowed his eyes, recalling the bold request made by Deidara's father before he left.

"To Lord Tsuchikage, I know," Deidara said, though he felt somewhat nervous, he managed to speak.

"Oh? Then tell me." Without having trained in chakra, this child exhibited a special bond with his deceased parent, indicating potential.

Deidara hesitated, thinking of the heart-wrenching feeling he had experienced that morning. Pain unconsciously surfaced on his face as he spoke, "It seems my father has perished in battle."

Indeed, Ōnoki understood that there was a unique connection between them.

"Your father was a hero of the village. He died during a mission. As for his enemies, I won't tell you just yet. When you are strong enough to seek revenge, you will naturally learn the truth," Ōnoki paused and added, "You are the descendant of a hero, and I allow you to present one request. As long as it is not excessive, I will grant it."

Hearing the Tsuchikage's words caused a stir in Deidara's heart. To avoid appearing unsteady and immature, he restrained his excitement.

"If possible, I wish to become your disciple!" Deidara said, revealing some of his emotions despite trying to hold back.

One could imagine that the strongest person in a village would be the Tsuchikage! Certainly, the Tsuchikage was the pinnacle of strength within Iwagakure. Becoming a disciple of the strongest could potentially lead to becoming a jōnin in the future with talent and hard work.

This is a world where strength reigns supreme—a world where power conquers all. Even from the little manga Deidara had read, he understood the true nature behind this passionate story.

Whether for survival or to spread his art, power was essential. If his strength could surpass the world, then his art would surely be accepted by everyone.

After all, power lies in one's hands.

Besides, although the Deidara from his past life wasn't fond of manga, he had still heard enough from friends. They often spoke of, "In the early days, Orochimaru; in the middle, Pain; then in the end, the Sage of Six Paths, Obito and Madara; and at the climax, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki." Each generation stronger than the last.

While he didn't fully understand, he could imagine their astounding powers. Deidara did not wish to see the art he inherited fade away before it had a chance to flourish.

In this world, immense strength was indispensable.

"Oh, I agree to that." If it were something else, Ōnoki might have thought it over. However, this directly aligned with the request made by Deidara's father, and moreover, he recognized Deidara's potential.

Though Deidara knew he would become the Tsuchikage's disciple, when the moment truly arrived, he was still extremely pleased, enough for a radiant smile to break out on his otherwise tense face.

Seeing his smile, Ōnoki couldn't help but smile back, feeling a warmth spread.

Just then, the door to the office burst open, causing Deidara to jump slightly. He turned to see who had the audacity to enter without knocking.

"Hey, Grandpa, you and Deidara brother seem to be having a great time! You're both even smiling." Kurotsuchi's lively voice chimed in. "Deidara brother is fine, but Grandpa, you're smiling too! How strange!"

Kurotsuchi bounced around and playfully patted Deidara on the back, making a funny face at him.

Indeed, only this little girl could be so carefree with the Tsuchikage.

*Clears throat.* Embarrassed by his granddaughter's teasing, Ōnoki quickly changed the subject, saying, "Kurotsuchi, now that Deidara is my disciple, he is your senior brother. Do you understand?"

"Really! Grandpa, you let Deidara become your disciple!" Kurotsuchi exclaimed with joy. She turned around to Deidara and bowed with a big smile, saying, "From now on, we are siblings in the same school. Please take care of me, Deidara senpai!"

Deidara smiled back but did not bow as formally as Kurotsuchi. Instead, he reached out and ruffled her hair, saying, "Yes, I will protect you in the future!"

Ōnoki watched the scene with a smile, but then found it slightly odd; it seemed his granddaughter might be getting swept away by someone!

However, thinking of Kurotsuchi's previous 'misdeeds,' Ōnoki decided, *Forget it, if she gets swept away, so be it! As long as she doesn't trouble me anymore!*

"Alright, to celebrate Deidara becoming my disciple, I'll treat you both to lunch!"

"Awesome! Grandpa, you're the best!" Kurotsuchi cheered. "Hehe, thank you, Tsuchikage-sama!"

"Still calling me Tsuchikage-sama?" Ōnoki couldn't help but lose his former sternness.

Deidara quickly corrected himself, "Thank you, Master!"

The three appeared to be enjoying a joyful moment, but when they reached the dining area, Kurotsuchi's expression soured.

"Grandpa, are you planning to treat us to a meal at our own home?!"

"Haha, I still think your grandmother's cooking suits my palate better!"

To be continued…