Chapter 39: War Plans

                                    

                                          
Deidra stretched and yawned.
                          
"You've slept enough let's go," Sasori's artificial voice growled out.
                          
"Some people actually need to sleep you know."
                          
"I don't like to be kept waiting."
                          
Deidra waved off his concerns and popped a few of his joints. After a few moments he said, "All right my man let's get going. Have your spies found out where the Isobu is hiding?"
                          
"Yes."
                          
Sasori began moving and Deidra followed. If it wasn't for the fact Sasori was another artist, of a different style of course, Deidra would be most irritated at having to work with him. He rarely spoke other than to complain that something was taking too long and making him wait.
                          
His partner's dour attitude couldn't keep Deidra's spirits down. His battle with the Ichibi was glorious and now he was going to get to showcase his art a second time. He was already planning out the series of ever escalating explosives. The only dark cloud on the horizon is that he would have to hold back somewhat. He couldn't risk killing the three tailed beast. Pein would be livid and as much as the Akatsuki appreciated his talents he may not survive if in his zest for art he killed the bijuu. It wouldn't be dead permanently of course but Pein was not a patient man.
                          
"I wonder what our next target will be," Deidra idly mused.
                          
His gravelly voiced partner responded, "With Itachi and Kisame dealing with the two tails I suspect we'll be responsible for the Yonbi or the Gobi."
                          
Deidra wondered when their leader would get his hands dirty. Pein was a bit of a mystery even to the rest of the Akatsuki members though none doubted his power. Deidra attempted more idle talk but Sasori wasn't much of a conversation partner.
                          
'At least I'm not paired with that bastard Itachi.'
                          
***BREAK***
                          
Tsurugi had not made any progress in his search for Utakata. His hunter nin were spread to every corner of the land but no one had sighted him. And then out of the blue he felt demonic chakra on the wind. Signaling his two companions he raced toward it. Could Utakata be in a battle? Had he loosed the Rokubi on an enemy?
                          
As he got closer to the demonic chakra he started to hear the sounds of explosions. His thoughts were racing as he broke out of the clearing. In front of him was not Utakata but the three tailed beast. It was thrashing in the water of the lake as explosion after explosion sent great plumes of water rocketing to the sky.
                          
Tsurugi looked up and saw the tailed beast's assailant. The man wore black robes with red clouds and was standing atop a massive clay bird. Explosions filled the water and air and Tsurugi weighed his options. By rights the bijuu belonged to the Hidden Mist Village not to these intruders.
                          
Tsurugi moved to interfere when a second figure in robes shuffled in front of him. "Tsurugi of Kirigakure, this battle does not involve you. Leave or die."
                          
Tsurugi didn't bother replying and instead created several water clones and charged with his blade drawn. The head of the Kiri hunter nin was a feared and powerful opponent. He well deserved his A ranked status and while he had no kekkei genkai he was highly skilled with Suiton and kenjutsu.
                          
Against Akasuna no Sasori he and his companions stood no chance.
                          
The Hidden Mist ninja were soon dead and Deidra had finished his battle with the bijuu. Deidra landed next to Sasori, "Oh it looks like you managed to have some fun too." Sasori ignored his loud mouthed companion and sealed away the bodies in a sealing scroll. Tsurugi would make a fine addition to his collection.