Chapter 3: Practice makes perfect
The forest air was cool and fresh, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, as Sakura and Ino strolled side by side along the narrow path. The late afternoon sun was dipping toward the horizon, painting the sky in warm shades of orange and pink. It was a peaceful day, a momentary lull in the chaotic routine of their training and missions, and both girls welcomed the brief respite.
"You know, I'm starting to think I might redo my whole bedroom," Ino said, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "The blue is getting old. I'm thinking something brighter, like a peachy pink. What do you think?"
Sakura tilted her head, considering the idea. "Peachy pink? That's…cute. It suits you, actually. But won't it clash with your posters?"
Ino waved her hand dismissively. "Pfft, I'll just swap them out. I'm thinking of getting a new poster of Minato. Can you believe I found one of him in his Hokage robe? The seller said it's a rare print."
Sakura snickered. "You and your posters. I swear, if you ever had to choose between them and a boyfriend—"
"Please, the posters would win every time," Ino joked, bumping her shoulder against Sakura's. "Besides, it's not like I'm the only one with a crush. You still got a thing for Sasuke, huh?"
Sakura felt her cheeks heat up. "I-I don't know what you're talking about," she mumbled, but the embarrassed smile on her face betrayed her.
Ino chuckled, giving her friend a knowing look. "Come on, Forehead. You're not fooling anyone. We all see the way you look at him."
Sakura rolled her eyes, trying to shift the conversation away from her own feelings. "And what about you? Still pining after Naruto?"
Ino shrugged, her expression softening. "I mean, he's cool. He's got that whole 'son of the Fourth Hokage' thing going on, and he's super talented...and super cute."
Sakura sighed, disappointed to see her friend clinging on to her old crush. "What you see in him, I will never know."
"Whatever, don't judge me." Ino brushed off Sakura's comment about her feelings.
Wanting to change the topic of discussion, Sakura brought up the upcoming Chunin exams, asking Ino if she was looking forward to their bout.
"Oh, totally," Ino said with a grin, flipping her hair confidently. "I'm going to kick your butt! You better be ready cranium!"
"Oh I will be piggie," Sakura laughed, nodding. "But don't get too cocky."
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But you know what, Forehead? I'm looking forward to it. It's a challenge, right? I live for this kind of stuff."
Their conversation was light, and the mood was easy between them as they continued down the path. The dense forest was a comforting backdrop, a familiar space where they had both spent countless hours training and escaping from the stresses of daily life. As they turned a bend, Sakura's gaze wandered ahead, and she caught sight of a figure moving in the distance.
"Hey, Ino," Sakura said, nudging her friend and pointing. "Look over there."
Ino squinted, trying to make out who it was. The figure was moving with deliberate, practiced motions, striking at a wooden training dummy with quick, measured blows. After a moment of silent observation, Ino's eyes widened with recognition.
"Oh, that's Hinata," she said, crossing her arms as she watched. "What's she doing all the way out here?"
Sakura studied Hinata from a distance, her movements precise but hesitant. "Looks like she's training. She's really going at it, huh?"
Ino nodded thoughtfully, but her expression shifted to one of amusement. "You know, I almost feel bad for her. She's got to fight Naruto in her first Chunin Exams. It's gonna be a total disaster."
Sakura sighed, folding her arms across her chest. "Yeah, it's pretty ridiculous. She doesn't stand a chance. If anyone should be fighting Naruto, it's me."
Ino laughed, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Yeah, now that's a fight I'd pay to see! You versus Naruto would be way more interesting than watching him beat up on Hinata. Poor thing doesn't even know what she's getting into."
Sakura nodded, her gaze still fixed on Hinata. The girl moved with determination, but there was a noticeable stiffness in her form, a hesitancy that spoke volumes about her nerves. "She tries hard, you know? I think she really wants to prove herself. But it's just… it's not gonna be enough."
Ino shrugged, a hint of indifference in her tone. "Honestly? I'm more worried about Naruto. Have you heard what people have been saying about Hinata? That she's some kind of devil worshipper or something? They say that's why she's always talking to herself—she's actually talking to her demon friends."
Sakura's eyes widened, taken aback by the accusation. "What? That's ridiculous, Ino. She's just… different. She's not a devil worshipper."
Ino raised an eyebrow, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I don't know, Sakura. It's kinda plausible when you think about it. I mean, have you ever noticed how she doesn't even have the Byakugan? Some people say she sacrificed it to whatever she worships. And didn't her mother die in some weird accident? What if Hinata had something to do with it?"
Sakura frowned, shaking her head firmly. "Come on, Ino, that's way too much. Hinata's not like that. She's just… shy. And people love to make up stories about things they don't understand."
Ino's expression turned slightly more serious, though there was still a playful glint in her eyes. "I'm just saying what people are talking about. I'm not saying I believe it—okay, maybe just a little. But it's creepy, right? And what if she curses Naruto after he beats her? I don't want my Naruto-kun getting hexed."
Sakura shot her a disapproving look. "Cool it with the rumors, Ino. It's one thing to gossip, but this is just mean. Hinata's not hurting anyone."
Ino rolled her eyes, her casual demeanor returning. "Alright, alright. I get it. I won't say anything else. But still, I can't help but worry. Naruto's got enough on his plate without having to deal with Hinata's weirdness."
They continued walking, their conversation trailing off as they neared the clearing where Hinata was training. Sakura watched her more closely now, observing as Hinata formed a series of hand seals, her brows furrowing in concentration. She unleashed a burst of chakra, but the resulting lightning jutsu fizzled out, barely even sparking against the dead tree she was targeting. Hinata sighed, her shoulders slumping in defeat.
Sakura couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. She empathized with what it was like to struggle, to feel like you were constantly coming up short. Hinata was trying so hard, but her efforts seemed to be getting her nowhere.
"She's working on lightning style now?" Sakura muttered, more to herself than to Ino. "She's really pushing herself."
Ino glanced at her, then back at Hinata. "Looks like she's just wasting her time. It's not gonna help her against Naruto."
Sakura nodded, but her mind was already drifting elsewhere, wondering what Naruto was doing to prepare for the exams.
The two friends continued walking, leaving Hinata behind as they made their way out of the forest. The trees began to thin, and the familiar sights of the village came into view. The streets were bustling with activity, the hum of daily life filling the air.
As they approached the Yamanaka flower shop, Ino nudged Sakura playfully. "So, you ready for our match, Forehead? I'm not holding back, you know."
Sakura grinned, her competitive spirit flaring up. "Neither am I, Ino. You better bring your A-game."
"Oh, I will," Ino said with a wink, opening the door to her family's shop. "And when I beat you, you're gonna owe me a big, fat lunch."
Sakura laughed, feeling a sense of lightness she hadn't felt all day. "Deal. But don't cry when I win, okay?"
Ino shot her a playful glare before the two of them entered the shop, the sound of their banter fading into the soft hum of the village.
Despite the playful exchange, Sakura's thoughts lingered on Hinata and Naruto, the two of them unknowingly linked by the upcoming exam. A sense of unease settled in the pit of her stomach, a feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger, something that none of them were prepared for.
Naruto sat at the counter of Ichiraku Ramen, his favorite spot in the village, a blissful smile plastered on his face as Teuchi set down a steaming bowl of miso ramen in front of him. The rich, savory aroma filled the air, and Naruto's stomach growled in anticipation.
"Thanks, old man!" Naruto said, rubbing his hands together. He grabbed his chopsticks, ready to dig in. "Thanks for the meal!"
But just as he was about to take his first bite, a loud, familiar voice rang out, cutting through the peaceful moment.
"SHANAROO!"
Naruto's eyes widened as he barely had time to react. A fist came crashing down, and in an instant, his precious bowl of ramen exploded into a fine mist.
"MY RAMEN!" Naruto yelled, staring in horror at the empty space where his food had been. He turned to see Sakura, her fist still clenched, a look of fiery annoyance on her face. "Sakura-chan, why'd you do that?!"
Sakura crossed her arms, glaring at him. "Naruto, you've been here for the last hour and a half, stuffing your face! Don't you have anything better to do?"
Naruto blinked, still mourning his lost meal. "But I was hungry! You can't just—"
"You're always hungry!" Sakura cut him off, jabbing a finger at his chest. "You're spending way too much time at Ichiraku! At this rate, you're gonna eat us all into bankruptcy. You're practically a tax money pit with all that ramen you inhale!"
Naruto pouted, crossing his arms. "That's not fair, Sakura-chan. Being a jinchuriki is hard work! I'm always burning energy, y'know?" He rubbed his stomach, still growling in protest. "I need the fuel."
Sakura huffed, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, well, maybe if you spent half as much time training as you do eating, you'd actually be ready for the Chunin Exams next week! Look at Sasuke—he's been training nonstop. Why can't you be more like him?"
Naruto's frown deepened, and he scowled at her. "Oh, great, here we go again. Always bringing up Sasuke this, Sasuke that. 'Why can't you be more like Sasuke?'" Naruto started mimicking her voice, pitching it higher. "'Oh, Sasuke-kun is so cool and strong and handsome!'"
Sakura's face flushed with embarrassment and anger. "I-I never said that!" she stammered, her cheeks burning.
Naruto pointed accusingly. "You don't have to say it, Sakura-chan! It's all over your face. You're like, 'Oh, Sasuke, I love you! You're so cool and dreamy and—'"
Sakura's blush deepened as she sputtered in indignation. "Shut up, Naruto! You've been spending too much time with that pervy sage, Jiraiya. It's starting to rot your brain!"
Naruto shot back, defending his mentor. "Hey, don't bring Jiraiya into this! Maybe if you hung out with him, you'd learn a thing or two about how to win over your crush instead of yelling at people all the time."
Sakura took a deep breath, realizing she was getting sucked into one of their usual arguments. She waved her hand dismissively, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "Whatever. This is getting us nowhere. Look, Naruto, you need to start taking your training seriously, or I'm gonna tell the Hokage you've been slacking off. And you know he won't be happy."
Naruto's eyes widened. "You wouldn't…!"
"Try me," Sakura challenged, her eyes narrowing. "Everyone's training hard. Even your opponent, Hinata, is putting in the effort. You can't just coast because you think it's gonna be easy."
Naruto folded his arms defiantly, glaring at her. "Oh, please. Like you're one to talk. Your match with Ino is just as much of a joke as mine."
Sakura blinked, caught off guard. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Naruto smirked, leaning in with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm just saying, Sakura-chan, you're lucky. You've got that thick skull of yours—Ino's mind jutsu probably doesn't have what it takes to subdue your big ol' noggin!"
Sakura's face turned red with fury. "What did you just say, Naruto?!" She grabbed him by the collar, lifting him up off his feet. Naruto's bravado quickly faded, and he squeaked in fear as Sakura's grip tightened.
"I-I mean… uh, your brain is super strong! Real sturdy! Like, impossible to crack! A total fortress!" Naruto stammered, sweating bullets.
Before Sakura could deliver the smackdown, a voice interrupted them from behind.
"What are you two idiots doing now?"
Sakura instantly let go of Naruto, dropping him unceremoniously to the ground. "Sasuke-kun!" she gasped, quickly straightening her clothes and smoothing back her hair. She spun around to greet him, her cheeks still slightly flushed. "Oh, um, hi! We were just—"
Sasuke glanced between his two friends, an eyebrow raised in mild exasperation. "Having one of your episodes again, huh? I'm heading home. I don't have time for this nonsense."
Sakura's eyes widened in panic as Sasuke turned to leave. "W-wait, Sasuke-kun!" she called out, running up to his side. She shot a quick glare at Naruto before putting on her best smile for Sasuke. "I'll walk with you!"
Naruto watched them go, sitting on the ground with a resigned sigh. "Figures," he muttered under his breath, dusting himself off as he stood. "Guess I'm not getting that ramen back…"
He watched Sakura chatting animatedly with Sasuke as they disappeared down the street. Despite all the teasing and yelling, Naruto knew she had a point. He couldn't keep slacking off. The exams were coming, and he couldn't afford to get complacent, no matter how much he'd rather spend his time at Ichiraku.
Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he began to walk home. "Time to train, I guess… Stupid exams." But as much as he grumbled, there was a flicker of determination in his eyes. He couldn't let Sakura, or anyone else, down.
Maybe he'd start small. Just a little training today. Enough to keep Sakura off his back. After all, he had a reputation to uphold—and ramen to earn back.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows on the training grounds of the Hyuga compound as Neji and Hinata squared off, surrounded by the whispering bamboo. Neji observed his cousin with a sharp gaze, analyzing her stance. Hinata stood across from him, her posture tense but determined. Sweat beaded on her forehead, a sign of her relentless effort.
"Ready, Hinata?" Neji asked, raising his hands into a defensive stance.
Hinata nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Neji."
They moved in sync, Hinata advancing with cautious strikes, her palms reaching for Neji. He countered each move with precise blocks, effortlessly matching her speed. Yet, he couldn't help but notice something different in her form today—an unfamiliar rhythm in her strikes, an unorthodox mix of styles woven into her gentle fist.
Neji dodged a left hook and smirked. "Interesting. You're blending other styles into the gentle fist. It's creative."
Hinata's eyes widened at the compliment, and she pulled back slightly. "Th-thank you, Neji. I… I thought it might help."
"It does," Neji said, moving forward again. "But don't stray too far from the fundamentals. You need balance."
Hinata nodded, focusing on her footing. She aimed a precise jab at Neji's side, but he sidestepped, using the opportunity to exploit an opening. With a swift motion, Neji sent a sharp palm strike into her back. Hinata stumbled forward, gasping as she crashed to the ground.
Neji immediately stepped back, watching as Hinata pushed herself up. "Careful, Hinata. You're rushing in without a plan. Be more tactical."
Hinata nodded, disappointment evident in her eyes. "I'm sorry… I thought I saw an opening."
Neji helped her to her feet, his tone gentle. "It's okay. You're improving. But don't let your eagerness blind you to your own vulnerabilities."
Hinata brushed the dust off her clothes, glancing up at Neji. "I'll try to be more careful. Thank you for helping me, Neji."
He smiled softly. "You're doing well, Hinata. It's not about speed; it's about control. And you've got more of it every day."
They stood in silence for a moment, both catching their breath. The training had been long, and the sun was already dipping toward the horizon.
Neji glanced at the sky. "Let's call it a day. You've put in enough work for now."
Hinata hesitated, her shoulders drooping slightly. "But… the exams are so close. I need to get stronger."
Neji began walking, motioning for her to follow. "You've been working hard, Hinata. Sometimes rest is just as important as training."
Reluctantly, Hinata fell into step beside him, her mind racing with thoughts of her upcoming match. "I'm still not sure it'll be enough against Naruto, He's… he's just too strong."
Neji glanced at her, his expression thoughtful. "You shouldn't underestimate yourself. Use your status as the underdog to your advantage. If Naruto underestimates you, that's your opening."
Hinata looked down, biting her lip. "I don't know… I don't think Naruto would do that. Team 7 works really hard. I'm sure he's training just as much as I am… maybe even more."
Neji shook his head slightly, encouraging her with a firm tone. "It doesn't matter how much he's training. What matters is how you perform. Remember, it's not just about winning. It's about proving yourself. Even if you don't win, you can still make a strong impression."
Hinata took in Neji's words, feeling a bit of her anxiety lift. "You're right… I just need to do my best."
Neji nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit. You've got talent, Hinata. You just need to believe in yourself. I see the progress you're making, even if no one else does."
As they continued walking, a sudden voice rang out, clear and unmistakable.
Hinata
Hinata's heart skipped a beat, and she whirled around, her eyes scanning the empty training grounds. The voice had been so real, almost as if it had been right next to her.
Neji noticed her reaction and looked around. "What is it? Did you see something?"
Hinata shook her head quickly, forcing a smile. "N-no, Neji-niisan. I think it was just a rabbit or… something."
Neji raised an eyebrow, but didn't press further. "Alright, let's keep going."
Hinata followed him, but the voice lingered in her mind, echoing louder with each step she took. She had grown used to strange sensations and whispers, but this one felt different—urgent, and far too real. As they walked back to Kurenai's, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being called from somewhere beyond her sight, a voice just out of reach.
Yet, she kept her thoughts to herself, hiding her unease behind a determined smile. After all, she had more pressing matters to focus on. The exams were coming, and she was determined to make her mark, one way or another.
Kurenai's home was warm and inviting, filled with the soft scent of jasmine tea. Kurenai and Kakashi sat across from each other in the cozy living room, their conversation drifting between small talk and the upcoming Chunin Exams. Kurenai sipped her tea, her eyes gleaming with pride as she spoke of her students.
"I think my team is going to impress," Kurenai said, setting her cup down. "They've all worked so hard. Even Shino, who's usually so stoic, seems eager. And Kiba's been putting in extra hours with Akamaru. As for Hinata, well… she's been giving it her all."
Kakashi leaned back, crossing his arms. "I wish I could say the same about my students. Sakura's been pushing herself—she's eager to prove she's not just there to fill space. And Sasuke, well, he's always been driven. But Naruto…" Kakashi sighed, his single visible eye showing a flicker of concern. "I just can't get him to take training seriously. It's like pulling teeth."
Kurenai chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Naruto? Hardworking? He's always been so carefree. I remember when I first saw him at the academy; he was more focused on pranks than jutsu."
Kakashi smiled under his mask, amused by the memory. "Yeah, that sounds like him. I guess it's in his nature to treat everything as a joke. But I'd hoped the exams would spark some kind of fire in him. It's like he thinks it's just another routine mission, not the chance to prove himself as a real ninja."
Kurenai leaned forward, her tone sympathetic. "I'm guessing he just doesn't see Hinata as a real threat. She's been working herself to the bone, but Naruto… well, he's always had things come easy."
Kakashi shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "That's just how it is sometimes. You can work as hard as you want, but there's always someone who just… has it easier. That's the hand Hinata's been dealt."
Kurenai sighed, her expression tinged with sadness. "It's not fair. She's been giving it her all, and it feels like no one sees how much effort she's putting in. But I guess that's just life, isn't it?"
Kakashi nodded. "It is. But that's the lesson we all learn eventually. Not every battle is won through hard work. Sometimes it's just… luck, or talent. Or both."
Kurenai hesitated before changing the subject. "How's Sasuke handling it? I know Gaara is… difficult."
Kakashi's eye darkened slightly. "Sasuke's determined, but Gaara is no ordinary opponent. I'm doing what I can to prepare him, but honestly, I'm worried. Gaara's… ruthless. I can only hope Sasuke's progress is enough."
Kurenai nodded understandingly. "You're a good teacher, Kakashi. I'm sure Sasuke will surprise you."
As their conversation continued, neither realized Hinata stood just outside the door, frozen in place. Her hand hovered over the door handle, trembling slightly. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but hearing her name had stopped her in her tracks.
She listened, her heart sinking as their words washed over her. The subtle pity in Kurenai's tone, the resigned acceptance in Kakashi's voice—it all felt like a heavy weight pressing down on her. When their voices drifted into lighter topics, Hinata finally pushed the door open, stepping inside.
"Ah, Hinata," Kurenai greeted with a warm smile, but Hinata barely glanced at her.
"Hello, Sensei. Kakashi-sensei," she mumbled, her voice unusually flat. Without waiting for a reply, she headed straight for her room, shutting the door behind her with a quiet click.
Inside, Hinata sat on her bed, her mind replaying every word she'd heard. She stared at her hands, the bruises stark against her pale skin, each mark a testament to her relentless training. She reached for a small jar of ointment on her nightstand and began to carefully apply it, wincing as the cool balm touched her tender skin.
"Kakashi-sensei thinks Naruto isn't even trying… while I'm… I'm pushing myself so hard…" she whispered to herself, her voice trembling with frustration. "Doesn't he care? Does he think so little of me?"
She rubbed her hands slowly, the sting of the ointment sharp, but not nearly as painful as the anger bubbling inside her. All this time, she'd been terrified of the exams, training day and night, thinking of every possible way she could stand up to Naruto. And yet, here she was, finding out that Naruto couldn't even be bothered to take their fight seriously.
"It's not fair," Hinata muttered, her fingers digging into her palms. "I'm working so hard, and he's… slacking off."
She clenched her teeth, her eyes narrowing as anger flared up within her, an unfamiliar heat that made her blood boil. "How dare he?" she whispered fiercely, her voice trembling with a mix of hurt and rage. "How can he act like it's nothing? Like it's just another mission?"
Hinata's breaths came faster, her heart pounding in her chest. All her insecurities, her doubts, her fears—they all twisted together, feeding the flame of resentment that she had tried so hard to keep at bay.
"Naruto doesn't care," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "He doesn't care that every day I'm fighting against myself, pushing past my limits just to… just to be good enough to face him."
She looked down at her hands, bruised and aching, and for the first time, she allowed herself to embrace the anger. She was tired of feeling small, of being the underdog. If Naruto didn't take her seriously, then she would make him.
Hinata balled her hands into fists, her resolve hardening. "I'll teach him a lesson," she vowed softly, her voice tinged with newfound determination. "I'll show him that I'm not just some opponent he can ignore. I'll make him see me."
She stood, the anger inside her simmering into a cold, sharp focus. For so long, she had seen Naruto as someone she should aspire to be like, a yardstick for success. But now, more than ever, she was determined to face him—not as a timid girl, but as a rival who would make him pay attention.
Steeling herself, Hinata took one last look at her bruised hands. "I'll make him remember my name," she whispered, her eyes blazing with a fire that refused to be extinguished.
The forest was quiet, save for the rhythmic crunch of leaves and twigs beneath two sets of footsteps. Deidara and Sasori walked side by side, cloaked in darkness, their robes adorned with the red cloud pattern of the Akatsuki. The towering trees loomed overhead, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch forever, a fitting backdrop for their silent journey.
Deidara glanced over at his partner, his brow furrowed in irritation. "How long until we reach the destination, hmm?" he asked, breaking the silence for what felt like the hundredth time.
Sasori's face remained impassive, his eyes fixed ahead. "You've asked me that eight times in the last hour, Deidara."
"Yeah, well, we've been walking forever, and I'm understandably bored, yeah," Deidara retorted, his tone dripping with annoyance. "I still don't see why we couldn't just fly there on one of my creations. It would've been faster."
Sasori shot him a sideways glance, his voice dry and laced with disdain. "Firstly, I wouldn't be caught dead riding one of your clay abominations. Secondly, we need to keep a low profile. The job is to capture either the Nine-Tails or the One-Tail Jinchuriki during the Chunin Exams, and arriving from above in plain sight of hundreds of shinobi isn't exactly subtle."
Deidara scoffed, his hand reaching up to brush his blonde hair out of his face. "Oh, please. You say 'abomination,' but I say 'masterpiece,' hmm. You wouldn't know real art if it exploded in front of your face."
Sasori's expression didn't change, but Deidara could sense the subtle irritation creeping into his partner's tone. "We've been over this before, Deidara. I don't have the time or patience to indulge you in another pointless debate about what constitutes art."
Deidara pouted slightly, his blue eye narrowing as he muttered under his breath. "It's not pointless if you'd just open your mind and appreciate the beauty of fleeting moments. My art—"
"—is nothing but a loud, momentary spectacle," Sasori cut him off, his voice calm but firm. "True art endures. It's eternal, just like my puppets."
Deidara bristled, feeling the familiar surge of anger. He turned his gaze ahead, biting back the urge to argue further. "Yeah, yeah. Eternal art, blah blah. You're just scared of things that actually have impact, hmm."
Sasori sighed, his patience wearing thin. "I'm not scared, Deidara. I'm simply uninterested in temporary flashes of destruction masquerading as art."
Deidara rolled his eyes, stuffing his hands into his robe pockets as they continued to walk. "You're such a killjoy, you know that? Here we are, trudging through this damn forest when we could be soaring above it, and all you can do is complain about my art."
"Because your so-called art isn't what this mission requires," Sasori said coolly. "We're not here to make a scene; we're here to capture a Jinchuriki. Stealth and precision are key, not some reckless display of clay bombs."
Deidara scowled, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Well, I'm already sick of the Fire Nation, yeah. Everything here's the same—trees, trees, and more trees. And the shinobi… all they do is yammer on about loyalty and pride, like it means anything, hmm."
Sasori remained silent for a moment, his mind focused on the task ahead. "The Fire Nation's arrogance will be their downfall. They think they're invincible, but they're just as vulnerable as any other village."
"True," Deidara muttered, his voice laced with a hint of bitterness. "But this job… it's boring. We're here to nab a Jinchuriki, and we have to sneak around like rats."
"We're not rats. We're hunters," Sasori corrected. "And if we do our job right, they won't even see us coming."
Deidara couldn't help but smirk at that. "Yeah, I suppose. But I'm still betting I could grab the Nine-Tails brat before you even laid eyes on the One-Tail, hmm. No offense, but your puppets aren't exactly built for speed."
Sasori's eyes flicked toward Deidara, a ghost of a smirk playing on his lips. "Speed isn't everything. Precision and control are what matter. And when the time comes, my art will do what it does best—capture and preserve."
Deidara snorted, shaking his head. "Preserve? You're talking like we're running a museum. We're here to collect, not put things on display."
"Collect, display, it's all the same," Sasori replied. "What matters is that we succeed, and that our work endures."
The pair fell into another stretch of silence, the tension between them a familiar, unspoken undercurrent. They were partners, bound by the same goal, yet divided by their clashing philosophies. Deidara kicked a stray rock, watching it tumble down the path.
"I don't get you, Sasori," Deidara muttered, almost to himself. "You're all about this eternal art nonsense, but you're stuck inside that puppet shell of yours. Isn't it exhausting?"
Sasori didn't respond immediately, his gaze focused ahead. "This form grants me freedom from decay, from the weaknesses of the human body. I am art, Deidara. Eternal, unchanging."
"Yeah, but at what cost, hmm?" Deidara retorted, his voice softer now, almost contemplative. "Seems to me that you've lost something in the process. Life's all about change, after all. My art? It's alive, even if it's only for a moment."
Sasori glanced at him, the briefest flicker of understanding passing between them. "Perhaps. But that's the difference between you and me. You live for the moment, and I live to capture it."
Deidara shrugged, a small grin tugging at his lips. "Guess we'll just have to agree to disagree, yeah."
"Indeed," Sasori said, his tone final. "Now focus. We're getting close."
The two continued their trek, the silence between them no longer strained but settled. Each step brought them closer to their goal, and despite their differences, they moved as one, the silent hunters of the Akatsuki. For now, their art would have to wait—until the moment was right.
