CHAPTER 208: CHAPTER 208: DEIDARA — THE LEADER IS DEAD, I SUGGEST DISBANDING!

"I heard that our leader is dead? He was killed by Uchiha Haru of the Uchiha clan!"

As soon as they gathered, Deidara could no longer hold back and brought up the matter with a serious tone. This was an issue that shook the entire Akatsuki organization to its core.

The expressions of those present subtly shifted upon hearing Deidara’s words.

Of course, they already knew the truth—otherwise, they would not have come here.

But after Deidara’s question, no one responded.

Because no one had an answer.

The fact was already settled.

No one could dispute or deny it.

Though deep inside, they remained utterly shocked.

Their leader, Tendo Pain, wielded terrifying strength.

Everyone understood that well.

Not to mention, he possessed the Rinnegan.

The legendary Samsara Eye of the Sage of Six Paths, a power wrapped in myth and legend.

And yet, this man was defeated.

That reality was staggering.

"Why... no reply? Haven’t you heard the news? Why is everyone silent?"

Deidara asked again, frustrated by the stillness.

"Quiet," his partner Sasori interrupted sharply.

"The leader’s death must be true; otherwise, none of us would have gathered here."

"When others arrives, we’ll get the full story."

"What’s the point of arguing here now?"

Even Sasori, though shocked and unwilling to accept Pain’s death, kept a level head.

Uchiha Itachi and Kisame stood off to the side, detached and silent like observers.

Zetsu and Konan had not appeared.

A heavy silence settled over the room.

After a moment, Deidara couldn’t stay quiet any longer.

"Do you really think Uchiha Haru is that powerful?"

He furrowed his brow. "He killed Hidan and Kakuzu, took down Jūzō Biwa years ago... and now even our leader fell to him. What kind of man is this?"

He shook his head repeatedly, clearly disturbed.

Deidara’s words stirred something in those around him.

Sasori scoffed. "If you want to know what kind of person Uchiha Haru is and how strong he truly is, ask those who actually know him."

"Are you joking?" Deidara sneered.

"Who here actually knows Uchiha Haru?"

Despite often working alongside Sasori on missions, their personalities clashed — especially on artistic philosophy. Deidara couldn’t resist sparring over business opportunities.

"Hah!"

Sasori laughed bitterly. "Who said no one here knows Uchiha Haru?"

"Uchiha Haru is from the Uchiha clan, and Itachi is from the Uchiha clan. Surely, you two have crossed paths before," he said, glancing at Itachi, who remained silent in the shadows.

Deidara looked toward Itachi, suspicion mingling with awe in his eyes.

Before joining Akatsuki, he had fought its members — only to be utterly defeated by Itachi’s Mangekyō Sharingan in a flash.

That encounter left a deep mark on him, one he couldn’t forget.

He was determined to surpass Itachi, to crack the secrets of the Uchiha’s Sharingan.

But so far, no solution had come to him.

Facing Itachi, he felt an uncomfortable mix of fear and humiliation.

For Deidara, explosion was art.

Nothing was allowed to surpass his art of explosion — not even the Uchiha clan’s Sharingan.

Kisame, too, glanced at Itachi.

He had heard whispers about Itachi’s defeat at the hands of Uchiha Haru back in Konoha.

When Kisame first met Itachi, he was astonished and found the rumors hard to believe.

Because on missions together, Kisame himself felt the overwhelming prowess of the genius Uchiha.

Though formidable, Kisame knew he was no match for such talent.

He simply couldn’t imagine anyone stronger than Itachi.

So when he heard Haru had defeated Itachi, his heart refused to accept it.

He even asked Itachi about it.

Itachi remained silent, his quiet acquiescence shocking Kisame.

The rumors were true — Uchiha Haru had indeed defeated Itachi.

And now, Haru had even taken down Pain.

The wielder of the Rinnegan himself.

It was unbelievable.

In this moment, Kisame’s curiosity about Uchiha Haru grew stronger than ever.

He sensed many eyes on him.

Itachi lifted his head slightly, speaking quietly:

"I don’t know much about him. Only that Uchiha Haru is a very powerful shinobi."

"Whether it is his strength, his strategy, or his adaptability, he far surpasses me. I cannot compare myself to him."

"I don’t know exactly how strong Uchiha Haru is, because I haven’t been able to test my strength against his."

"As early as a few years ago, on the night of the Uchiha clan massacre, he stood against five Kage-level shinobi at once—and emerged undefeated."

"It’s utterly foolish to make an enemy of a man like that."

Once, he had also regarded Uchiha Haru as a rival and tried desperately to catch up.

But no matter how hard he pushed, it was useless.

The gap between them did not just fail to close; it widened at an alarming rate.

Now, if he had to face Uchiha Haru in battle again, he wouldn’t have even a shred of confidence left.

Hearing Uchiha Itachi give such a high appraisal of Uchiha Haru,

and knowing Itachi considered him even superior to himself in strength,

the others in the Akatsuki couldn’t help but feel a flicker of surprise.

Yet, they weren’t completely shocked.

After all, even Tendo Pain—now dead—had fallen under the shadow of Uchiha Haru.

"What do we do now?" Deidara asked, his brow furrowed deeply.

Even Itachi scared him.

How could anyone possibly stand against Uchiha Haru, who was far stronger than even Itachi?

The question hung heavy in the air, silencing the others in the Akatsuki.

Having provoked such a person, did they even have a chance to survive?

That was Uchiha Haru.

After a long silence,

within the cavern where the Akatsuki gathered, White Zetsu suddenly appeared.

"Long time no see!"

"Zetsu!"

The faces of everyone present shifted when they saw Zetsu.

It was White Zetsu who had summoned them here, saying there was something urgent to discuss.

Now that he was here, what exactly was the plan for the Akatsuki’s future?

" Zetsu, what’s the reason for gathering us all here? Our leader is dead—are you telling us to pick a new one?" Deidara blurted out.

His voice carried eagerness mixed with challenge.

Others’ expressions also shifted after hearing this.

Most of the members were unruly and difficult to control.

Their strength was formidable.

Except for the late Tendo Pain with the Rinnegan, it was nearly impossible to suppress them.

If they were to pick a new leader, the strongest one would be the only viable choice.

Only strength could command respect, and only strength could force submission.

"No! No!" White Zetsu laughed softly. "I’m not here to have you all fight to choose a leader."

"We are an organization. It’s already bad enough without internal conflict."

"Then why have you called us here? To order us around?" Sasori sneered.

White Zetsu’s abilities were important to the Akatsuki, but he was not someone they would blindly follow.

His strength was insufficient; he lacked the charisma to convince them.

"Of course not," Zetsu smiled and waved his hand.

"I’m certainly not qualified to be your leader."

"But just because I’m not, doesn’t mean someone else isn’t."

"Oh?" Deidara’s interest peaked. "Who are you talking about, Jue?"

Sasori’s eyes locked onto White Zetsu, suspicious.

If they weren’t convinced, they’d never accept a new leader.

Both Uchiha Itachi and Kisame’s faces remained calm but attentive.

They knew about the mysterious masked figure.

White Zetsu’s smile deepened with a trace of mystery as he spoke slowly and clearly:

"He is the true mastermind behind our Akatsuki. Even the previous Tendo Pain obeyed his will."

Deidara and Sasori’s expressions turned grave at these words.

What kind of person was this,

that even Tendo Pain—the wielder of the Rinnegan—submitted to his command?

White Zetsu’s lips curled as he revealed the truth word by word:

"This person is Uchiha Madara."

At his declaration, a swirling vortex materialized in the dark cave.

Two figures began to take shape within the shadows.

As their forms grew clearer, both Deidara and Sasori’s faces registered shock.

Uchiha Itachi narrowed his eyes slightly, a cold murderous intent radiating from his entire being.

This was the purpose of his arrival here.

This Novel is Completed on Patreon

---------

🎇🎇 Check out new Fanfiction 🎇🎇

🎊 Naruto : Tsunade You’re Really Drunk 🎊

------------------

This Week Bonus Chapter - 200 Power stones

2nd Bonus Chapter - 400 Power Stones

3rd Bonus Chapter - 600 Power Stones

-------------

📢 Support the Novel & Read Ahead!

Love the story and can’t wait to see what happens next?

Join my Patreon and get access to 50+ early Chapters before anyone else! 🔥

https://www.patreon.com/UK21

Thank you for reading, and I truly appreciate your support! 💖

---------