Analyzing the Ninja World Starting from Konoha

Chapter 346 Soul Splitting!

Directly modifying memories may seem like a one-time solution, but it carries a fatal hidden danger.

Once Deidara realizes he has been deceived and his memories have been altered, given his personality, he will absolutely seek revenge at all costs.

That would actually push Deidara to the opposite side, which would also affect Iwagakure's plans.

Therefore, Aoba chose to use long-term subconscious suggestions during Deidara's imprisonment.

It doesn't change any memory; it simply adds an extremely subtle bias to the original personality and thoughts.

Like a frog being slowly boiled in water, Deidara himself wouldn't realize his sense of belonging to the Akatsuki organization and his connection to "Starry Sky Art."

The longing is planted in someone's mind beforehand.

He would only assume that it was a longing that had always existed deep within his heart.

There is also a more practical reason.

Onoki!

Don't underestimate that old geezer.

Onoki is just old, not stupid. Once Deidara returns to Iwagakure, he will definitely conduct a thorough examination on him.

Some things, if done, will inevitably leave traces, not to mention the many messy secret techniques in the ninja world, so Aoba would rather go through a bit more trouble than make a mistake.

"Then, I'll leave the rest to you."

Aoba smiled at Nagato, "We need you to put on a show for Onoki and put some pressure on him."

Nagato nodded without saying anything more.

He stepped forward and, as if picking up a chick, lifted the unconscious Deidara up, then vanished in a flash.

Rumble!

A violent explosion rang in Deidara's ears, his head buzzed, and it took him a while to regain consciousness.

"What's going on—"

He then realized he was tied up, and tried to struggle but couldn't break free.

It can only wriggle like a silkworm pupa.

"Damn it! What's going on?!"

Another explosion rang out in the distance, and the ground continued to tremble.

He knew there was a battle going on over there.

Deidara rolled on the ground for a moment, then struggled to look up.

That was—

On the distant battlefield, two people were fighting.

An old man with a big nose floated in mid-air.

It was his teacher, the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki of the Two Scales!

His opponent was an enormous humanoid chakra giant!

On the giant's head stood a red-haired youth dressed in a black robe with red clouds.

"leader?!"

Deidara recognized the man at a glance.

"Is this the leader's true strength? Even without the Rinnegan, he still possesses such power!"

He knew how strong Old Man Onoki was; every time he went on a rampage in the village, it was the old man who came out to deal with him.

Just as Deidara was in shock, Onoki in the sky had already completed the technique in his hand.

"Dust Release: Particle Style - Detachment Technique!"

Between Onoki's hands, a semi-transparent cone had already taken shape.

Chirp!

A blinding white beam of light shot towards the chakra giant!

The moment the white light struck, half of Susanoo's body was completely devoured!

It's not pulverized, it's not smashed, it's completely erased at the molecular level!

Even the ground beneath Susanoo's feet was carved out by this white light, creating a huge trench!

"They're going straight for Dust Release?!"

"What terrifying power—"

Deidara swallowed hard.

Just when Deidara thought his leader was about to be defeated, Susanoo, whose body had been half-obliterated, unleashed its chakra once more, quickly filling in the missing parts.

Not only that, Susanoo's hands suddenly clenched in mid-air.

Two enormous swords formed instantly from high-density chakra were created.

"cut!"

Susanoo gripped his longsword and slashed straight at Onoki.

Onoki activated Dust Release once more, and the white light collided head-on with Susanoo's chakra giant sword.

The chakra giant sword and the white light of Dust Release were locked in a stalemate, emitting a piercing buzzing sound.

"They even withstood Dust Release?!"

Deidara's eyes widened.

The clash between Susanoo and Dust Release, two top-tier ninjutsu, completely altered the terrain within a radius of several miles of the battlefield.

At this moment, Onoki was also somewhat surprised. Although the two were just acting, wasn't it also a kind of test?

Susanoo!

I had only ever seen it on that one man before. I never imagined that after so many years, so many people would be able to use this technique.

Now they're even using a stranger.

And his Dust Release technique was actually blocked.

Onoki glanced at Deidara.

Hmm, not bad.

Just as they planned, the guy was already captivated, so their efforts weren't in vain.

"So beautiful!"

Deidara was indeed attracted.

He had always pursued the art of instantaneous explosion, but at this moment, looking at the dazzling white light of Dust Release, and at the Susanoo that was going head-to-head with Dust Release.

He suddenly realized that his explosive clay still had a lot of room for improvement.

If the power of Dust Release could be incorporated into the explosion—

What perfect, ultimate art that would be!

Deidara, who had initially resisted the organization's arrangement for him to return to the village, now had his mind completely swayed.

For the ultimate art under the stars.

He's determined to be the Earth Shaman!

Just as Deidara made up his mind, two familiar figures suddenly darted out from the side and landed beside him.

"Hey, isn't this the genius artist from the demolition squad?"

"What kind of design is this? It's quite unique!"

A familiar yet slightly mocking voice rang in my ears.

Deidara turned his head and his face immediately darkened.

The newcomer was none other than Kurotsuchi, the granddaughter of Onoki, with Akatsuchi, the always smiling fat man, standing beside her.

Akatsuchi: "Yo, Deidara, long time no see."

When people are embarrassed, they are most afraid of being seen by acquaintances; it's absolutely terrifying.

"Black Soil! Red Soil! What are you two laughing at!"

Deidara snapped irritably, "Get over here and help me untie this damn rope!"

"Okay, okay, don't rush me."

Kurotsuchi walked forward with a grin, took out a kunai, and cut the rope.

"Honestly, even after running away from home for so long, her temper hasn't changed at all."

Hei Tu complained.

Just as Deidara regained his freedom, a loud explosion occurred not far from the three of them.

The shockwave, carrying debris, rushed towards us.

Boom!

"Not good!" Kuroto's expression changed.

"Earth Release: Rigid Form Technique!"

Just at this critical moment, Onoki's voice rang out in mid-air.

A giant stone golem quickly rose from the ground, blocking the three of them and shielding them from all the impact.

The smoke and dust cleared.

Nagato appeared behind Kurotsuchi and the other two, and Onoki also descended from the sky, blocking their path.

"As expected of the Third Tsuchikage, Lord Onoki, he is indeed still vigorous despite his age."

"Here, take this guy back."

"However, it seems that Iwagakure has truly declined. The prestigious Bloodline Elimination has no one to inherit it, and can only rely on you, an old man who is about to die, to keep it afloat."

"Lord Onoki, after you pass away, Iwagakure will probably be removed from the ranks of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, won't it?"

"How pathetic."

Upon hearing this, Onoki was so angry that he puffed out his beard and glared at the speaker, preparing to retort.

But Nagato didn't give him that chance.

Centered on his right eye, the surrounding space twisted violently, sucking in Nagato's figure.

"This is... space-time ninjutsu?!"

Onoki frowned, his expression grave.

I never expected that this person had something hidden during our exchange.

Although he knew it was all an act, Nagato's words truly struck a chord with him.

The current shortage of skilled workers in Iwagakure is his biggest worry.

Dust Release is the highest level of combat power in Iwagakure, but this kind of bloodline limit is extremely difficult to pass on. Currently, he is the only person in the entire Iwagakure who can use Dust Release.

Once he's gone, Iwagakure will indeed face a huge gap in combat power.

Kurotsuchi and Akatsuchi, who were usually all smiles when they met, stopped laughing when they heard Nagato's close-up mockery.

Onoki glanced at the three of them, his gaze finally settling on Deidara.

Deidara, who had been somewhat lively, was now unusually silent.

He had his head down, seemingly lost in thought.

Seeing Deidara's appearance, Onoki secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It seems the plan worked.

This brat has finally learned his lesson.

Then Onoki snorted coldly, put his hands behind his back, and said with a stern face.

"What are you all standing there for? Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough? Let's go!"

After saying that, Onoki turned around first and flew towards Iwagakure.

Akatsuchi smiled憨厚ly, patted Deidara on the shoulder, and followed.

Kurotsuchi moved closer to Deidara, nudged him with her elbow, and whispered something.

"Hey, Deidara, the village spent a fortune trying to find out where you are."

Grandpa didn't say it, but he's been looking for you.

"Don't make Grandpa angry again when you go back this time."

Deidara was silent for a few seconds, then let out a soft hum.

"Too verbose."

Although he said that, he still followed after them.

The Island of Oblivion, Orochimaru's Laboratory.

With a soft footstep, the laboratory door was pushed open.

Aoba walked in slowly.

At this moment, his face was somewhat pale, and his mental state was visibly weakened.

Hearing the noise, Orochimaru stopped what he was doing and turned his head slightly.

Upon seeing Aoba's appearance, he immediately realized what was going on.

"Heh, looks like you've split the cursed seal again? It's only been a few days since the last time, this is very dangerous, Aoba-kun!"

Orochimaru's tone was calm, but the implied meaning was quite clear.

Aoba walked to a chair, sat down without any politeness, and rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"I didn't want to either, but the timing just happened to be right."

Orochimaru smiled, turned around and walked to the refrigerator next to him, took out a tube of bright green medicine from it, and handed it over.

"Drink it. This is my latest concoction that can calm the mind. It should be very helpful for your current condition."

Qingye took the medicine, uncorked the bottle, tilted her head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

A chill instantly spread throughout his body, and his pale face regained some color.

"Phew—I'm alive again."

Aoba let out a long breath and placed the empty test tube on the table.

"The stuff is good, want a few more?"

"You can't drink too much of this. With your constitution, one bottle a day is the maximum."

"Okay, then bring me a few later."

"Even if your soul strength far exceeds that of ordinary people, splitting two soul fragments in quick succession can easily cause a backlash."

"You know better than I do about the damage to one's soul!"

"There's no other way; it's a rare opportunity."

"Deidara has good talent. I can't think of anyone to give the [Earth Attribute] to. If I don't plant the curse mark before he leaves, it will be difficult to find another opportunity later."

"Dust Release? It's certainly a good vessel."

"So, you've already given away water, fire, lightning, and earth. Now, who do you plan to give the last element, wind, to?"

Aoba stroked his chin, and a delicate figure appeared in his mind.

"Give it to me."

Is it "Mizukihaku"?

Orochimaru stroked his chin thoughtfully. "That child with the Ice Release bloodline limit is indeed a good choice. Ice Release is a fusion of water and wind nature transformations, so his talent in wind attribute is definitely not low."

"They are all ninjas with bloodline limits or ultimate elemental talents. You plant a cursed seal containing fragments of your own soul on them, allowing the separated souls to grow together with the host and jointly comprehend the changes in different elemental chakras."

"Waiting for the right time to harvest is an amazing technique."

"Not at all. If it weren't for the curse seal you developed, I wouldn't have been able to come up with such a clever trick."

"Besides, this inspiration came from you."

Orochimaru ignored Aoba's flattery; he figured it was better to get something substantial than empty praise.

"Theoretically it is indeed feasible, but can it really work? Although they are fragments of a soul, they are also growing."

Aoba's cursed seal is somewhat different from Orochimaru's.

Orochimaru treats each cursed seal as a save point; whoever comes out first becomes the original body.

But Aoba is different. He stored his soul in a cursed seal and released it directly. If someone uses the method of releasing Orochimaru to break Aoba's cursed seal...

Theoretically speaking, there would be several Aoba with different personalities but the same memories.

That's why Aoba is so careful in choosing a host.

Besides being familiar with it, it also needs to be controllable. Otherwise, if another Qingye appears, even if he knows that he is a split soul, there is still a possibility that he might take over.

"I don't know either."

Aoba shrugged nonchalantly.

As he spoke, he extended his right hand, palm up.

A black rod grew out of the palm of his hand.

That's right, a stick has grown out!

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes.

"Yin-Yang Release? You mastered it so quickly!"

Click!

Aoba simply broke the stick off and tossed it onto the lab table.

"It's still too crunchy."

"I have completely mastered Yin Release, Yang Release, and the five basic chakra natures."

"However, I have absolutely no confidence in perfectly fusing these seven attributes to create the legendary Bloodline Limit."

This is the dilemma that Aoba is currently facing.

For Aoba, the common bloodline limit of fusing two attributes was no challenge at all.

Aoba has even successfully performed the Bloodline Elimination technique, which combines three attributes.

However, the Bloodline Limit is different.

With each additional attribute added, the difficulty of fusion increases exponentially.