Chapter 48 is still quite naive, you see...
Seeing his partner lose his composure because of him, Sasori couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Are you even listening to me?"
Deidara still wanted to see you first, so he said to Sasori, "Wait a minute, wait for me a moment." After saying that, he ran to your room and met the eyes of Haku, who was on night watch. Haku frowned, his expression seemingly asking silently: Why are you here?
Ignoring Haku's gaze, Deidara shifted his attention to you, who was fast asleep. Thankfully, you are still alive and safe, without any danger.
"Now that you've seen her, you can finally relax, right?" Sasori's voice rang in Deidara's ear, laced with utter sarcasm. This made Deidara's expression turn somewhat unpleasant. He finally realized that he might have acted too excitedly just now, and said, "You said before that if you saw her, you might turn her into a collectible, so that's why I..."
Deidara tried to explain his behavior, but no matter what he said, he couldn't hide the fact that he really cared about you. Sasori followed Deidara's gaze and quietly stared at your sleeping profile, his body rising and falling slightly with his breathing.
You are alive and vibrant right now, Scorpion said. "I don't plan to make her a collectible for now."
Deidara was not reassured when he heard this, because he keenly caught the key word in the sentence: "temporarily".
What does this mean? It means that he's just not making a move now, but in the future, perhaps in the near future, he might act on a whim. Deidara tried to reason with Sasori, saying, "Can't we choose someone else?"
If you die... Just thinking about that possibility makes Deidara feel a pang of sadness. He doesn't want you to die, and he doesn't want you to die.
You should always be so capable and resourceful, never lifeless.
Sasori of the Red Sand retorted, "Are you interfering with my decision? We're just partners, and you have no right to order me around."
Deidara knew, of course, that he had no right to order him around, but he clenched his hands at his sides, took a deep breath, and said, "This is not an order, this is... a request."
Upon hearing this, Sasori turned around and examined his partner with a calm gaze. The atmosphere was silent, like a stagnant pool. Finally, the stagnant pool began to flow slowly. Sasori spoke his first words: "Impressive. She was able to transform you to this extent?"
If his transformation was a physical alteration, turning a fragile body into sharp puppet parts, then your transformation was a shaping of the mind.
Deidara right in front of us is a prime example; he doesn't even realize that his will and even his soul have been changed because of you.
That's really interesting; it's actually possible to do that.
Deidara didn't understand the deeper meaning behind Sasori's words. He thought Sasori was being sarcastic and said, "Hey—what do you mean by 'reform'? I haven't changed because of her!" Deidara kept emphasizing that he was still the same as before, but Sasori didn't believe him. Sasori half-heartedly replied, "Is that so?"
He wouldn't believe Deidara's words anyway, and whatever he said went in one ear and out the other, as if he hadn't heard it at all.
Faced with Sasori's perfunctory attitude, Deidara wanted to explain, but he became increasingly less confident as he spoke. Yes, he himself began to feel guilty, without even knowing what he was feeling guilty about.
"Did you just bump into her by chance?" Deidara changed the subject again. "Or did you deliberately come here?"
"Don't you already have the answer in your heart? And I've never hidden my thoughts. I came here specifically to find her, to see what kind of magic she possesses that could make you waste your time and make you so obsessed."
Deidara, in a loud and stammering voice, explained, "What... what are you talking about? What do you mean by 'haunted by dreams'? He didn't do that to you, huh!"
Sasori walked to the other side and returned to his room. His expression remained unchanged. He had been telling the truth. He didn't really want to kill you right now, but if you died in an accident in the future, he would definitely take your body.
He felt that this was his own act of kindness.
"How's the situation with the Konoha Jinchuriki I asked you to investigate?" Sasori of the Red Sand began to inquire about the mission's progress. Deidara's expression returned to normal. He said, "No progress. The Hokage and the Uchiha clan are on high alert, especially that Uchiha Itachi." His Mangekyou Sharingan was really difficult to deal with; he had almost suffered a loss because of it. So, Deidara got angry just talking about it. He said, "I really hate those Uchiha."
Sasori of the Red Sand said, "Their Sharingan is indeed not to be underestimated. They have gone from hating Itachi Uchiha to hating the entire Uchiha clan."
Deidara was still a little angry, not only because he hated the Uchiha's Sharingan, but also because he hated the Uchiha's attitude of acting as if he knew the Uchiha very well. What was going on? He had only lived with the Uchiha for a period of time, not because he had become a member of the Uchiha.
This is what truly angered Deidara.
Even though he's worked so hard, he can only be considered your partner, while some Uchiha have already managed to get into your bed.
This is so unfair! Is there something he didn't do well enough? Is he not good enough? Deidara reflected on this for a long time and came to a conclusion: he couldn't be as good at seducing people as the Uchiha.
That's right, it's all those guys' fault for seducing you!
Sasori, unaware of Deidara's complex thoughts, said, "Then we'll have to try a different approach..."
Later, Deidara absentmindedly talked to Sasori about the mission. Towards the end, Deidara's mind drifted back to Sasori. He then coughed lightly with a serious expression and said, "Alright, then I'll go and rest."
Sasori of the Red Sand hit the nail on the head. He said, "If you go over there now, the guards around her won't give you a friendly look."
However, Deidara didn't care about that at all. He raised his chin and said, "Why should I look at his face? Of course he's looking at you. Why would he look at that guy named Haku for no reason?"
Sasori of the Red Sand watched Deidara's figure disappear.
But when Deidara entered your room, Haku immediately glanced at him and asked, "What are you doing here?"
Deidara crossed his arms and said, "I came to see her, what for? Can't I even look at her?"
“If you’re referring to a visit, then you should come during the day, while Mingxi is awake, not at night when she’s asleep. Generally speaking, what you’re doing is called ‘spying.’” Bai said in such a calm tone that Deidara almost exploded.
But he almost lost his temper. Of course, he knew he couldn't disturb your sleep, otherwise he would make you angry, and very angry at that.
But he was still really annoyed... Deidara said through gritted teeth, "I understand."
To say the most helpless words in the fiercest tone.
When you woke up naturally the next morning and saw Deidara lying at the foot of your bed, you were a little surprised. Huh, where did he come from? You vaguely remembered not seeing him before you fell asleep, right? Before you could ask, Deidara explained, "I just happened to be passing by, don't overthink it, okay!"
On the way? On the way, to this extent? After spending some time with Deidara, you'll find that he's really stubborn. You nodded, stretched, got out of bed, and shuffled to the bathroom in your slippers. Deidara naturally followed, like a little tail. You turned around and asked, "Do you have to follow me so closely?" You're not trying to run away; you're just going to the bathroom to wash up.
Deidara pursed his lips, his expression seemingly hesitant. After a few seconds, as you turned on the sink faucet, his voice mingled with the sound of running water: "I just wanted to look at you a little longer."
His voice was very soft, easily drowned out by the sound of running water if you didn't listen carefully. You turned off the tap, turned your head, and guessed why he had come. You smiled, your eyes crinkling, and then Deidara heard you say, "You're worried about me, aren't you? Because your partner, Sasori of the Red Sand, came looking for you. You're worried about my safety, aren't you?"
Although he really didn't want to admit it, feeling like admitting it would be like losing to you again, he also wondered what if you misunderstood him if he didn't say anything. So he said sullenly, "Yeah, I'm worried about you because he said that if he saw you, he might turn you into a collectible. I don't want you to become a puppet. Well, we're in a cooperative relationship now, right? So, so... I also have a responsibility to protect you, that's all."
"Alright, I understand what you mean." You closed the bathroom door, and when you came out, Deidara was still standing outside. He said, "I went to Konoha last time, and then I ran into those Uchiha. Uchiha Itachi is the one I hate the most."
You wiped the water droplets from your cheeks, and didn't react much when he mentioned Uchiha Itachi. This secretly pleased Deidara, who was observing your expression. It was enough to show that you weren't interested in Uchiha Itachi, and it could also be deduced that Uchiha Itachi's feelings for you were one-sided.
This was definitely the most exciting news Deidara had gathered in a while; his joy was palpable, to the point that you asked, "Why are you suddenly so happy? Did those Uchiha clans give you a warm welcome?"
"What warm hospitality? We fought several times, and Deidara didn't have the upper hand against them," he said. "No way, they were all a tough bunch."
You wholeheartedly agree with this.
As you walked into the living room, you glanced at Deidara again. He still looked travel-worn. Suddenly, something occurred to you, and you said to him, "You... if you rushed over last night, you didn't even take a shower, did you?"
As you spoke, you waved your hand at him with a hint of disdain, signaling him to hurry up and tidy himself up. Deidara muttered, "Is this all you care about?"
You pursed your lips and said, "Of course there are other things, like how you were all dirty and still lying at the foot of my bed." You didn't even notice when you woke up.
Although Deidara was a little annoyed, he still obediently went to the bathroom to clean himself up. You asked Haku to prepare a change of clothes for him. Haku handed the folded clothes to Deidara, who reluctantly said thank you. Haku acted indifferently, after all, he was just doing what you instructed.
While Deidara was cleaning himself, you were eating breakfast and looking at documents when Haku stood behind you, combing your hair and asking what kind of braid you wanted. You said, "The simplest one is fine."
If you take apart a complicated braid at night, your hair will become a mess. However, because your hair is soft and smooth, it won't get frizzy. At most, it will just become a little crooked.
Bai responded and used a comb to divide your hair into several sections.
Deidara showered quickly. You were halfway through breakfast, and Bai was halfway through braiding your hair, when you heard the bathroom door click open. Deidara, dressed in a white shirt and black undershirt, came out of the bathroom with a towel draped over his shoulders. His long, blond hair was half-dry, with water still dripping from the ends. He walked over to you, pulled out a chair, and sat down, saying, "What are you looking at again?"
Since Deidara isn't your business competitor anyway, showing him your documents isn't a problem. You generously let Deidara see the documents in your hand.
It was all dense text, tables, and numbers. Deidara only glanced at it once or twice before losing interest. He subconsciously frowned, like a golden retriever not very interested in a toy, and said, "This looks so boring. How did you even get into it?"
“Mature adults can patiently read documents, but kids… well, that’s hard to say.” As you spoke, you glanced at Deidara with a smile. He might be a bit childish, but he wasn’t really stupid; he was quite clever and understood your unspoken meaning. He said, “You just think I’m immature, huh? Humph, if I hadn’t come to see you—”
"You might really get ambushed by Sasori," Deidara thought to himself, keeping these words to himself because he didn't want to see you in danger. He hoped...
What does he hope for?
Well, he probably hopes you can continue to live so flamboyantly, just like the dazzling flames that burst forth in an explosion. That's what you mean to him.
Deidara said, "Tch, forget it."
He picked up the sandwich on the table. Bai had specially made an extra one to prevent Deidara from eating his portion of breakfast without any consideration. Sure enough, just as he expected, Deidara started eating breakfast without any politeness.
You took a sip of coffee and asked, "Since you're already here, why aren't you staying with your partner?"
Deidara also poured himself a cup of coffee from the coffee pot, but after just one sip, he frowned in disbelief at the bitterness.
How could it be so bitter! And how did you manage to drink it down mouthful after mouthful without changing your expression?
Could it be an act? Deidara thought, carefully observing your expression. Hmm, you really don't show the slightest ripple.
He said, "Don't you feel bitter?"
"It's alright, or would you like to add more sugar?" You said, pushing the ceramic jar containing sugar cubes toward Deidara. Deidara said he was perfectly fine with it, then tried a sip, only to be met with bitterness again. This time, he finally learned his lesson and added several sugar cubes to his coffee.
The sugar cube melted in the warm black coffee, finally making it palatable. Deidara, holding his coffee cup, answered your previous question, saying, "Even though we're partners, there's no need for us to be together all the time, is there?"
That makes sense. Don't be fooled by the mystery surrounding the Akatsuki organization; their partnerships are just like any other colleagues. In other words, who would enjoy spending time with their colleagues?
You fully expressed your understanding.
Before you and Deidara could even exchange a few words, Sasori showed up. This time, he wasn't hiding inside a puppet; rather, he appeared in his true form. I must say, his true form is indeed very beautiful. Last night, I was a little tipsy from drinking, so I didn't get a good look at his face. Now, looking closely, I realize that his appearance can only be described as exquisite and beautiful.
Deidara, noticing you staring at Sasori for so long, said with a hint of unease, "Aki, why are you staring at him like that?"
The reason is quite simple: you keep staring at him because he's handsome, and looking at him a few more times is good for your eyes.
You say, "Well, because Deidara, your partner is very beautiful."
Hearing this, Deidara's eyes widened in surprise. He thought to himself, "Don't be fooled by Sasori's appearance. Besides, you didn't react this way when you first met him. Is it because he's not good-looking?" Although ninjas shouldn't be judged by their appearance, being outshone by his partner in terms of looks still made him feel a little unbalanced.
Doesn't his appearance suit your taste? Deidara is just like that—he can't hide his inner thoughts at all. The slightest emotional fluctuation will be written all over his face, and that's how it is now.
Sasori smiled enigmatically and said to Deidara, "You're feeling threatened? Well, you've been with her for so long, but she seems to like me more now. Anyone would be angry, right?"
"Tch, what is he even saying?" Deidara almost rolled his eyes in front of you, unable to control his expression.
You haven't said anything yet, how can he be so sure you like him more? No way, he has to get an explanation from you, so he looked at you seriously and said, "So, Mingxi, do you really like Scorpion more? Just because he's good-looking?"
Instead of answering immediately, you pushed the fruit platter towards Deidara and said, "Don't be angry, have some fruit first."
They're treating him like a child again! Deidara was so angry he gritted his teeth, and then, under your watchful gaze, he ate several bites of fruit, crunching loudly as if venting his anger.
It's still very naive, you see.
Sasori glanced at your documents and seemed much more patient than Deidara. He also understood your next plan. He said, "You want to increase this country's steel production capacity so that you can lay railways all over the world, right?"
It's definitely easier to chat with adults. You said, "Pretty much, you actually understood it?"
Sasori of the Red Sand narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "It seems I've been underestimated by you."
"I wouldn't say that," you said, resting your chin on your hand. It's just that the ninjas you've encountered before have always been prone to making connections to other things, and their perspectives on matters have always been unexpectedly cunning. But Sasori of the Red Sand is surprisingly cooperative. You mean, your brainwaves actually match up.
Sasori of the Red Sand added, "After the railway is built, the flow of people and goods between countries and regions will become more frequent, and you will indeed be able to profit from it." And not just any profit, but a considerable one. In fact, if you wanted, you could even control the world through economic means.
He wasn't particularly interested in ruling the world, and he only joined Akatsuki because he thought it would allow him to conduct research on puppetry. In the end, Akatsuki was just a group of dangerous individuals who came together for their own interests, and they didn't really have much of a sense of unity.
"You noticed that? Hmm, that makes sense." You realize that you and Sasori have quite a lot in common. As long as he doesn't bring up philosophical questions about eternal life, you feel quite happy to chat with him.
"So you want to use me and make me do things for you, is that it?"
That's a bit too direct. You said, "You can't say that. It's perfectly normal for people to exchange benefits." If someone tells you they're working hard for an ideal or some other spiritual pursuit, they're probably just trying to exploit you without paying you. That's something you learned from working for several years in your past life.
Sasori of the Red Sand said, "That's true. So what can you give me?"
You stroked your chin with your fingers. "You can study my corpse after I die." Anyway, by then you'll be dead, and what your body looks like won't be a concern for you.
Sasori's face showed a hint of surprise when he heard you say that, but he quickly composed himself and smiled. "Can you take what you say seriously?" He implied that he was worried you might renege on your promise. You replied, "Of course I can take it seriously. Look, aren't there two witnesses right here? They can both testify."
Deidara reacted even more strongly than you, saying, "No—! Absolutely not! Aki, you can't agree to that! If you do, you'll become his puppet!"
"Mind your own business," Sasori of the Red Sand said impatiently.
This isn't meddling, it's just... if things continue like this, he can't accept that you'll end up like this.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
