Naruto: Konoha Spring of the Uchiha Prodigies

It must be said that Teuchi is indeed a chef with aspirations. With Konoha developing rapidly, as Konoha's landmark food, many businessmen have proposed to cooperate with him to expand his business and sell his ramen to the entire ninja world. However, Teuchi considered that opening a stall would affect the quality of the ramen, so he rejected the proposal, even though he would lose a lot of money as a result.

Some of the businessmen were eager to seize such a huge opportunity and tried to use various means to force Teda to comply or obtain his formula. However, these people clearly forgot one thing: Teda's backing in Konoha was probably even stronger than Gato's. After all, Gato was just the Hokage's front man, but Teda could proudly say that this generation of Konoha ninjas grew up eating his ramen.

Those who wanted to cause trouble had barely finished making their plans when Kakashi took them to the Nakagawa Grand Hotel, where they got to experience the temperature of the Nakagawa River in winter.

"teacher!"

"Uncle Naruto!"

The two blond-haired men greeted each other, and Uchiha Touko said helplessly, "Didn't I tell you, there's no need to call me 'uncle'?"

"Oh," Deidara replied casually.

After Uchiha Tokō finished his ramen and said goodbye to Teuchi, he took the two blond-haired men with him and told Naruto to go back first. Then, Uchiha Tokō led Deidara toward the edge of the village.

"I've already spoken with your teacher. The Tsuchikage's opinion is that you stay in Konoha as an exchange student for a period of time, so you can stay away from the war in the Land of Earth. He also asked me to guide your training." Uchiha Touko explained to Deidara as they walked.

“Let’s put aside our spiritual practice for now and talk about art,” Deidara said, rubbing his hands together. “After your guidance last time, I’ve gained some new insights into art.”

"No rush, no rush," Uchiha Touko waved his hand. "Art is something you can't rush. Tomorrow I'll set aside a space for you, and you can give me a good demonstration of what you've learned over this period."

"Mmm-hmm!" Deidara nodded hurriedly, thinking to himself:

[Konoha is still the best! Those old fogies from Iwagakure would never understand his art!]

After taking Deidara to a construction site on the edge of the village, Uchiha Touko arranged for the boy to stay in a thatched hut. This place was originally the village's ninth training ground. With the development of Konoha, the ninjas' training grounds were moved to the south of the village, and this place was planned as a future residential area. This thatched hut was originally where the ninjas rested in the training ground.

Uchiha Touko naturally wouldn't arrange for this kid to live in the core area of ​​Konoha. Otherwise, given the kid's personality, he might blow something up on a whim one day. Although he could directly seek compensation from the Tsuchikage, the frequent explosions would definitely have a significant impact on Konoha's property prices. Therefore, Uchiha Touko decisively arranged for this kid to live in this desolate wilderness. Here, he could blow up whatever he wanted. All that was needed was to send two Water Release ninjas to keep an eye on him and prevent him from setting the mountain on fire.

Of course, Uchiha Touko wouldn't say that directly to Deidara.

“Originally, I planned for you to live with Naruto, but considering that you are an artist, and artists need to be close to nature to gain inspiration, I arranged for you to live here. I don’t think you have any objections,” Uchiha Touko asked with a smile.

"This is fantastic!" Deidara looked excitedly at the surrounding green hills and clear waters, nodding in satisfaction. "Thank you so much, Hokage-san!"

See? He actually has to thank us!

"I will send someone to take care of you. Just tell him if you need anything. We in Konoha treat every guest with kindness," said Uchiha Touko.

"Then it's settled for tomorrow..." Deidara smiled shyly. Uchiha Touko's arrangements were so thoughtful that he felt a little embarrassed.

“I’ll come pick you up in person tomorrow,” Uchiha Touko said.

“Then it’s settled!” Deidara said happily.

Early the next morning, Uchiha Tokō went to Deidara's residence and took the boy to the area where the blueprints Yamato had given him were located.

Judging from the dark circles under this kid's eyes, Deidara must have been so excited that he didn't sleep all night.

Upon arriving at the destination, Uchiha Touko couldn't help but say, "Why don't you go back and get some sleep first? There's no rush to show off your art right now."

"No, no, no! I'm in great shape!" Deidara was unwilling to wait any longer. He immediately perked up, took out a piece of clay, put it in his mouth, and chewed it. Before long, he spat out a large lump of clay, which turned into a large bird in front of the two of them.

After Deidara stepped onto the giant bird, he said to Uchiha Touko, "Let's go, let's go up first."

Uchiha Touko nodded and followed the other person onto the bird's back, and the giant bird flapped its wings and took off.

Once they reached the sky, Uchiha Touko understood why Yamato was having such a headache about this place.

This area, covering approximately 400,000 square meters, could be developed into a foundation pit of over 200,000 square meters. While the labor costs would be high, it wouldn't be entirely unprofitable.

However, if we take into account the numerous large rocks that stand in this area, it seems that there is no other economical way to break them apart except by using explosive tags.

As Uchiha Touko surveyed the construction site, Deidara began his preparations, taking out a handful of clay and chewing it repeatedly. Not only that, but strange mouths sprouted from the palms of his hands, which also began chewing the clay.

Then, to Uchiha Touko's astonishment, Deidara pulled out a series of metal blocks and metal powders that had been sealed in various ways.

Among them are some extremely reactive elemental metals, such as sodium and magnesium, which lie quietly in two cans of kerosene sealed with seals.

When he saw these, Uchiha Tokō was dumbfounded. You see, even he, a transmigrator, didn't know how to make these metals, but Deidara managed to make them by his own research.

"How did you make this?" Uchiha Touko asked, pointing to a can of what looked like sodium.

"You mean this?" Deidara looked in the direction Uchiha Touko was pointing, then said with a smile, "I call this Explosive Red Metal. Let me tell you, this thing is really powerful. It makes a sharp popping sound when it comes into contact with water, and the explosion is quite loud."

"I know, I'm asking you how you made it. This thing shouldn't exist in nature, right?" Uchiha Touko ignored the somewhat corny name and asked.

“Oh, this, you know. You use an iron crucible, fill it with caustic soda, and then heat it continuously with high-intensity fire jutsu. That’s how you get a little bit of this metal,” Deidara said. “Making this is quite a lot of work. There are only a few ninjas in Iwagakure who can raise the temperature of fire jutsu to the required level. It’s very expensive to ask them for help. This one can of metal cost me almost half a year’s allowance. I guess it would be cheaper to make this in Konoha.”

Uchiha Touko: ...

This kid seems to be more than just a demolition genius. Although his purpose in creating this thing was for explosion, the fact that he could figure out how to produce sodium elemental in the ninja world, where most people are semi-illiterate, is truly astonishing.

"Alright, the preparations are complete!" Deidara said excitedly, then smashed the glass jars and the containers that held various metals. Clumps of clay surged up as the containers shattered, surrounding and engulfing the metals. The surface of the clay clumps also displayed various brilliant colors, shimmering in the sunlight.

Then, Deidara roared, "Explosion Release: Hundred Flowers Blooming Technique!"

As Deidara finished speaking, a lump of processed clay beside him instantly transformed into a giant bird, which flew towards the ground. Two seconds later, a huge explosion resounded through the sky, and a massive mushroom cloud rose into the open space, sending debris and dirt flying everywhere.

However, what shocked Uchiha Touko even more was yet to come. Uchiha Touko keenly sensed that a fluctuation of space-time ninjutsu suddenly came from the center of the explosion. Then, the two pieces of clay mixed with metal that were floating next to Deidara instantly disappeared. Two more booming sounds rang out, and at the same time, a mushroom cloud with a blinding two-colored light rose up.

Then, the fluctuations in spacetime came again. This time, four more pieces of clay around Deidara disappeared. The next instant, an explosion followed, and four-colored mushroom clouds rose again beside the two-colored mushroom clouds that had just disappeared.

Soon, the eight pieces of clay disappeared around Deidara, and eight mushroom clouds of different colors exploded below.

"Holy crap! Mutual Explosive Tags?" Uchiha Touko looked at Deidara's technique in surprise. The principle behind this thing was too similar to the Mutual Explosive Tags technique developed by the inherently evil Senju. Both of them used the chakra activated during the explosion to trigger a pre-set summoning jutsu formula, summoning double the amount of explosives to the center of the explosion, thus achieving a wave-like effect.

However, although the principles are similar, the commotion Deidara created was far more dazzling than the multiplicative explosive tags. It was like setting off fireworks in broad daylight. From Uchiha Touko's perspective, the mushroom cloud formed by the explosion below looked like a colorful flower gradually blooming.

Meanwhile, Deidara, who was controlling the ninjutsu, was also covered in sweat. It was clear that this ninjutsu had taken a huge toll on him, and his chakra was about to run out.

"Uncle Hokage, lend a hand, use a Water Release technique down here, I'm out of chakra!" Deidara, covered in sweat, said to Uchiha Touko while maintaining his ninjutsu.

At this moment, Uchiha Touko also understood Deidara's plan. After forming hand seals, he used a Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique.

A magnificent curtain of water appeared out of thin air, and was then blasted into mist by the impact of the explosion!

"The final blow is about to begin!" Deidara roared, and the remaining clay around him, infused with the chemical properties and highly reactive metals, transformed into birds and soared into the water curtain in mid-air.

Then comes the classic "floating molten red" sound, accompanied by a sharp explosion, followed by the final wave of explosions.

At this moment, Deidara was also drained of his last bit of chakra, and even the clay bird beneath his feet could not be maintained. After the bird dissipated, the two of them fell downwards together. Although they were hundreds of meters in the air, Deidara stared intently at the commotion he had caused, a satisfied smile on his face.

Uchiha Touko shook his head helplessly, then activated his Mangekyou Sharingan. A giant Susanoo appeared out of thin air, enveloping the two of them and suspending them in the sky once again.

Most people would be amazed by the power of Susanoo upon seeing such a scene, but is Deidara an ordinary person? The kid's gaze was still fixed on the mushroom cloud he had created, which resembled a profusion of flowers, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

Uchiha Touko, standing beside Deidara, had to admire the boy's skill in creating explosions. If this ninjutsu were classified according to ninjutsu levels, it would definitely be an S-rank ninjutsu. Considering its danger to the user, this jutsu would only have been placed in the Book of Seals after it was created. Yet, this level of ninjutsu was created by a ten-year-old boy.

After the mushroom cloud slowly dissipated, the two landed smoothly, leaving behind a huge crater with a diameter of a kilometer and a depth of tens of meters.

Although it's still far from the required size, if this commotion were to be caused using explosive tags, even with the Multiplicative Explosive Tags Technique, it would require nearly ten thousand explosive tags. Considering the price of 3500 tags that Konoha sells to Takigakure, it's fair to say that one tube of Deidara's chakra is equivalent to one Asuma.

"How about it? My latest research results!" Although he was completely exhausted, Deidara still raised his head and looked at Uchiha Touko with pride.

"Not bad! You've already started to forge your own path in this art. Here, have some soldier pills to recover your chakra." Uchiha Touko smiled kindly and handed out a few soldier pills. This wasn't just some explosive genius; he was practically a money-printing machine!

While Deidara was recovering his chakra, Uchiha Touko surveyed the deep pit in front of him, calculated the difference in area compared to what Yamato would need to build a foundation, and after a while, he said to him again: "However, don't you think your art just now was a bit too superficial? Although the explosion was dazzling, I think that dazzling colors alone are not enough to touch the highest hall of art."

“That makes sense!” After recovering some of his chakra, Deidara sprang to his feet. Uchiha Touko’s words had sparked new thoughts in him.

Chapter 169 The Actions of the Hidden Mist Rebels

Deidara, while recovering his chakra, pondered deeply but couldn't come up with anything. He then looked up and asked Uchiha Touko:

"Uncle Hokage, do you have any suggestions?" Deidara asked earnestly.

"I believe that the most important thing about art is to express the emotions that the artist wants to express. Although your performance was gorgeous, I didn't feel what you wanted to express in your performance, so it was somewhat empty."

"Is that so?" Deidara said, stroking his chin. "Then how do you suggest I express my emotions?"

“That depends on your own exploration. Everyone’s art carries their own unique soul imprint, and you can only understand it yourself,” Uchiha Touko said. “However, I have also heard a saying that great artists rely on daily accumulation and a flash of inspiration when the time comes. I believe that with your talent, you will definitely be able to wait for that opportunity to arrive. So, what you need to do now is to continue your daily accumulation.”

"I understand! Thank you so much, Uncle Hokage!" Deidara said confidently, slapping his palm.

“I’ll introduce you to someone later, and then he’ll take you to your daily training location,” Uchiha Touko said. “Before that, recover your chakra, and then practice a bit more.”

"Alright!" Upon hearing this, Deidara said no more and focused on restoring his chakra.

After Deidara recovered, Uchiha Touko took him to the area that hadn't been completely exploded. Deidara didn't say anything, but silently took out his clay. The sound of the explosion echoed in the sky above Konoha again.

After Deidara's chakra was exhausted, Uchiha Touko sent someone to summon Yamato.

When Yamato arrived at the scene, he looked at Deidara's masterpiece with an incredulous expression. Such a large construction site, even with his application for explosive tags, would have taken at least three days to complete according to his estimate. Yet, only one morning had passed and Uchiha Tokō had finished it.

“Deidara, this is an architectural artist from our Konoha. His architectural skills are so great that even I have to admit defeat,” said Uchiha Touko.

Yamato: Huh?

Yamato was somewhat bewildered by Uchiha Touko's words; he didn't understand what Uchiha Touko was up to.

"Architecture? Can that be called art? Only explosions can be called art!" Deidara was unimpressed by Uchiha Touko's claim of Yamato being an architectural artist.

“You can’t say that. There’s more than one form of art in this world.” Uchiha Touko gestured to Yamato to be quiet while trying to persuade Deidara. “You can’t reach the temple of art by working in isolation. Sometimes, being exposed to other art forms can inspire you and help you reach that flash of inspiration more quickly.”

“Alright.” Deidara thought Uchiha Touko made sense, and then extended his hand to Yamato. “My name is Deidara, nice to meet you.”

"My name is Yamato." Yamato understood Uchiha Touko's gaze, but since he was really not good at fooling people, he could only try to say as little as possible.

"Hehe, Yamato, don't underestimate our artist guest from Iwagakure," Uchiha Touko said with a chuckle. "See this? These are all his masterpieces."

When Deidara heard this, there was a trace of contentment on his face, and at the same time he was secretly happy. This feeling was something he had never experienced in Iwagakure. In Iwagakure, Onoki would not let him display his art. If he was caught secretly studying art, he would get a beating. Unlike Konoha, the Hokage would come to watch his art performance in person. The name he used when introducing him to others was still his favorite artist.

Although he has only been here for less than two days, he absolutely loves this place.

Yamato's expression changed after hearing what Uchiha Touko said. He had heard the explosion in the village. The Hokage meant that it would take three days of continuous exploding with explosive tags to create this crater, but this kid had done it in just one morning.

As Konoha develops, he will have more and more orders for projects that require deep foundations. So, wouldn't that mean that as long as he gets along well with this kid, he can even save on the cost of explosive tags? Now, Yamato finally understands why the Hokage went to such lengths to give himself the identity of an architectural artist.

"Ahem, Yamato, now that you've met some new like-minded people, why don't you show off your skills in front of your new friends?" Uchiha Touko coughed twice before reminding him.

"Yes!" Yamato nodded, then came to the huge pit, quickly formed hand seals, and slammed them heavily onto the floor.

"Wood Release! The Pillar Clan Technique!"

The bottom of the crater, which had just been blasted into a barren wasteland, suddenly came to life. Countless giant trees broke through the soil and joined together, forming the prototype of a huge building.

"Amazing!" Deidara couldn't help but exclaim. Although he might not be a positive character in the story of Iwagakure, he had heard of the legends of Hashirama Senju and Wood Release. However, this was the first time he had witnessed the wonders of Wood Release firsthand. Moreover, the giant commercial center that Yamato was currently building was a completely different building model from the current one in the ninja world. Although it was only a prototype, in Deidara's eyes, it solidified Yamato's status as an architectural artist.

"You two have a good chat, I'll go back to take care of my business first," Uchiha Touko said, nodding after handing Deidara over to Yamato.

……

After Deidara settled in Konoha, the village's construction speed increased to a new level. It's likely that Onoki didn't expect that his original plan to pass his troubles onto Konoha to annoy Uchiha Toko would backfire so spectacularly. Instead, under Toko's influence, Deidara became the chief demolition expert for the Yamato Group. Aside from the villagers hearing several loud explosions almost daily, it had virtually no impact on Konoha's development. On the contrary, Toko made a fortune through the Yamato Construction Group.

Meanwhile, life wasn't so easy in Tsuchigakure. The tense situation on the battlefield left Onoki and Uesugi Hidekoshi overwhelmed every day. Not only had they failed to achieve their goal of quickly conquering Takigakure, but they had also lost a tailed beast.