Comeback of Senju Clan

Chapter 36: Seeking Forgiveness

The sun had barely risen over Iwagakure when a commotion erupted at the village gates. Deidara, the rogue shinobi who had abandoned his home in pursuit of his art, had returned. His presence sent shockwaves through the ranks of the village guards and the ANBU operatives who quickly surrounded him.

"Deidara!" one of the guards exclaimed. "You're back... alive?"

Deidara raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, a rare look of genuine fear and remorse etched on his face. "I need to speak with Tsuchikage-sama, un. It's urgent."

The guards exchanged wary glances but eventually nodded, leading Deidara through the village under heavy guard. The news of his return spread quickly, and whispers followed them as they made their way to the Tsuchikage's office.

Inside the Tsuchikage's office, Onoki sat behind his desk, his small frame barely visible over the stacks of papers and scrolls. The aged Tsuchikage was deep in thought, reflecting on the recent turmoil in the shinobi world and the formidable power of Konoha's Fifth Hokage, Tetsuya Senju.

The door burst open, and an ANBU operative stepped in, his voice urgent. "Tsuchikage-sama, Deidara has returned to the village. He wishes to speak with you."

Onoki's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly masked his emotions. "Lead him in," he ordered, his tone stern.

Moments later, Deidara was ushered into the office, flanked by ANBU operatives. He fell to his knees before Onoki, his head bowed low. "Tsuchikage-sama, please forgive me, un. I was a fool to leave the village. I see that now."

Onoki's expression hardened as he looked down at Deidara. "You betrayed Iwagakure and left the village in pursuit of your reckless ambitions. Why should I forgive you?"

Deidara looked up, his eyes filled with desperation. "I was blinded by my ambition and my art. I thought I could find freedom and power on my own, but I was wrong. The world outside is far more dangerous than I imagined. I encountered the Fifth Hokage, Tetsuya Senju... he's a monster, un. He singlehandedly defeated Sasori and Juzo Biwa. I realized that my place is here, in Iwagakure, where I can use my skills to protect our village."

Onoki leaned back in his chair, considering Deidara's words. On the surface, his expression was stern and unyielding, but inside, a wave of relief and a glimmer of hope washed over him. Deidara, for all his flaws, was a prodigious talent and his return could strengthen Iwagakure in these uncertain times.

"You've made a grave mistake, Deidara," Onoki said, his voice heavy with authority. "But your return and your warning about the Fifth Hokage's power show that you may yet redeem yourself. This village needs every capable shinobi to face the threats ahead."

Deidara bowed his head once more, tears of relief and gratitude welling up in his eyes. "Thank you, Tsuchikage-sama. I won't let you down, un."

Onoki's stern facade cracked just a little as he gave a curt nod. "See that you don't. Now, tell me everything you know about the Fifth Hokage and the recent events. We must be prepared for whatever comes next."

Deidara recounted his encounter with Tetsuya Senju in vivid detail, describing the sheer power and skill of the Hokage that had left him in awe and terror. Onoki listened intently, absorbing every word, his mind racing with plans to bolster Iwagakure's defenses and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.

As Deidara finished his tale, Onoki dismissed the ANBU operatives and leaned forward, placing a reassuring hand on Deidara's shoulder. "Welcome back, Deidara. You've made the right choice. Now, let's ensure that Iwagakure remains strong and unyielding in the face of our enemies."

Deidara nodded, a renewed sense of purpose filling him. He had returned to his village not only seeking forgiveness but also a chance to prove his worth and loyalty. The path ahead would be difficult, but with Onoki's guidance and the strength of Iwagakure behind him, he have hope to face it.