---
As Menma walked away, his thoughts shifted from Jiraiya's sudden return to his own plans for the upcoming Chunin Exams. He was aware of Jiraiya's immense power—a legendary shinobi capable of taking on Kage-level threats. His battle against Pain was iconic, a true testament to his skill in the Naruto world.
If Jiraiya interfered with the Chunin Exams, Menma knew he'd have to take drastic measures—perhaps even unleash more of the Nine-Tails' chakra to survive. But that was a worst-case scenario. Menma wasn't foolish enough to challenge the entire Hidden Leaf Village head-on, not even with Orochimaru and the Hidden Sand Village supporting him.
This wasn't about proving himself emotionally—it was about survival. There would be future opportunities, but for now, caution was the priority.
As for Orochimaru, their relationship was one of convenience. Menma had made his position clear to Kabuto: as long as he could remain useful to Orochimaru, their alliance would stand. This Chunin Exam was just another trial to solidify that trust.
Does Orochimaru know Jiraiya's back? I should probably warn him, just in case, Menma thought, making his way through the village.
His eyes shifted toward the nearly completed Chunin Exam arena, a gleam of determination in them.
I'll need to be meticulous and cautious. No careless moves this time, Menma thought, his hand clenching into a fist.
---
**Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a month had passed.**
**Konohagakure was at its busiest, teeming with activity.** Nobles and officials from the Land of Fire, the Land of Wind, and several neighboring countries had flooded into the village for the Chunin Exams, making Konoha's business district thrive. The streets were packed with people, and merchants were more than happy to take advantage of the influx.
The shopkeepers smiled daily, knowing their profits were soaring. The nobles and high-ranking officials were essentially walking gold mines—there was no question about their ability to spend.
Menma strolled through the bustling streets of Konohagakure. He could see the joy and satisfaction on the faces of the villagers around him. They were blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in the shadows.
For the average villager, this was the natural way of life. They were limited by their circumstances, bound not only by their environment but by their social status. How could common people ever hope to control their destinies?
**Go with the flow, constantly struggle against the currents of life. If you're lucky, you might reach your destination and find some semblance of success. But if you're unlucky, you'll sink into the abyss. That's the fate of the ordinary.**
But Menma refused to accept that fate. He would take control of his own life in this world. Living in frustration and confinement wasn't the future he desired. So, even if a bottomless abyss lay ahead, he would leap into it without hesitation. That was Menma's resolve.
He moved lightly along the eastern side of the village, slipping through the crowded streets. As he turned a corner, someone brushed against his shoulder. Menma paused for a moment, then continued on his way. After turning down another alley, he made his way home.
Night soon fell, blanketing the village in darkness. Menma pushed open the door to his house quietly. Expanding his sensory range, he scanned the area for any shinobi. Once he was sure no one was nearby, he vanished in a swift movement.
**"Swoosh!"**
Menma lightly tapped his toes and darted toward the northwest, blending into the shadows of the night. Relying on his heightened senses, he moved silently, avoiding detection as he approached a secluded residential area in the northwest of Konoha.
Waiting for him were two figures. On the right stood Kabuto Yakushi, his contact for the past month. The other figure was Baki, the Fourth Kazekage's most trusted subordinate and Sunagakure's strongest jonin.
As Menma's chakra came into range, Baki stiffened, casting a suspicious look at Kabuto.
"Kabuto Yakushi? What's the meaning of this?" Baki's voice carried distrust. Alliances of convenience were built on fragile trust. Betrayal wasn't uncommon, especially between shinobi from different villages.
Kabuto smirked. "Relax, Baki-san. This is the ally I mentioned earlier. He's crucial to our operation."
Just as Kabuto finished speaking, Menma stepped forward.
Baki's eyes widened when he saw Menma's Konoha headband. His gaze snapped back to Kabuto, his voice tinged with disbelief.
**"This is your 'great' ally? A Konoha genin? He's just a kid! He can't be more than Thirteen!"**
Kabuto's smile remained unchanged. "And Gaara is also Thirteen, isn't he?"
Menma's expression remained indifferent.
"Gaara is one of us," Baki retorted. "This kid is—wait… hold on…"
Baki's eyes widened in realization, disbelief crossing his features.
"You've said it yourself," Kabuto replied calmly.
"No way… it can't be… He's from Konoha!" Baki shook his head, as if trying to dispel the thought. But before he could finish—
**"Boom!"**
Menma unleashed a wave of chakra. The air around him rippled, and his eyes shifted, the pupils turning into slits like those of a fox. The sinister red chakra of the Nine-Tails flared around him, crackling with power.
Baki's words faltered, dying in his throat. The pressure Menma exuded made his very soul tremble. Piecing together the intelligence they had gathered, the truth was undeniable—this boy standing before him was Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Even so, Baki struggled to process the reality. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki… standing with them? Participating in the Konoha Crush plan? The idea seemed absurd.
"Enough with the small talk," Menma's voice was cold as he glanced between Kabuto and Baki. "We don't have time to waste. There are only three days left before the operation. I've already told you, Kabuto—if this plan doesn't satisfy me, I'm out. Don't forget that."
Today was the day they would finalize the plan. A month was more than enough time, and too many things could change if they delayed any further. Jiraiya's unexpected return to Konoha had already thrown a wrench into the situation.
Initially, Menma had considered backing out. But after weighing the pros and cons, he realized that understanding Orochimaru's and the Sand Village's strategy could provide him with valuable insight for his own goals.
There were risks, of course. At this critical juncture, no matter what Menma decided, there would be consequences. The key was choosing the path with the most benefit.
**The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki…**
He couldn't be entirely certain—after all, Konoha had never sent their Jinchuriki into battle before—but the overwhelming chakra he sensed was unmistakable. The red-haired boy standing before him was Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Yet, even as Baki acknowledged this, he felt like it was all a dream.
It wasn't that Baki was unprepared—it was the sheer absurdity of the situation. Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, working with them? Joining the Konoha Crush plan? It was hard to wrap his mind around it.
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