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Konohagakure had not deployed the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki on the frontlines in recent decades, but that did not diminish the strategic importance of possessing the Nine-Tails. Beyond being a powerful deterrent, the real threat lay in the potential of the Nine-Tails falling into the hands of another village, an outcome that could endanger Konoha's survival and standing in the ninja world.
"We'll let Root handle Orochimaru and Uzumaki Menma. Traitors must be dealt with decisively, especially the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. It's only right that I oversee this personally," declared Homura, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Seated across the room, Danzo Shimura interjected, his voice cold and calculating.
"It's clear that becoming Hokage is beyond my reach for now, especially with Tsunade and Jiraiya standing in my way. Despite my ambitions, I know I can't compete with their strength, reputations, or lineage—yet. But if there's an issue with the Nine-Tails, I won't step aside."
Danzo had sought control of Menma twelve years ago, back when Hiruzen Sarutobi had blocked his attempts to bring the boy into Root. Now, a fresh opportunity presented itself, and Danzo was determined not to let it slip by.
"Additionally, the One-Tails Jinchūriki from Sunagakure should be placed under Root's supervision for containment. It's the most secure option to prevent another rampage from Shukaku."
Danzo's ambition was clear: control both the Nine-Tails and the One-Tails. It was a critical step in realizing his grand vision of consolidating power.
Before Danzo could continue, Jiraiya's voice cut through the room, firm and unyielding. "Leave Orochimaru and Menma to me. There's no need to involve Elder Shimura."
Jiraiya's expression darkened as he turned to face Danzo. Orochimaru was another issue, but there was no way he would let Danzo handle Menma. Jiraiya knew all too well what kind of person Danzo was—a manipulator who would sacrifice anyone if it served his agenda. Menma, the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, would never be safe under Danzo's control.
"Hmph, you think you can handle it?" Danzo sneered. "For the last twelve years, we've entrusted Menma to you, and now look where we are. If Menma had been trained by Root, this betrayal wouldn't have happened. The same goes for Orochimaru. Hiruzen was too soft, and you're no different. This is on you, Jiraiya."
Danzo's voice carried a sharp edge, a clear accusation. Jiraiya clenched his fists in silent anger. He couldn't deny that both he and Hiruzen had played a part in this situation. But even with the guilt gnawing at him, he couldn't let Danzo take over. He had already failed Menma too many times, and he wasn't going to let Danzo make things worse.
"I've already said it—Orochimaru and Menma are my responsibility!" Jiraiya's voice was firm, his resolve unshaken.
"Hmph. You and your sensei's failure brought us here, Jiraiya," Danzo muttered, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"Enough!" Homura:s voice echoed through the room, silencing the argument. "Jiraiya, leave Orochimaru and Menma to Danzo for now. These two are high-priority rogue shinobi, and we can't afford to let this escalate before the other villages get wind of it. Especially considering Menma's status as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. You understand how crucial this is for Konoha, right? Your focus should be finding Tsunade."
Homura sharp gaze turned toward Danzo. "Danzo, you are not to overstep. Konoha's position is precarious enough as it is. Root's priority should be intelligence gathering and strategy formulation. Leave the One-Tail Jinchūriki to the ANBU and the Interrogation Unit. We can't spread ourselves too thin."
Koharu Utatane, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "I agree with Homura. Jiraiya, be patient. Once the Fifth Hokage takes office, everything will be sorted. Unless, of course, you're ready to take up the role yourself."
Jiraiya furrowed his brow. The weight of the situation settled in. He didn't want Danzo anywhere near Menma, but under the current circumstances, outright refusal wasn't an option. At least, with the advisors keeping Danzo in check, there was some degree of control over the situation. Sighing, Jiraiya nodded reluctantly.
"I understand. I'll find Tsunade as quickly as possible," he conceded.
Danzo, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, leaned back in his chair. He knew that with Root involved, he could manipulate events to his favor. He would seize control of Menma and, by extension, the Nine-Tails. With that power, he believed Konoha, and indeed the entire Shinobi world, would be his to command. He would correct the mistakes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and prove once and for all that his teacher had chosen the wrong successor.
---
Meanwhile, as the meeting continued in Konohagakure, Uzumaki Menma and Orochimaru's group had already crossed the border of the Land of Fire. After hours of travel, they entered the Land of Rice Fields, where one of Orochimaru's secret bases was hidden.
Orochimaru's Otogakure, the Hidden Sound Village, had grown steadily under his leadership, its strength bolstered by his experiments and financial backing from the Land of Earth. However, after the failed invasion of Konoha and the exposure of his schemes, Otogakure was now under threat. Orochimaru knew that unless he took decisive action, his hidden village would be eradicated by those who sought revenge for the Third Hokage's death.
---
**After the failure of the Konoha Crush Plan, the Sound Ninja's presence dwindled drastically. They had likely been dispersed by Orochimaru, reassigned to the numerous strongholds he had established elsewhere. Though many Sound Ninja served as mere cannon fodder, they still had their uses—whether it was gathering intelligence or completing menial tasks. Orochimaru was not one to discard his subordinates without reason.**
**Despite their expendable nature, Orochimaru's followers exhibited intense loyalty. Many, like Guren, Kimimaro, and the Sound Four, were willing to lay down their lives for him. This spoke volumes about Orochimaru's charisma and the unwavering devotion he could inspire, despite his nefarious ambitions.**
**However, none of this concerned Menma. His relationship with Orochimaru was purely transactional. As long as Orochimaru fulfilled his needs, Menma had no interest in the rest of his affairs.**
*"This place might seem a bit shabby, but I hope you don't mind, Menma-kun. Orochimaru-sama needs some time to rest, so you'll be staying here for a few days. If you need anything, feel free to give me orders. If I'm not around, the Sound Ninja outside will follow your commands,"* said Kabuto Yakushi with a polite smile, his voice as cool and measured as always.
**Upon their arrival at Otogakure, Orochimaru had immediately secluded himself in his laboratory, obsessed with finding a way to restore his arms after the damage caused by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. With Orochimaru preoccupied, it was Kabuto who had been tasked with receiving Menma. Menma, however, already knew Orochimaru's efforts would be in vain—at least for now.**
*"I understand. Orochimaru's injuries are no joke. But I expect my people to be here as well. Where's Karin?"* Menma asked, his voice calm and unyielding.
**He had anticipated that Orochimaru might play his usual games. Aligning himself with a cunning figure like Orochimaru meant embracing a long-term power struggle. Yet, Menma found Orochimaru far more reasonable to deal with compared to the idealistic and sometimes irrational people of Konoha, who were blinded by their devotion to the Will of Fire.**
**This ideological difference was one of the reasons Menma had abandoned Konoha in the first place. He had no desire to be shackled by the village's narrow-minded beliefs.**
*"You don't need to worry, Menma-kun. Karin has been treated well. I'll have her brought to you right away. Is there anything else you require?"* Kabuto asked, his composure unshaken.
*"No, that will be all. You should go. Orochimaru-san probably needs you more than I do right now,"* Menma replied, waving his hand dismissively.
*"Understood. Please take this time to rest, Menma-kun."* Kabuto bowed respectfully before exiting the room, his footsteps fading as Menma's thoughts began to drift.
**Menma's eyes narrowed in contemplation. The Reaper Death Seal… such a mysterious technique. He wondered about the existence of the Shinigami and the enigmatic Jashin. These ancient entities likely held the true essence of the world's power. Before Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's arrival, Earth had its own unique systems—places like Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest held secrets far older than the shinobi world. In ancient times, there had even been Onmyoji who wielded chakra-like powers distinct from the physical abilities of samurai. The presence of beings like the Shinigami and Jashin hinted at the hidden depths of the planet's past.**
**Menma sighed softly.** *If I can, I must visit the Three Great Sage Regions. Only there might I uncover the secrets of millennia past.*
**His musings were interrupted by a series of light footsteps approaching from outside. Sensing a familiar chakra signature, Menma's eyes softened as the door opened, revealing a figure in red.**
*"Karin, sorry I'm late,"* Menma said with a gentle smile.
**Karin immediately rushed forward, her emotions overwhelming her. She clutched Menma's cloak tightly, her red eyes brimming with relief.** *"No, you're not late, Menma-kun,"* she replied, her voice trembling slightly.
**Despite her usual composure, Karin had been filled with worry during her time in Otogakure. Only twelve years old, she had been left alone in an unfamiliar and dangerous place. At times, she feared Menma had abandoned her, and at other times, she worried for his safety—especially after learning more about Orochimaru's twisted nature. But now, seeing Menma and sensing his familiar chakra, all her fears melted away. She had placed all her trust in him.**
**Menma gently wrapped an arm around her waist, his other hand softly stroking her head.** *"It's alright now, Karin. I'm here. You don't need to worry about anything anymore."*
*"Mm!"* Karin nodded, burying her face into Menma's chest, feeling the safety and warmth she hadn't known since arriving in Otogakure. The room fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by their steady breathing and the rhythmic thumping of their hearts. As her tension slowly dissipated, Karin's cheeks flushed, realizing the intimacy of their embrace.
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