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Almost at the same moment, Ōnoki spotted Menma.
Menma, in turn, saw the Third Tsuchikage descending toward him. Although he'd known for some time that Ōnoki was one of the few shinobi capable of flight, witnessing it in person stirred a flash of envy despite Menma's typically steady composure.
For shinobi at the Kage or elite levels, the ability to fly was undeniably advantageous. With the extended attack range and superior defensive mobility it provided, flight gave Ōnoki a remarkable edge. Unlike others like Deidara or Rasa, who needed to manipulate external elements to stay airborne, Ōnoki could hover freely, even lifting others with ease. Coupled with his devastating Dust Release (Jinton), it was clear why the elderly Tsuchikage's influence remained formidable.
"Haha! You must be Uzumaki Menma," Ōnoki greeted as he landed smoothly, a wide smile on his face. "You're quite the remarkable young shinobi, I must say. Seeing you in person, I feel as if I'm watching the dawn of a new era—one that's already leaving us old folks behind."
Ōnoki approached openly, his relaxed posture conveying he had nothing to hide. Menma had anticipated this meeting, but he still felt his eye twitch slightly at the Tsuchikage's bold and easy manner.
"Tsuchikage-dono, you flatter me. Compared to someone of your standing, I'm still just a novice," Menma replied, bowing politely. He'd decided to maintain a respectful demeanor, understanding that diplomacy might yield greater results than defiance.
"Menma-kun, is it? I hope I may call you that," Ōnoki chuckled, his humility almost playful. "At your age, I didn't possess even half of your strength or determination. No need to downplay yourself; if you're not outstanding, I don't know who could be."
Ōnoki's compliments were generous, layered with careful intent. Kitsuchi, his son seated beside him, watched the exchange with a familiar look, knowing well his father's methods.
As a realist, Ōnoki would pursue whatever benefited Iwagakure, no matter the individual involved. And Menma? He was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, a rare and invaluable asset. Kitsuchi had heard his father speak more than once of how, if they could sway Menma, he could become the perfect cornerstone of Iwagakure's future.
"Well, you could say the times create their own heroes," Menma replied calmly, meeting Ōnoki's praise with composure. He knew where the Tsuchikage's interests lay.
Ōnoki was briefly taken aback by Menma's reserved response. He'd expected more bravado from someone so young. Yet, recalling Menma's accomplishments, the elder Tsuchikage quickly understood that if Menma were truly naïve, he'd have been crushed by the world long ago.
"That's true, Menma-kun. But it also takes someone with the vision to seize the opportunity, doesn't it?" Ōnoki mused, turning his gaze to Orochimaru, who was watching the exchange nearby. "Just as Orochimaru-kun here has done. It's been a long time, hasn't it, Orochimaru? You look more formidable than ever."
The Tsuchikage's smile was directed at Orochimaru, but there was a subtle hint of caution in his tone.
"Ah, Tsuchikage-dono, as charming as ever," Orochimaru responded smoothly. "But Menma-kun and I are very different. I trust you understand that."
The implication was clear, and Ōnoki quickly adjusted his expectations. With Menma accompanied by Orochimaru, he had anticipated a complex discussion.
"Of course," Ōnoki replied, nodding thoughtfully. "Orochimaru is Orochimaru, and Menma is Menma. I wouldn't confuse the two. So, let's get straight to the point." He turned his attention back to Menma, his gaze serious. "On behalf of Iwagakure, I formally invite you to join our village. We would provide you with every resource at our disposal—no discrimination, no suspicion. If you agree, I would personally take you as my disciple. We even have two other Jinchūriki who could help you master the Nine-Tails' power."
Ōnoki's offer came as no surprise to Menma, who had anticipated it through his knowledge of the Tsuchikage's personality and prior conversations with Orochimaru. Ōnoki had always been a straightforward man, unafraid of making bold moves when needed.
"Well, Tsuchikage-dono, I expected as much once I learned from Orochimaru-san of your desire to meet with me. However, before I respond, may I ask a few questions?" Menma's expression grew more serious.
Ōnoki gestured openly. "Of course. Feel free to ask anything, Menma-kun."
In fact, if Menma had accepted immediately, Ōnoki would have been suspicious.
"My first question is this: if you invite me, a rogue shinobi from Konoha, are you not concerned about provoking a war with Konoha? If they demand you hand me over under threat, how would you respond? Secondly, you've assured me I would be treated fairly—but are you certain there would be no doubts about my loyalty, given that I'm already a defector? And finally, if I were to refuse your offer today, how would you proceed from that point forward?"
Menma's voice was steady, his eyes sharp as they met Ōnoki's gaze directly.
---
This issue was important, though not critical.
What lay at its core?
Trust—credibility and integrity.
Although Menma had been young and inexperienced in his previous life, he was far from naive. He had learned enough to understand that words alone could not be trusted.
This world wasn't ruled by virtue or honor; it was driven by self-interest.
Ōnoki's response, while significant, wasn't decisive for Menma. What Menma needed was a baseline—a reference point to confirm his suspicions.
Ōnoki, the seasoned Tsuchikage, wasn't surprised by Menma's skepticism. In fact, he welcomed it. Only a fool would fail to question intentions in such circumstances.
Prepared for this, the Third Tsuchikage replied without hesitation:
"Your first concern, Menma-kun, is no concern at all. The relationships among the Five Great Nations are already in shambles. Do you think I'd hand you over to Konoha?"
Ōnoki's lips curled into a bitter grin.
"Konoha doesn't have the guts to start a full-scale war. And even if they did, your value far outweighs the risk. Do you believe I'd be so foolish as to sacrifice my pride—or Iwagakure's position—for their threats? I may be old, but I'm not the Third Hokage."
His words were laced with disdain, a deliberate jab at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Ōnoki's candidness caught Menma's attention.
The Tsuchikage's meaning was clear—Menma was valuable, not just as a rogue shinobi, but as the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. That kind of power could tip the balance of the entire shinobi world.
"Konoha's reputation as the 'strongest village' has long since been tarnished," Ōnoki continued. "Take the infamous Hyūga Incident, for example."
Menma's expression didn't waver, but inwardly, he was intrigued. The Tsuchikage wasn't wrong.
"Handing over their own clansmen under the threat of war? Pathetic," Ōnoki scoffed. "Weakness like that undermines a leader's authority. Mistakes should be dealt with internally, not by bending to external threats."
He paused, his sharp gaze meeting Menma's.
"As for your second concern—my presence here should answer it. Your reputation precedes you, Menma-kun. I wouldn't have come if I didn't trust you weren't plotting something foolish. My presence is proof of my sincerity."
Ōnoki's expression softened, though the sharpness in his eyes remained.
"As for your final question," he added after a moment, "I will always prioritize Iwagakure's interests. I trust you understand that."
Menma nodded slowly, his gaze thoughtful.
"Of course, Lord Tsuchikage. As a leader, your loyalty to your village is paramount."
Ōnoki smiled, a genuine one this time.
"Haha, I'm glad we see eye to eye, Menma-kun. Now, let me ask you—will you join Iwagakure?"
Though his tone remained calm, the Tsuchikage watched Menma intently. He had come prepared to offer Menma the highest ranks within Iwagakure, perhaps even greater than any of their current young shinobi. But he also knew Menma wasn't someone who could be swayed so easily.
Menma's response came quickly.
"I appreciate your offer, Lord Tsuchikage, but I must decline. I have no intention of joining another village. That said, I'm open to a partnership."
Ōnoki's heart sank slightly at the first part of Menma's response.
"Just as I expected," he mused internally. He had contingencies in place for this.
But the second half piqued his interest.
"Partnership?" Ōnoki raised an eyebrow. "And what, exactly, does that entail, Menma-kun?"
Standing off to the side, Orochimaru chuckled softly, the sound serpentine. This situation reminded him of his first meeting with Menma during the Chūnin Exams.
Menma's calm smile didn't waver.
"An alliance, Lord Tsuchikage. And our shared target… is Konoha."
Ōnoki's eyes narrowed.
"Konoha?"
Menma nodded.
"Konoha has been the central antagonist of the shinobi world for decades. I don't need to remind you of the wars they've instigated. Their arrogance, their hypocrisy—it's time they were made to answer for it."
Ōnoki leaned back, stroking his beard.
"It's not a bad idea," he admitted. "A common enemy has a way of uniting even the most unlikely allies."
Menma's tone turned sharper.
"Exactly. And with my strength and your resources, we could tip the scales in our favor. I don't want to see Konoha destroyed—but I do want to see its power diminished. For too long, they've acted as if they rule the shinobi world."
Ōnoki grinned.
"Very well, Menma-kun. I'll consider this… partnership of yours. But know this: Iwagakure's interests come first."
Menma inclined his head.
"As they should, Lord Tsuchikage. Just as mine will always come first."
The two men locked eyes, their unspoken understanding solidifying the foundation of their alliance.
Orochimaru's chuckle deepened. The game was getting more interesting by the moment.
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