"It wasn't particularly difficult. Where is Orochimaru-san?"
Uzumaki Menma raised an eyebrow slightly and waved his hand as he spoke.
Originally, the objective of this operation had simply been to deliver Sasuke Uchiha safely to Orochimaru and secure the benefits that came with that cooperation.
But the outcome had exceeded expectations.
From Hatake Kakashi, Menma had obtained a far more valuable prize the Mangekyō Sharingan that once belonged to Obito Uchiha.
That was a harvest completely outside the original plan.
In Menma's view, this was ultimately Obito's own mistake.
If Obito had truly been as cold and calculating as he presented himself, he should have reclaimed that eye years ago.
The risk of identity exposure could never justify leaving such a powerful dōjutsu in another person's possession.
More than a decade had passed since the Nine Tails Attack on Konoha.
In all that time, Obito could easily have devised a method to retrieve the eye without revealing himself.
For an Uchiha, possessing both eyes was crucial.
Only a complete pair could unlock the full potential of the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Obito's Kamui was especially dangerous when used with both eyes offense and defense perfectly synchronized.
Losing one of them created a vulnerability.
A fatal weakness.
Which meant there was only one reasonable explanation.
Obito had hesitated.
Whether because of lingering memories or some complicated attachment toward Kakashi, he had allowed the situation to persist.
Menma smiled faintly.
Whatever the reason, it had benefited him.
Inside his clothing, the small preservation container holding the Mangekyō Sharingan felt almost warm against his chest.
A rare treasure.
"Lord Orochimaru is waiting inside," said Kabuto Yakushi with a polite chuckle, pushing up his glasses.
"Sasuke-kun can come with me. As for Menma-kun, you should return and rest after such a long journey."
"There's no need," Menma replied calmly.
"I would like to see Orochimaru-san as well."
Kabuto's expression changed subtly.
Although Menma had previously stated he would not take excessive risks for Sasuke, within reasonable limits he was still willing to provide support.
Helping Orochimaru secure Sasuke had been part of their agreement.
More importantly, Sasuke represented a valuable future ally.
Against Konohagakure, against the Akatsuki, and against the countless enemies that might emerge later, Sasuke's potential combat power was extraordinary.
Menma knew that by the end of Sasuke's journey in the original timeline, his strength would reach the very pinnacle of the shinobi world.
More importantly, Sasuke was someone whose convictions could evolve.
Someone who could ultimately be persuaded.
For that reason alone, Menma had no intention of allowing unexpected complications to arise here.
Of course, Menma was unaware that Orochimaru had already used Living Corpse Reincarnation recently.
From his perspective, Orochimaru would still be waiting patiently for Sasuke to mature before attempting to claim his body.
Menma's presence had already altered many events.
If Orochimaru suddenly decided to take Sasuke as a vessel immediately, that would be a significant loss for him.
"Menma-kun… that might be a little inappropriate," Kabuto began cautiously.
His tone carried a faint warning.
But when he met Menma's calm, indifferent gaze
The words died in his throat.
For a moment Kabuto felt an inexplicable chill.
"…Let's go, Sasuke."
Menma turned and walked forward as though nothing had happened.
Sasuke did not even glance at Kabuto.
He followed Menma directly.
Left behind, Kabuto's expression shifted several times before he finally sighed and hurried after them.
Inside the underground facility, the familiar atmosphere returned.
Cold.
Dark.
Silent.
At the far end of the chamber stood a stone throne.
Seated upon it was a tall figure whose body was wrapped in bandages.
The moment Menma stepped into the room, he sensed the subtle difference.
The chakra signature was familiar.
Yet not entirely the same.
His eyebrows lifted slightly.
So that's how it is…
The thought had only just formed when his eyes landed on Orochimaru's current appearance.
Confirmation came instantly.
"Orochimaru-san," Menma said with a faint smile, "you truly exceeded my expectations."
"To temporarily escape the effects of the Dead Demon Consuming Seal in this way… that's quite impressive."
His gaze lingered meaningfully on Orochimaru's hands.
Orochimaru's pupils narrowed almost imperceptibly.
But his expression remained composed.
"Menma-kun truly deserves the reputation of the Uzumaki clan's bloodline," Orochimaru replied in his familiar hoarse voice.
"You noticed it immediately."
"I imagine Mito Uzumaki might have been capable of the same."
Each encounter with Menma forced Orochimaru to reevaluate him.
At first he had considered the boy merely interesting.
Now
He was beginning to wonder whether Menma was truly as simple as he appeared.
No matter how gifted a prodigy might be, Menma's insight and behavior were difficult to explain.
After all, he was only twelve years old.
"That comparison is far too generous," Menma replied with a soft chuckle.
"Mito-sama stood beside the Hashirama Senjuhimself. I'm still far from that level."
He casually took a seat on a nearby stone bench.
"The Uzumaki clan is simply more sensitive to chakra. Our vitality and perception are somewhat unusual."
"Your hands, Orochimaru-san… before, their chakra presence was extremely obvious."
"Like torches in the dark."
"Now that the condition has changed, noticing it was quite natural."
Menma spoke lightly, as though the matter were trivial.
But inwardly, the last of his concerns disappeared.
If Orochimaru had already changed bodies through Living Corpse Reincarnation, there was no chance he would immediately attempt to possess Sasuke.
That saved Menma considerable trouble.
Originally, he had prepared contingency plans.
If Orochimaru insisted on claiming Sasuke's body right away, Menma would have needed to intervene either through negotiation or by offering valuable information in exchange for time.
It would have been dangerous.
Now that risk no longer existed.
Menma was genuinely relieved.
"I see," Orochimaru replied slowly.
Whether he believed Menma's explanation or not was impossible to tell.
But one thing was certain.
Treating this boy as an ordinary child would be a fatal mistake.
Caution was necessary.
"So then," Orochimaru continued, shifting his gaze slightly.
"This mission must have been quite demanding for you, Menma-kun."
"The promised supplies and research materials will be delivered to you soon."
"If there are additional resources you require, you may inform Kabuto."
Menma smiled.
"That is very generous of you, Orochimaru-san."
"In fact… there is one small request."
His eyes gleamed faintly.
"I would like access to some of your research regarding the Sharingan, as well as studies concerning Yin-nature chakra."
"I wonder if Orochimaru-san would be willing to share that knowledge."
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