In a world such as this, if one could not even conduct the most fundamental level of intelligence gathering, then what exactly could one hope to accomplish?
Handling everything personally was never a viable solution.
Setting aside the issue of efficiency, the sheer amount of time that would be consumed alone was something Menma could not afford. Time, in his current situation, was more valuable than anything else. As such, he required external support and more specifically, access to the manpower under Orochimaru.
For that reason, Menma had no choice but to reveal portions of his plan.
Of course, revealing everything was out of the question. A careful balance had to be maintained. Information, like power, required control.
The reason Menma ultimately chose to bring his intentions into the open was simple: he intended to leverage the strength of smaller hidden villages. Among them, Takigakure the Hidden Waterfall Village stood as the most suitable candidate, given that it possessed the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki.
Whether out of curiosity, shared interests, or his own undisclosed motives, Orochimaru had shown a degree of willingness to entertain Menma's proposal.
After a brief period of consideration, the Sannin had agreed.
Following his return from Takigakure, Menma began to gradually implement his plan with the assistance of Orochimaru's subordinates. During this time, he also made two additional visits to the village under the guise of assigned missions.
While gathering intelligence, he simultaneously cultivated a working relationship with Shibuki, the young leader of Takigakure.
However, that relationship remained superficial.
Until now.
At last, the opportunity to truly intervene and step directly into Takigakure's internal structure had arrived.
Ambition for the position of leader… so you still harbor such desires within you. A predictable man… but precisely because of that, a useful one.
The image of a middle-aged Taki-nin, his head wrapped in a dark turban, surfaced in Menma's mind.
Exhaling slowly, Menma steadied his thoughts before turning and heading toward Orochimaru's quarters.
It did not take long before he arrived.
"Menma-sama."
The guards stationed outside immediately lowered their heads in respect upon seeing him.
"Mm."
Menma acknowledged them with a slight nod before proceeding inward without hesitation.
This unrestricted access was not without reason.
By Orochimaru's direct order, no one within any of his bases was permitted to obstruct Menma. In terms of authority, Menma's status was effectively second only to Orochimaru himself.
It was a level of trust or perhaps calculated allowance that spoke volumes.
"I had expected you to value Takigakure, Menma-kun… but to come so quickly after receiving the information? It seems you truly intend to make that village a cornerstone of your plans."
Before Menma even fully entered the chamber, Orochimaru had already sensed his chakra signature.
As Menma stepped into the hall, the Sannin turned, a familiar, faintly sinister smile playing across his lips.
Aside from Orochimaru, another figure was present.
A white-haired youth with sharp, shark-like teeth.
Menma recognized him instantly.
Hōzuki Suigetsu…
After a brief glance, Menma took his seat on the right-hand side without ceremony, his expression calm.
"I believe I made myself clear last time, Orochimaru-san. Takigakure is, after all, a village that possesses a tailed beast. Are you truly telling me you have no interest in that? The chakra of a tailed beast should be of considerable value to your research, should it not?"
"Heh… that is indeed true," Orochimaru replied, his tone low and amused. "In fact, I should thank you for the reminder, Menma-kun. However…"
His golden, snake-like pupils narrowed slightly.
"Takigakure has managed to retain possession of the Seven-Tails for many years not due to its own strength, but because of the delicate balance and mutual restraint among the Five Great Nations. If you were to act rashly, that equilibrium could easily collapse."
He paused briefly, his gaze sharpening.
"Furthermore, although Shibuki is young, the legacy of Takigakure is not something to be underestimated. Tell me… are you truly prepared?"
At the side, Suigetsu's expression subtly shifted as he listened.
Though outwardly casual, a flicker of surprise passed through his eyes.
He understood Orochimaru's strength and more importantly, his nature better than most. For someone of Menma's age to converse with Orochimaru on equal footing was, in itself, abnormal.
Coupled with the implications of their discussion interfering with, and potentially destabilizing, the leadership of an entire hidden village it was difficult for Suigetsu not to feel a sense of dissonance.
This guy… he's really the same age as me?
"Heh… it seems you've misunderstood me slightly, Orochimaru-san."
Menma smiled faintly, his tone steady.
"Takigakure is important, yes but that doesn't mean I intend to act personally. I'm fully aware of the external pressures involved; you don't need to spell that out for me."
He leaned back slightly, his gaze unwavering.
"Didn't you say it yourself? Shibuki is young. And because he's young, he's far easier to influence."
A brief pause.
"And even if the plan fails… it simply means investing more time. That's all."
Then, with a subtle shift in tone:
"Of course… if Orochimaru-san is willing to provide additional support, I would be most grateful."
"Oho… I see."
Orochimaru's brows lifted slightly, a deeper meaning flickering behind his gaze.
"In that case, it seems my earlier concerns were unnecessary."
A low chuckle escaped him.
"As for assistance… you need only ask. There is no need for such formality between us. I have always believed that Menma-kun is someone capable of delivering… unexpected results."
On the surface, it was an ordinary exchange.
But to Suigetsu, the atmosphere felt strangely distorted.
The composure in Menma's voice, the subtle authority in his words it clashed sharply with his youthful appearance.
The term "young leader" echoed in his mind, leaving behind an odd sense of contradiction.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Menma inclined his head slightly.
"For this operation, I will require a select group of personnel. I trust Orochimaru-san can make the appropriate arrangements?"
The request was deliberately measured neither too direct nor overly vague.
It served two purposes.
On one hand, it provided Menma with the necessary manpower to advance his plans.
On the other, it functioned as a probe a way to gauge Orochimaru's true intentions.
After all, Menma's current position was… delicate.
He and Orochimaru were allies in name.
But in reality, he remained dependent reliant on Orochimaru for resources, shelter, and operational support.
An alliance built under such conditions could hardly be considered equal.
At best…
It was a partnership balanced on a knife's edge.
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