This wasn't originally part of Menma's plan for the current stage.
In his initial arrangement, at least for the next year, all training schedules and experimental goals were to be focused on physical enhancement and cellular activation. Hashirama Senju's powerful Sage Body was the beacon guiding Menma's progress.
But now, having acquired Kakashi's—or rather, Obito's—Mangekyō Sharingan ahead of schedule, Menma felt he needed to alter his plans.
Senra Bansho—the Union of All Creation.
This was a realm that could only be reached by planning for and fusing both the physical and spiritual aspects together.
Menma didn't know if he could reach the same level as Madara Uchiha.
But at the very least, this was the direction he needed to strive for.
That meant he had to pour the necessary blood, sweat, and time into both aspects. It was just a matter of priority. Now that he had the necessary material—and a highly valuable Mangekyō Sharingan at that—it was only logical to advance this phase of the plan.
Worst case scenario, he had Karin to assist him.
He could totally work on both fronts simultaneously.
Moreover, the intelligence regarding his seizure of Kakashi's Sharingan would soon be known to Orochimaru. There was absolutely no need to hide it; he might as well bring it up openly.
And Menma's words...
Caused Orochimaru's expression to change slightly.
Sasuke, sitting to Menma's left, also looked at Menma's profile with an inscrutable expression in the next moment.
"Hoh? Is Menma-kun interested in the power of the Sharingan as well?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly. As he spoke softly, a fleeting, slightly dangerous glint flashed through his pupils.
"No, let me correct you, Orochimaru-san. To be precise, I am interested in the power of Yin Release. As the pinnacle of Yin Release power, and a Kekkei Genkai to boot, the Sharingan is naturally the most worthy subject of study. Don't you think so, Orochimaru-san?"
Menma replied nonchalantly.
"Mhm, I actually agree with that point."
Orochimaru nodded in response.
"So? What is Orochimaru-san's answer?"
"Heh, naturally, there is no problem. However, Menma-kun, a trade requires equivalent exchange. The compensation I paid earlier should already be enough. Given the current situation, I can only give you the preliminary research data and results. If you want the subsequent content, Menma-kun, you'll need to exchange something for it. It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it's something that can move me."
Orochimaru stared straight at Menma with his narrow, snake-like eyes, his words carrying a pointed implication.
Menma caught on immediately, just a second later.
"That is only natural."
Menma wasn't surprised at all and nodded with a smile.
There was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Menma was most willing to cooperate with people like Orochimaru—everything had set rules, and nothing would be done recklessly. Even if they eventually reached a point where they turned on each other, at least their interactions prior to that would be very "pleasant."
"Oh, there is one more thing I need to communicate with you, Menma-kun. The Hidden Stone Village has sent someone over. The Third Tsuchikage seems to want to have a chat with you. I wonder if you are willing, Menma-kun?"
Just when Menma thought their conversation was coming to a temporary close...
Orochimaru's sudden words...
Instantly stunned Menma.
He had maintained a composed and controlled demeanor until now.
But at this moment, hearing that the Third Tsuchikage of the Hidden Stone could actually reach out to him through Orochimaru and wanted a face-to-face meeting, a look of obvious disbelief appeared on Menma's face.
"Orochimaru-san, are you saying that Ohnoki of the Scales wants to see me? And through you, of all people?"
Menma raised his eyebrows, asking with a look of surprise.
"Yes, that very same Ohnoki-san. Heh, I know what you're surprised about, Menma-kun. It's just that I had a certain degree of cooperation with this Lord Tsuchikage in earlier years. After all, as a rogue ninja, without coordination from multiple sides, it would be hard to reach this point today. Many of this Lord Tsuchikage's thoughts and methods go far beyond your imagination, Menma-kun."
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile as if recalling their pleasant cooperation in the past.
Right, that Third Tsuchikage does indeed like to cooperate with various rebel and terrorist organizations in the ninja world.
A look of realization flashed through Menma's pupils, and he nodded lightly.
In the original story, the Fourth Raikage, A, used the Five Kage Summit to expose the ambiguous relationships between the other four Great Ninja Villages and the Akatsuki. Among them, the Hidden Stone was the village that issued the most missions to the Akatsuki and utilized them the most.
Orochimaru was a rogue ninja of the Hidden Leaf. Based on the idea that helping Orochimaru was striking a blow against the Leaf, this Third Tsuchikage was truly capable of doing such things. Having contact with Orochimaru was actually quite normal for him.
Not to mention, this was a cooperation where each side took what they needed. Menma didn't feel the Third Tsuchikage had done anything wrong.
Everything was based on maintaining the interests of his own ninja village.
From the perspective of the Hidden Stone...
It was absolutely the correct move.
The original story somewhat overestimated the moral standing of the Five Great Ninja Villages and underestimated the power of the Akatsuki, as well as the massive conspiracy behind them.
"Is that so? Then please reply to the Third Tsuchikage for me, Orochimaru-san. I don't mind having a talk with him, but I get to choose the location. Of course, I won't choose a place that would make things difficult for his Lordship."
Who was an enemy, and who was an ally?
Menma had a mental ledger in his heart and kept things very clear.
He knew very well how tempting he was as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, but precisely because of that, he had more room to maneuver.
Judging from the descriptions in the original story, this Third Tsuchikage was someone one could "do business with."
Menma didn't mind spending some time and energy to lay down more groundwork. If it worked out, great; if not, it was no big loss.
"Mhm, no problem. I'll send someone to notify the Tsuchikage immediately."
Orochimaru nodded nonchalantly.
"You don't seem worried at all, Orochimaru-san?"
Menma asked, feigning a bit of surprise.
"Worried? Do you think there is anything I need to be worried about, Menma-kun?"
Orochimaru answered with a question of his own.
Seeing the special meaning flowing in those snake eyes...
After giving Orochimaru a steady look, Menma suddenly laughed. "True, there really isn't anything to worry about. Well then, I'll stop here for today. I still have an experiment to finish, so I'll take my leave."
Menma stood up, glanced at Sasuke, who still wore a flat expression, and then...
Without waiting for Orochimaru to reply, he strode out and left.