Almost at the exact moment Onoki spotted Menma, Menma also saw Onoki flying toward him. Although he had long known that the Third Tsuchikage was one of the rare ninja in the world capable of flight, seeing it in person still sparked a deep sense of envy in Menma's eyes.
Setting aside the god-tier battles, in a fight between Kage-level opponents—or even against standard "Super Kage" gatekeepers—the ability to fly was a massive advantage. The benefits it provided in terms of attack range and evasive maneuvering were simply incomparable to what ordinary people could achieve.
Unlike Deidara or Rasa, who needed to ride or stand on something to fly, Onoki could effortlessly soar through the sky on his own, and carrying one or two people was no trouble at all. Combined with the destructive power of Dust Release, this allowed the Third Tsuchikage to maintain a significant position at the pinnacle of the ninja world, even at the advanced age of over seventy.
"Haha, this must be Menma Uzumaki-kun. Truly, heroes spring from the youth. This old man hasn't seen such an outstanding young man in many years. Comparing us makes me feel like I've really fallen behind the times," Onoki said with a smile the moment he landed, acting as if they were old friends.
It was a naked display of intent without any attempt to hide it. Even though Menma had anticipated this, the corner of his eye couldn't help but twitch slightly.
"No, no, Lord Tsuchikage flatters me. Compared to you, I'm still just a kid who's wet behind the ears," Menma replied with a smile, bowing respectfully. As the saying goes, you can't slap a smiling face, especially since Menma had already decided to try and win over the Third Tsuchikage before coming here.
"Menma-kun... Oh? Is it alright if I call you that?" Onoki smiled and shook his head, politely asking for permission before continuing. "When I was your age, I didn't have your strength or courage, Menma-kun. There is no need to be humble. If you aren't considered excellent, then no one in this world can claim the title of genius."
Flattery was free, after all. Onoki was piling it onto Menma's head as if his life depended on it.
Standing to the side, Kitsuchi, who wore an honest and simple expression, looked completely unsurprised. Others might not know his father's personality, but how could Kitsuchi not understand?
Onoki was a realist leader in the truest sense. He cared only about whether something benefited his village. As long as it was beneficial, Onoki was willing to do it, regardless of the target, the occasion, or the timing.
And who was Menma? The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Kitsuchi knew all too well how much his father coveted Menma. Furthermore, Menma was only a twelve-year-old boy. In his father's words, as long as they could swindle—no, persuade—Menma to join their village, he was confident he could groom Menma into a true pillar of the Hidden Stone.
"Well, I can only say that the times create the hero," Menma replied. He naturally understood the meaning behind Onoki's words and his intentions, so he brushed it off with a breezy attitude.
This caused a flash of surprise to dart through Onoki's pupils. Menma's composure somewhat exceeded his expectations. However, recalling Menma's previous feats, Onoki realized that if Menma were truly just a naive, ignorant boy, he probably would have been buried in a grave somewhere long ago.
"It still requires a capable person to seize the times, doesn't it? Just like Orochimaru-kun. It's been years, and you look even more dashing than before," Onoki said to Menma pointedly before turning to greet Orochimaru with a smile.
"Dashing? Lord Tsuchikage certainly has a way with words. However, Menma-kun is different from me. I imagine Lord Tsuchikage understands that, right?" Orochimaru replied with a light chuckle.
The implication in his words was undisguised. Onoki picked up on it immediately. Or rather, the moment he learned Orochimaru was accompanying Menma, the Third Tsuchikage had mentally prepared for this dynamic.
"Naturally. Orochimaru-kun is Orochimaru-kun, and Menma-kun is Menma-kun. This old man can still tell the difference," Onoki said. "Therefore, I won't beat around the bush. Menma-kun, I think you can guess my intention for this meeting. I am officially representing the Hidden Stone Village to invite you to join us."
After the simple pleasantries, Onoki went straight to the main topic.
"The Hidden Stone can provide all the resources you desire, Menma-kun. I can promise there will be absolutely no prejudice or differential treatment toward you. If you are willing, I can personally take you as my disciple. Furthermore, our village has two Jinchuriki who can use the power of their Tailed Beasts near-perfectly; they can guide you in every aspect."
"Yes, indeed. After learning from Orochimaru-san that you wanted to meet, I did guess you had such intentions," Menma replied. "However, before I answer, I wonder if it would be convenient for you to answer a few questions for me, Lord Tsuchikage?"
Menma wasn't surprised at all. Between his knowledge of the original story and his conversations with Orochimaru, he had a good grasp of the Third Tsuchikage's personality. To put it bluntly, this was a man who kept his word. Even in his old age, he was never sloppy or hesitant in his actions, unlike the Fourth Raikage, who was straightforward to a fault. In any matter, Onoki's decisiveness was second to none.
"Of course. Ask whatever you like, Menma-kun," Onoki said without hesitation, waving his right hand slightly.
It was only natural for the invitee to have doubts. If Menma had agreed immediately without hesitation, Onoki would have been suspicious that something was wrong.
"One question is: By inviting me, a rogue ninja of the Leaf, aren't you worried about angering the Leaf and starting a full-scale war? If I join your village and the Leaf threatens war to demand you hand me over, what will you do?" Menma asked.
"Another question is: I am an outsider, after all. You say I won't face differential treatment and will be treated equally, but are you really not worried about my loyalty at all? I am a person who betrayed my village," Menma continued.
"And the final question is: If I reject you here today, what attitude will you take toward me?" Menma looked at the Third Tsuchikage with a solemn expression and asked in a deep voice.