"Heh, Kitsuchi, you underestimate Menma-kun too much. Although he is just a 12-year-old boy, he seems even more experienced and steady than many seasoned ninja. If we were to act against him, setting aside other factors, his strength alone is far from as simple as it appears on the surface. In your impression, is Orochimaru someone easy to get along with?"
Onoki raised an eyebrow, speaking with a solemn expression.
"Father, do you mean...?"
Kitsuchi's expression changed slightly.
"That kid possesses power at least not inferior to Orochimaru's, plus some other bargaining chips, which is why Orochimaru is willing to ally with him. Do you still think that kid is Orochimaru's subordinate?"
Onoki chuckled.
"No."
Kitsuchi pondered for a moment, especially recalling the scene during the meeting just now, then shook his head gently.
The dynamic between Menma and Orochimaru didn't look like a superior-subordinate relationship at all. Coupled with intelligence from other sources, it was clear the two were allies.
"But that Menma Uzumaki is only 12, right? Can he really use the Nine-Tails' power so perfectly and skillfully?"
Kitsuchi asked with a slight frown.
Their own village had two Jinchuriki. When fully utilizing the Tailed Beasts' power, besides his father who could suppress them, Kitsuchi was the only one in the vast village who could contend with them in a one-on-one fight. But even then, he could only contend; if they fought all out, he would likely lose to Roshi and Han.
The boost from the Tailed Beasts' power was simply too exaggerated.
If Menma possessed power comparable to the Five Kage or even a tier stronger at age 12, it could only be due to the Nine-Tails.
But at that age... could he really use the Nine-Tails' chakra so easily?
Kitsuchi remained skeptical.
"Perfect use? Kitsuchi, it seems you still don't understand the Nine-Tails enough. Although the Leaf has never used the Nine-Tails in war, you should know how strong the Eight-Tails is, right? And you've personally experienced how terrifying the Third Raikage was—at least this old man admits inferiority. Yet the Nine-Tails is an existence far stronger than the Eight-Tails. The Nine-Tails' rampage in the Leaf 12 years ago is proof. Even a village as strong as the Leaf sacrificed the Fourth Hokage and numerous ninja, along with nearly half the village destroyed. If that boy can truly bring out the Nine-Tails' power perfectly... hmph, what do you think it would be like? Besides, we must consider the attitudes of other villages; those guys are also eyeing him hungrily. We don't need to stick our necks out first. Instead, this Menma-kun makes for our best forward scout."
Onoki snorted lightly.
"Then, Father, your meaning is...?"
"My meaning? What meaning could I have? Didn't I just express my meaning clearly enough?"
Onoki glanced sideways at his disappointing son with a look of "hating iron for not becoming steel."
Honestly speaking, in terms of strength, status, and prestige, Kitsuchi was already qualified to become Tsuchikage. As early as a decade ago, Kitsuchi was recognized within the Hidden Stone as the successor to the Tsuchikage. So why had Onoki delayed his retirement and not passed the seat to his son?
Was he worried about gossip in the village regarding nepotism? Or was he greedy for power and unwilling to step down?
No, neither.
Onoki wasn't Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Having truly inherited the will of the First and Second Tsuchikage, Onoki had been searching for the most suitable successor for the past 20 years. His son was originally the best candidate. But despite everything else being good, Onoki was very dissatisfied with Kitsuchi's mindset and capacity. As a Kage, one must have a big-picture view. Kitsuchi wasn't devoid of it, but he was lacking, and he wasn't particularly interested in the position.
So it had dragged on all these years.
Onoki naturally wasn't happy about it. The fact that it dragged on until "Leg Kage" (Kurotsuchi) took over in the original story was the best proof.
"Yes, Father, I understand your meaning. But isn't this still risky? If Menma-kun realizes later, won't we..."
Onoki had spoken so clearly; if Kitsuchi still didn't get it, it wouldn't be a small deficiency, but a major problem.
"You think Menma-kun didn't see through it? That kid is very smart."
Before his son could finish, Onoki shook his head with a sigh.
Others might not see through it, but Onoki knew exactly what Menma was thinking.
He had indeed set a trap, but this trap wasn't one he tricked or deceived the other party into stepping in. It was a trap dug right in front of Menma's face. Yet Menma chose to watch Onoki dig the trap, and then jumped straight into it.
And while jumping, he even signaled his gratitude to Onoki.
Was Menma really that stupid?
No.
In Onoki's view, this was precisely Menma's cleverness. And because of this, Onoki felt it was a pity. If Menma were willing to join the Hidden Stone and become his disciple, the supreme seat of the Hidden Stone Village might truly have been open for Menma to sit in.
"You're saying he knows you're using him, yet he's willing to ally with us?"
Kitsuchi's eyes widened instantly, asking with surprise.
"What else do you think? Besides, what do you mean 'using'? This is called each taking what they need. Didn't Menma-kun also attach himself to our side? That kid is sharp."
Onoki snorted lightly.
Exactly.
This was Menma's true intention.
The reason Menma chose to meet Onoki despite clearly guessing his intentions—and knowing he would definitely refuse—was to reduce his enemies.
So what if he was used by Onoki?
It was better than being surrounded by enemies on all sides in the ninja world, right?
By forming an alliance with Onoki and having the Hidden Stone as a backer, the threat level would be significantly reduced.
Onoki could see this easily.
"So that's how it is?"
Kitsuchi nodded as if realizing something, a look of admiration in his eyes.
To be so outstanding at such a young age was truly rare.
"However, this is also a risky move, right? Father, after all, the initiative is completely on our side. Once we decide to do something, Menma-kun can only passively accept it."
Kitsuchi's words were already quite euphemistic. To put it bluntly, Menma was gambling. One misstep, and this would be a terrible move.
But in reality?
"Does he have a choice, Kitsuchi? Why do you think I asked him just now why he chose to leave the Leaf?"
Onoki narrowed his eyes. His faintly spoken words were the best interpretation of Menma's current predicament.