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Naruto: Uchiha Shiroge Rebellion
It was precisely because Orochimaru valued this aspect of Menma that he was willing to accept an alliance contract that appeared disadvantageous to him. Of course, Orochimaru himself didn't feel shortchanged; the intelligence on the Sharingan and Rinnegan alone was worth everything to him!
Research he had previously abandoned was picked up again today because he realized he had gone down the wrong path before. Now, what was most needed was a course correction and further confirmatory research.
However, he still lacked key materials.
Ordinary Sharingan were far from enough.
What he needed was the Mangekyo Sharingan.
"Yes, we are fellow travelers. Don't worry, Menma-kun. I will temporarily block those outside forces for you. But remember, there is a time limit. Whether it's the major ninja villages or the Akatsuki organization, sooner or later they will investigate clearly. Including the Hidden Waterfall Village—if you have any plans, Menma-kun, execute them immediately. Time waits for no one," Orochimaru said, seemingly revealing a faint, eerie smile.
"Mhm, I know. Then I'll leave the rest to you, Orochimaru-san. I'll take my leave for today."
Menma waved his hand dismissively, then stood up.
He turned directly and strode toward the door, with Utakata following closely behind.
Menma-kun, you'd better work hard. If you fail, I won't hesitate to swallow everything you have!
Watching the retreating figures of Menma and Utakata, Orochimaru's snake eyes flashed with a faint, bright light as he thought secretly.
The departing Menma naturally didn't know what Orochimaru was thinking, but even if he did, he wouldn't care. He was essentially seeking skin from a tiger. Risk? Again, if he cared about such things, he wouldn't have defected from the Hidden Leaf. Wouldn't it have been better to honestly follow the rhythm of the "Crown Prince" from the original story?
It was precisely because Menma had his own obsession that he did this.
"Menma-kun, can Orochimaru really be trusted? I always feel that guy is just using you."
After moving far away from that dim reception room.
Walking half a step behind Menma, Utakata seemed to hesitate a bit but finally spoke up.
This could be considered a heart-to-heart talk.
As a companion, Utakata felt obligated to remind Menma, whether for his own sake or Menma's.
What kind of person was Orochimaru?
Utakata naturally wasn't familiar with him.
But as a famous figure in the ninja world, Utakata knew something of Orochimaru's past glorious deeds.
Allying with such a guy really worried Utakata.
Menma could also understand the meaning in Utakata's words.
Stopping his steps, Menma turned around and said with a smile: "Trusting him is naturally impossible. Except for you, Utakata-san, and those additional companions, I won't trust anyone else, including this Orochimaru-san. We can come together with him purely because of interest."
"Because of interest? Then why do you still..." Utakata frowned slightly.
"But for now, Orochimaru is actually our most reliable ally, Utakata-san. Greed is one of the greatest driving forces of humanity. This applies to me, to you, and to anyone in the world. Everyone has their own goals, and Orochimaru is no exception. What he needs, only I can provide. Before he achieves his goal, he won't turn against us. Orochimaru is unique. Utakata-san, our plan also needs him."
Menma said with a steady expression.
"So, at least for now, there's no need to worry too much about Orochimaru. Moreover, I have made corresponding preparations. Utakata-san, just rest assured."
Like Karin, Utakata was solidly one of his own.
Although they had only known each other briefly, that fist bump, witnessed by the two Tailed Beasts, was enough for them to bond.
Therefore, Menma would patiently explain any of Utakata's questions. This was also a way to increase mutual trust and recognition.
"Mhm, as long as you know what you're doing, Menma-kun. So, are we going directly back to the Hidden Waterfall Village now? Is there anything else that needs to be handled?" Utakata nodded lightly.
"Mhm, there's nothing else, but we do need to delay for some time. I need to answer some doubts for a certain guy. Otherwise, we might really not be able to leave—in the physical sense."
Menma's mouth curled into a handsome arc. He shrugged and then jutted his chin toward the side.
Utakata subconsciously turned his gaze in the direction Menma indicated.
A slender teenage figure came into view.
That familiar indifferent look, and that cold aura radiating from him.
Sasuke Uchiha!
The name of this teenager flashed in Utakata's mind.
"Heh, I thought you would ask Orochimaru-san first, Sasuke."
Watching Sasuke walk over lightly, Menma said with a smile.
"I will ask Orochimaru, but I want to learn the truth from you first, Menma. Tell me everything you know!"
Sasuke looked straight into Menma's eyes, a very sharp look flowing in his black pupils.
It was as if he would force Menma to speak if he wasn't willing.
"Then you guys chat first. I'll wait for you at the entrance, Menma-kun."
Utakata also realized that Menma and Sasuke likely needed to discuss some very private issues. He consciously said this, then strode toward the main entrance.
Menma nodded lightly in agreement.
The matters to be discussed next involved the secrets of the Uchiha clan, so Utakata naturally wasn't suitable to listen in.
Subsequently.
The two moved to Sasuke's exclusive living area.
Here, there was not only Sasuke's personal residence but also a large number of training facilities specially built by Orochimaru for Sasuke.
It could perfectly meet Sasuke's training needs in all aspects.
"Where to start... Hmm, let's start from the night of the Nine-Tails' attack. Although the conflict between your Uchiha clan and the Leaf has a long history, and the root cause was planted long ago, the direct cause of the genocide was the Nine-Tails' attack 13 years ago. The story goes like this..."
Talking about things too far in the past not only had little meaning but might not interest Sasuke.
The annihilation of the Uchiha clan naturally had various reasons.
There were the conspiracies of the Leaf's F4 high command, and Obito's fueling of the fire.
There was also the Uchiha clan's own self-inflicted sins.
But Menma knew very clearly that what Sasuke wanted to know wasn't the so-called reasons, but the truth of the genocide!
Was it really Itachi Uchiha alone who destroyed their Uchiha clan!?