The Nine Tailed Beasts were split from the Ten-Tails.
In the current ninja world, excluding Menma, a special transmigrator, this was a thousand-year secret known only to Obito.
As Madara Uchiha's spokesperson after his death.
It could be said that whatever Madara knew...
Obito knew as well.
Unlike Nagato, who was purely deceived and used, the relationship between Obito and Madara was more complex. Aside from the Rin Nohara incident, where Madara indeed set Obito up and deliberately orchestrated Rin's death to plunge Obito completely into darkness, Obito had fully committed himself to the rest of the plan.
Besides that point, Madara had kept nothing from Obito in other aspects. Madara truly hoped Obito could help him realize the Eye of the Moon Plan, so naturally, he needed to tell Obito all the intelligence he had obtained, even though these things were just a result of Black Zetsu's deliberate guidance.
But at least the content involving the Ten-Tails was indeed true. Obito wasn't worried about others, but he had to treat Orochimaru with caution. Even if the probability was very low, what if Orochimaru really researched the relationship between the Nine Tailed Beasts!?
That would be huge trouble.
"It shouldn't go that far, right? Without any corroborating information, how could that guy research in that direction?"
Hearing Obito's words, Black Zetsu's heart couldn't help but skip a beat.
The plan had reached the final preparation stage. As long as the Akatsuki organization and Nagato sorted everything out, the Tailed Beast capture operation could begin.
The closer to this critical juncture...
The less Black Zetsu wanted to see accidents happen.
Just like when Obito lost that eye earlier—under circumstances where it was almost certain Menma didn't know the true value of that eye and would absolutely waste it casually, Black Zetsu also fully agreed with Obito not acting rashly to avoid exposing themselves.
If Orochimaru really researched the connection between the Nine Tailed Beasts...
That would be no small trouble for them.
"Hmph, that's hard to say. That guy Orochimaru likes research in all aspects. Eternal life and supreme power—his goal has always been so firm and unchanging. As the most special existences in the ninja world today, how could he not research Tailed Beasts!? And with his research capabilities, if he really gets his hands on a few different Tailed Beasts as research materials, can you guarantee no problems will arise!?"
Obito snorted coldly.
From a general perspective, Orochimaru's personal strength was already very strong. Even though he seemed to have been instant-killed by Itachi in one move back then, firstly, it was because Orochimaru was a bit careless at the start and underestimated Itachi's strength. Secondly, due to the side effects of the Living Corpse Reincarnation, Orochimaru's spiritual power was weaker than the normal Kage level, amplifying the damage from genjutsu—not to mention it was Mangekyo Sharingan-level genjutsu!
Being heavily injured was only natural.
This could be seen from the fact that although Orochimaru was heavily injured by Itachi later, he could still retreat successfully.
It couldn't be that Itachi showed mercy and didn't want to kill Orochimaru, right?
That guy was a lunatic willing to kill his entire clan for the peace of the Leaf. Orochimaru was also the Leaf's biggest rogue ninja. If there really was a chance, Itachi would definitely kill Orochimaru!
Additionally, from the clashes between Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, it could also be seen that Orochimaru's personal strength was indeed formidable enough.
Considering his comprehensive level as a strong Kage is absolutely not an exaggeration!
Such a guy.
Is inherently easy to make people feel apprehensive about.
Not to mention Orochimaru's greatest strength lies in his scientific research capabilities.
Living Corpse Reincarnation.
Impure World Reincarnation.
These are the best embodiments of Orochimaru's research capabilities. The former was researched by Orochimaru alone. Although the latter was developed by Tobirama Senju, Orochimaru was the one who truly carried it forward. Otherwise, according to the original Impure World Reincarnation, the summoned ninja would at most have only 10-20% of their peak strength.
How could they have 70-80% later, or even Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha having strength almost comparable to their peak!
Therefore, based on this point.
Obito had ample reason to suspect Orochimaru.
"This..."
With Obito saying this.
Black Zetsu didn't dare to be sure either.
"Go all out to search for Orochimaru's location. We can no longer let Orochimaru be. Once the specific location is confirmed, have Nagato immediately send Sasori and Deidara to deal with it. At the necessary moment, have Nagato take action personally. We must remove this hidden danger of Orochimaru!"
Obito said sinisterly.
Previously, when Orochimaru defected from the organization, although a pursuit order was issued...
Neither Obito nor Nagato really took it to heart. Kill if possible, forget it if not; no need to really care. Everything should prioritize the organization's plan. But now it was different.
Orochimaru's research and existence could potentially threaten the organization—or more accurately, threaten Obito's plan.
Even if it was currently only at the suspicion stage, as long as there was a slight sign, Orochimaru had to be eliminated as soon as possible.
Of course, regarding Menma, Obito still didn't have much suspicion. In Obito's view, that was just a kid whose heart was filled with hatred. How could he pose any threat? All this must be led by Orochimaru!
As long as Orochimaru was eliminated, everything would be fine.
"Mhm, I understand. I will further mobilize forces to search for Orochimaru's location. As for Nagato, I will go notify him now."
Black Zetsu nodded heavily.
Immediately after, he sank into the ground and disappeared.
Hum!
Obito himself also immediately activated Kamui.
After the surrounding space twisted for a while.
His figure also merged into it and left.
The situation had become a bit delicate, making it impossible for Obito to continue staying here peacefully for his research.
He had to go personally to control things.
At the necessary moment.
Even at the risk of exposure, the plan had to be launched in advance!
The Eye of the Moon Plan.
Above all else!!!
---
Orochimaru taking the blame perfectly.
This was an inevitable result evolved from multiple coincidences.
If Menma knew, he would definitely feel very happy. This was the development he wanted, and also the reason for choosing to stay with Orochimaru initially. No matter what, he was only 13 years old in this life—a brat still wet behind the ears in the eyes of outsiders. How could he have a comprehensive plan?
Wasn't everything Orochimaru's plotting and arrangement?
It should be said that this was the consensus in the ninja world regarding the relationship between Menma and Orochimaru now. The only exception was Ohnoki, who had direct contact with Menma. However, this old man only felt that Orochimaru hadn't conned Menma.
In reality, Menma should still have been influenced by Orochimaru, or accurately speaking, fell within the scope of Orochimaru's guidance.
This couldn't be blamed on Ohnoki.
After all, how could you make people believe that a boy of only 12 or 13 would have such mature thoughts and such meticulous plans!?
Orochimaru's remark to Kabuto about wanting to dissect Menma wasn't a joke. Of course, all this required Orochimaru's cooperation. In fact, Orochimaru himself was very happy to do so.
Orochimaru always had a hunch.
His dream, his future, was destined to be realized through Menma.
From this perspective, Orochimaru was truly one of the rare pure people in the ninja world, never changing his original intention over decades.
So what if he took the blame for Menma!?
Compared to his ambition, everything else appeared so insignificant.
This was also the biggest reason why Menma firmly chose Orochimaru. The diverted attention bought him precious time.
Menma took Suigetsu, Karin, and others non-stop toward the northern part of the Land of Grass. After spending most of the day...
They finally arrived at the agreed destination.
"Search the vicinity, see where the marks were left!"
After looking around, Menma turned his head and ordered several other ordinary Waterfall ninja around him.
"Yes, Lord Menma!"
These Waterfall ninja responded in sync, then leaped and scattered to search.
Just like revealing his true identity to Agun before.
After deciding to advance the plan.
Menma also decided to announce his identity to the Waterfall ninja of the Barrier Squad first. After all, in this operation, he needed to bring some Waterfall ninja for auxiliary tasks, and his identity would definitely be exposed then.
Of course, regarding personnel selection, he needed to choose those who had passed initial screening, and it had to be done in Shibuki's presence. Otherwise, even if these Waterfall ninja initially recognized and believed in Menma, revealing his identity in private would instead create a feeling of "rebellion."
Such stupid things couldn't be done!
Actions could be eager for quick success, but absolutely couldn't be stupid.
"Lord Menma, the mark has been found. Coordinates confirmed at twelve o'clock direction!"
Not long after, a short-haired male Waterfall ninja found the corresponding mark and came to report.
"Very good, go!"
With the accurate coordinates confirmed.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
The group flashed out again.
After only twenty minutes of travel.
Menma's spread-out massive sensory power detected a familiar chakra.
"Oh?"
Eyebrows raised slightly.
Thud!
Figures landed.
At the designated location.
A burly middle-aged man with a cold face came into the view of Menma and the others.
"Heh, I didn't expect Mui-san to come personally. I thought Mui-san would choose to keep a hand in reserve."
Menma looked at the man in front of him with a smile, speaking softly.
And this middle-aged man was the most important partner in Menma's plan this time, a Jonin of the Hidden Grass Village, and the current person in charge of Hozuki Castle—Mui.
"Menma Uzumaki, cut the crap. Is what you said before true? If not, don't blame me for being ruthless!"
Mui looked at Menma coldly.
Words not polite at all.
Especially that radiating chilling aura.
"!?"
"Bastard!"
"You!"
Behind, the expressions of Karin and the others changed, especially those few Waterfall ninja who looked at Mui with anger.
Posture seeming ready to strike immediately.
Menma waved his hand, stopping further words and actions from the Waterfall ninja.
"Rest assured, Mui-san. What I, Menma Uzumaki, said will definitely be realized. It's just a mere Box of Ultimate Bliss; I will definitely open it. However, I need to tell you in advance that this isn't some so-called wishing machine. Whether you want to see your son... I cannot make a 100% guarantee, at most only a 50% certainty."
Menma straightened his face, speaking with a slightly solemn tone.
Mui.
As a key leader of the "Castle Faction" in the Hidden Grass Village currently, he had considerable prestige among a significant portion of Grass ninja.
Many even felt Mui was suitable to become the next leader of the Hidden Grass Village.
And judging from the original story's plot, this seemingly cold man still had a very soft side in his heart.
This side was reflected in his treatment of his son—Muku!
Menma chose to start with Mui, aiming precisely at this point.
As long as his plan could proceed smoothly, the Hidden Grass Village could be manipulated by Menma to his heart's content. But if any link went wrong, Menma would have to resort to more radical and bloody means.
That was also the last resort!
Kurama, I'm betting everything on you this time!
While looking at Mui, Menma thought secretly in his heart.
Hmph, this old man already said, isn't it just the Box of Ultimate Bliss? Converting the energy inside is no problem at all for this old man. As long as that kid can hold onto his heart. However, this old man doesn't think a mere ordinary human can withstand the erosion of the Box of Ultimate Bliss! Even if it was just a toy of the Old Man (Sage of Six Paths).
Inside Menma's body.
Hearing Menma's deliberately projected inner voice.
The Nine-Tails snorted coldly, seemingly speaking with a very disdainful tone.
Mhm, then I'll trouble you when the time comes, Kurama. As for whether it succeeds, it depends on that kid's luck.
Mui, who couldn't possibly hear the communication between Menma and the Nine-Tails.
Upon hearing Menma's words.
His face became increasingly tense.
"50% certainty? That's enough!"
Those eyes that looked very fierce stared tightly at Menma for several seconds before slowly nodding and speaking softly.
"As long as you can fulfill the content of the agreement, I will definitely assist you with all my strength!"
"Then it's a deal, Mui-san."
Menma smiled lightly.
Immediately after.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Menma and his group followed behind Mui, heading toward a more northern direction.