Naruto: The Avenger of the Uzumaki clan

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Although Takigakure and Orochimaru relied on external forces to bolster their power, Shibuki and Orochimaru couldn't have been more different—and their respective followers reflected that disparity. The shinobi of Takigakure were driven by duty to their village and its survival, while Orochimaru's henchmen were bound by ambition, fear, or dark desires.

If Menma truly intended to win over Takigakure's shinobi, it was possible—though it would require calculated, decisive actions and perhaps even ruthless methods. With the right strategy, he could alter the village's governance entirely.

However, attempting the same with Orochimaru's subordinates was a fool's errand.

Orochimaru's followers were unwaveringly loyal to their master. They owed their allegiance to the Snake Sannin's promises of power and the consequences of disobedience. Menma knew that if he ever attempted to sway them, Orochimaru would discover his plans before they even began.

That was why Menma had never entertained the idea of seizing Orochimaru's power. For now, the sannin was a tool—a stepping stone from which Menma could extract as much value as possible before moving forward.

"There's no issue with that. Do you need any other assistance? Perhaps more personnel?" Shibuki asked, waving his hand dismissively.

"Haha, no, we're good for now," Menma replied with a light chuckle. "Though, if possible, we could use a larger space, some research equipment, and basic supplies."

"That's no problem at all," Shibuki said. "Just give me a list, and I'll have Ajun and the others gather what you need. There's an abandoned training ground to the north. I'll have it cleared and prepared for your use, Menma-kun."

To Shibuki, these requests were minor. As Elder Mizuno had once said, Menma's arrival was a gamble Takigakure had no choice but to take.

The risk lay in Menma's identity.

As the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki, a rogue shinobi from Konoha, and the son of the Fourth Hokage, Menma's presence could bring both immense opportunity and unparalleled danger. If word of his alliance with Takigakure leaked before the village had a chance to grow stronger, the consequences could be catastrophic.

Takigakure's strength didn't compare to even the weakest of the Five Great Nations. Sunagakure, for example, could still muster tens of thousands of shinobi if it focused its forces. Konoha, Kumogakure, and Iwagakure were even more formidable.

Yet, Shibuki understood the gamble.

Despite not having fought in any recent major battles, Menma's strength as the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki was undeniable. In a world without Senju Hashirama or Uchiha Madara, the Kyuubi remained the most fearsome of the tailed beasts. And that didn't even account for Menma's personal abilities.

Under Hanzō of the Salamander's leadership, Amegakure had once challenged the Five Great Nations. If Menma mastered the Kyuubi's power and became a perfect Jinchuuriki, Takigakure could aspire to become the sixth great village.

It wasn't an impossible dream. In the ninja world, a single individual's strength could reshape the fate of an entire village—if they were strong enough.

Moreover, Menma wasn't alone. Ajun's earlier report had noted his companions at Takigakure's entrance. Even Shibuki could see the strength in Tayuya, Suigetsu, and the others.

What Shibuki didn't realize, however, was that these individuals weren't Menma's followers—they were Orochimaru's.

"Thank you, Shibuki-san," Menma said, bowing slightly and offering a friendly smile.

"Go speak with Ajun about the arrangements, Karin," Menma added, turning toward her.

"Got it, Menma. Don't worry, I'll handle it," Karin replied, nodding confidently.

Menma trusted Karin implicitly. She had matured greatly since they first met and had proven herself capable of managing critical responsibilities.

Takigakure marked both an ending and a new beginning for them.

"Well, I'll take my leave now, Shibuki-san," Menma said with another bow.

"Of course," Shibuki replied with a nod.

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In the days that followed, Menma did not rush to leave Takigakure. Now that he was officially a member of the village, he intended to attend the funeral of Elder Mizuno. However, he continued to operate under his disguised identity, "Shirogane."

During the funeral, many of Takigakure's shinobi saw Menma for the first time in his assumed persona. Though they had witnessed his strength during the recent battle, Menma had already gained the reputation of being one of the village's strongest shinobi—second only to Fū.

The reactions among Takigakure's ninjas were mixed. Some were cautious, others curious, and a few harbored resentment. But none dared express their doubts openly.

Menma was patient. He knew integration into Takigakure would be a gradual process, one that required careful steps rather than rash moves.

Menma understood this well. Integration into Takigakure would be a slow and deliberate process, not something he could rush.

After Mizuno's funeral, the village returned to its usual calm—at least on the surface.

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Under Shibuki's arrangement, Menma and Karin were provided their own homes and an exclusive laboratory equipped with advanced research tools. Despite Takigakure's modest size, the village still retained considerable resources.

Historically, Takigakure had acquired the Seven-Tails from the First Hokage, not solely due to its military strength, but also its financial prowess. If not for Sunagakure's scarcity of resources at the time, Takigakure might never have obtained the tailed beast. Even now, though weakened, the village remained one of the wealthiest in the ninja world.

Providing Menma with supplies and equipment was a minor expense.

With everything settled, Menma prepared to depart for the Land of Tea, where a more pressing matter awaited him: negotiations with Orochimaru.

"Karin, I'm leaving the lab setup to you," Menma said. "Focus on the studies we discussed—cellular activation and physical enhancement. If you need specialized resources, I'll obtain them from Orochimaru. Prepare everything, and when I return, we'll advance to the next phase."

Standing at Takigakure's main gate, Menma glanced at Karin, her Takigakure forehead protector glinting under the sunlight.

"Got it, Menma. I'll be ready," Karin replied, her tone firm and confident.

Menma offered a small smile. "I trust you."

With that, his chakra flared, and he launched himself southward, Suigetsu, Tayuya, and the others following closely behind. Karin stood still, watching until Menma's figure disappeared into the distance. Then, taking a deep breath, she turned back toward the village.

She had come a long way from the timid girl she once was. Now, she walked her own path, knowing how vital her contributions were to Menma's plans.

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Menma and his team retraced their route, reaching Orochimaru's base in the southern part of the Land of Tea faster than before.

Orochimaru had already learned of Menma's activities in Takigakure. With several of Menma's companions still loyal to Orochimaru, it was impossible to conceal such developments. Menma hadn't bothered to stop them from reporting back; Orochimaru's cooperation remained essential for his current plans.

Still, Menma was keenly aware of the risk. Orochimaru's history made one thing clear—he would never hesitate to betray someone if it suited his goals.

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The room was dimly lit, the faint smell of chemicals lingering in the air. Orochimaru's pale face gleamed in the low light as he regarded Menma with his unsettling golden eyes.

"Heh, Menma-kun, you continue to exceed my expectations," Orochimaru said, his voice as smooth and venomous as ever. "Takigakure will soon fall under your control."

"Orochimaru-san gives me far too much credit," Menma replied, his tone calm and measured. "Takigakure is a deeply established village. Gaining real control will be anything but easy. For now, I've only taken the first step."

"The first step is often the most difficult," Orochimaru replied with a sly smile.

Menma nodded slightly. "Then I'll accept your compliment, Orochimaru-san."

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, though his grin didn't falter. "So, you've come to say goodbye?"

"In a sense, yes," Menma admitted. "It's time I stopped imposing on your hospitality. But our relationship remains unchanged. If Orochimaru-san requires my assistance—whether it involves research, Konoha, or even the Akatsuki—I'll gladly help, as long as it's within my power."

Orochimaru's enigmatic smile deepened, though he didn't respond immediately. Menma wasn't surprised. Orochimaru was never one to trust easily, and Menma knew full well that their alliance was based on convenience, not loyalty.

Nothing convinced Orochimaru more than tangible benefits, and Menma intended to deliver just that.

"Orochimaru-san," Menma said, reaching into his cloak, "as promised, here is a portion of the Nine-Tails' chakra. I've also included some additional information you might find intriguing."

He tossed two scrolls toward Orochimaru, who caught them effortlessly. The sannin unrolled the ordinary scroll first, his golden eyes gleaming with intrigue as he read its contents.

"Menma-kun," Orochimaru murmured, his smile growing more predatory. "You never fail to surprise me."

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