Naruto: The Avenger of the Uzumaki clan

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Menma was a realist to his core.

He believed in one thing above all else: the exchange of benefits.

In his eyes, it was the strongest foundation for any relationship. It wasn't that Menma didn't trust others, but trust—like anything else—depended on the circumstances. Right now, the only person he could fully rely on was Karin. Everyone else? A decision for another time.

It was this pragmatic worldview that made Menma cautious about outright rejecting Ōnoki's proposition. Doing so would turn the Third Tsuchikage—and by extension, the might of Iwagakure—into a formidable enemy.

As the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, Menma knew he was a walking target. Any village leader would covet the power of the Kyūbi, knowing that capturing and controlling its host could elevate their village's strength to unparalleled heights.

And Iwagakure? Weak? Hardly.

Ōnoki's bluntness earlier had revealed much about his stance. Menma smirked, recalling the pointed question the Tsuchikage had asked.

"Are you suggesting we work together against Konoha?"

Ōnoki's sharp eyes had narrowed, studying Menma with suspicion. A child—only twelve years old—proposing an alliance was something the Tsuchikage had never anticipated.

From Ōnoki's perspective, an alliance with someone so young was laughable. Yet, there was something in Menma's confidence that made him hesitate. Was it truly so impossible?

Of course, Ōnoki wouldn't act on a whim. There had to be tangible benefits for Iwagakure.

Teaming up against Konoha had its allure, but Ōnoki wasn't an ordinary shinobi. He had led Iwagakure for over four decades, weathering countless storms. A man like him wouldn't be fooled by the silver tongue of an upstart jinchūriki.

"No, Menma-kun," Ōnoki said flatly, his tone dismissive. "Iwagakure doesn't need allies."

The statement was clear.

Menma, however, remained unshaken.

"Heh, Ōnoki-dono, let's not be so hasty. Konoha is a tempting target, but I have other cards to play." He leaned forward slightly, his amber eyes locking onto Ōnoki's with quiet intensity. "If, after hearing me out, you're still uninterested, then feel free to consider this conversation over."

The Tsuchikage's eyes glimmered with faint intrigue. A thin smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Oh? Then by all means, entertain me. What cards do you have to offer, Menma-kun?"

Menma's smirk deepened. He knew how to navigate these waters. "I assume you've heard of an organization called 'Akatsuki'…"

Ōnoki's brow twitched ever so slightly, but he gave no further reaction.

Menma continued, his voice calm but deliberate. He wasn't naive. He understood that, at this moment, he had little leverage. His value lay in being the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails and, perhaps, in his Uzumaki lineage. But those connections paled in comparison to the Hyūga or Uchiha clans.

He had no Sharingan or Byakugan to offer. No legendary kekkei genkai to sweeten the deal.

What he did have was information.

The Akatsuki.

Konoha's vulnerabilities.

The Nine-Tails attack twelve years ago.

His knowledge of these events, his role in them, and his willingness to act as a weapon—that was his true bargaining chip.

Still, Menma understood the precariousness of his position. Unlike earlier, when Ōnoki had extended an invitation, the initiative now lay entirely with the Tsuchikage. Menma was the one seeking an alliance, and the odds weren't in his favor. Perhaps a 30% chance of success—if he played this perfectly.

He measured his words carefully, revealing just enough to capture Ōnoki's attention without overplaying his hand. As Menma spoke, he noticed the Tsuchikage's expression harden, his interest clearly piqued, though far from convinced.

Orochimaru, standing off to the side, remained silent but visibly intrigued. Menma's depth of knowledge regarding Akatsuki had caught even him off guard. Yet Orochimaru couldn't see the full picture; Menma was deliberately withholding certain details.

Ōnoki's response, however, remained guarded. "You certainly talk a lot for a child. But words alone won't sway me. Iwagakure doesn't act without guarantees. Tell me, Menma-kun, what exactly do you think you can offer that would benefit Iwagakure?"

Menma exhaled softly, regaining his composure. He had anticipated this question.

"I'm not asking for blind trust, Ōnoki-dono. But consider this—Konoha has grown arrogant under the weight of its supposed superiority. They see themselves as untouchable, yet even the greatest trees can fall when their roots are exposed." He let his words linger before continuing. "And I can show you those weaknesses."

Ōnoki's eyes narrowed further, the gears in his mind clearly turning.

Menma pressed on. "Akatsuki is on the move. Their interest in jinchūriki is no secret, and they're growing bolder. Aligning with me doesn't just give you an ally—it gives you a weapon that Akatsuki and Konoha both covet. Together, we can reshape the balance of power in the shinobi world."

Ōnoki didn't respond immediately. His silence was unnerving, his gaze piercing through Menma as though weighing every syllable.

"What do you think, Tsuchikage-sama?" Menma asked, his tone steady despite the tension. "I believe this proposal will benefit both you and Iwagakure."

Ōnoki leaned back in his seat, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Hmph. You make an interesting case, Menma-kun. But trust isn't earned in a single conversation. I'll need more than promises."

Menma allowed a small smile. He wasn't expecting an immediate victory. This was only the first move in a much larger game.

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Everything that needed to be said had been said.

The attitude that needed to be conveyed was also clear.

The rest was up to Ōnoki.

It was impossible for Menma to make decisions on behalf of the Third Tsuchikage.

Ōnoki's sharp eyes studied Menma carefully, his voice deliberate. "Just like you, Menma-kun... before I give you my answer, I have a question of my own. Why did you choose to leave Konoha so decisively? Yes, perhaps the past wasn't ideal, but considering your identity—and that of your brother, Namikaze Naruto—it seems the two of you could have shaped the future of the village together. If united, Konoha would almost certainly fall under your control. Was your decision purely driven by resentment?"

Menma stiffened momentarily, caught off guard by the question. He hadn't expected Ōnoki to probe so deeply into his motivations. Even Orochimaru, seated beside him, leaned in slightly, his curiosity evident. Though he had heard Menma's reasons before, he was eager to see how the young man would frame his answer now.

Taking a deep breath, Menma met the Tsuchikage's gaze, his voice steady but firm. "It might sound hypocritical, but if seizing power had been my goal, I wouldn't be myself anymore. Tsuchikage-sama, there's nothing for me in Konoha. My brother and I chose different paths. Resentment may have been my initial spark, but in the end, it's because this place... Iwagakure... it's different."

He tapped his chest for emphasis, his golden eyes unwavering.

Ōnoki's lips curled into a faint smirk, his eyes narrowing slightly. "You're a slippery one, Menma-kun. But I like that answer. I'll agree to your proposal for an alliance. Uzumaki Menma... show me your vision. Don't disappoint me."

Though Menma had anticipated this response, hearing it made his heart race. He couldn't suppress a flicker of excitement as Ōnoki's words registered. Nodding resolutely, he replied, "I won't let you down, Tsuchikage-sama. After all, we share common interests."

Ōnoki gave a short, gravelly chuckle. "Good. We'll discuss the details later. The coming years won't be peaceful, Menma-kun."

With that, the Tsuchikage weaved several hand signs, activating the Light-Weight Rock Technique. He and his son, Kitsuchi, floated into the air, swiftly ascending.

"Until next time, Uzumaki Menma," Ōnoki called as they disappeared into the sky.

As the figures of Ōnoki and Kitsuchi vanished, the smile on Menma's face faded. His golden eyes, once brimming with excitement, now glinted coldly.

"Not too pleased, are we?" Orochimaru's raspy voice broke the silence. He approached with his trademark mocking smile. "I thought you'd be celebrating after Tsuchikage-sama accepted your proposal. Didn't everything go as planned?"

Menma's expression remained indifferent as he cast a sidelong glance at Orochimaru. "Did he really agree? Or are you pretending not to notice? Do you honestly think Ōnoki fully accepted my offer? Surely, Orochimaru-san, you know better."

An alliance? What leverage did Menma truly have to offer the leader of one of the Five Great Nations? He wasn't naive. This so-called "alliance" was far from equal.

Ōnoki was likely just biding his time, using Menma to his advantage. If Menma proved useful, the Tsuchikage might support him—at least for now. But if Menma faltered, Ōnoki wouldn't hesitate to act, perhaps even seizing the Nine-Tails himself.

This wasn't deception; it was reality. And Menma knew the risks.

For now, this superficial alliance was enough.

Orochimaru's lips curled into a serpentine grin. "Ah, I see. But Menma-kun, you still gained something, didn't you? At the very least, your plan is moving forward."

Menma raised an eyebrow, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips. "I suppose. If nothing else, this alliance gives me room to maneuver. Of course, I'm sure you wouldn't mind if I stumbled along the way, would you, Orochimaru-san?"

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "We're allies, Menma-kun. Why would I wish you any ill will?"

"Allies, hmm? That's what you say. Well, in any case, we're done here. Let's return, Orochimaru-san. There's still much to do."

Without waiting for a response, Menma activated his chakra, leaping into the trees and vanishing into the forest. Orochimaru followed, his expression amused.

Meanwhile, high above the Land of Grass, Ōnoki and Kitsuchi were flying back toward Iwagakure. They had just crossed the border when Kitsuchi spoke up.

"Father, don't you think you agreed too quickly? Uzumaki Menma... is he really worth our attention? Wouldn't it be more prudent to act now and seize the Nine-Tails before other villages—especially Konoha—make their move?"

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