LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 95: Sasuke
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"Hmph, Kitsuchi, you're underestimating Menma-kun far too much," Ōnoki said, his tone stern. "He's just a 12-year-old boy, true, but he's more seasoned and composed than many veteran shinobi. If you truly believe you can deal with him so easily, you're mistaken. His strength is far beyond what it seems on the surface. And tell me this: has Orochimaru ever been someone easy to manipulate?"
Ōnoki raised his eyebrows, his expression sharp and serious.
"What do you mean, Father?" Kitsuchi asked, a flicker of unease crossing his features.
"Menma's power rivals Orochimaru's, at the very least," Ōnoki replied. "Now, think about it. What could a child possibly offer to make Orochimaru form an alliance with him? Do you really believe Menma is merely Orochimaru's subordinate?"
Ōnoki chuckled darkly, his eyes glinting with insight.
"No," Kitsuchi muttered, shaking his head as he reflected on their recent encounter. The dynamic between Menma and Orochimaru hadn't been that of a superior and a subordinate. If anything, they had appeared as equals, bound by a mutual agreement rather than submission.
"But still," Kitsuchi continued, "Menma Uzumaki is only 12 years old. Can he really control the Nine-Tails' power so easily?"
Iwagakure had its own Jinchūriki, like Rōshi and Han, both of whom had spent years mastering their connection to their tailed beasts. The raw chakra of a Bijū was a force most shinobi could scarcely comprehend. The idea of someone as young as Menma wielding the full power of the Nine-Tails seemed... absurd.
"Perfectly control it? Hmph, you underestimate the Nine-Tails," Ōnoki said, shaking his head. "You've seen what the Eight-Tails can do, haven't you? And how formidable the Third Raikage was in battle? Even I, the Fence-Sitter, couldn't match him in raw strength. But the Nine-Tails is far stronger than the Eight-Tails. Remember the chaos it caused in Konoha twelve years ago? Even a village as powerful as Konoha lost its Fourth Hokage and countless shinobi. Half the village was left in ruins. If Menma can control even a fraction of the Nine-Tails' power, imagine what he could accomplish."
Ōnoki paused, his expression darkening as he considered the possibilities. "And don't forget the other villages. They're watching, waiting for their opportunity. There's no need for us to act prematurely. Menma-kun is the perfect pawn to place on the board."
Kitsuchi frowned, his unease growing. "Father, what exactly are you suggesting?"
"What am I suggesting?" Ōnoki's gaze sharpened, disappointment flickering across his face. "Haven't I made myself clear?"
Though Kitsuchi was a capable shinobi, he still lacked the tactical acumen that Ōnoki valued in a leader. Despite his son being the heir apparent to the Tsuchikage title, Ōnoki hadn't stepped down—not out of selfishness, but because Kitsuchi had yet to demonstrate the insight required to guide Iwagakure through turbulent times.
"Yes, Father, I understand," Kitsuchi said, though uncertainty lingered in his tone. "But isn't this risky? What if Menma catches on and retaliates?"
Ōnoki's lips curled into a thin smile. "Do you think Menma hasn't already figured it out? That boy is no fool."
Kitsuchi hesitated, his brow furrowing. "You believe he knows you're using him, and yet he's going along with it?"
"Precisely," Ōnoki said. "This isn't about deception—it's mutual benefit. Menma-kun is using us just as much as we're using him. He knows that by allying with Iwagakure, he reduces the number of enemies he has to face. Why else would he bother meeting with us, knowing full well that I'd try to exploit his position?"
Kitsuchi nodded slowly, the pieces falling into place. "So, he's using us to secure his own survival."
"Exactly," Ōnoki said. "Menma understands the nature of the ninja world. Being surrounded by enemies is a death sentence. By forming this alliance, he's ensuring that at least one major village is on his side—temporarily, at least."
"But still," Kitsuchi interjected, "isn't this a gamble for him? If we choose to betray him, he'll be left vulnerable."
Ōnoki's expression hardened. "Do you really think Menma-kun has a choice? That's why I questioned him about his reasons for leaving Konoha. He's not in a position to refuse us."
Ōnoki crossed his arms, his voice laced with finality. "The world is changing, Kitsuchi. Villages are scheming, alliances are shifting. And Menma... Menma is a key player in all of this. Watch him closely, but do not underestimate him. He may be young, but he has the resolve—and the power—of someone far beyond his years."
Kitsuchi nodded, though unease lingered in his heart. The ninja world was, indeed, on the cusp of great upheaval, and Menma Uzumaki stood at the center of it all.
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"Well, it seems he had no choice. But did Menma really leave Konoha just for that reason?" Kitsuchi, also known as Loess, furrowed his brow, nodding at first before shaking his head in disbelief.
"Young people tend to be arrogant," Ōnoki replied, his tone measured yet heavy with experience. "And let's not forget Orochimaru's involvement. We don't have the full picture behind Menma's actions. Regardless, it's not our concern for now. Our focus is on what we must do." His sharp gaze met Kitsuchi's. "You'll handle all contact with Menma-kun. Ensure no one else in the village learns of this alliance. If anything urgent arises, report directly to me. Remember, we're dealing with the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—we cannot afford carelessness."
"Yes, Father. Understood," Kitsuchi replied, nodding firmly.
As one of Iwagakure's top shinobi and a veteran of the Second and Third Shinobi Wars, Kitsuchi knew the delicacy such matters demanded.
Konoha, the Akatsuki, Menma Uzumaki, and Orochimaru… Are there other villages in play too? Ōnoki mused, a sharp gleam in his aged eyes. This is getting more interesting by the day.
With a sudden surge of chakra, the Tsuchikage disappeared into the air, heading back to Iwagakure. This clandestine meeting held the potential to reshape the balance of power in the shinobi world. An alliance between Iwagakure, Orochimaru, and Menma was a volatile mix, one that could either yield immense power or end in catastrophic betrayal. The outcome would hinge entirely on Menma's next moves.
For Menma, this was the best outcome he could hope for. A direct confrontation with the Five Great Nations at this point would be a fatal mistake.
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A Few Days Later: The Land of Grass
In their secluded stronghold, Menma and Orochimaru had resumed their work. The hideout buzzed with activity as experiments continued uninterrupted.
One afternoon, an unexpected visitor arrived. Sasuke Uchiha stood at Menma's door, his expression unreadable.
"Do you have time? Fight me," Sasuke said flatly, his tone sharp and unyielding.
Menma raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You want to fight me? Alright. When and where?"
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, the impatience in his demeanor evident. "Now. Training Ground C."
Menma chuckled softly, unsurprised by Sasuke's challenge. He had anticipated this moment. The Uchiha's pride wouldn't allow him to remain idle.
"Fine. Let's go." Menma turned toward Karin, who was meticulously organizing notes in the lab. "Karin, finish cleaning up the remnants of our last experiment and prepare the materials for the afternoon. The ones I mentioned yesterday. Make sure the auxiliary equipment is ready—I'll need comparative data from ten sets."
"Got it!" Karin replied with a determined smile, pushing her glasses up. "Don't worry about a thing."
Over the past few days, their research had intensified. Though Karin rarely commented on the nature of the experiments, she worked tirelessly to support Menma, her resolve unwavering.
Satisfied with her response, Menma followed Sasuke to Training Ground C. The guards stationed there bowed deeply upon their arrival.
"Menma-sama, Sasuke-sama, how can we assist you?" one of them asked.
"We're using the training ground. Is anyone else inside?" Menma asked, his voice calm but authoritative.
"No, sir. It's empty."
"Good. Keep it that way. No one enters until we're done," Menma instructed.
"Understood!" The guard stepped aside, his posture stiff. As Sasuke walked past, his cold gaze briefly met the guard's, sending a shiver down the man's spine.
The aura Sasuke carried these days was suffocating, a manifestation of his relentless training. Even among shinobi, his presence was unnerving. His mastery of the three-tomoe Sharingan and enhanced combat skills had elevated him to the level of a seasoned Jōnin.
As they entered the training ground, Menma turned to face Sasuke, studying him carefully. He could feel the raw intensity radiating from the young Uchiha.
They say you shouldn't underestimate someone after three days. It seems Sasuke has truly grown, Menma thought, his eyes narrowing.
Without hesitation, Sasuke activated his Sharingan, the crimson glow of his eyes reflecting his determination. In an instant, he cast a genjutsu, distorting the space around Menma. The air seemed to ripple, reality twisting into an illusory nightmare.
But the illusion shattered almost immediately.
"Hmph." Kurama's deep voice rumbled from within Menma's mind. The Nine-Tails had dispelled the genjutsu effortlessly.
In the blink of an eye, Sasuke appeared before Menma, his movements faster and more precise than ever. His kunai gleamed as he slashed at Menma, aiming for his chest.
"Swish!"
Menma sidestepped the attack, his movements smooth and calculated. Sasuke twisted mid-air, using his momentum to launch a second strike. The kunai came dangerously close, but Menma's reflexes were equally sharp. He deflected the blade with a kunai of his own, the metallic clash ringing out.
"Not bad, Sasuke," Menma said, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You've improved."
"Don't patronize me," Sasuke shot back, his voice cold as he launched another flurry of strikes.
Their battle had only just begun.
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