"Also, Menma-kun, you should have already met Gaara from Sunagakure. I'll say it plainly—he is one of the crucial cores of this plan. As the One-Tail Jinchūriki, his role is obvious. On top of that, although the information hasn't been publicly announced yet, the Kazekage will personally attend the Chūnin Exams. When the time comes, he and Orochimaru-sama will act together. Menma-kun, what do you think of that level of combined strength?"
Kabuto's eyes glimmered with sharp excitement.
"One-Tail's Jinchūriki, an elite coordinated force, and even the Kazekage… Yes, that's more than sufficient. Orochimaru-san really has been preparing for a long time."
Menma answered with a cold smile.
It was exactly as the original plot described.
The Sound and Sand's joint plan centered around unleashing Gaara's Shukaku transformation within Konoha's heart during the Exams. Meanwhile, Orochimaru and the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, would strike directly at the Sandaime Hokage. Outside the village, elite forces would invade simultaneously.
Konoha lacked high-end fighters at the moment.
A full Tailed Beast rampage was catastrophic on its own.
And two Kage-level fighters working together could, theoretically, overwhelm the aging Third Hokage before help arrived.
If Hiruzen died quickly, the Konoha Crush Plan would undoubtedly succeed.
Even if the village was not completely destroyed, crippling Konoha was perfectly achievable.
And above all—
Konoha had its own internal "old fox" who would never lift a finger to help Hiruzen.
Kabuto didn't mention anything, and the original manga never stated it clearly.
But Menma knew exactly who the hidden collaborator had to be: Shimura Danzō.
No one else had the power, connections, or motive to allow Sound and Sand shinobi to bypass Konoha's border detection so smoothly.
No one hated Hiruzen more than Danzō.
Most great defenses collapse from within.
In the original timeline, the entire plan collapsed only because Gaara failed to complete his transformation and was later defeated by Naruto. On top of that, Rasa apparently regretted cooperating with Orochimaru. In the end, Orochimaru killed him and impersonated him to keep the plan going.
Without Gaara's rampage and without the Kazekage, the operation lost its two decisive points and failed.
But in this life…
Rasa would almost certainly still be killed by Orochimaru.
Menma wasn't planning to interfere.
In fact, Rasa had to die.
A living, cautious Kazekage could at any moment withdraw Sunagakure's support, ruining the entire operation.
Orochimaru alone didn't have enough firepower to bring down Konoha by himself, not without the Sand's cooperation.
And Menma's own escape plan would be obstructed.
So if Rasa regretted his decision—he had to be removed.
As for Gaara… that would depend on circumstances.
But right now, Orochimaru was clearly setting his sights on Menma as well.
Kabuto leaned forward slightly.
"So, Menma-kun… can I hear your answer? Will you join Orochimaru-sama's plan? This is your greatest chance to release the resentment you've held for years."
Menma's expression darkened.
This was an invitation—but also a test.
Yes, Menma's attitude toward Konoha had been made clear through past dealings.
But those were just words.
What Orochimaru wanted now was action.
Ever cautious, Orochimaru saw an opportunity:
Inviting Menma into the plan benefited both the operation and Menma's own goals.
Menma could see that clearly.
'He truly deserves his reputation as the early-stage final boss…'
Menma sighed inwardly.
Then he looked Kabuto in the eyes and smiled faintly.
"Since Orochimaru-san has prepared so well, refusing would only hold me back. But let me make one thing clear—I'll only act after Konoha falls into chaos. If your initial assault is suppressed, or if any part of this plan turns out to be a trick meant to use me… then I'm done. I won't play with fire for anyone."
He would leave one final "gift" for Konoha.
But only under the right conditions.
The moment Kabuto appeared with Orochimaru's invitation, Menma felt a growing hunger—an instinctive desire for the freedom and vengeance the plan promised.
No ideals.
No naive morality.
In this world, justice and innocence were luxuries for the sheltered.
The previous version of Menma might have hesitated due to lingering thoughts from his past life.
But the Menma standing here now had fully integrated into this world.
He cared only for himself and those who genuinely stood with him.
Nothing else mattered.
Thus Menma accepted without hesitation.
Kabuto's smile grew brighter.
This was the answer he expected—and wanted.
Anyone aligned with Orochimaru and harboring hatred for Konoha would never refuse.
"I knew Menma-kun wouldn't decline. In that case, here is the basic structure of the operation. You may study it. This is only a preliminary version—there's still a full month before implementation, so details may change. If anything does, I'll contact Menma-kun immediately."
Kabuto drew a scroll from inside his cloak and tossed it lightly toward Menma.
Menma caught it with ease.
"Hm. As I said earlier, I'll act according to the situation. Make sure you tell Orochimaru-san that personally."
Menma answered coolly.
"Of course. Then I'll take my leave. Forgive the intrusion."
Kabuto bowed politely.
Swish.
His figure flickered and vanished into the night.
Within seconds, Kabuto's presence disappeared entirely from Menma's perception.