Even for someone as experienced as Maki, his mind nearly shut down in the face of what he had just witnessed.
A Jinchūriki was the greatest strategic "nuclear weapon" of any shinobi village.
For one to rebel so easily?
Was this real?
A deception?
A transformation technique?
But the chakra, the posture, the pressure, and the unmistakable presence he had just sensed—combined with the intelligence Sunagakure gathered over the years—proved with nearly absolute certainty that the boy before him was the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki of Konohagakure.
Kabuto Yakushi would never joke about such a thing.
In three days, they would launch a coordinated assault on the largest shinobi village in the world. Elite forces from both Sunagakure and Otogakure were already moving to their staging points. The Kazekage had secretly arrived earlier, and Orochimaru was prepared to depart at any moment.
With so much at stake—the rise or fall of two villages—
Maki knew Kabuto would never risk lying.
No matter how unbelievable, if only one possibility remained… he had no choice but to accept that everything unfolding before him was real.
After drawing a long breath, Maki forced himself to regain composure.
Kabuto gave a lighthearted smile.
"Haha… of course, Menma-kun. I called you here today only to confirm the final phase of our operation, so you can act without hesitation. Right, Maki-san?"
Maki stared at Menma, expression cold and firm.
"Rest assured—the plan on Sunagakure's side has no flaw. We will execute the first wave exactly as agreed."
His gaze sharpened.
"The issue is on your side. You say there will be no problems… but what is the meaning behind Menma-kun 'acting according to the situation'? What does that imply?"
Menma's reply was blunt and icy.
"What do you think it means? Exactly what the words say. I'll cooperate—but only if your plan proceeds without unexpected complications. And from what I know, Konoha is already on alert. Their security forces are tense at every border. Jiraiya—the Sannin famed alongside Orochimaru—has returned to the village as well. Don't tell me you're unaware of that. Your plan may look perfect, but what if something goes wrong? I have no intention of dying alongside you."
His tone carried a distinct edge of disdain.
Maki's brow twitched, but he didn't contradict him.
He—more than anyone—understood the danger of Konoha's deep-rooted power. He had fought in the Third Shinobi War. He knew firsthand the terrifying strength of Jiraiya and the overwhelming heritage the Leaf possessed.
As Menma said, a single misstep in their plan could unravel the entire operation.
Kabuto spoke again, calm and confident.
"Menma-kun, there's no need for concern. We're all allies here—no one is forcing anyone. We cooperate because our goals align. Everything happening in Konoha is exactly within our expectations."
But Menma remained unmoved.
利益?
Benefit?
There was no benefit for him in attacking Konoha.
The only reason he considered acting at all was to vent emotions he refused to contain.
There was nothing obligating him to participate—not truly.
Menma was willing to ride the flow and take a small risk.
But a massive one?
Never.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, voice steady.
"Maki-san, you need not worry about Otogakure's side. Once Gaara initiates his offensive as planned, I will move next. Then the Kazekage and Lord Orochimaru will eliminate the Third Hokage in the shortest possible time. Outside the village, our elite forces have already taken position. Jiraiya-sama has been accounted for as well, with measures ready to support Menma-kun if necessary. All Sunagakure needs to do is strike at the correct moment and protect Gaara-kun. That shouldn't be difficult for someone of your position, correct?"
This meeting was the final confirmation before the plan activated.
Their last opportunity to address Konoha's possible countermeasures.
Menma remained indifferent.
"As long as everything follows the plan, I'll do my part."
In truth, his most advantageous move during the chaos would be to slip out of the village unnoticed. Participating in the Konoha Crush Plan offered him little benefit—and immense danger. But after encountering Orochimaru, the situation moved beyond his full control.
Still… Menma preserved some room to maneuver.
He would decide everything when the moment arrived.
Kabuto turned to Maki.
"Maki-san, there are no further issues on your side, correct?"
"We Sunagakure shinobi do not fail."
Maki's reply was curt and cold.
"Then with everything confirmed, we will proceed in three days. According to plan."
Kabuto smiled.
But Menma suddenly spoke again, gaze sharp.
"Before we leave… shouldn't someone deal with our uninvited guest?"
He looked toward the rear house on the left—where a nearly suppressed chakra signature trembled under his detection.
Maki jolted.
He hadn't sensed anything at all.
From the shadows came a panicked breath.
"Not good—!"
"Whoosh!"
The hidden figure burst into motion, fleeing in desperation.
Kabuto adjusted his glasses again.
"Haha, just a little tail, Menma-kun. I'll—"
He didn't finish.
"No," Maki said with a grim smile. "Leave this rat to me."
BOOM.
Maki vanished in a burst of speed, tearing after the escaping spy.
A second figure shot after him—Kabuto, following for his own reasons.
Even though the spy fled at maximum speed, Maki was far faster.
In only a few strides, he cut off the escape path, blocking the figure's route entirely.