Almost at the same moment that Ōnoki descended from the sky, Menma Uzumaki lifted his gaze and met the Tsuchikage's sharp, calculating eyes.
Although Menma had long known from intelligence reports and scattered battlefield rumors that the Third Tsuchikage possessed the rare ability to freely fly using Earth Release: Lightweight Boulder Technique, witnessing it in person still stirred complex emotions within him. His pupils contracted slightly, not from fear but from contemplation.
And somewhere deep inside, there was an unmistakable trace of envy.
At the level of Kage-class combat, where even a single misstep could determine the outcome of a war, aerial superiority represented an overwhelming tactical advantage. The ability to freely control one's positioning in three-dimensional space meant expanded attack vectors, superior defensive mobility, and near-complete initiative in engagement range.
Such advantages were not easily compensated for by conventional means.
Unlike Deidara, who relied on clay constructs to take to the skies, or the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, who required his Gold Dust to maintain aerial movement, Ōnoki's flight was almost effortless an extension of his own chakra control. Even transporting one or two additional individuals posed no significant burden to him.
When combined with the terrifying destructive capacity of Dust Release, a Kekkei Tōta capable of disintegrating matter at the molecular level, it became clear why this elderly shinobi well past seventy still occupied a position among the most formidable figures in the shinobi world.
"Hahaha… So this must be Uzumaki Menma-kun."
Ōnoki landed lightly despite his age, his back straightening as he stepped forward with a genial smile that seemed almost too warm to be genuine.
"Truly impressive. It has been many years since I have seen a young shinobi of your caliber. Comparing myself at your age, I can only say… the new generation has far surpassed us old fossils."
The Tsuchikage made no attempt to conceal his intentions. His tone was friendly, but his eyes were already measuring Menma's reactions with surgical precision.
Menma had anticipated such directness, yet he still felt the corner of his eye twitch faintly.
"Your praise is too generous, Tsuchikage-dono," Menma replied, bowing slightly with a polite smile. "Compared to you, I am still nothing more than an inexperienced youth."
He understood one fundamental truth: one did not strike a smiling elder especially not one who commanded an entire Hidden Village.
More importantly, Menma had already resolved before this meeting that he would attempt, as far as possible, to establish a cooperative relationship with Iwagakure.
"Menma-kun… Hmm? You don't mind if I address you that way, do you?"
Ōnoki tilted his head slightly as he asked, though his tone suggested he had already decided the matter.
Receiving Menma's silent consent, he continued with a chuckle.
"At your age, I certainly did not possess your courage or your strength. There is no need for false modesty. If someone like you is not considered a genius, then the word itself has no meaning."
Flattery cost nothing and Ōnoki was more than willing to spend freely.
Seated nearby, Kitsuchi watched the exchange with his usual simple, composed expression. Having lived under his father's leadership for decades, he was intimately familiar with this side of the Tsuchikage.
Ōnoki was, above all else, a realist.
Everything he did was measured against a single standard: Was it beneficial to Iwagakure?
If the answer was yes, then pride, reputation even personal morality could be negotiated.
And Menma… was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
Kitsuchi knew all too well how deeply his father coveted such power.
In Ōnoki's own blunt words, if they could persuade Menma to defect fully to Iwagakure, he was confident he could mold the boy into the ultimate military pillar of the village.
"A product of the times, perhaps," Menma replied lightly, deflecting the praise without either accepting or rejecting it.
His composure caused a faint flicker of surprise to cross Ōnoki's eyes.
This calm… was not something expected from a twelve-year-old.
Yet, recalling the intelligence reports and Menma's previous battlefield performances, the Tsuchikage quickly adjusted his assessment. A child capable of surviving such storms was never truly naïve.
"That may be so," Ōnoki said slowly, "but it still requires someone with the resolve to seize opportunity. Just like you… or like Orochimaru-kun."
He cast a meaningful glance toward the Sannin standing beside Menma.
"It has been many years since we last met. You seem… even more captivating than before."
"Captivating?" Orochimaru's lips curved into a faint smile. "Tsuchikage-dono remains as eloquent as ever. But Menma-kun and I are fundamentally different existences. Surely you understand that."
The implication was unmistakable.
Ōnoki, of course, understood immediately. In truth, from the moment he learned that Orochimaru would accompany Menma, he had already prepared himself for a negotiation layered with hidden motives.
"Indeed," the Tsuchikage nodded. "Orochimaru-kun is Orochimaru-kun. Menma-kun is Menma-kun. This old man can still distinguish between the two."
His expression grew more serious.
"Therefore, I will not waste time with unnecessary formalities."
He stepped forward, gaze locking firmly onto Menma.
"On behalf of Iwagakure, I formally invite you to join our village. Whatever resources you require training, protection, authority we can provide them. I personally guarantee that you will not face discrimination or suspicion."
He paused deliberately.
"If you are willing, I will even accept you as my direct disciple. Furthermore, Iwagakure currently houses two Jinchūriki who have achieved remarkable synchronization with their tailed beasts. They would be able to guide you in mastering your own power."
The invitation was direct, powerful… and impossible to misunderstand.
Menma had expected this.
From the moment Orochimaru informed him of the Tsuchikage's desire for a meeting, he had already deduced the likely outcome. Ōnoki was not a man who hesitated once he reached a decision.
"Before I give my answer," Menma said calmly, his expression turning solemn, "there are several questions I would like Tsuchikage-dono to clarify."
"Of course," Ōnoki replied without hesitation, gesturing lightly with his hand. "Ask whatever you wish."
If Menma had agreed immediately, that would have aroused suspicion.
Caution, after all, was the mark of intelligence.
Menma met the Tsuchikage's gaze head-on.
"First… if you extend protection to me a missing-nin of Konohagakure are you not concerned about provoking a full-scale conflict with the Leaf? Should they demand my return under threat of war, what would your response be?"
His voice remained steady.
"Second… you claim I will be treated equally. Yet I am an outsider, and worse a traitor in the eyes of my birthplace. Do you truly have no doubts regarding my loyalty?"
A brief silence followed.
"And finally…"
Menma's eyes hardened slightly.
"If I refuse your invitation here and now… what stance will Iwagakure take toward me from that moment onward?"
The questions fell like stones into still water, each one sending ripples through the tense atmosphere.
The negotiation had truly begun.
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