After the failure of the Konoha Crush plan, the Sound Ninja gradually vanished from the shinobi world's surface.
In the original history, Otogakure never truly functioned as a conventional ninja village. Most of the Sound Ninja were scattered, reassigned, or directly dismantled by Orochimaru himself. Although a large portion of them were mere disposable pawns, cannon fodder still had value. Whether for reconnaissance, experimental testing, or exhausting enemy forces, even expendable pieces had their use.
If they could still serve a purpose, Orochimaru would never discard them lightly.
More importantly, Orochimaru's subordinates possessed an abnormal degree of loyalty.
Kimimaro, the members of the Sound Four, and later individuals like Guren all demonstrated this clearly. Even knowing they might die for Orochimaru, they were willing to do so without hesitation.
This was not simple fear.
It was devotion.
Orochimaru possessed a strange, twisted charisma that bound people to him.
However, none of this had much to do with Menma's current situation.
Between him and Orochimaru, there was no loyalty only cooperation.
As long as Orochimaru could provide what Menma needed, the rest of Orochimaru's affairs were irrelevant.
"This place is admittedly a bit crude."
Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses, smiling politely as he spoke.
"Please don't take offense, Menma-kun. Orochimaru-sama needs to rest and recover for a while. You may stay here for the next few days. If you need anything, you may give me orders directly. If I am unavailable, the Sound Ninja stationed outside will obey Menma-kun's instructions."
After entering Otogakure, Orochimaru had immediately retreated into his deepest laboratory.
His arms crippled by the Reaper Death Seal (Shiki Fūjin) were his highest priority. Studying how to suppress or circumvent the Shinigami's curse was something only Orochimaru would dare attempt.
Naturally, the responsibility of receiving Menma temporarily fell to Kabuto Yakushi.
Yet Kabuto was also Orochimaru's most indispensable subordinate. Once Orochimaru's research truly began, it would be impossible for Kabuto to remain away for long.
Menma understood this clearly.
No matter how much Orochimaru struggled, at this stage, it was meaningless.
"Of course, that's fine."
Menma's tone was calm, his expression indifferent.
"Orochimaru-san is injured. I understand. But shouldn't my companion be brought here as well? Karin."
Since he had chosen to come with Orochimaru, Menma had already prepared himself for a prolonged contest of intelligence and restraint.
Orochimaru was not an ordinary person.
He was a madman yet also a genius.
Strangely enough, in Menma's eyes, Orochimaru was one of the few individuals in this world who could still be reasoned with. Compared to the so-called Will of Fire that dominated Konoha, Orochimaru's selfishness was at least honest.
Menma did not want to be assimilated.
He wanted to break free from those invisible chains entirely.
"That is only natural."
Kabuto nodded with a smile.
"Please rest assured. Karin has not suffered any mistreatment here. I will have someone bring her over immediately. Do you have any other requests, Menma-kun?"
"No."
Menma waved his hand lightly.
"You should return to Orochimaru-san. He needs you more than I do."
"Very well."
Kabuto bowed slightly.
"Then please rest well, Menma-kun."
As Kabuto turned and left, his footsteps gradually faded into the distance.
Menma's eyes narrowed slightly in thought.
'The Reaper Death Seal…'
A technique that summoned the Shinigami, binding both the user and the target in an eternal contract of death.
In Menma's view, this was far more intriguing than ordinary ninjutsu.
'And then there's Jashin…'
According to what little information existed, this world contained far more than chakra alone.
Long before the arrival of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, this planet already possessed its own mysterious power systems. The Three Great Sage Regions Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest were proof of that.
Beyond that, there were beings worshipped as gods.
The Shinigami.
Jashin.
Even ancient Onmyōji, who once wielded chakra in a form distinct from modern shinobi.
This world was far deeper than it appeared.
'If possible, I must visit the Three Sage Regions one day…'
Menma exhaled slowly.
Only there might the secrets of this world's true origin be found.
Just then
Tap… tap… tap…
Footsteps approached from outside, light but uneven.
Menma didn't need to open the door.
The moment the figure came close, he sensed that familiar chakra.
Likewise, the visitor sensed him.
The door slid open.
A red-haired girl entered the room.
"I'm sorry, Karin… I'm late."
Menma smiled gently.
Karin rushed forward without hesitation, clutching his clothes tightly. She lifted her head, her crimson eyes trembling slightly, and shook her head.
"No… you're not late, Menma-kun."
Her voice quivered.
Karin was only twelve years old.
Alone, in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by Orochimaru's subordinates fear had consumed her for weeks. She had worried that Menma might abandon her, or that something terrible might happen to him.
After arriving in Otogakure, she gradually understood who Orochimaru truly was.
That knowledge only deepened her anxiety.
But now
Feeling Menma's familiar chakra, seeing him stand before her
All those fears vanished.
Even though they had known each other for only a short time, Karin had already wagered everything on him.
Menma gently wrapped an arm around her waist and rested his hand on her head.
"I'm here," he said softly. "You don't need to worry anymore."
"Mm…"
Karin buried herself against his chest, clinging tightly as if afraid he might disappear again.
The room fell silent.
The Sound Ninja escort had already withdrawn.
In the quiet space, they could hear each other's breathing and heartbeats.
Only after a long moment did Karin realize how tightly she was holding him.
Her cheeks flushed red instantly.
And for the first time since leaving Konoha
She finally felt safe.