This had not been part of Menma's original plan.
According to the schedule he had established over the past year, his primary focus had been physical development—enhancing vitality, strengthening cellular activity, and improving chakra circulation throughout his body.
The model he had in mind was obvious.
The legendary vitality and regenerative capacity of Hashirama Senju.
That overwhelming life force—often referred to as possessing the qualities of an "immortal body"represented the direction Menma wanted to pursue.
For a shinobi of the Uzumaki clan, such a path was especially appropriate.
Their clan was already renowned for enormous chakra reserves, powerful life force, and extraordinary recovery ability.
If Menma could push those natural advantages even further, he could establish a physical foundation powerful enough to support techniques that ordinary shinobi could never endure.
However
After unexpectedly obtaining Obito Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan from Hatake Kakashi, Menma realized his plans required adjustment.
True power did not come from the body alone.
Nor from the spirit alone.
It emerged from the integration of both.
Body and mind.
Yang and Yin.
Only when those two aspects reached equilibrium could a shinobi truly approach the highest levels of strength.
Menma did not know whether he could reach the same heights as Madara Uchiha.
But at the very least, that was a direction worth striving toward.
To pursue that path, he needed to invest time in both areas.
Originally, he had planned to prioritize physical development first before gradually studying spiritual techniques and Yin-based abilities.
Now, however, circumstances had changed.
The Mangekyō Sharingan in his possession was simply too valuable to ignore.
Advancing that phase of his research earlier than planned was the logical choice.
In any case, he still had assistance.
Karin Uzumaki was already helping him with sensory analysis and biological experimentation.
With her support, it was entirely possible for Menma to develop both directions simultaneously.
Moreover, the fact that he had taken Kakashi's Sharingan would inevitably reach Orochimarusooner or later.
There was no point in hiding it.
Menma preferred to address the matter openly.
His request caused Orochimaru's expression to shift slightly.
Beside Menma, Sasuke Uchiha turned his head, studying Menma's profile with a faintly puzzled look.
"Hmm…?" Orochimaru's narrow eyes gleamed.
"So Menma-kun is also interested in the power of the Sharingan?"
As he spoke, a subtle chill passed through his gaze.
Menma shook his head calmly.
"Orochimaru-san misunderstands."
"To be precise, what interests me is Yin Release."
He leaned back slightly against the stone bench.
"As the ultimate expression of Yin-based chakra, the Sharingan represents one of the most fascinating bloodline limits in the shinobi world."
"Studying it is simply the most efficient way to understand the limits of Yin Release."
Menma's tone remained relaxed.
"Surely Orochimaru-san would agree with that assessment?"
Orochimaru chuckled softly.
"Yes… I suppose I do."
The logic was sound.
Even if Orochimaru suspected Menma had additional motives, the reasoning itself was perfectly valid.
"So," Menma continued lightly, "what is Orochimaru-san's answer?"
Orochimaru's thin lips curved into a faint smile.
"There is no problem with your request."
"However…"
His snake-like eyes locked onto Menma.
"A transaction must maintain balance."
"The compensation I previously provided for this mission was already quite generous."
"Under the current circumstances, I can only offer you the most basic level of my research data."
"If you wish to access deeper information in the future…"
A hint of amusement flickered in his pupils.
"You will need to offer something of equal value."
"It can be anything."
"As long as it interests me."
Menma understood immediately.
"That is only fair."
He nodded with a relaxed smile.
After all, there was no such thing as a free lunch in the shinobi world.
In fact, Menma preferred dealing with people like Orochimaru.
Clear rules.
Clear exchanges.
No unnecessary sentiment.
Even if such relationships eventually collapsed, cooperation before that point could remain productive.
"Oh, yes."
Orochimaru suddenly spoke again, as though remembering something.
"There is another matter I should inform you about, Menma-kun."
"A messenger from Iwagakure has arrived."
Menma blinked.
"They claim to represent the Onoki."
"They wish to meet you."
For the first time since entering the chamber, genuine surprise appeared on Menma's face.
"…The Third Tsuchikage wants to meet me?"
"And he contacted me through you?"
Orochimaru smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"I imagine the situation seems rather surprising."
"But Menma-kun should remember something."
"Ohnoki-dono has cooperated with many… unconventional forces over the years."
"After all, when one becomes a missing-nin, progress can be difficult without assistance from various sources."
Orochimaru's tone carried a hint of amusement.
The Third Tsuchikage was notorious for pragmatic decisions.
In the original political landscape of the shinobi world, Iwagakure had been one of the villages that made frequent use of the Akatsuki.
During the Five Kage Summit, the Fourth Raikage had even exposed those connections openly.
From Iwagakure's perspective, such arrangements were simply strategic decisions.
Menma understood immediately.
From the standpoint of village politics, Ohnoki's actions were entirely logical.
Protecting the interests of one's village always came first.
Menma considered the matter briefly.
Then he nodded.
"In that case, Orochimaru-san may inform the Tsuchikage that I do not mind meeting him."
"However…"
"The location must be chosen by me."
Menma smiled faintly.
"Of course, I have no intention of making things difficult for Lord Tsuchikage."
In Menma's mind, the categories of enemies and potential allies were very clear.
As the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, he knew his value and the danger it represented.
But that value also created opportunities.
Based on the Tsuchikage's behavior in history, Ohnoki was someone who could negotiate.
If laying a few strategic foundations now produced benefits in the future, it would be worthwhile.
And if nothing came of it
There was no loss.
"Very well."
Orochimaru nodded calmly.
"I will relay your response."
Menma tilted his head slightly.
"Orochimaru-san doesn't seem worried at all."
"Worried?" Orochimaru repeated with a faint laugh.
"Menma-kun…"
"Do you truly believe I have anything to worry about?"
The snake-like gleam in his eyes carried an unmistakable implication.
Menma studied him for a moment.
Then he chuckled.
"You're right."
"There's nothing to worry about."
He stood up slowly.
"Well then, I'll stop here for today."
"I still have an experiment waiting for me."
Menma glanced briefly toward Sasuke.
Then, without waiting for Orochimaru's reply, he turned and walked calmly toward the exit.
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