Avengers of the Whirlpool Family.

Chapter 217 The Most Important Step

"This should be considered our first meeting, Mr. Shibuki. Fu, I am indeed the Uzumaki Menma, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. I am very sorry that I had to meet you two in that manner before. After all, my identity cannot be revealed, otherwise it will easily cause unnecessary trouble."

Menma smiled softly and spoke loudly.

Originally, Menma's own plan was to infiltrate Takigakure Village initially, wait until he could slowly take control of Takigakure Village in the future, and then choose an appropriate time to reveal his identity. Now that Mizuno Satoru wanted to "help" him, Menma naturally accepted it with a smile.

As for whether there will be any problems and risks involved.

It’s not that Menma can’t see it, but the benefits outweigh the disadvantages after all. The most important thing is that Menma believes that Mizuno Satoru is a smart person.

Shibuki and Fu are the two most important people in Takigakure Village today.

If I can reveal my true identity to the two of them in advance, the next step of the plan can be greatly advanced.

Of course, the corresponding risks have also been brought forward a little, but at present they are still limited to Shibuki and Fu, and are still within the controllable range. After all, it is almost the 61st year of Konoha. At most, there are only more than two years left. It is impossible for Menma not to feel a sense of urgency.

As for risk, whether to take it or not depends on the benefits.

"You? This? The Kyuubi Jinchuriki? Me?"

Shibuki became incoherent at that moment, as if he couldn't accept what was unfolding before him. Wasn't he the representative of ninja power under the command of the Fire Country Daimyo? How did he suddenly become the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki?

When Shibuki thought about Menma's many identities, he felt like he had come on a wonderful journey into the world.

This person is truly a heavyweight.

"Grandpa Wu, what is going on?"

Shibuki looked at Mizuno Satoru in the back with an expression of confusion and disbelief, and Fu showed a similar expression.

"Hehe, to put it simply, I plan to join your village, Mr. Shibuki, and the reason is very simple. I don't trust other big ninja villages, and I want revenge. I want to realize my ambitions, and I must choose a ninja village with relative strength. Takigakure is my choice, because Takigakure has always been an existence ranked only below the five major ninja villages in the ninja world. There are also human sacrifices like Fu, and special items like the Hero's Water. There are also three to four thousand Takigakure ninjas who can help me. Of course, I am not saying that I will blatantly use Takigakure. This is a process of mutual assistance between us. I will help Takigakure to become one of the six major ninja villages, or even higher and stronger. Takigakure lends me strength so that I can fight against and even avenge my enemies."

Menma took a step forward and said to Shibuki and Fu who were sitting opposite him with an extremely solemn expression.

If you want to reveal your cards, you have to do it thoroughly.

At least from the few plot fragments in the original work and from their interactions over this period of time, Menma feels that Shibuki and Fu are the kind of people who can be trusted as long as you truly open up to them.

Not to mention the endorsement of Mizuno Satoru.

This is also the reason why Menma revealed his true identity without any hesitation after realizing Mizuno Satoru's intention.

There's never been a better opportunity than now.

Listening to Menma's words.

The expression on Shimu's face kept changing. He really didn't expect this to happen. For a moment, he didn't know what he should say.

"Shibuki, this is the best choice for our Takigakure Village. The situation in the ninja world is becoming more and more confusing. It is not surprising that a new round of ninja war will break out at any time. Menma-kun's power and wisdom can help us. Don't forget that Menma-kun is still our benefactor to our Takigakure Village, especially to you. Shibuki, you can trust Menma-kun."

Mizuno Satoru forced himself to sit up straight, and said to Shibuki with an extremely serious expression.

This is the wisdom of the old man, and even more so his courage.

Because isn't this also a gamble?

What is being gambled is the future of Shibuki, Fu, and even the entire Takigakure Village.

But just as Mizuno Satoru said, if there was no Menma, Shibuki would have been a cold corpse by now, the entire Takigakure Village would have fallen into the control of Shibuya, and Fu's fate might not have been any better.

It seems a bit unreasonable to say this.

But in the eyes of Mizuno Satoru.

Rather than letting Shibuki and Fulai face the turbulent ninja world, it would be better to let Menma join in. Even if Menma is to dominate the future of Takigakure Village, it doesn't matter.

After all, in such a huge Takigakure Village, Mizuno Satoru really can't find any younger generation he can trust.

If there really were peers who were much better than Shibuki, would it be Shibuki's turn to be the leader?

Bloodline does sometimes give you an advantage, but in the world of ninja it all comes down to strength and means.

Just as Danzo had always thought, if he had not hesitated and was more decisive than Sarutobi Hiruzen and was willing to stand up and cover the rear, the position of Hokage would have been as ridiculous as his.

Long before Tobirama Senju asked that question, the position of Hokage had actually been ninety-nine percent decided!

That question was just Tobirama's final test for Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Danzo thought that just that one question would determine the position of Hokage.

Actually not.

Instead, it was Sarutobi Hiruzen's overall performance that won the recognition of Senju Tobirama.

Subsequent developments also proved that Sarutobi Hiruzen was indeed worthy of the title of Ninja Hero and the trust placed in him by Tobirama Senju during his first ten to twenty years as Hokage.

This is the ability, this is the means.

But there is no such person in Takigakure Village today.

Mizuno Satoru was naturally willing to take a chance on Menma.

As Shibuki was raised by Mizuno Satoru himself, he could naturally understand the deeper meaning behind his grandfather Satoru's words.

The same is true for Fu.

Even though the two of them still didn't have much trust in Menma.

But even for Mizuno Satoru's sake, they were willing to try to accept Menma.

"I understand, Grandpa Wu, Menma-kun, welcome to join the Takigakure Village."

Facing Mizuno Satoru's hopeful eyes, Shibuki took a deep breath and nodded heavily, then turned his gaze to Menma and stretched out his right hand.

Menma also reached out and grasped it.

"Yes, it is my honor, Lord Shibuki. Please believe me, I did not come to Takigakure with any ill intentions. This is for myself and for Takigakure."

In front of Mizuno Satoru.

Menma once again stated his attitude, his words were powerful, and his eyes showed a firm look.

It also made the look in Shibuki's eyes slightly calmer.

After all, Shibuki is still the leader of the village. He is a little weak, his reactions are indeed a little slow, and his overall view is not that strong, but these are all measured by the standards of an excellent leader. This is the conclusion drawn by comparing him with the previous leaders of Takigakure Village and the leaders of other ninja villages. If compared with ordinary ninjas, Shibuki still has his merits.

In the final analysis, when evaluating this thing, one must look at the reference object, the baseline conditions, the deeper meaning in Mizuno Satoru's words, and the value demonstrated by Menma, especially his personal strength.

Shemu can still be understood and grasped relatively clearly.

The only thing to worry about is Menma's 'trustworthiness'.

But at this point, with the endorsement of Mizuno Satoru, Shibuki was willing to take a gamble. He did not believe in Menma, which was impossible at this stage, but chose to believe in his own Grandpa Satoru!
Only Fu, who was only one or two years older than Menma, still looked at Menma with a hint of vigilance. After all, Menma was still an outsider, but she also looked at him for the sake of Mizuno Satoru and out of trust in her own grandfather Satoru.

Fu would not say any words of opposition and would choose to accept Menma's joining, but she would also have the most basic vigilance against Menma in her heart, and there was a bit of the saying "once bitten by a snake, one becomes afraid of ropes for ten years".

The example of hookah is right next to us.

And Menma could easily capture this hint of vigilance. This was not only because Menma's perception allowed him to easily detect all special emotional concerns, but more importantly, Fu's thoughts were too easy to see through, and she had no scheming at all.

No wonder you would be fooled by hookah.

But Menma didn't care at all. Not to mention Fu, even Shibuki probably had some doubts about him, and this was the most normal development.

After all, he was an outsider and had just joined the Takigakure Village.

Even with Mizuno Satoru's endorsement, it is impossible for him to believe in himself 100% right from the start. This is not a "fairy tale".

Menma believes in "see how it's done"!
In the future, I will have plenty of time and opportunities to deepen the trust between each other.

This is a companion that I can truly cultivate and fight side by side with.

"Well then, I won't bother you anymore. As for the remaining Rain Ninja, Shibuki-san don't worry. I will take care of them and report back to Shibuki-san later."

It was obvious that Mizuno Satoru had reached his final moments of death.

I must leave some time for the final communication with others, so it is not suitable for me to stay. Moreover, I received some very interesting information from the Rain Ninja at the beginning, and Menma also planned to go and take a look in person.

Prevent accidents.

"Ah, then I'll trouble you, Menma-kun."

Shibuki also nodded heavily and said.

"So!"

After Menma bowed slightly to signal, he left the spot in a flash and flew towards the eastern suburbs of the village.

After Menma left.

"Brother Shibuki, do you really want to believe that guy? After all, he is a traitorous ninja from Konoha, and he is also the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki..."

Fu couldn't help but turn her head and look at Shibuki and asked.

"Fu..."

Shibuki shook his head slightly and was about to say something.
"Shibuki, Fu..."

Mizuno Satoru, who was leaning against the cushion on the bed, also raised his right hand tremblingly at this moment and called out softly.

Shibuki and Fu also quickly turned around and came to the position in front of Mizuno Satoru at the same time, half-kneeling down.

"Grandpa Wu, you said, we are here!"

"The village will be handed over to you from now on. Menma-kun is a person you can trust. This is for you and for the future of our Takigakure Village. Moreover, there is nothing perfect in this world. Any choice has corresponding risks and disadvantages. Shibuki, this is the last decision Grandpa makes for you. Of course, it can only go so far. The future will ultimately depend on you. Fu, you too, don't be reckless. Be careful and serious. Menma-kun will also be your companion from now on. Don't mess around. Grandpa hopes you can remember that everything must be considered for the village."

In Mizuno Satoru's heart, Shibuki and Fu are of course very important, but the survival and interests of the village are the top priority. You know, he personally experienced the era when Takigakure Village was established.

Even though he was just a kid at that time, over the past few decades, Mizuno Satoru had already regarded Takigakure Village as everything to him. Mizuno Satoru, who had no descendants or other relatives, only had the village in his heart.

Just like he had advised Shibuki to flee Takigakure Village before, it was certainly for Shibuki's sake and he hoped that Shibuki could survive, but it was also because he didn't want to see the village face a bigger internal conflict. This could be considered a bit of "selfishness" on the part of the old man.

"I know, I understand, Grandpa Wu, I will definitely shoulder the responsibility of being the leader. Everything in the village is everything to me!"

Shibuki tightly grasped Mizuno Satoru's withered right hand, which was covered with age spots, and spoke in the most determined tone.

Fu, who was standing by, was already crying like a tearful person.

He was also half-kneeling on the other side of the bed, tightly grasping Mizuno Satoru's other hand, nodding desperately, and replied in a trembling voice: "I know, Grandpa Satoru, I know, don't worry."

This is the last perceptible moment.

"Shibuki, for the others, if possible, treat them leniently. Let Shuiyan die quietly. After all, he has made contributions to the village..."

Mizuno Satoru turned his head with difficulty and looked at Shiyan, who was detained at the door and still in a coma. A very complicated look flashed in his cloudy pupils.

He once had high expectations for hookah, but it was a pity that everything was just like fate.

"Yes, Grandpa Wu, I understand."

Shibuki also replied without any hesitation, nodding heavily.

"That's good, that's good, the village... the future of the village is..."

Mizuno Satoru seemed to be about to raise his right hand, but in the end, he seemed to see different scenes in front of his eyes. At this moment, all kinds of memories of the past flashed before his eyes like a kaleidoscope.

"It's time..."

The sight gradually became dim.

The last bit of life force that was completely gone.

"Kyouya, I still haven't been able to fulfill your request..."

The last thought that emerged from the depths of his mind was followed by his consciousness that sank into darkness.

Slowly close your eyes.

The arm that dropped down. The moment when the last breath of life disappeared.

“Grandpa Wu!!!”

Accompanied by Fu's shrill cry.

The last old man in Takigakure Village who experienced the war-torn era also passed away.

Menma, who has already passed away, naturally has no idea about Mizuno Satoru's death.

But the time of the old man's death can be almost predicted. The death aura that almost lingers on his body is no joke. Normally, it is normal for this elder Mizuno Satoru to die at any time. The reason he can hold on until now is entirely due to his willpower and obsession.

Menma admires such old people.

Or it should be said that in this world, the elders in other ninja villages are all worthy of admiration, just as Takigakure Village has Mizuno Satoru, Sand Village has Chiyo and Ebizo, and Kirigakure Village has the Master. Only the F4 of Konohagakure Village is really hard to describe. Perhaps their excellence and excellence are left to their youth. In their twilight years, they are no longer the same as they were when they were young, and it is even more impossible for them to be compared with the elders mentioned above.

If people like Yuanshi and Chiyo were elders of the Hidden Leaf Village, none of those bullshit would have happened in Konoha later, or at least there would have been one or two fewer bad things.

But these are just ifs.

The reality is still the reality before us.

"He is a very good old man. Don't worry, Elder Wu, I will not lie to you. Either I die, or I will lead Takigakure Village to true glory. This world does not need so many ninja villages, so many countries, just one is enough!"

Menma took a deep breath, took one last look at the house where Mizuno Satoru was, then leaped up and quickly headed off into the distance.

Unification is not a perfect solution.

It cannot be said that there will be no conflicts if there is only one country or one ninja village left in the world. This is impossible.

As long as there are humans, the struggle will never stop.

For the sake of interests, love, hate, and vengeance, humans will always have reasons to fight each other, but compared to the current chaos in the ninja world where wars break out from time to time, it is at least much better.

The scope, scale, and intensity of the fight will also be limited to a certain extent, which is a direction that Menma wants to work towards.

Of course, you have to eat the meal one bite at a time.

The road must be taken step by step.

Who knows, Menma himself might not even be able to wait and create such a future, and might just die at someone's hands.

Therefore, it is meaningless to talk about things that are too far away now.

Now there is only one thing Menma needs to do, and that is to deal with the remaining enemies and restore Takigakure Village to its previous peace.

"Whoosh!"

A figure rushing away.

Just about ten minutes after leaving Takigakure Village, Menma's vast perception was able to detect several figures speeding in the twelve o'clock direction of him, and there was a familiar chakra chasing them from behind.

"Wow, what a coincidence?"

The slightly raised eyebrow.

There was also a hint of surprise in Menma's pupils.

"boom!"

With an explosion of chakra under his feet, he chased after the people ahead at an even faster speed than before.

Just a few minutes later.

Menma easily caught up with the person in the lead.

Look around.

That familiar chakra belonged to Suigetsu Kizuki. At this moment, the white-haired boy had a bloodthirsty look on his face.

The scarlet color revealed in the pupils.

The warlike nature of the Kizuna clan is fully displayed.

Among the three people in the front position who were being chased by Suigetsu, the chakra aura of the other two was so weak that they could barely be considered as Chunin level.

Only the green-haired young man in the lead had a slightly stronger chakra, but it had not yet reached the level of a jonin. Perhaps for ordinary ninjas, he was considered powerful, but in Menma's eyes, ordinary jonin were weaklings, let alone this green-haired young man.

Even though Suigetsu, whose bloodline limit has not yet been fully developed, can easily suppress this green-haired young man.

Menma really didn't have much impression of this green-haired young man.

But the long sword in his hand, which was emitting a special luster at this moment, still attracted Menma's attention.

"Is that the Thunder God Sword that the Second Hokage wore? It is indeed quite interesting."

There was a hint of interest in Menma's eyes.

As the figure stepped forward.

"Snapped!"

He clapped his hands and began to form seals at an extremely fast speed.

"Wind Style - Vacuum Great Jade Technique."

The technique was completed in almost one or two seconds.

next second.

Menma's abdomen bulged.

"puff!"

In an instant.

A gust of air.

In the air, the gathering wind and the shining jade ball were rushing towards the green-haired young man in the middle position at an extremely fast and fierce speed.

"whoosh"

There was a violent sound of breaking through the air.

Then came several huge jade balls rushing over.

The green-haired young man, also known as Lu Qingkui, suddenly had his pupils shrink when he saw it.

This was clearly beyond the scope of ordinary 'Vacuum Jade Technique' in terms of scale and quantity, completely covering the entire area.

"asshole!"

Lu Qingkui's face looked extremely ugly.

On the spur of the moment.

That could only be the sword of Thor that was barely wielded.

"Zizzsssssssssss!"

Then the Thunder Lake bloomed.

"Thunderstorm!"

The violent light that was stirred up.

"Peng!"

A group of jade balls attacked head-on.

A ball of green jade was barely "cut off".

But the jade balls that followed, wrapped around her at such an angle, were beyond the ability of Green Kui to block.

In the technique that came with a sudden and violent attack.

"what!"

Green Kui was blasted away directly.

"Peng!"

Slamming heavily onto the ground.

The deep pit in the shape of a human was blasted out, and with injuries on the abdomen and back, a mouthful of scarlet blood spurted out of the mouth.

next second.

Without waiting for Green Sunflower to cheer up again.

Menma's figure had already come closer.

"Peng!"

He stepped forward with his right foot and stomped viciously on Lu Qingkui's wrist which was tightly holding the sword of Thor.

With force.

"Crack!"

Those were the bones that were crushed by being stepped on fiercely.

Severe pain transmitted to the nerves.

"what!!"

Let Green Sunflower make the most shrill cry.

"who are you!?"