Avengers of the Whirlpool Family.

Chapter 384 Pretender

Hearing what Shikaku said.

Menma also narrowed his eyes subconsciously. He had to admit that Shikaku was indeed the smartest person in this world. He knew very well what to say and when to whom. If Menma was really a native, he had defected from the Hidden Leaf Village only because of the resentment caused by his past experiences.

Considering the fact that they have now established a separate ninja village and want to achieve a leap in status, as well as considering some plans for the future, Shikaku's words are indeed convincing, because judging from the performance in previous Ninja World Wars, Konoha is indeed a relatively reliable ally among a group of "hungry wolves".

At most, they would just watch someone in need without helping, but so far there has been no case of kicking someone when they are down.

Considering that the Hikari Village is now truly the enemy of the whole world, and the current high-level officials in the Hidden Leaf Village are still the people in power like Tsunade and Jiraiya, from all aspects, it seems that "meeting and laughing away all grudges" with the Hidden Leaf Village is indeed a more reasonable and correct judgment.

just.

Menma wouldn't do that.

Konoha.

He is still the second on his blacklist (the first is definitely Madara, Black Zetsu, and Nagato).
While seeking to realize my ambitions.

Menma really wants to create a truly peaceful world.

Under such a goal, every one of these so-called big ninja villages becomes a thorn in the eye and a thorn in the flesh.

But I think so in my heart.

On the surface, Menma deliberately showed a hint of thoughtfulness, but it was restrained after just a second.

He said with a slightly deliberate sneer, "So what if I know? Haha, let's get this straight, Shikaku-san. There's no need to play dumb with each other. Don't you just want me to let go of all the hatred I had with Konoha in the past? But I'm telling you, this is absolutely impossible!"

"Nothing is 100% impossible, Master Tianying. After all, you are not alone now. You still need to consider the entire ninja village, right? What's more, there is no real hatred between us that cannot be resolved. Moreover, the peace we want is only for the present. The alliance between ninja villages is the most unstable existence. Master Tianying should also have a deep understanding of this, right? Everything is just for the present. I think Master Tianying can consider it more rationally."

Shikaku still spoke with a calm expression.

It would be best if we could become allies who help each other.

But the possibility of this happening is pitifully low, perhaps even zero, so Shikaku's initial plan was to conclude a short-term alliance.

As for the Iwagakure Village?
Sorry, all judgments and actions of the ninja village must be based on serving the interests of its own ninja village.

As long as Menma's hatred for the Hidden Leaf Village can be temporarily eliminated or suppressed, and interests and situations can be used to hook Menma.

As long as it is handled properly in the future, this so-called short-term alliance may last for ten to twenty years, or even longer.

After pulling for a while.

Can we predict the future for sure?
The current intention is to prevent Menma from making their primary target the Hidden Leaf Village. This is the most important thing.

This was achieved.

From now on, as long as we make reasonable use of the Hidden Rock Village, the Hidden Sand Village, the Hidden Cloud Village, and even the Hidden Mist Village, a very fragile but delicate balance can be achieved! !
Such an approach takes into account the level and means of those in power, as well as the most important judgment of the overall situation.

Because even if balance is really achieved.

As long as the Hidden Leaf Village takes a wrong step, the balance will be broken in an instant.

Don't choose this path.

Shikaku felt that as long as Menma completely integrated the power of the Hikari Village, he would most likely target their Konoha Village and vent his anger all at once.

what?
Big picture issue?

Isn't the Iwagakure Village still an ally?
Shikaku will try his best to look at and evaluate Menma comprehensively, but as I said before, Menma is too young.

Therefore, in his words, Shikaku still needed to point out the problems of the Iwagakure Village in a slightly obscure way. After all, they were still his hidden partners and the biggest 'companion' who could suppress the Hikari Village and solve the Menma problem in the end.

If you want to sell, you must choose the right method and not sell it too thoroughly.

But they also have to consider the situation of their own ninja village, because before the establishment of the Hikari Village, their Konoha was the biggest target of fire from all the major ninja villages.

Naturally, different strategies need to be chosen carefully.

Only Shikaku can do this kind of delicate work. No one else in the Hidden Leaf Village can do it.

Shikaku wasn't here to force Menma.

There was no need to use innocent words to impress Menma.

Instead, he used the real words in front of him to convince Menma.

Shikaku believed that as long as Menma cared about his companions and the ninja village he built.

There will definitely be some hesitation.

As for to what extent it can be shaken, it is unknown.

But as long as there is hesitation.

Be able to take the first step of persuasion.

Shikaku felt confident that he could proceed with the next task.

"Are you threatening me?"

Menma took a deep breath and said to Shikaku with a somewhat cold expression.

There seemed to be a hint of murderous intent in his words.

With Menma's current strength.

It's enough to make ordinary ninjas tremble in fear.

Even if it is a Jonin-level being, Menma can kill it with a snap of his fingers.

But Shikaku still looked calm, and shook his head calmly and said, "How can this be a threat? Lord Tianying, just tell the truth. If our two villages join forces, we can prevent all this from happening. At least for now, that's the case, isn't it?"

Shikaku deliberately emphasized some key words.

He believed that Menma could definitely hear it.

"The safety of our companions and the future of the village are the most important. I think that's what Master Tianying is thinking, right?!"

After a pause, Shikaku continued.

Chen Ming's advantages and disadvantages.

Put forward the conditions.

Persuasion based on comprehensive factors.

You don't need any beautiful words, nor do you need any clever means. All you need is a rational and calm brain.

Menma seemed to be persuaded, his eyelids drooped slightly and he fell into a brief silence.

After a long time.

Menma's face seemed to reveal a deep expression, and he looked at Shikaku with cold eyes and said, "Is that so? You really have a very good eloquence, Shikaku-san."

A faint tone.

There was an obvious expression of struggle.

Any normal person could see Menma's hesitation at this moment.

Shikaku is no exception.

It was only his strong self-control that allowed Lu Jiu to maintain his calm state of mind.

"No, I am only explaining some issues. The judgment is still in the hands of Tianying, isn't it?"

"Haha, that does make sense. No wonder your Nara clan has always been trusted by successive Hokages."

Menma said as he shook his head slightly as if to sneer.

But this is clearly a tone of further relaxation.

Shikaku's heart also moved.

"Will Lord Tianying agree with my proposal?"

When Lu Jiu asked this question, he subconsciously held his breath, and his tone slowed down involuntarily.

When Menma heard this, he looked at Shikaku deeply. "That's only for now..."

After a long pause in the subtle atmosphere, Menma slowly opened his mouth and uttered these ambiguous words.

But that's just one sentence.

This made Lu Jiu feel relieved. He smiled and said softly, "Of course, only for now!"

Those were also words that came out in a resounding response.

Menma only raised his eyelids slightly but didn't say anything else.

"You are indeed outstanding, Shikaku-san."

He was staring at Shikaku in front of him.

Menma fell into silence for the third time.

After a while.

Menma, who seemed to have just come to his senses, spoke in a calm tone.

"That's all, but you must remember that this is only for a short period of time. I will never forget the 12 years I spent in the Hidden Leaf Village. If I find an opportunity, I will not hesitate."

Menma took a deep breath and said in a very determined tone.

"That's natural!"

The ultimate final.

The moment I saw Menma say this.

There was just the right amount of joy on Shikaku's face.

Although before coming, Shikaku had repeatedly considered and weighed his words several times, and confirmed that there was indeed a certain probability that he could convince Menma, but after all, this kind of thing depends on others.

You can't really control your destiny.

Therefore, with Lu Jiu's personality, he was still a little nervous. Now, seeing that Menma agreed, his original intention had been realized.

Shikaku would naturally feel happy.

You have to know that this was only after he came to the Hikari Village that he made the decision to change his mind within just a few days.

Such a result.

Shikaku felt that Lord Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya in his own ninja village would still be satisfied.

Even though the process is slightly different.

But the result is what matters, isn’t it?
The subject is determined.

The remaining details were easy to discuss, and there was no need for Menma and Shikaku to negotiate at all, as they saw that the time was almost up.

"Well, I'll be rude today."

Lu Jiu stood up immediately, bowed, and said goodbye.

"Ah."

After Menma nodded slowly.

Lu Jiu also turned around and strode towards the office door at the rear left.

And that was the moment when he reached the door and was about to open it.

"Oh, by the way, Lord Tianying, since you can put everything aside for the time being, I have a small request here. I wonder if Lord Tianying can agree to it."

Shikaku seemed to suddenly remember something, and he stopped abruptly, turned sideways and looked at Menma, and asked with a sincere look.

It all looks so natural.

But Menma could clearly smell a sense of incongruity.

Before Menma could say anything.

"They are some of the people who came with the delegation this time. Lord Tianying must know them. They came here just to see their former companions, especially Hinata. In the past period of time, they always thought it was their responsibility and did not dare to ask for anything. They just wanted to see her. Ah, it is definitely not a forced act. I just hope Lord Tianying can be more magnanimous."

Shikaku, who was sitting at the door, simply stated his request.

Menma's eyes also fixed and his face darkened instantly. The faint chill that was released subconsciously was so cold that the temperature in the entire office seemed to drop suddenly at that moment.

However, Lu Jiu still had that sincere look on his face, as if he didn't notice anything.

The look of annoyance on Menma's face came and went quickly.

Just after a pause of a few seconds.

"Don't worry about unnecessary things, Lu Jiu-san, this is the long-term solution."

Menma looked at Shikaku indifferently and spoke in a slightly cold tone.

"Ah, yes, I will keep it in mind. I am sorry for being so presumptuous, please forgive me, Master Tianying."

Shikaku also bowed again with an apologetic look on his face.

Then he slowly opened the door and walked away lightly.

And it was just when Shikaku's chakra aura had completely disappeared.

Menma's brows slightly frowned.

"The marks are still a little too obvious, and I used too much force... But as long as I take the bait, it's fine."

While gently shaking his head, he thought secretly in his heart.

Menma's words and actions just now were all acting, not to mention that Menma looks only 14 years old.

Even for normal adults, it is difficult to have such acting skills and sophistication.

Menma has already performed very well.

Generally speaking.

It is enough to deceive almost everyone, because Menma's age is actually a better protective color, which will make people more inclined to believe Menma inadvertently.

But it is obvious that Shikaku will be an exception.

This guy is so smart.

He is so smart that it is almost difficult for Menma to find someone with the same IQ as him in this ninja world.

Even Dodai, the think tank of the Hidden Cloud Village who has served two generations of Raikage, is no match for him.

The number one military strategist in the ninja world is no joke.

When it comes to analyzing and grasping current affairs, and understanding human nature, Shikaku is unique, and Menma doesn't think that others won't be able to see through his performance.

But Menma doesn't need Shikaku's 100% trust.

As long as you can believe part of it.

That would be enough as bait.

Because Menma knows the guys in Konohagakure Village too well, the role he plays now is that of a real pretender.

As for if a certain alliance agreement is really reached, we have to worry about whether the alliance will be broken.

First of all, the issues of alliance and credibility in the ninja world are a joke.

Second.

Just wait until your plan is ready.

Menma is confident enough to stimulate the Hidden Leaf Village to break this alliance first.

(End of this chapter)