The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

And it was after completing this series of arrangements.

Mianma has officially begun her return journey.

With A-Jun and the Takigakure ninja who had set off together, they headed back towards Takigakure. This commotion wasn't particularly big, but it certainly wasn't small either. Anyone who paid close attention would be able to gather relevant intelligence.

Not to mention that Menma openly appeared inside Kusagakure.

Any scouts in the ninja villages of various countries who aren't blind can obtain this information.

This is not to say that Menma lacks a sense of confidentiality.

Rather, there is no longer any need for it.

Now is the time for Menma to step into the limelight himself. If he continues to hide it, it will do more harm than good!

And it was Menma who swiftly and decisively resolved the situation in Kusagakure.

Having initially integrated the forces of the two ninja villages, they embarked on their return journey. Meanwhile, the ninja world was in turmoil. In the Land of Hot Springs in the northeast of the continent, the ninjas of Konoha and the ninjas of Kumo were already locked in a fierce battle.

The number of casualties on both sides is continuing to increase.

In the southeastern region.

Aside from initially sending forces to the border to exert pressure, Kirigakure has mostly remained neutral, observing the situation from the sidelines.

Of course, Master Yuan didn't want to see Konoha forcibly capture their Kirigakure's Six-Tails Jinchuriki. That was an inviolable bottom line. But without a clear confirmation, Kirigakure was currently licking its wounds and in a weakened state, so it was impossible for them to launch a war so recklessly. At least, Master Yuan wouldn't do that.

In particular, Konoha provided some evidence and intelligence.

Combined with the information relayed back by the ANBU of their own ninja village.

Master Yuan also had some doubts.

Anyway, with the Cloud Ninjas holding the line, Master Yuan isn't in a hurry.

In this world, unless you do something truly silent or eliminate all witnesses and parties involved, the truth will eventually come to light.

During this period, all the ninja villages around the world also kept their eyes fixed on Konoha.

It wasn't until Tsunade truly felt that the fight with Kumogakure could not continue any further that she proactively released some information, especially regarding Orochimaru and Menma, which caused the attention of the various ninja villages to shift to some extent.

Before that.

The Land of Earth.

Hidden Rock Village.

The Third Tsuchikage, Onoki, one of the most senior figures in the ninja world, received the relevant information ahead of time!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 282 Onoki's Unexpected Incident

"That Menma-kun appeared in Kusagakure? And he's with Takigakure ninja, is that right?"

In the spacious office of the Earth Shadow.

Listening to the information reported by the Jonin in charge of their own intelligence unit.

Even Onoki, whose face was usually as steady as a mountain, showed a hint of surprise at this moment.

It's worth noting that even the previous conflicts between Konoha and Kumogakure, as well as the issue of the Six-Tails Jinchuriki, hadn't garnered much attention from the Third Tsuchikage. However, the information he specifically obtained today regarding Menma clearly showed that Onoki was paying close attention.

He is the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails.

The existence of hemp fibers is inherently unique.

Furthermore, when he left Konoha, he was with Orochimaru. The special relationship they formed made it impossible for anyone in the ninja world to ignore. Didn't you see that the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure is still searching the world for Menma and Orochimaru?

Now that Menma, the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, is still connected with Kusagakure and Takigakure, how could Onoki not be surprised?

"Yes, Third Hokage. This information is from two days ago. Moreover, the person who appeared in Kusagakure along with Uzumaki Menma was the person in charge of Hozuki Castle, the former Jonin of Kusagakure—Muwei. In addition, there is reliable information that the current leader of Kusagakure—Mogeta Masashi—has died. The current person in power in Kusagakure is this Muwei-kun. Here is the detailed intelligence from the front lines. Please take a look, Third Hokage!"

In front of him, a brown-haired man dressed in the uniform of Iwa ninja was speaking as he handed over a scroll with both hands and placed it on the desk in front of Onoki.

Onoki quickly took the scroll and opened it, scanning the contents at a glance. It was indeed the intelligence system of the great ninja village. Unless Menma was acting alone or on a small scale, and had eliminated all non-participants, his actions would have been impossible to escape the notice of the intelligence personnel of these great powers.

Not to mention such a high-profile operation.

The reactions of Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure might be slightly slower, but as the closest national ninja village to Kusagakure and Takigakure, Iwagakure would not let its guard down in its reconnaissance against these two formidable ninja villages.

Let's leave Konoha out of the picture.

Since the First Shinobi World War, this ninja village has always adhered to a defensive strategy, and all its actions are solely for self-preservation. While it cannot be said that it has never engaged in any proactive offensive strategies, such actions have been extremely rare.

Therefore, regarding the issues of Kusagakure Village and Takigakure Village.

Konoha is also a step behind.

Moreover, generally speaking, Konoha will only pay more attention to the other four major ninja villages.

The Hidden Stone Village received specific information, and the Hidden Leaf Village is expected to receive accurate intelligence around the same time as the other four great ninja villages.

The contents of this scroll not only include the places where Menma has appeared during this period, but also contain a certain degree of speculation.

For example, its status within Takigakure, and its current relationship with Kusagakure, etc.

"Heh, is that so? You really don't look like a boy who's only 12 or 3 years old at all. Takigakure and Kusagakure, it seems your confidence is growing stronger, Menma-kun."

The old folks have a wealth of experience and a keen eye for detail.

It was based on this piece of information that wasn't particularly detailed.

Ōnoki was able to roughly determine the current situation of Takigakure and Kusagakure, as well as the part of Menma's plan that had already been implemented.

Never underestimate Onoki.

The original work seems to portray him as somewhat stubborn and permissive of the Akatsuki's short-sighted behavior.

Ultimately, however, it was due to a fatal lack of intelligence.

Who among humanity of this era would know about the Ten-Tails and the Rabbit Goddess, a 'myth' from a thousand years ago?

From the perspective of a single country's ninja village.

Onoki's every action was perfectly in line with the interests of his own ninja village.

What's wrong with that?!

The so-called alliance agreement reached between the two sides in this timeline is also aimed at making the most of each piece to benefit their own Iwagakure village. The difference lies in the methods they use.

Looking at it now...

The piece "Mianma" has the potential to soar to great heights.

"But it's still within a controllable range..."

Onoki narrowed his eyes slightly, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.

"Uzumaki Menma? That brat who's a few years younger than me? Old man, aren't you giving him too much credit? This must be Orochimaru's doing, right?"

It's located to the right of Onoki.

Upon hearing Onoki's words, a rather spirited girl with short black hair took long, shapely steps and approached the scroll. She casually picked up the scroll that Onoki had finished reading, slightly pursed her lips, and spoke with an expression that seemed to indicate complete disapproval.

And this girl is none other than Onoki's granddaughter, the future Fourth Tsuchikage who was jokingly called 'Leg Shadow' in the original work—Kurotsuchi!

"No, Kurotsuchi, you haven't seen Menma-kun with your own eyes. In my opinion, this little guy's excellence far surpasses everyone else's, whether it's his intelligence, his overall perspective, or his methods. I can say with certainty that everything that happened in Takigakure and Kusagakure was led by this Menma-kun, who holds the power of two ninja villages in his hands. Although it's still unclear to what extent he can integrate them, he definitely has the qualifications to challenge Konoha. This is really getting more and more interesting!"

Onoki shook his head slightly and said with a faint smile.

It must be said that Menma's ability to gain the assistance of two powerful ninja villages and find a breakthrough in such a short time was completely beyond the imagination of the Third Tsuchikage.

While Onoki was surprised, he also felt a little regretful.

If only this guy, Menma-kun, could join Iwagakure.

Onoki even considered Menma as a potential successor to the Tsuchikage. So what if he's younger? He figured he could hold on for a few more years and hand over the reins smoothly once Menma turned twenty.

"What a pity..."

Onoki thought to himself.

Heitu, standing to the side, pouted, looking quite unconvinced. This 16-year-old girl was also very proud.

He has always considered himself to be one of the best among his peers and has long set his sights on the position of Tsuchikage, unless his own father takes over.

Otherwise, the Fourth Tsuchikage would definitely be hers.

Therefore, how could Kurotsuchi possibly be convinced when she heard her own Tsuchikage praising a boy who was two or three years younger than her?

She didn't say much, but she secretly made up her mind that if she ever had the chance to meet Menma in the future, she would definitely prove that she was the best one.

"Go and call over the loess, red soil, and rocky cliffs, and also the Han people."

Completely unaware that his granddaughter had already developed a rebellious spirit, Onoki pondered for a moment before giving a stern order to the Iwa ninja in front of him.

Mianma has already officially taken action, so a huge change is bound to follow.

Onoki believed that other ninja villages, especially Konoha, would absolutely not stand idly by when they learned of Menma's situation.

It is estimated that the Hidden Cloud Village will also take active action.

Originally, Onoki scoffed at the information released by Konoha, thinking it was Konoha shirking responsibility and diverting attention. But now, judging from Menma's actions, it seems that it's not impossible!

Once all this intelligence is confirmed.

This would absolutely trigger a larger-scale conflict.

The possibility of a new round of ninja world war cannot be completely ruled out.

Therefore, Onoki felt that his village must make preparations in advance, even if no other events occurred.

Just consider the matter of Menma integrating Takigakure Village and Kusagakure Village.

Onoki could no longer sit idly by. Judging from the map, these two ninja villages were poised to attack Iwagakure from both sides. He also had to take into account the special Hozuki Castle.

Ohnoki is a seasoned veteran.

I never fight a battle I'm not confident of winning.

"Yes, Lord Third Generation!"

After bowing his head in response, the Iwa ninja below leaped away to carry out Onoki's orders.

The order that is conveyed.