The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

At first glance, Onoki seems to be a grandfather who dotes on his granddaughter, but as the village's leader, Onoki has a strong sense of the big picture. He may favor Kurotsuchi, but he would never overprotect his granddaughter.

Ninjas want to become stronger and grow up as quickly as possible.

It requires going through many trials and tribulations.

Only by overcoming crisis after crisis through one's own strength can one truly become a strong person. Onoki has great confidence in his granddaughter!

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 284 News and Shock

Iwagakure, the first village to receive the news, was also the first to take action.

But just as Ohnoki said.

They can receive the message. Other ninja villages will only be delayed by a day or two at most. They can still receive messages from Menma, Takigakure, and Kusagakure. Menma is always under the highest scrutiny of the various ninja villages. If he remains silent and does nothing, it will be very difficult to detect him.

But as long as Menma herself actively exposes herself to the public eye.

There's no way to escape their sight.

Around the same time that the people of Iwagakure, including Hirotsuchi, Akatsuchi, and Iwazawa, began to act in accordance with the orders of their Tsuchikage-sama, it was around that time.

The ninja villages of Konoha, Kumogakure, Sunagakure, and Kirigakure all received intelligence of varying degrees.

Moreover, compared to the information received by Iwagakure in the previous day or two.

Now, there's even more news about an alliance between Takigakure and Kusagakure!

Even if it's not comprehensive, it's not 100% confirmed.

But the contents of this intelligence report...

This was enough to shake these ninja villages.

"What!? Menma has appeared in Kusagakure? And he seems to have reached an agreement with the leader of Kusagakure, so now Takigakure and Kusagakure are allied!?"

In the Land of Fire, in Konoha Village, inside the Hokage Building.

Tsunade, who was already feeling irritated due to the escalating conflict with the Cloud Ninja, instinctively stood up upon hearing this information. She looked at Nara Shikaku, who had rushed over to report, with an incredulous expression.

Just a few days ago, they had learned about Orochimaru's situation, including intelligence indicating that the Six-Tails Jinchuriki had indeed returned to one of Orochimaru's bases with Menma and Kabuto.

This was already a significant piece of intelligence, and now even more significant information has arrived.

In a short time.

Tsunade almost began to doubt the authenticity of the information.

It was only because the person who came to report was Nara Shikaku that Tsunade would have definitely ordered the intelligence team to reinvestigate.

This is simply beyond reason!

Nara Shikaku also said with a very serious expression, "This is very likely more than just an alliance, Fifth Hokage. Although the intelligence is not very clear, we can analyze that after Mota Masashi's mysterious death (this was a message issued by Muwei on behalf of Kusagakure under Menma's instructions; even if everyone knows, they can't really say that he killed the former leader, they still need a cover-up), all the orders he made after taking over the position of leader did not seem to be in the best interests of Kusagakure. Furthermore, there is uncertain information indicating that Muwei seems to have great respect for Menma. Combined with the information from Takigakure, we have reason to suspect that Takigakure and Kusagakure are very likely under Menma's control now!"

Just as Onoki made his judgment based on his decades of life experience, Shikaku made his judgment based on his exceptional sensitivity and intuition, even from this limited information.

It sounds exaggerated and nonsensical.

Even most people would find it hard to believe.

Even Tsunade initially showed an expression of disbelief.

However, since the person who said these words was the brains of their own ninja village, Tsunade had to consider how likely this was.

"Furthermore, judging from this, our previous assessment of the relationship between Menma and Orochimaru was probably incorrect. Menma didn't join Orochimaru's side; rather, they were equal allies. Menma must have used some leverage and methods to persuade Orochimaru!"

Lu Jiu continued his analysis.

There's another thing Shikaku didn't say: if we look at it this way, it might not be that Orochimaru actively sought out Menma during last year's Chunin Exams. It's very likely that the situation was reversed. The events that happened in the Forest of Death are full of suspicious points!

Even so, there are still more inexplicable things.

But a voice inside Shikaku kept telling him that this development was most likely the truth.

Tsunade's expression also became more unpleasant than ever before at this moment.

If everything is as Shikaku said.

She really needs to re-evaluate Uzumaki Menma, this 13-year-old boy.

A young man with such terrifying cunning and methods.

Another Nine-Tails Jinchuriki! In the future, it's not just a possibility, but an inevitable disaster that will bring a hellish impact to Konoha.

evidence?

This kind of thing doesn't need evidence.

Just having a glimmer of hope and a probability of success is enough.

Inter-state relations between ninja villages.

It also involves beings with whom there is deep-seated hatred; even the slightest possibility must be faced with absolute certainty.

Less than a year.

In such a short period of time.

Tsunade could now fully sense the threat posed by Menma, and at this moment, she had completely abandoned her previous thoughts.

Even if it would indeed be unfair to Minato and Kushina, who sacrificed themselves for the village.

However, Tsunade is the Hokage, and also the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju.

She had to stand in Konoha's shoes and consider the interests and safety of Konoha.

Even if it's just sesame seeds, it's fine.

Orochimaru it is.

They had all reached the point where execution was absolutely necessary.

"Naruto, if you have to blame someone, blame Granny Tsunade. It was all for the village."

Tsunade's mind flashed to Naruto's cheerful face, which resembled her younger brother's. After a silent sigh, she hardened her heart.

"Lu Jiu, immediately order a supreme meeting to be convened, and send someone to notify the three elders to attend!"

Tsunade slammed her hand on the table and said with a very serious expression.

"Yes, Lord Godai!"

After Shikaku bowed his head in response, he immediately turned and left to convey Tsunade's orders.

"Lady Tsunade, could this be..."

As Tsunade's true confidante, Shizune could almost guess what Tsunade was thinking just by seeing the expression on her lady's face.

At that moment, he also showed a hint of worry as he spoke.

“There is no time for us to hesitate anymore, Shizune. The situation is completely different now than last year. Whether it is Kumogakure or the newly formed alliance between Takigakure and Kusagakure, we must make a decision for the safety of Konoha. Of course, it is not that we will not give that guy a last hope, but it depends on whether he is willing to accept it. In any case, we cannot delay any longer.”

Tsunade waved her hand, interrupting Shizune's words, and said with a very decisive expression.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 285 The Necessary Decisiveness

In the original work, the reason why Tsunade could let Sasuke stay outside was not only because of Naruto's relationship, but also because Sasuke did not pose much of a threat to Konoha at that time.

But the face in this life is different.

During his defection, he had already killed many Konoha ninjas. Even though a considerable number of them were Root members, they were still Konoha ninjas after all. Now, Menma is making a big show of revenge, especially considering his special identity.

Tsunade could no longer tolerate it.

As Hokage, she has duties that she must fulfill.

Even if she feels sorry for Naruto, Jiraiya, and the Minato couple, this is a stance that Tsunade must take.

She couldn't possibly watch Konoha be destroyed, could she?

Even the slightest trend or indication will not be allowed.

Don't be misled by some of the plot scenes in the original work. Tsunade is a real strong woman, and she is ruthless to the fullest extent.

Gentle? Tolerant?

That's for our own people.

Enemies must be dealt with swiftly and decisively. Even Jiraiya, the so-called "good old man of the ninja world," only took action after confirming that Nagato and Konan would not turn back.

Ultimately, in the hearts of Tsunade and others, the greater good of Konoha is absolutely paramount, and there is no doubt about that.

"Yes, I understand, Lady Tsunade!"

After a brief moment of stunned silence, Jingyin nodded quietly.

Then, in less than ten minutes...

“Da da da da”

It is located outside the office door.

Then came a series of footsteps.

"Squeak!"

The door that was pushed open directly.

The first to step in were Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzo. Behind them, besides Nara Shikaku, who was in charge of the Jonin squad, were several other Jonin responsible for important departments such as the intelligence squad and the defense squad.

Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, Namiashi Raido, and others are all in this group.

These people can all be considered among the current high-ranking officials of Konoha.

They are all departments that wield relatively important real power.

"Tsunade, why did you call us over so urgently? Is there something important? Is there a problem with the Cloud Ninja or the Mist Ninja?"

After everyone had taken their seats, Mitomon Homura went straight to the point and asked.

His face also showed a hint of doubt and worry.