The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

Originally, according to Menma's personality, she wanted to directly rebuke Shikaku and then righteously and firmly reject him.

Since my ultimate plan is to completely annihilate these major ninja villages, why bother going through all this trouble with them?

But in the end, those words...

Menma swallowed his words back. If he really was just a boy in his teens, then doing so would be perfectly reasonable.

However, his mental age is still relatively mature.

Considering that my plan will ultimately require a period of preparation.

There is still a slight possibility of failure.

And most importantly, there was the threat posed by the clandestine collusion between Konoha and Iwagakure. Menma still felt it necessary to feign compliance with Konoha, at least to prevent them from launching a preemptive strike. He had to stall until his own plan was successfully completed and his village was the one to make the first move.

We must never relinquish control of the situation.

On this point, Menma has a very clear understanding.

Therefore, with a little restraint, he spoke in a tone that was half disdainful and half angry.

Whether or not they can fool Shikaku is hard to say.

But as long as the other party can't be 100% certain of your attitude and plans, that's enough.

It is clear.

Mianma's words and expressions were still somewhat deceptive.

At the very least, Shikaku was slightly pleased when he first heard it, because Menma did it this way.

This means there is some room and leeway for discussion.

But Shikaku is still Shikaku.

An ordinary person might have fallen right into the trap, but Lu Jiu was able to maintain the highest level of vigilance and a clear mind.

Basic judgment skills must not be lost.

At the very least, one must collect all the information, conduct the necessary analysis, and then submit it to one's own Hokage for judgment.

and so.

This joy only lasted for less than half a turn in my mind.

Shikaku then replied softly, "No, why would Lord Tenkage say that? The past is indeed set in stone, but some things, looking to the future, may not necessarily unfold in the same way. What do you think? Moreover, Lord Tenkage should understand the current situation of the ninja world better than I do. When necessary, abandoning prejudices is the most correct choice, at least for now, isn't that right? Just like when Konoha was founded, I think Lord Tenkage should understand this very well."

Discard prejudices.

That means we want to work together.

From a general perspective, what Shikaku said makes a lot of sense, especially for a political being like him. As the leader of a ninja village, he cannot be easily swayed by his own emotions.

Things like hatred.

It's not that I don't care.

However, it is important to note that this criterion should only be a secondary factor and should never dominate your judgment.

Interests and the situation are the top priorities for judgment.

Judging from the current situation in the ninja world.

The various ninja villages colluded and launched a series of wars, and the Hidden Light Village was located in a geographical position sandwiched between many major powers.

Choosing to form an alliance with a ninja village is the best option.

It can avoid attacks from one side.

They can also join forces to stop the invasion of other ninja villages.

In Shikaku's plan.

The current Hidden Village of Light should become Konoha's most steadfast ally, just like the former Uzushiogakure Village.

The two great ninja villages can definitely help each other.

This is beneficial to both sides.

Shikaku is neither Jiraiya nor Naruto. Starting from the so-called justice and emotions, Shikaku lacks the foundation and doesn't really believe in that kind of thing himself.

The key is still the people involved.

The same line that Jiraiya and Naruto used.

If I absolutely have to say something.

Shikaku genuinely felt that it was a bit too 'naive'.

Starting from the greater good of the village, considering its interests, and combining common ground, Lu Jiu believes this is the reasonable choice and the way to ensure long-term success.

Between nations and between ninja villages, there are no eternal friendships, only eternal interests.

This has already been well proven in the world.

Wasn't Hashirama Senju sincere enough?

Isn't that enough?

As a terrifying existence that overwhelms the entire generation.

They were all willing to kneel and kowtow; wasn't that enough sincerity? Weren't the other four Kage truly persuaded as well?

But what happens next?

Friendship is a thing.

It's not that it's unreliable.

Even if it is truly profound enough, it can only last for one generation at most. Naruto in the later original work is following the same path as Hashirama.

When Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara and their generation die.

This means they are destined to fall into a new cycle of the Ninja World War.

The feelings of the older generation?

What does this have to do with the next generation!

Ultimately, humanity only cares about eternal interests.

Shikaku is undoubtedly a pragmatist, so he will only try to persuade Menma from this point of view: should they talk about friendship? Of course they should, but that can only be a trivial auxiliary means under the main theme.

It should absolutely not be used as a primary offensive weapon.

It might work on others, but against the enemy Ma, at least in Shikaku's opinion, it's a completely ineffective attack!

We must start from 'reality'.

This is Shikaku's judgment.

It is based on this that Shikaku does not need anyone else's assistance; he can rely solely on himself.

The question is about the probability.

Even Shikaku couldn't control it.

All we can do is try our best and leave the rest to fate.

Ultimately, in such matters, the power to control the situation generally lies not with the person persuading, but with the person being persuaded.

If the noodles don't want to.

It was all in vain.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 384 The Imposter

Hearing what Shikaku said...

Menma also subconsciously narrowed his eyes. He had to admit that Shikaku was indeed the intellectual ceiling of this world. He knew very well what to say when facing whom. If Menma really was a native and only defected from Konoha because of resentment caused by past experiences, then...

Now that he has established a separate ninja village, aiming to elevate his status and considering future plans, Shikaku's words are indeed quite persuasive. Judging from his performance in the various Shinobi World Wars, Konoha is indeed one of the more reliable allies among a pack of 'hungry wolves'.

At most, they would just stand by and watch someone die; so far, there has been no instance of kicking someone when they're down.

Considering that Hidden Light Village is now truly an enemy of the world, and that the current leaders of Hidden Leaf Village are still people like Tsunade and Jiraiya who are in charge, from all aspects, it seems that "let bygones be bygones" with Hidden Leaf Village is indeed a more reasonable and correct judgment.

just.

Mianma wouldn't do that.

Leaf.

He's still second on his blacklist (the first one is definitely Madara, Black Zetsu, and Nagato).

While seeking to realize their own ambitions.

Menma truly has a heart to create a truly peaceful world.

With such a goal in mind, every single one of these so-called great ninja villages becomes a thorn in the side.

But that's what I really think.

On the surface, Menma deliberately revealed a slight look of contemplation, but it was concealed just a second later.

With a slightly deliberate, cold laugh, he said, "So what if I know? Heh, let's be frank, Shikaku-san. There's no need for us to play games. You just want me to let go of all my past hatred for Konoha, right? But let me tell you, that's absolutely impossible!"

"Nothing is 100% impossible, Lord Tenkage. You are not alone now, and you still need to consider the entire ninja village, don't you? Besides, there is no truly irreconcilable hatred between us, and the peace we want is only for the present moment. The alliance between ninja villages is the most unstable thing, and Lord Tenkage should know this well, right? Everything is only for the present moment. I think Lord Tenkage can consider this more rationally."

Shikaku spoke with a calm expression.

If we can become complete allies who help each other, that would naturally be the best.

However, the possibility of this was extremely low, almost zero. Therefore, Shikaku's initial plan was to establish a short-term alliance.

As for Iwagakure Village?

Sorry, all judgments and actions of the ninja village are based on serving the interests of the village itself.

If we can temporarily suppress or eliminate Menma's hatred for Konoha, and use benefits and the situation to entice Menma, then...

If handled properly, this so-called short-term alliance could potentially last for one or two decades, or even longer.

After a period of stalemate.