The Avengers of the Uzumaki Family

Lu Jiu, however, still maintained that sincere expression, as if he hadn't noticed anything amiss.

The look of unease on his face came and went quickly.

It was only after a few seconds of pause.

"Don't meddle in unnecessary things, Shikaku-san. This is the way to long-term success."

Menma looked at Shikaku with a calm expression and said in a slightly cold tone.

"Ah, yes, I will remember it. I was presumptuous. Please forgive me, Lord Tianying."

Shikaku bowed apologetically once more.

Only then did he slowly open the door and quietly leave.

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

His brows furrowed slightly.

'The marks are still a bit too obvious; I used a little too much force... But as long as they've taken the bait, that's fine.'

He shook his head slightly, thinking to himself.

Menma's words and actions just now were all an act, not to mention Menma who looks only 14 years old on the surface.

Even normal adults would find it difficult to possess such acting skills and composure.

Mianma's performance was already quite good.

Generally speaking.

It's enough to deceive almost everyone, because Menma's age is actually a better camouflage, making people more inclined to believe him without them even realizing it.

But Shikaku will obviously be an exception.

This guy is too smart.

So intelligent that even in the entire ninja world, Menma would find it difficult to find someone with an intelligence equal to his.

Even Tsuchikage, the strategist of Kumogakure who had served two generations of Raikage, was no match for him.

The title of "Ninja World's Number One Strategist" is no joke.

In terms of analyzing and grasping the situation and understanding human nature, Shikaku is unparalleled. Menma doesn't think that others can't see through her performance.

But Menma doesn't need Shikaku's complete trust.

As long as you can believe a part of it.

That's enough to serve as bait.

Because Menma knows those guys in Konoha Village too well, the role Menma is playing now is that of a true imposter.

As for the question of whether a certain alliance agreement would be reached, there is a concern about whether it would break the alliance.

First of all, the issues of alliances and credibility within the ninja world are a joke.

Second.

Just wait until your plan is ready.

Menma was confident that he could provoke Konoha to break the alliance first.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 385 Each Other's Expectations

Everything depends on how things unfold.

On this point.

Menma had a fairly clear understanding of the situation. Since it was already Konoha year 62, the countdown had begun. If he didn't act, Obito and Nagato should.

The next competition will be about who can outrun whom.

Negotiations with Shikaku will continue.

There's further inducement from Konohagakure. With information from Orochimaru and the subtle hints from Shikaku, it's 100% certain that Iwagakure has colluded with Konohagakure, which is entirely expected.

However, Menma certainly doesn't want to continue fighting with Konoha and Iwagakure right now, as this doesn't meet Menma's expectations.

Fortunately, it will take some time for Iwagakure to fully digest the benefits it gained from Kumogakure, and Iwagakure would never attack them alone.

As long as we can stabilize Konoha to some extent.

It doesn't take too long; six months to ten months is enough for me to be fully prepared.

Therefore, some necessary strategies should be implemented as soon as possible.

As for Naruto...

Menma would absolutely not allow them to meet. The filter only works at the beginning; it all crumbles later. What about those former comrades in Konoha?

It can only be said that we have different paths and cannot work together.

What they think and do is their business; Mianma won't indulge them.

Ultimately, we must prioritize our own actions.

Menma slightly bent his right index finger and gently tapped the table. Looking at the scenery of his own ninja village outside the window, his eyes became deep as he quietly considered his next arrangements.

And just as Menma himself had guessed.

When Shikaku left, he wasn't nearly as excited and happy as he had been in the office.

Although it did feel somewhat relaxing.

But more than anything, there are concerns about the future.

Menma's performance was already superb, but Shikaku, with his rich life experience and sharp insight, was even more impressive.

How could Shikaku not see through Menma's disguise?

But beneath this layer of disguise...

There was still a bit of genuine emotion revealed.

On this point, Shikaku was certain, and it was based on this that he had a certain degree of confidence, not to mention the topic of Naruto that he mentioned later, seemingly unintentionally.

Shikaku could be absolutely certain that Menma's expression at that moment was completely genuine.

Then, combined with the seemingly insignificant but still useful 'neighborhood information' that he had previously investigated, Shikaku was almost 99% certain that Naruto was still alive.

Verify this information.

That's the biggest reason why Shikaku volunteered to come to Hidden Light Village!

'Thankfully, Naruto is still alive. At least it's not the worst-case scenario...'

As Shikaku walked toward where his delegation was staying, he couldn't help but feel fortunate.

Shikaku and Minato have a pretty good relationship.

They had all fought side by side several times.

In the first year that Minato took office, Shikaku was Minato's most important right-hand man. It should be said that, both in public and private matters, Shikaku was the most steadfast supporter of Minato. Unfortunately, he died young in battle.

This is also based on this point.

Menma's defection.

Shikaku still felt a sense of guilt.

However, the Ino-Shika-Cho clan has always been the most steadfast pro-Hokage ninja clan. Whoever is the Hokage, they will obey his orders 100%. At that time, they could not and dared not disobey the Third Hokage's orders.

Unless Tsunade or Jiraiya takes the lead.

It's possible that Lu Jiucai could get involved.

But it's only a possibility.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio's positioning in Konohagakure has always been very clear and firm, and this is their way of survival, which cannot be easily changed.

Therefore, Shikaku felt a certain amount of guilt towards Minato.

The news that Naruto died at the hands of Menma has only reinforced this point, and it is now certain that Naruto is still alive.

Shikaku completely relaxed.

'In that case, there's still a little room for negotiation...'

When Shikaku returned to his hotel.

Kakashi, Inoichi, Might Guy, and the others were already waiting for Shikaku's return in his room.

"Shikaku, how are you?"

The moment I saw Shikaku return safely.

All three of them breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, that's a type of noodle.

If provoked, they are capable of ruthless acts at any time. Kakashi himself is the best proof of this. If nothing unexpected had happened, Kakashi would have already died at Menma's hands at the Valley of the End.

Shikaku still intended to engage in direct negotiations with Menma, but who knew what Menma's attitude would be?

"Well, let's just say we've accomplished the most basic objective."

Shikaku approached the three of them, sat down cross-legged, and spoke with a slightly relaxed expression.

Seeing Shikaku's appearance like this.

The three of them had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

Then.

"Just now....."

Shikaku then used relatively concise language to roughly describe his meeting with Menma, and the most important result.

In the process of listening.

Kakashi, Inoichi, and Guy's expressions changed several times depending on Shikaku's different descriptions. In particular, when they heard Shikaku speculate that Menma was deliberately putting on an act, their expressions became more solemn than ever before.

In their view, this should be the most dangerous signal, right?