In the original story, following the "Konoha Crush," the Sound Ninja gradually faded from the scene. There was a high probability that Orochimaru broke them up into smaller groups and distributed them among his various other hideouts. Even if a large portion of the Sound Ninja were merely cannon fodder, cannon fodder still had its uses. Even if it was just for gathering intelligence, Orochimaru wouldn't easily discard these subordinates.
After all, say what you will, the subordinates Orochimaru cultivated were incredibly loyal, one after another. Even knowing they might die for Orochimaru, they were willing. This was evident in the original story through characters like Guren, Kimimaro, and the Sound Four.
Orochimaru certainly possessed his own personal charisma.
However, none of this mattered to the current Menma.
His relationship with Orochimaru was strictly transactional.
As long as Orochimaru could satisfy his needs, whatever else happened was Orochimaru's own business.
"It is a bit crude here; please do not mind it, Menma-kun. Lord Orochimaru needs some time to recuperate, so please rest here for a few days. If you need anything, you can order me at any time. If I am not around, the Sound Ninja outside will also obey your commands."
Upon arriving at the Hidden Sound Village, Orochimaru had immediately retreated into his most important laboratory. He needed to research how to deal with his arms. Naturally, Menma's reception was temporarily left to Kabuto. However, this was just a transition phase. As Orochimaru's most vital assistant, Kabuto was indispensable if Orochimaru wanted to solve the problem with his arms.
Although, Menma knew very well...
No matter how much Orochimaru struggled, it was meaningless at this stage.
"Heh, that is naturally not a problem. After all, Orochimaru is injured; I understand. However, shouldn't my person be brought here now? Kabuto-san?"
Menma looked calm and spoke methodically.
Since he had chosen to come to Orochimaru, Menma had certain psychological expectations. He was fully prepared for the likelihood of a long-term battle of wits with Orochimaru in the future. Orochimaru was no ordinary person.
He was a mad scientist in the truest sense of the word.
However, even so, Menma felt that in this crazy world of Naruto, Orochimaru was actually one of the few people with whom one could have a rational conversation. Others were somewhat unreasonable to varying degrees.
This included the people of the Hidden Leaf, brainwashed by the so-called "Will of Fire."
This was also why Menma had decided to leave Konoha. After all, he didn't want to be assimilated by those people one day.
What he wanted was to completely shatter those shackles.
"That is a given. Please rest assured, Menma-kun. Karin has not suffered any grievances while with us. I will send someone to bring her here immediately. Is there anything else you require, Menma-kun?"
Kabuto looked at Menma with a face full of smiles.
"No, go do what you need to do. Orochimaru-san probably needs you more right now."
Menma waved his hand dismissively.
"Ah, then I shall take my leave. Please get some rest, Menma-kun."
After bowing slightly, Kabuto turned and left the room. Listening to the fading footsteps...
A thoughtful look appeared in Menma's eyes.
'The Reaper Death Seal, is it? That truly is a mysterious jutsu. The Shinigami, and that so-called Jashin... if possible, I really want to study them properly. They might represent the true essential power of this world.'
After all, judging from the original lore, long before the Rabbit Goddess arrived on this planet, there was already a power system unique to this world. Leaving aside special dimensions like Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest, human history included special existences like Onmyoji (Yin-Yang Masters). Unlike the samurai of that era who relied solely on physical strength, Onmyoji could use special powers similar to the chakra used by modern ninja.
Then there were eerie existences like the Shinigami and Jashin.
The uniqueness of this planet far exceeded basic expectations.
'If possible, I definitely need to visit the Three Great Sage Regions. That is where the secrets from a thousand years ago are held.'
Menma let out a long breath of stale air.
Tap, tap, tap, tap.
Not long after.
The crisp sound of footsteps with a different cadence came from outside the door.
There was no need to open the door.
The moment the person approached...
Menma detected that familiar aura.
Likewise, the person outside could easily sense Menma's chakra.
A second later...
A figure with red hair filled his vision.
"I'm sorry, Karin. I'm late," Menma said with a gentle smile, looking at the girl.
Karin, unable to suppress her excitement, threw herself at Menma. She grabbed his clothes tightly, looked up at him with her crimson eyes, and shook her head gently. "No... you aren't late, Menma-kun."
Her voice was trembling visibly.
It was enough to prove the turbulent emotions in Karin's heart.
After all, she was still just a twelve-year-old girl, alone in a completely strange place.
Over the past month, beneath her seemingly calm exterior, her heart had been filled with fear and worry. Sometimes she worried that Menma was lying to her and had abandoned her; other times, she worried that something had happened to him.
Because after arriving here...
Relying on her own observations, Karin had gradually realized what kind of person Orochimaru was.
Making a deal with such a person... it was hard for Karin not to worry about Menma.
But now, seeing Menma and feeling his familiar chakra, all her worries vanished.
Even though Karin and Menma had only known each other for a short time...
For Karin, the moment she made that choice, she had bet everything on him.
Subconsciously, Menma wrapped his arm around Karin's waist, his other hand gently stroking her small head. He spoke warmly, "It's alright. I'm here, so everything is fine. You don't have to worry about anything anymore."
"Mhm!"
Karin snuggled tightly into Menma's embrace, as if she could feel endless peace and security there.
The room fell silent. The Sound Ninja who had brought Karin had long since departed. In the large room, at such a close distance, Karin and Menma could hear each other's heartbeats and breathing.
As she gradually calmed down, Karin finally realized how unreserved she was being. A blush instantly spread across her cheeks.