"Hoh? To think Orochimaru-san would actually ask for my help? Well, I suppose I'll listen to what this is about."
A glint flashed in Menma's pupils. While contemplating silently, he looked straight at Orochimaru and asked.
"It isn't a difficult task. I simply hope that you, Menma-kun, can head to this location at a specific time to receive my subordinates."
As Orochimaru spoke, he signaled Kabuto Yakushi, who was standing to the side. Kabuto placed a simple map on the desk in front of them and lightly marked a specific point on it.
The moment he saw that geographical location—
A look of realization dawned on Menma's heart.
" The Land of Fire, near the Valley of the End... I just defected from the Leaf not long ago, and now you want me to sneak back into Fire Country territory? Isn't that a bit much, Orochimaru-san? The risk involved isn't exactly small, is it?"
Menma already understood clearly what Orochimaru needed him to do. Honestly speaking, the plot in this life had already changed significantly. Menma could no longer be certain if the upcoming events would unfold exactly as they did in the original story.
People and events unaffected by him naturally wouldn't change—like Tsunade returning to the village.
But for those he had already influenced, it was hard to say.
The so-called Butterfly Effect referred to exactly this kind of development.
While Menma mentally calculated the probability and risks of this event, he also began to haggle with Orochimaru.
Whether to do it was one thing.
What he could get out of it was another.
Just as Orochimaru valued Menma, in Menma's eyes, the current Orochimaru was like a mobile treasure vault—inexhaustible and endless.
In other aspects, things might be manageable.
But in terms of experiments and research, Orochimaru was currently the top existence in the ninja world. Menma absolutely could not do without Orochimaru's support in this field.
"Heh, Menma-kun is as cautious as ever. Rest assured, Menma-kun, I have made arrangements for that as well. There will be almost no Leaf defense troops on that side of the border. Furthermore, you don't need to go deep inside; you just need to wait there to receive them. If my subordinates fail, you won't be held responsible for the aftermath. How does that sound?"
Orochimaru looked at Menma with a deep, profound gaze.
"Hmm, if that's all it is, I don't have a major problem with it. However, I am quite interested in your compensation, Orochimaru-san."
Menma gave a light smile.
"The research results regarding your clan, as well as the research results on the First Hokage's body. How is that for compensation? Menma-kun."
Orochimaru's extremely妖异 (eerie/bewitching) snake-like eyes fixed tightly on Menma. The words he spoke caused Menma's gaze to focus sharply.
Immediately after, Menma laughed. "It seems Orochimaru-san knows exactly what I want. Then I won't say anymore. The deal is struck. I will arrive at the designated location at the time you requested to meet them. But, just as you said, Orochimaru-san, my responsibility ends there!"
Menma tapped his finger lightly on the location of the Valley of the End on the map.
This was the site of the final battle between Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha.
It was also the place where the "Battle of the Century" concluded in the original story.
He didn't know why.
But the moment Menma saw this location, he felt a mysterious force pushing him forward.
'Perhaps this is also the place where I should bring everything to a final conclusion.'
A look of deep profundity flowed through Menma's pupils.
With the negotiation concluded—
Orochimaru departed in a hurry.
Regarding the current physical condition of this member of the Sannin, Menma could grasp it to some extent. Even without referencing the original plot, at such a close distance, when Menma spread out his massive sensory perception, he could clearly detect the unique scent of decay coming from Orochimaru's arms.
That negative effect was spreading throughout his entire body.
Menma could foresee that this body of Orochimaru's had likely reached its limit.
In the original story, it seemed Orochimaru could briefly regain the use of his hands by switching bodies—his ability to use hand seals in later battles was the best proof of this. However, it was clearly a case of treating the symptoms rather than the root cause.
Switching bodies time and again would only aggravate the negative side effects.
Ultimately, only one path remained for Orochimaru.
This was also a development Menma wanted to see. Menma needed Orochimaru to solve the problems in this area ahead of time. This wasn't just because Menma lacked the time, but because Orochimaru was the true expert in this field.
Menma didn't need to worry about Orochimaru seeing through him, either.
Because this was a naked, overt conspiracy.
As long as Orochimaru couldn't find another way, this was the future he had to step into. He couldn't refuse it.
---
Following the conclusion of the talks that day, the entire Hidden Sound Village began a massive relocation project.
Naturally, the first to retreat were Orochimaru, Menma, and the others, along with the research data and experimental materials that Orochimaru valued highly.
Only after that did the personnel evacuation begin.
Currently, there wasn't much movement from the Hidden Leaf's side, but recently, Leaf ninjas had been frequently detected scouting various areas of the Land of Rice Fields. They had likely already locked onto the specific location and were just waiting for the final moment to strike.
If they didn't evacuate now, there really wouldn't be another chance.
Of course, they couldn't do it with great fanfare, as that would easily attract unwanted attention. Orochimaru still needed to leave a portion of his people behind as bait to attract the main gaze of the enemy.
However, without anyone interfering, the evacuation work proceeded very smoothly.
It was under these circumstances that the Sound Four, who had once guarded Orochimaru while he deployed the Four Violet Flames Formation in the Leaf, set out once again, heading toward the location of the Hidden Leaf Village.
This time, they were to infiltrate the Hidden Leaf again and bring back a person for their Lord Orochimaru.
The figure that Orochimaru was "dreaming of."
---
At the same time.
Hidden Leaf Village.
Inside the Uchiha Clan compound, within the area that had already been sealed off.
In the dead of night.
A silhouette flashed past.
That flowing black hair, the fan crest on the clothes, and that familiar, icy face.
This figure was none other than Sasuke Uchiha.
Following a familiar path, he cut across the grounds.
Hidden within the thick darkness of the night, in just a short moment, Sasuke arrived in front of a shrine.
This was once the most important place for the Uchiha Clan—where they worshipped their ancestors and where the clan members gathered for high-level meetings.
After Sasuke looked around to ensure he was alone—
He leaped forward.
He went directly to the stone slab at the innermost part of the shrine. Gently lifting the slab, a dark and deep passage was revealed.
Sasuke didn't hesitate in the slightest. He jumped down, heading straight for the deepest part of the chamber.