As for anything else, was it important?
Perhaps it was.
But compared to the events right in front of them, it didn't seem so important anymore.
"Could you please tell us the intelligence you have, Accelerator-kun? After all, the current situation doesn't seem very secure," Mizuno Satoru said, coughing a few times to steady his breathing. He looked at Menma with a serious expression; ultimately, he didn't know Menma very well.
Just how strong these so-called Twelve Guardian Ninja under the Fire Daimyo were, and how many ninja they could dispatch, remained unknown variables.
But regarding Suien...
Mizuno Satoru estimated that there were at least dozens, perhaps even a hundred people in the village willing to follow him, provided Suien could successfully seize the position of village leader.
Plus, Menma had just mentioned the issue with the Rain Ninja.
Mizuno Satoru believed the young man before him was definitely not a reckless person and should have made corresponding arrangements.
"That's certainly not a problem," Menma nodded nonchalantly. Immediately after, he concisely explained all the intelligence he knew regarding Suien's movements.
Mizuno Satoru remained calm throughout the explanation. He had guessed some of it, while other parts were unexpected, but overall, it didn't exceed his imagination. Shibuki's expression, however, changed repeatedly during Menma's narration, fluctuating between pale and flushed.
He truly hadn't expected Suien to prepare so thoroughly. If no accidents were to occur...
The ending left for him would be either death in battle or fleeing in disgrace.
And neither option was acceptable to Shibuki.
Because of this, the gaze he directed toward Menma held a vaguely complicated look.
He didn't know if he should be grateful for this person's warning and assistance. After all, Menma had clearly been in contact with Suien for a long time.
If he had just told him a little earlier...
The situation wouldn't have reached this point.
However, thinking was one thing.
Shibuki would not say it out loud. Even if he didn't possess Mizuno Satoru's grasp of the big picture, he clearly knew that the more critical the moment, the more he needed to remain stable.
Ultimately, this person was here to help him.
Regardless of the intent.
The actual choices and actions were what mattered most.
"Therefore, Elder Satoru and Lord Shibuki don't need to worry about most of the safety issues. Including Fu—Suien intends to deal with her last. For now, she has only been lured away. As long as we can deal with Suien head-on, all problems will cease to be problems," Menma said with a chuckle, wearing an expression of inevitable victory.
It was as if Suien, the other Waterfall ninja he brought, and the considerable number of Rain ninja troops were nothing more than clay chickens and pottery dogs—easily defeated with a flip of his hand.
In that moment, a look of suspicion couldn't help but surface in Shibuki's pupils. After all, Shibuki wasn't Mizuno Satoru; he lacked experience, and his personal strength wasn't particularly outstanding. He really couldn't tell just how strong Menma was.
The fact that Menma could infiltrate earlier had indeed startled Shibuki, but he felt it was simply due to Menma's strong stealth and infiltration abilities.
This wasn't a rare occurrence in the ninja world.
"It seems Accelerator-kun came well-prepared. Then, may this old man ask, what does Accelerator-kun wish to obtain from our Hidden Waterfall Village?"
Before Shibuki could say anything, Mizuno Satoru spoke first. His slightly cloudy eyes stared intently at Menma as he spoke slowly and calmly.
For some reason...
Even though it sounded perfectly normal...
In that moment, a strange feeling surfaced in Menma's heart. He shook his head lightly, dismissing the thought, and replied with a smile, "No, Elder Satoru misunderstands. We merely wish to gain your village's friendship. Just as we said when we first arrived, there are still things we need your village's strength for. We simply hope your village can provide some conveniences, that's all."
Ultimately, the person he was facing was different.
And most importantly, under such close-range perception, Menma could clearly judge that this Elder Satoru had reached the end of his life. Menma didn't need to reveal too much valid information.
As easy as Shibuki was to fool...
That was how difficult this Elder Satoru was to deal with.
In front of such a cunning old fox, saying too much leads to mistakes!
"Is that so? Then naturally, there is no problem. This old man can make a promise on behalf of the Hidden Waterfall Village: from now on, Accelerator-kun is our Hidden Waterfall's most honored friend. As long as Accelerator-kun has a need, and it does not involve our village's core issues, the Hidden Waterfall will do its utmost to help Accelerator-kun."
Mizuno Satoru took a deep look at Menma, speaking each word deliberately.
This caused a very faint trace of doubt to flicker deep within Menma's pupils.
He couldn't shake the feeling that there was a hidden meaning behind the old man's words.
"Shibuki."
Mizuno Satoru ignored Menma.
Instead, he turned his head to look at Shibuki.
This attitude was clearly displayed.
After taking a deep breath, Shibuki nodded heavily and said, "Grandpa Satoru's attitude is my attitude. Accelerator-san, from now on, as long as your country has a need, and as long as it does not harm our Hidden Waterfall Village, I will obey the orders of the Daimyo."
And it was only upon hearing these words from Shibuki...
That a flash of insight struck Menma's brain.
Could it be!?
His pupils contracted abruptly.
The gaze he directed toward Mizuno Satoru also revealed a barely perceptible tremor.
At the moment Mizuno Satoru met Menma's gaze...
A faint gleam also swirled within those cloudy pupils.
"Shibuki, follow Accelerator-san's intelligence and prioritize retrieving the Hero Water. Your other arrangements must be meticulous as well. Remember to call Moritsuyoshi and Daiko to see me. Don't give Suien any opportunities to exploit," Mizuno Satoru said, looking at Shibuki with a warning expression.
"Yes, I understand, Grandpa Satoru. I'll go do it immediately."
Shibuki didn't hesitate.
After nodding heavily...
Just as he was about to leave...
Seeing Menma's figure...
He suddenly revealed a look of hesitation again.
"But Grandpa Satoru, you..."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine here. Isn't Furuki nearby? besides, I still have some words I want to discuss with Accelerator-kun. You go on ahead."
Mizuno Satoru could clearly see through Shibuki's worries, but in his view, it was completely unnecessary. So he waved his hand and spoke with the utmost firmness.
Hearing this...
Shibuki hesitated no longer. After all, every second counted right now. He immediately strode out, leaving with large steps.