It was only after Shibuki's figure gradually faded into the distance...
That Menma retracted the smile at the corner of his mouth and looked at Mizuno Satoru with a touch of emotion, saying with a hint of helplessness, "I thought my disguise was pretty good. I don't know where I slipped up to let you see through it, Elder Satoru?"
"No, Accelerator-kun didn't slip up anywhere. It's merely an old man's intuition before death. I just felt that Accelerator-kun didn't seem like 'Accelerator-kun,' as if he were someone younger. And because of that, this old man's mind wandered to other things. Heh, people tend to overthink when they get old. To be honest, this old man wasn't 100% certain either. Actually, Accelerator-kun could have continued playing the role. Why bother exposing yourself?"
Mizuno Satoru looked at Menma with a smile, as if they were old friends reuniting after many years.
It was just as Mizuno Satoru said: often, lies aren't completely exposed from the start. Just a single slip-up can lead to a chain reaction.
Not to mention that Mizuno Satoru was an old man with incredibly rich life experience.
"Heh, since I've already been seen through, why bother pretending? Besides, I believe Elder Satoru would have made the same judgment regardless, wouldn't you?"
Menma naturally didn't believe in this so-called intuition.
He must have slipped up somewhere for the old man to see through his "fake identity."
But that wasn't important anymore.
From the moment Mizuno Satoru didn't expose him in front of Shibuki, everything was already set in stone.
Furthermore, as said before...
This was a dying man.
Menma didn't need to worry too much. Shibuki wasn't this Elder Satoru.
"Release!"
Menma immediately dispelled his Transformation Jutsu.
Returning to his teenage appearance.
As that shock of red hair came into Mizuno Satoru's view...
"You are!?"
Although he was prepared, at this moment, Mizuno Satoru still widened his eyes. After all, in the current ninja world, Menma was quite famous.
The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
The son of the Fourth Hokage.
And someone who had defected from the Hidden Leaf Village.
As one of the high-ranking officials of the Hidden Waterfall Village, how could Mizuno Satoru not recognize him?
"Please forgive this junior for using such a method, Elder Satoru. After all, you should also be aware of my current situation, and you should understand why I had to do this."
Menma looked at Mizuno Satoru with a peaceful expression.
"So that's how it is? You truly are outstanding, A... no, Menma-kun..."
A look of immense shock appeared on Mizuno Satoru's face. He had guessed countless identities for Menma, but he really hadn't expected that the "young man" in front of him would be a boy of only 12 years old.
"If Shibuki had even half of your intelligence, agility, and boldness, Accelerator-kun, this old man wouldn't need to worry about anything."
Mizuno Satoru looked at Menma with a complicated expression, then shook his head, speaking with a tone full of emotion.
People really couldn't be compared.
It was truly because there was no other candidate, and Shibuki's status was a bit special; otherwise, Shibuki really wasn't suited to be the leader of a ninja village.
Or perhaps for a smaller ninja village, like the Hidden Star or Hidden Hot Water, Shibuki might be okay. But for the Hidden Waterfall, which was considered a Tier-2 existence in the ninja world and possessed a Tailed Beast, Shibuki's character was truly insufficient.
"Heh, Lord Shibuki has a pure and good nature, which easily earns the recognition and respect of many people. Elder Satoru doesn't need to worry too much."
Menma said with a light smile.
This wasn't entirely empty flattery.
A leader's charisma depends on many aspects. Although Shibuki was indeed far from being an excellent leader...
With a personality like Shibuki's...
In a peaceful era, in a harmonious ninja village, he could still lead effectively. People still liked this kind of gentle leader—provided, of course, that there were no external threats.
Otherwise, human instinct would still drive them to follow someone stronger who could protect them. This was the nature hidden deep within every human heart.
"Can Menma-kun preserve that child's life? Can you allow the Hidden Waterfall Village to continue to exist?"
The sudden shift in tone.
The words spoken by Mizuno Satoru.
Caused Menma to be stunned involuntarily.
But only for a second, before Menma reacted: "I think you misunderstand, Elder Satoru. I do have designs on the Hidden Waterfall Village, but they are absolutely not what you fear. I am not here for destruction; I am here for the future, Elder Satoru."
Heaven and Earth as my witness.
Menma truly had no intention of killing Shibuki, let alone destroying the Hidden Waterfall Village. This was his preferred "primary base candidate," after all. Not to mention, if he wanted to infiltrate and eventually achieve total control over the Hidden Waterfall in the future, he would need Shibuki's cooperation.
Just like in the ancient times of the country Menma lived in during his previous life, when a powerful minister forced an emperor to abdicate, it was best to ensure that the emperor could enjoy his old age in peace.
That was the way of a smart person.
If he really killed him off, the resulting backlash would be infinite, unless he was truly strong enough to ignore all problems.
But firstly, Menma currently lacked such power. Secondly, Menma wasn't that ruthless of a person, nor did he feel the need to do so.
Wasn't a peaceful transition better?
Upon hearing Menma's words...
The heart that had been suspended in Mizuno Satoru's chest finally relaxed.
Mizuno Satoru believed he still had some judgment of character, just as he had previously judged that Suien was completely unfit.
As his eyes met Menma's, Mizuno Satoru could see the sincerity flowing in Menma's pupils.
Of course, this could also be a disguise. But if that were truly the case, Mizuno Satoru could only accept his fate. Did he have any other choice?
The answer was no.
He could only choose to trust Menma.
And choose to trust his own intuition.
"Then I entrust the Hidden Waterfall Village to you, Menma-kun."
Mizuno Satoru bowed slightly, speaking with a very solemn tone.
Menma also looked solemn, bowing formally in return.
"Please rest assured, Elder Satoru. From now on, the Hidden Waterfall Village will also be my ninja village."
Menma replied with conviction.
Make it bigger and stronger.
This was Menma's expectation for the Hidden Waterfall Village, and it was also his plan.
So Menma had absolutely no intention of deceiving Mizuno Satoru. If the Hidden Waterfall Village didn't become stronger, his plan would be difficult to implement. Even if only for his own sake, he would rack his brains for the development of the Hidden Waterfall Village.
Therefore, there was only the question of whether Menma could do it, not whether Menma would do it, or whether he was deceiving Mizuno Satoru.
This was a fundamental difference.
"Then, Elder Satoru, please rest well for now. I'll go with Lord Shibuki to deal with those pests led by Suien."
After bowing again...
Menma flickered, leaving the spot directly.
And just after Menma left...
Mizuno Satoru's gaze became visibly somewhat unfocused. He could feel his life force draining away rapidly.
In this moment, even moving a finger seemed incredibly difficult.
No, I can't die yet. I can't die yet. I must hold on a little longer. Please, let me hold on a little longer...
Mizuno Satoru slowly closed his eyes, his face seemingly becoming even more withered in that instant.
A faint aura of death seemed to wrap around his entire body.
The Elder's aura clearly became much weaker.
It was as if he had completely reached the end of his life.