"Does this count as an unexpected pleasant surprise?"
Aoi Rokusho's death didn't bring any fluctuations to Menma's heart. It was only when looking at the Sword of the Thunder God in his hand that a faint smile appeared in the corner of his eyes.
Although he knew very well that this long sword couldn't be considered a true "divine artifact" and was far from being as miraculous as the general public in the ninja world rumored it to be...
Fundamentally, it was a chakra weapon. It was just that both the craftsmanship and the materials used were top-tier standards in the ninja world, crafted by the most elite artisans of the past. It belonged to the most luxurious tier of chakra weapons.
From the perspective of an ordinary ninja, it could indeed be called a "divine artifact."
Considering that Tobirama Senju once used this weapon as his personal sword, at least in Kage-level or even Super Kage-level battles, this chakra weapon could keep up with the intensity.
Anyway, for now...
Menma was quite satisfied with this weapon.
Gently wiping the blood from the blade, he flicked his right hand, grabbed Aoi's scabbard, and sheathed the sword. Menma patted the scabbard with satisfaction.
At the same time Menma easily killed Aoi...
On the other side.
Suigetsu also effortlessly killed the two extra Rain ninja.
Although Suigetsu in this period was far from being as strong as he was when he debuted in the original story, relying on the Hozuki clan's Kekkei Genkai...
Suigetsu's personal strength was solidly approaching the Jonin level. Killing a few ordinary Chunin or Genin was effortless for him.
"Lord Menma."
Immediately after, he leaped, arriving close to Menma, and bowed slightly.
"How is it? The situation on that side?" Menma asked in an indifferent tone.
"Yes, Lord Menma. The incoming Rain ninja have been almost completely purged..."
Suigetsu lowered his head slightly, reporting softly with a respectful expression.
In Suien's plan...
He intended to use false intelligence to lure away the majority of Shibuki's direct forces. Among these people, there was a significant portion—like Jun—whom Suien had to eliminate. Other Waterfall ninja might survive, but those who had been confidants since the previous leader's time... Suien wanted to clear them out, every single one.
And this job was entrusted to the Rain ninja led by Aoi.
Originally, the task assigned to Menma was to appear at the last moment and purge Aoi and the others. No matter what, the "great new Leader of the Hidden Waterfall" couldn't have the stain of colluding with enemies from outside villages. Even if everyone knew the truth, as long as it was handled cleanly in name, that was enough.
Menma, however, did the opposite, using Suien's arrangement against him.
He had Suigetsu, Tayuya, Karin, and the other subordinates of Orochimaru who came along ambush Aoi and his group.
Since they were already engaged in a fight with Jun and the others first, and were somewhat dispersed later... even though Suigetsu, Tayuya, and the others were numerically disadvantaged...
They could still easily ambush and execute these Rain ninja.
It was just that there were really too many of them.
Aoi had decisively chosen to retreat directly, which was how he managed to break out. However, given that he was already injured, and with Suigetsu pursuing him, it was at most a matter of time. There was a high probability that Suigetsu would still have been able to kill this so-called Hidden Rain Jonin.
At most, the other two small fry might have escaped.
As the leader, Aoi was absolutely not going to leave alive.
This was also the order Menma had issued initially.
Before departure, Orochimaru had specifically instructed that Menma's orders must not be disobeyed. Suigetsu, Tayuya, and the others naturally took this to heart infinitely, obeying Menma's instructions 100%.
"Very good. Then let's rendezvous first, to save any misunderstandings from happening. That wouldn't be good."
Menma smiled and nodded.
"Yes!"
Immediately after.
Whoosh
Whoosh
Menma and Suigetsu both leaped...
Heading toward the location of the initial battle.
Menma's worry was truly not without reason.
Although the arrival of Suigetsu, Tayuya, and the others had helped Jun's group, and their target was indeed to kill the Rain ninja comprehensively... in the heat of battle, nothing was said, but after the battle ended, Jun and his group clearly looked at Tayuya and the others not far away with wariness.
After all, the strength displayed by Tayuya and the others just now was truly formidable.
Even Jun wasn't sure he could defeat Tayuya.
Who on earth are these people? None of them are wearing forehead protectors?
Jun looked at Tayuya and the others opposite him with a scrutinizing gaze, frowning slightly as he thought to himself.
The Sound Ninja had ultimately become a thing of the past.
With the ninja village itself no longer existing, and Orochimaru having no intention of rebuilding it, the Hidden Sound Village had directly exited the stage of history.
Therefore, none of Tayuya, Karin, and the others wore forehead protectors. Coupled with the fact that they currently had no fame in the ninja world...
It would be strange if Jun recognized them.
Before figuring out the identity and intentions of Tayuya and the others, Jun and the Waterfall ninja he led naturally had to maintain the highest degree of vigilance.
"Jun-san, should we...?"
On the left, a young man with black hair and gray eyes stepped closer. While looking at Tayuya warily, he asked in a very grave tone.
"Wait a moment. It's still unclear if they are friends or foes. Don't act rashly. I'll go ask first."
Jun shook his head. Although he said "unclear if friends or foes," they had come to assist the moment they appeared. From the looks of it, they were reinforcements. Attacking indiscriminately would be absolutely the wrong move; they still needed to be cautious here.
Just as Jun took a step forward...
Whoosh
Whoosh
From the east...
The figures of Menma and Suigetsu flashed into view.
"Is this...?"
Seeing the appearance Menma was disguised in, Jun's gaze hardened slightly as well.
"Heh, Jun-san, please don't be so tense. We came at the invitation of Leader Shibuki to help your village execute the rogue ninja Suien."
Leaping to a close position, Menma looked at Jun opposite him with a faint smile and spoke.
"So it's Accelerator-san. Is that so? Then I truly thank your side for the assistance this time."
The moment he saw Menma...
Although it couldn't be said that he was completely reassured...
The heart suspended in Jun's chest relaxed significantly.
This was a "familiar face," after all.
And judging from his previous contact with his own Leader, there probably shouldn't be any problems.
"No, no, no. This is what I should do."
Menma spoke with a double meaning.
After all, they would truly count as "family" next. Cleaning up the village's rogue ninja was indeed an obligation Menma should fulfill.
"Then, shall we return to the village together? Accelerator-san?"
"Ah, no problem!"
Menma nodded and replied without any hesitation.