Very straightforward words, containing logic that was easy to distinguish.
It wasn't that Shibuki couldn't think of this before, but rather that he had deceived himself for a moment. After Menma pointed it out, Shibuki fell silent accordingly.
Indeed.
Just as Menma said.
He was the biggest risk, the biggest ticking time bomb. The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—this was an existence absolutely sufficient to attract the gaze of the entire world. Once Menma's identity was exposed, the Hidden Waterfall Village would immediately be pushed into the eye of the storm. At that time, what difference would one more Utakata or one less Utakata make?
Anyway, the Hidden Mist Village was still so far away from their Hidden Waterfall Village. No matter where they came from, they had to pass through the Land of Fire. It was basically impossible for large troops of Mist ninja to come. In the end, they would still face pressure from the surrounding nations.
There was absolutely no difference.
Thinking of this...
Shibuki felt relieved accordingly. He nodded gently and said, "You're right, Menma-kun. We have no way of retreat anymore; we can only move forward. Although it might be a bit late, or even strange, to say this now, Menma-kun, I still have to ask: can I truly trust you? That kind of trust at all costs!"
With an unprecedentedly serious expression, Shibuki stared straight at Menma, asking word by word.
In that moment, it seemed as if all of Shibuki's mind was poured into it. His hands hanging by his sides clenched slightly.
"Of course, Shibuki-san. The Hidden Waterfall Village is also my ninja village. I need the Hidden Waterfall Village, and the Hidden Waterfall Village definitely needs me. I won't let you, or the late Elder Satoru, regret this. This is my promise!"
Menma looked back at Shibuki and said decisively.
"Mhm, I understand. Then I'll count on you, Menma-kun."
After taking a deep look at Menma before him, Shibuki also nodded slowly.
He wasn't sure if his decision was correct.
But he and the Hidden Waterfall Village truly had no way of retreat anymore. Unless he was willing to self-destruct now and go directly to the Hidden Leaf Village to backstab Menma. But leaving aside whether that would succeed, even if it did, their Hidden Waterfall Village not only wouldn't gain any benefits but would also risk bearing Menma's wrath.
How strong was the Nine-Tails under full eruption?
Shibuki didn't know. The only thing he was sure of was that it was absolutely a terrifying existence the Hidden Waterfall Village couldn't withstand.
Since they were already on the pirate ship, they could only walk down the path until it got dark.
Moreover, this path might not necessarily be a dead end.
It might also be a broad road to success!
"Yes, just rest assured, Shibuki-san!"
Menma nodded heavily as well.
Immediately after.
After discussing some issues regarding the Barrier Squad and the Defense Squad with Shibuki, Menma left this spacious administration hall.
Shibuki watched Menma's retreating figure, a faint look of worry flowing in his pupils. But in just an instant, it was replaced by a look of determination.
Grandpa Satoru, please protect us, protect the Hidden Waterfall Village!!!
Destruction or prosperity.
These were the only two possibilities left for the Hidden Waterfall Village's future!
Unlike Shibuki's mentality of worrying about gains and losses...
Menma's heart had never wavered. This was the path he chose himself; there was nothing to regret or hesitate about.
If he were prone to wavering...
He wouldn't have chosen to defect back then.
Wouldn't staying in the Hidden Leaf Village be nicer?
The reason, fundamentally, was that he wanted to walk a truly brand-new path.
And he felt he had to be worthy of himself.
This was Menma's resolve.
After leaving the administration hall, Menma returned directly to the area where he lived. There, six figures were already waiting inside. Besides Karin and Suigetsu, there were four Waterfall ninja—three men and one woman, all young people under the age of 20.
These four were the ones who performed best during the training over the past two months or so under Menma, and possessed the strongest chakra auras within Menma's sensory range.
Although currently, by the standards of the Five Great Ninja Villages, they could barely count as Chunin, Menma believed that with proper training, these four might not be unable to grow into Jonin. Of course, it also depended on their own efforts.
Anyway, Menma didn't lack training methods at all, especially on the level of jutsu. At worst, there was still Orochimaru to provide a safety net.
Therefore, Menma decisively selected these four from that group of Waterfall ninja for focused training. These were his first batch of cornerstone subordinates in the Hidden Waterfall Village.
"I need to leave the village for a trip recently. Affairs of the Barrier Squad will be temporarily handled by Suigetsu. If you four have any problems, report to Suigetsu immediately. The operation of the barrier remains as previously set. If there are other needs, go directly to find Jun-san to coordinate. Understood?"
Menma stood at the head position, looking at Suigetsu and the others with a very serious expression.
"Yes, Lord Accelerator, we obey your orders!"
Including Suigetsu, the group bowed immediately in response.
"Mhm, very good."
Menma nodded with satisfaction.
After explaining some details...
He waved his hand directly, letting Suigetsu and the others leave.
"Karin, during the few days I'm away, please keep a close eye on Suigetsu. This guy is still in an unstable stage and needs more attention. If necessary, you can report to Shibuki-san. My departure this time is also a good test for him."
Watching Suigetsu's retreating figure...
Until that chakra aura completely faded into the distance...
Menma turned to look at Karin on the left and said.
Leaving the ninja village this time, he was very likely to encounter strong enemies. Karin and Suigetsu, whose strength was still weak, were not suitable to bring along. Especially Karin—she was indeed top-tier in medical and sensory aspects, but her actual combat power was... let's just say those who know, know. As for Suigetsu, he indeed had strength approaching Jonin level.
But compared to the enemies they would face, it wasn't enough.
Taking them along would purely be dragging him down.
Better save it.
"Mhm, no problem. Rest assured on this aspect, Menma!"
Karin nodded heavily in response.
"But are you leaving now? Not making more preparations?"
After a slight pause, Karin continued.
"Heh, of course not that fast. Still waiting for exact intelligence from Orochimaru-san. Besides, before going out, I need to go see a person—or more accurately, a beast."
Menma chuckled lightly.
"Ah? A person? A beast?"
A look of confusion appeared on Karin's small face, and she asked back subconsciously.
However, Menma had no intention of explaining.
Instead, his gaze turned toward the distant south, his eyes becoming incredibly profound in that moment.