Over the next two to three days, Menma spent nearly all his time resting.
After experiencing such an intense and life-threatening battle, both his body and mind required proper adjustment. For the time being, all other matters were put aside including Orochimaru's affairs.
Menma was completely certain that Orochimaru would have no spare attention to give him during this period.
Orochimaru was an individual with overwhelming pride.
Losing the use of both arms was not merely an injury, it was a humiliation. It meant he could no longer perform many of the forbidden techniques and secret jutsu he took pride in, nor could he conduct the precise experiments that defined his life's work. For Orochimaru, this was the greatest possible blow, and resolving the problem of his arms would take absolute priority over everything else.
During these rare days of calm for Menma, news of the Konoha Crush began to fully ferment and spread throughout the shinobi world.
The joint invasion by Sunagakure and Otogakure had shaken every nation.
The death of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The death of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
The defeat of Sunagakure's military force.
The capture of the One-Tail Jinchūriki, Gaara.
Any one of these events alone would have been enough to shock the world.
Yet none of them compared to the impact of another piece of news
The defection of Uzumaki Menma, son of the Fourth Hokage and Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
This was a truth that could not be concealed.
Every major village maintained high-level spies within Konoha. Even without them, Sunagakure alone would inevitably leak the information. In less than three days, the entire shinobi world became aware of what could only be described as Konoha's greatest scandal.
The son of a Hokage had betrayed his village.
And not just any shinobi
But the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
At that moment, orders were issued almost simultaneously across the Five Great Nations. Elite operatives and trusted shinobi were dispatched to conduct widespread intelligence gathering throughout the shinobi world.
The Nine-Tails was the strongest of the tailed beasts.
Even though Konoha had never openly deployed the Nine-Tails during the previous Great Ninja Wars, the fact that Hashirama Senju had kept it within the Hidden Leaf when distributing the tailed beasts was proof enough of its overwhelming power.
And the Nine-Tails' rampage twelve years ago had nearly destroyed Konoha.
That catastrophe was remembered clearly by every nation.
As a result, the defected Uzumaki Menma instantly became the most coveted target in the shinobi world.
Among them, Iwagakure and Kumogakure reacted most aggressively. Both villages strengthened their border defenses near the Land of Fire, clearly preparing for the possibility of conflict. If Konoha revealed even the slightest weakness, it was certain that these two villages would not miss such a golden opportunity.
The shadow of another Great Ninja War loomed faintly on the horizon.
Konoha, naturally, sensed this change.
Under the joint orders of the two elders, Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, the Hidden Leaf entered Level-One Combat Readiness. Patrols increased, intelligence units worked without rest, and the atmosphere within the village became tense and oppressive.
Following the funerals of the Third Hokage and the fallen shinobi, Jiraiya departed immediately.
His destination was clear.
Konoha desperately needed a new Hokage—
A leader with both strength and resolve.
Far to the south, in a remote and insignificant country.
Deep underground.
Inside a dimly lit laboratory.
"What did you say?"
A low, astonished voice echoed faintly.
"Orochimaru killed Sarutobi Hiruzen… assassinated Rasa… and abducted the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?"
Slow footsteps approached.
Under the weak glow of an oil lamp, a familiar figure emerged, clad in a black cloak adorned with red clouds, wearing an orange spiral mask with a single eyehole. Within that opening, a three-tomoe Sharingan slowly turned.
Uchiha Obito.
Standing before him was a dark, inhuman presence its body divided between black and white, its mouth shaped like a jagged saw.
Black Zetsu.
"This information is confirmed," Black Zetsu said hoarsely. "The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki—Uzumaki Menma is fully aware of his identity. Should we act ahead of schedule? This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seize the Nine-Tails."
Obito was silent for a moment.
Then he laughed softly.
"Interesting… truly interesting."
"So Orochimaru managed to lure away Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki," Obito said with faint amusement. "Uzumaki Menma defecting from Konoha… what delightful news."
He chuckled quietly.
"I wonder what expression my dear teacher would make if he learned of this."
After a brief pause, Obito shook his head.
"But we don't need to rush."
"Neither we nor Nagato are fully prepared yet," he continued calmly. "The order of capturing the tailed beasts must be maintained. More importantly, the entire shinobi world is currently focused on Uzumaki Menma. If we act recklessly now, we'll attract unnecessary attention."
"That would interfere with the Eye of the Moon Plan."
"It's not worth it."
"The Nine-Tails will inevitably fall into our hands in the end," Obito said indifferently. "There's no need to worry."
Instead, he smiled beneath his mask.
"This situation can be used to further intensify conflict between the nations. If another great war breaks out… that would be far more beneficial for us."
Obito paused briefly before continuing.
"The Five Great Nations are the greatest obstacles to our plan. Even with absolute confidence, caution is still necessary."
Everything
Had to revolve around the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Black Zetsu nodded slowly.
"Still, intelligence gathering is essential," he added. "Especially regarding Orochimaru and Konoha. We must stay informed at all times."
Obito turned his gaze toward Black Zetsu.
"Then contact Nagato," he said flatly.
"I understand," Black Zetsu replied.
With that, Black Zetsu sank into the ground and disappeared.
Obito turned his head northward.
"Konoha… Orochimaru… Uzumaki Menma…"
A cold glint flashed within his Sharingan.
"This is getting more and more interesting."