This was clearly a situation that could only be suppressed, not resolved.
Under such an abnormal balance, the ninja world maintained a fragile semblance of "peace." For the small and medium-sized ninja villages those with access to intelligence networks this outcome was a rare relief.
Once war erupted between major shinobi powers, these smaller villages had never benefited from it.
They were trampled.
Dragged into conflicts they did not create.
Forced to choose sides they did not understand.
Even deciding which side to support could be a fatal gamble.
Now that the situation had stabilized, these villages were the most relieved of all.
Yet it was precisely because a Fourth Great Ninja War had not broken out that another reality became unavoidable.
The focus of the entire ninja world tightened around Uzumaki Menma.
Konohagakure had lost its greatest deterrent.
How could a living Nine-Tails Jinchūriki simply be allowed to disappear?
As a result, surveillance and pursuit intensified across the continent.
From the Land of Fire to the Land of Rice Fields, and into every surrounding border region, shinobi investigators from multiple villages were deployed. Among them were elite jōnin, tracking experts, and sensory-type ninja.
In Kumogakure, the Fourth Raikage, A, personally ordered action.
He dispatched his most trusted subordinate Darui to lead an elite team in the search.
In the Raikage's eyes, Menma was still just a twelve-year-old boy.
Yes, he wielded the chakra of the Nine-Tails.
But how much of it could he truly control?
Darui, already regarded as one of Kumogakure's strongest shinobi, supported by the village's finest operatives, was more than sufficient.
If Menma's location could be confirmed, capture was inevitable.
And if necessary
A himself would act.
The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was a prize the Raikage was determined to claim.
For now, however, the turbulence of the outside world had little effect on Menma.
After resolving the matter of the summoned beast and completing the preliminary trial at Takigakure, Menma returned directly to Otogakure with Karin.
The excursion had taken only two or three days.
By the time Menma returned, Orochimaru had likely just arrived near Tanzaku Town in the Land of Fire, seeking Tsunade.
Menma did not ask further questions.
Instead, he resumed the rhythm of experimentation he had maintained before leaving.
If he could achieve even a minor breakthrough in physical experimentation or more accurately, if he could completely digest and understand the experimental data Orochimaru had already provided then he could proceed to the next stage.
Using himself as the subject.
To refine his body.
To awaken its latent potential.
Menma did not yet know the true limits of the Uzumaki bloodline.
But as long as there was possibility, he would pursue it relentlessly.
This was his ultimate objective.
Still, the most immediate priorities were clear.
His physical foundation.
His mental state.
These issues had to be addressed methodically.
Urgency was necessary but recklessness was forbidden.
Strength could only be built step by step.
And just as Menma settled back into his experimental routine, the final preparations for Otogakure's relocation began.
This had been Orochimaru's explicit order before departing.
Now that Otogakure's existence had been exposed, remaining openly in the Land of Rice Fields was no longer viable. The region lay too close to the Land of Fire.
Once Konohagakure freed its hands, an assault on Otogakure would be inevitable.
This village was the culmination of over a decade of Orochimaru's efforts.
Even after losing hundreds of Sound ninja during the invasion of Konoha, Otogakure still possessed several hundred operatives.
There were few jōnin among them.
But the number of chūnin was considerable.
And more importantly
Their loyalty was absolute.
In their eyes, Orochimaru had given them purpose, power, and survival.
Many were willing to die for him.
That devotion alone made them dangerous.
Orochimaru had no intention of wasting such resources.
It was just after the relocation preparations were finalized that Orochimaru returned accompanied by Yakushi Kabuto.
Both appeared exhausted.
Their clothing was damaged.
Their chakra fluctuations unstable.
When Menma saw Orochimaru again, he folded his arms and smiled faintly.
"Haha… it seems Orochimaru-san's trip did not go smoothly."
Orochimaru's expression remained calm, his voice indifferent.
"It is as expected. Tsunade is Sarutobi-sensei's disciple… and the granddaughter of the First Hokage."
"Ah Menma-kun may not have heard yet. Tsunade has already agreed to return to Konoha as the Fifth Hokage."
"And this time… I also encountered Naruto-kun."
"The Fifth Hokage…" Menma nodded slightly. "That was inevitable. The position could only go to Jiraiya or Tsunade."
"It was never going to be Shimura Danzō."
A trace of mockery curved his lips.
"As for Naruto Orochimaru-san, there's no need to test me."
"Naruto is Naruto."
"And I am me."
"I no longer have expectations for that so-called younger brother. He is no different from Jiraiya."
"A naïve fool."
There was no bitterness in his tone.
No emotional fluctuation.
To Menma, Naruto had already become a stranger.
If Naruto did not obstruct his path, then nothing mattered.
If he did
Menma would not hesitate.
He no longer viewed this world through the lens of past attachments.
Everything depended on choice.
Orochimaru could tell.
Menma was not pretending.
While relieved, Orochimaru also felt a faint sense of regret.
Attachments, after all, could be exploited.
"Haha… Menma-kun misunderstands," Orochimaru said softly. "I merely wished to inform you that Naruto-kun still seems… quite fixated on you."
"It would be wise to remain cautious."
"I understand," Menma replied calmly. "Thank you for the reminder."
Then he paused.
"But Orochimaru-san came to see me immediately upon returning."
"I doubt that was merely to discuss Naruto."
"If there is something you need, you can speak directly. There's no need for ceremony between us."
Orochimaru's golden snake-like pupils narrowed slightly.
"There is indeed something I require Menma-kun's assistance with."
"My responsibilities have increased significantly, and manpower is… insufficient."
"I do not know if Menma-kun is willing."
"But rest assured."
"I will not ask for your help without compensation."
His hoarse voice echoed softly through the chamber.