"Master Hokage, why did you call a meeting?"
"This can't be a small issue—are we going to war again?"
The Hokage Tower was filled with chatter. Every major clan head, jonin, and advisor had gathered, their eyes full of speculation and concern.
Half an hour later, the room was completely full. Everyone fell silent as Tsunade stood at the front, her expression grave.
"Everyone's here? Good," Tsunade began. "Today's matter is extremely important. I can't make the decision alone, so I've called all of you."
A ripple of whispers passed through the crowd.
Menma took a deep breath, straightened his back, and stepped forward under the weight of a hundred stares. Even he couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
He coughed lightly. "Ahem. Everyone, about the Sand Village invasion—under my wise leadership, Konoha successfully disbanded the attack."
Tsunade: "…" Hold it together.
Everyone else: "…" Wise leadership? Seriously?
Jiraiya covered his face. This kid's got guts, but zero timing.
Itachi sighed silently. Menma, please think before you speak.
Kakashi raised his hands helplessly. "Don't look at me. I didn't teach him that."
Ignoring the stares, Menma continued, "But tell me—can we guarantee no casualties every time? Even the strongest shinobi die eventually. Aren't you tired of this endless cycle of war?"
The room fell quiet. Everyone knew the truth of those words.
"No one wants constant fighting," Menma said firmly. "But even if we don't start wars, others will. Just like this time—Konoha didn't provoke anyone, and still, the Sand and Sound Villages attacked. Why?"
He let the question hang for a moment before answering. "Because they're poor. The fewer missions they receive, the less money they make. With no income, they get desperate."
Murmurs spread again through the crowd as Menma raised his voice.
"That's why we have to fix the problem at its root—by giving ninjas more ways to earn money! For example—selling chakra!"
Everyone blinked. "...Selling what?"
Menma smirked and launched into the same pitch he'd given Tsunade. "High-speed trains powered by chakra! Communication devices that connect villages instantly—call them mobile phones! Use chakra as clean energy. Why waste it on war when we can use it to build a better world?"
A wave of astonished voices erupted through the hall.
High-speed rail? Phones? Chakra-powered machines?
Jiraiya leaned over to Kakashi and whispered, "Is it me, or does this kid sound like he's inventing an entirely new civilization?"
Kakashi shrugged. "Honestly, I'm scared he might pull it off."
Advisor Shikaku Nara raised a hand. "Menma, if this 'high-speed rail' works as you describe, it could revolutionize trade. The economy would boom, and ninjas could work in more peaceful professions. Are you certain this is possible?"
"Of course," Menma said confidently. "But it'll require brilliant researchers—and time."
He paused for a moment, glancing sideways with a faint smirk. I wonder if Orochimaru's doing what I asked…
He wasn't worried. Even if Orochimaru misbehaved, Menma was confident he could beat him into obedience again. People like Orochimaru valued their lives too much to resist for long.
Meanwhile, far away in the Land of Rain—
"Achoo!" Orochimaru sneezed suddenly, his golden eyes narrowing.
"Still not used to the rain?" Kisame Hoshigaki asked, his shark-like grin stretching wide. He adjusted his cloak, the red clouds of Akatsuki bright against the dark sky.
"It's nothing," Orochimaru said softly. In truth, his mind was elsewhere. He'd been deeply intrigued by Menma's resurrection technique—the power to bring Minato and Kushina back from the dead.
Though Orochimaru had developed his own forbidden methods, they came with severe flaws. Menma's version… was perfect.
He licked his lips with his long tongue, his curiosity burning. "Menma Uzumaki… just what are you planning?"
Since joining Akatsuki, Orochimaru had been gathering information quietly. Through Kabuto, he'd learned that Menma had obtained the Rinnegan—it was only a matter of time before he mastered it completely.
The day Orochimaru checked the coffins of Minato and Kushina, they were already empty. That confirmed it—Menma had taken them long ago.
And for what purpose? To what end?
Orochimaru's serpentine grin widened. "Fascinating… truly fascinating."
As the rain continued to fall across Ame, two figures in black cloaks walked side by side through the downpour—one a shark, one a serpent—both heading toward a future that would soon collide with Menma's vision.
(End of Chapter)
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