Chapter 384: The Pretender

Hearing what Shikaku said.

Menma also narrowed his eyes subconsciously. He must admit that Shikaku is indeed a person with the ceiling level of IQ in this world. He knows very well what to say when and to whom he faces. If Menma is really a native , just because of the resentment caused by past encounters, if he defected from the Hidden Leaf Village.

Now that he has established a ninja village alone, wants to achieve a jump in status, and considering some future plans, Shikaku's words are indeed persuasive, because judging from the performance of previous ninja wars, Konoha really belongs to That kind of relatively reliable ally in a group of 'hungry wolves'.

At best, they would just ignore the situation and do nothing to save them. So far, there has been no such thing as adding insult to injury.

Considering that Kohakuin Village is really the enemy of the whole world now, the current top management of Konoha Hidden Village are still people like Tsunade and Jiraiya who are in charge. From all aspects, they are not as good as Konoha Hidden Village. It does seem to be a more reasonable and correct judgment to laugh at each other and forget all the grudges.

only.

Menma wouldn't do that.

Konoha.

Still the second one on his blacklist (the first place must still be Uncle Madara, Black Zetsu, and Nagato.)

While pursuing the realization of your own ambitions.

Menma is also truly determined to create a truly peaceful world.

Under such a goal, each of these so-called Great Ninja Villages is a thorn in the side and a thorn in the flesh.

But I think so in my heart.

On the surface, Menma deliberately showed a hint of thoughtfulness, but after only a second, he restrained himself.

He said with a little deliberate sneer: "So what if I understand? Haha, let's talk about it, Lukaku-san, there is no need to play riddles each other. Don't you just want me to let go of all the hatred I had with Konoha in the past?" But let me tell you, this is absolutely impossible!”

"Nothing is 100% impossible, Master Tianying. After all, you are not alone now. You still need to consider the entire Ninja Village, right? What's more, there is no real hatred between us that cannot be resolved. Moreover, The peace we want is only for the present. The covenant between ninja villages is the most unstable existence. Master Tianying must also understand it deeply, right? Everything is just for the present. I think Mr. Tianying can be more rational. Come and consider.”

Shikaku said with a calm expression.

It would be best if we could become fully supportive allies.

It's just that the possibility of this is pitifully low, it should even be said to be 0. Therefore, Shikaku's original intention was to conclude a short-term alliance.

As for Iwagakure Village?

Sorry, all judgments and actions of the Ninja Village must be based on serving the interests of their own Ninja Village.

As long as you temporarily eliminate or suppress Menma's hatred for Konoha Hidden Village, and use interests and situations to seduce Menma.

In the future, as long as it is done properly, it is possible for this so-called short-term covenant to last for ten to twenty years, or even longer.

After pulling for a while.

Are you still accurate about what will happen in the future?

The current intention is to prevent Menma from placing his primary target on their Hidden Leaf Village. This is the most important thing.

This was achieved.

From now on, as long as Iwagakure, Sunagakure, Kumogakure, and even Kirigakure are properly used, a very fragile but delicate enough balance can be achieved! !

This approach takes into account the level and means of those in power, as well as the most important overall judgment.

Because even if the balance is really achieved.

As long as their Hidden Leaf Village makes one wrong move, the balance will be broken instantly.

Don't choose this path.

Shikaku felt that as long as Menma fully integrated the power of the Hidden Leaf Village, he would be able to target their Hidden Leaves Village and vent his anger all at once.

What?

Big picture question?

Isn’t Iwagakure still an ally?

Shikaku will look at and evaluate Menma as comprehensively as possible, but again, Menma is too young.

Therefore, in his words, Shikaku still needs to point out the problem of Iwagakure Village in a slightly subtle way. After all, he is still his hidden partner, and is the biggest 'companion' that finally suppresses Mitsugakure Village and solves Menma's problem.

If you want to sell, you must choose a good method, and you can’t sell too thoroughly.

But we have to take into account the situation of our own Ninja Village, because before the establishment of Koyakure Village, Konoha was the biggest target of the major Ninja Villages.

Naturally, different strategies need to be chosen carefully.

Only Shikaku can do this kind of detailed work, and no one else in Konohagakure can do it.

Shikaku wasn't here to force Menma.

No need for innocent words to move Menma.

Instead, he persuaded Menma with the words that he actually put in front of him.

Shikaku believed that as long as Menma cared about his companions and the ninja village he had built with his own hands.

It will definitely be shaken.

As for how far it can be shaken, that's not known.

But as long as there is wavering.

Be able to take the first step of persuasion.

Lu Jiu felt confident that he could continue the following work.

"Are you threatening me?"

Menma took a deep breath, looked at Shikaku with a cold expression and said.

There seemed to be a faint killing intent in his words.

With Menma's current strength.

It would be enough for an average ninja to tremble at.

Menma can kill even a Jonin-level being with a snap of his fingers.

But Shikaku still looked calm, shook his head very calmly and said: "How can this be a threat? Master Tianying, just tell the truth. Our two villages can stop this by joining forces. That’s what’s happening, at least for now, isn’t it?”

Shikaku deliberately emphasized some key words.

He believed Menma could definitely hear it.

"The safety of our companions and the future of the village are the most important. I think Master Tianying must be thinking so in his heart, right!?"

After a pause, Shikaku continued.

State the benefits.

Set out conditions.

Persuasion based on comprehensive factors.

There is no need for beautiful words, let alone smart methods. All that is needed is a rational and calm brain.

Menma also seemed to be 'convinced', his eyes slightly lowered, and he fell into a brief silence.

After a long time.

There seemed to be a deep look on Menma's face, and he looked at Shikaku with cold eyes and said, "Is that so now? You really have a very good eloquence, Shikaku-san."

A faint tone.

There was obviously a bit of struggle.

Any normal person would be able to see the numbness in his face at this moment.

Shikaku was no exception.

It was just his strong self-control that allowed Lu Jiu to maintain his calm state of mind.

"No, I'm just explaining some issues. After all, the judgment is still in the hands of Lord Tianying, isn't it?"

"Haha, what you say makes sense. It's no wonder that you, the Nara clan, have always been trusted by successive Hokages."

Menma seemed to sneer, shook his head slightly and said.

But this is obviously a further relaxed tone.

Shikaku's heart also moved.

"Will Lord Tianying agree with my proposal?"

When Lu Jiu asked this sentence, he held his breath subconsciously, and his tone was involuntarily slowed down.

The moment Menmayu heard this sentence, he looked deeply at Shikaku.

"That's just for now..."

After pausing for a while in a slightly subtle atmosphere, Menma finally spoke slowly and spoke such a paradox.

But that's it.

Lu Jiu's heart dropped completely, and a smile appeared on his face at the right time and he said softly: "Of course it's just for now!"

Those were the same words that were answered loudly.

Menma only raised his eyes slightly, but didn't say anything more.

"You are indeed outstanding, Shikaku-san."

Shikaku was looking straight in front of him.

Menma fell into silence for the third time.

After a while.

Menma, who seemed to have just come back to his senses, said in a calm tone.

"So be it, but you must remember that it is only for this period of time. I will not forget the 12 years I spent in Konoha Hidden Village. If I still find a chance, I will not forget it. Any hesitation.”

Menma took a deep breath and said in a very decisive tone.

"That's natural!"

The ultimate final.

The moment I saw Menma say such words.

Lu Jiu's face also showed the right look of joy.

Although before coming, Shikaku had considered his words several times and confirmed that he had a certain probability of being able to convince Menma, after all, this kind of thing depended on others.

You cannot truly control your own destiny.

Therefore, with Shikaku's character, his heartstrings were still a little tense. Now that he saw Menma's promise, his original intention had been realized.

Shikaku would naturally be happy.

You must know that this was just a decision he made to change in just a few days after he came to Guangyin Village.

Such a result.

Shikaku felt that Tsunade-sama and Jiraiya-sama in his ninja village would still be satisfied.

Even if the process is different.

But the result is the most important, isn’t it?

The subject is determined.

The remaining details can be easily discussed. There is no need for Menma and Shikaku to negotiate, and they see that the time is almost up.

"Then I'll be rude today."

Shikaku stood up directly, bowed and saluted, and then said goodbye.

"Um."

After Menma nodded slowly.

Shikaku also turned around and strode towards the office door at the rear left.

And that's when I walked to the door and opened it.

"Oh, by the way, Lord Tianying, since I can put everything aside for the time being, I have a small request. I don't know if Lord Tianying can agree to it."

As if he suddenly remembered something, Shikaku stopped his steps suddenly, looked sideways at Menma, and looked at Menma with a hint of sincerity and asked.

It all looks so natural.

But the numbness in the face is a sense of disobedience that can be clearly smelled.

He didn't wait for Menma to say anything.

"That's the people who came with the delegation this time. Lord Tianying must know them. They came here just to see their former companions, especially Hinata. In the past period of time, they always thought it was their responsibility and didn't dare to ask for anything. They just wanted to see each other. Ah, it's definitely not a forced act. I just hope Lord Tianying can be magnanimous."

Shikaku, who was at the door, directly stated his request.

Menma's eyes also condensed, and his face sank instantly. The faint cold breath released subconsciously, at that moment, the temperature of the whole office dropped sharply.

Shikaku still had that sincere look, as if he didn't notice it.

Menma's look came and went quickly.

Just after a pause of a few seconds.

"Don't worry about unnecessary things, Shikaku-san, this is the long-term way."

Menma looked at Shikaku with a faint expression and said in a slightly cold tone.

"Ah, yes, I will keep it in mind. I am sorry for being so presumptuous. Please forgive me, Master Tianying."

Shikaku bowed again with an apologetic look on his face.

Then he slowly opened the door and walked away lightly.

And just when Shikaku's chakra aura had just completely left.

Menma's brows slightly frowned.

'The traces are still a little too obvious, and I used too much force. . . But as long as you take the bait, it's fine. '

While shaking his head gently, he thought secretly in his heart.

Menma's series of words and actions just now were all acting, not to mention Menma who looked only 14 years old on the surface.

Even normal adults can hardly have such acting skills and scheming.

Menma has already performed very well.

Generally speaking.

It is enough to deceive almost everyone, because Menma's age is a better protective color, which will make people inadvertently more inclined to believe Menma.

But it is obvious that Shikaku will be an exception.

This guy is too smart.

So smart that Menma can hardly find someone with the same IQ as him in the ninja world.

Even Dodai, the think tank of the Hidden Cloud Village who served two generations of Raikage, can't do it.

The first military advisor in the ninja world is no joke.

In terms of analyzing and grasping the current situation and understanding human nature, Shikaku is unique. Menma doesn't think that people can't see his performance.

But Menma doesn't need Shikaku to believe him 100%.

As long as he can believe in part of it.

That's enough to be a bait.

Because Menma knows the guys in the Hidden Leaf Village too well, the role Menma plays now is a real pretender.

As for if a certain alliance agreement is really reached, we have to worry about whether to break the covenant.

First of all, the covenant and credibility of the ninja world are a joke.

Secondly.

As long as his plan is ready.

Menma is fully confident that he can stimulate the Hidden Leaf Village to break this covenant first.