Next Step

---

"Heading out to find someone? If I'm not mistaken, Orochimaru-san, you're planning to track down Tsunade, aren't you?" Menma said, his half-smile not quite reaching his eyes as he studied Orochimaru carefully.

Orochimaru chuckled, his serpent-like eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, as expected of Menma-kun. You see through things so easily. But don't misunderstand—I trust you. I simply have some personal matters to settle with Tsunade."

Menma wasn't fooled, though his expression remained calm. "It doesn't concern me, as long as our arrangement remains intact."

Trust was a farce between men like them. Their alliance only lasted as long as it was mutually beneficial.

Orochimaru's smile widened. "Haha, naturally. But, Menma-kun, would you care to join me? You might find Tsunade's... expertise interesting. Perhaps she could assist you with your research."

Menma's eyes narrowed briefly before dismissing the idea with a casual grin. "Not this time. I have my own business to attend to."

Orochimaru's face remained unreadable, though a flicker of curiosity sparked in his gaze. "Planning to go somewhere? Perhaps now isn't the most opportune time to leave Otogakure, don't you think?"

Orochimaru wasn't too concerned about Menma's departure, but the timing intrigued him.

Menma's expression cooled as his gaze sharpened. "What's this, Orochimaru-san? Trying to restrict my movements now? That wasn't part of our agreement."

The tension in the air thickened as Menma's chakra flared briefly, the oppressive force making Kabuto involuntarily stiffen. He recalled the brutal ease with which Menma had killed Shiranui Genma days ago. Kabuto's fingers twitched at the memory.

Orochimaru's smile didn't waver, though his eyes showed wariness. "Of course not, Menma-kun. I'm simply offering advice. The world is in chaos—Konoha isn't the only village after you. Kumogakure and Iwagakure have both started moving, for reasons I'm sure you're well aware of."

Menma's eyes glinted in understanding. "You're right. I might have misunderstood your concern. But rest assured, I won't be far. I have a small matter to deal with."

Orochimaru nodded, his smile becoming more predatory. "Very well. Just remember, this stronghold will be abandoned soon. I advise you to return promptly."

Menma chuckled lightly. "I'll likely be back before you, Orochimaru-san. If not, we have other means to stay in contact, don't we?"

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed, but he nodded in agreement. "As long as Menma-kun understands. I wish you success."

Menma raised an eyebrow but remained silent, watching as Orochimaru and Kabuto left. His gaze lingered on Orochimaru's retreating figure, his mind calculating.

"Menma, are we really leaving?" Karin's quiet voice broke the silence once Orochimaru was gone. She had been observing intently during the entire exchange. "Where are we going?"

Menma turned to her, his expression softening slightly. "Yes. I've had this planned since before we left Konoha. There's something I need to retrieve. It'll be useful to us, and it's not far—near the western border of the Land of Fire, close to the Land of Waterfalls."

"The Land of Waterfalls?" Karin echoed, confused about its importance.

Menma didn't elaborate. "Pack your things. We leave in the afternoon."

They returned to their quarters, packing only essentials. As soon as Orochimaru and Kabuto departed, Menma and Karin quietly slipped out of the village, heading for their destination: a hidden cave system known to harbor the Kuroishi Lizards.

---

Takigakure, the Hidden Waterfall Village, was one of the few minor villages that held some prestige in the ninja world. Although not on par with the Five Great Nations, it retained a unique status. However, Menma's destination wasn't the village itself but a region nearby that few knew existed. Hidden deep in the forests close to the Land of Waterfalls, the cave system that housed the Kuroishi Lizards had been long forgotten by most, except for a few shinobi who sought power from them.

The Kuroishi Lizards were formidable creatures capable of casting powerful genjutsu. Menma knew that obtaining their summoning contract could grant him significant power. Although not widely recognized like Manda, Katsuyu, or Gamabunta, the Kuroishi Lizards were rumored to be just as deadly.

"The Five Great Nations allow these minor villages and creatures like the Kuroishi Lizards to exist for their own benefit," Menma thought as he and Karin moved swiftly through the forest, nearing the entrance to the caves.

He had his reasons for coming here, and soon enough, those reasons would be revealed.

---

The survival of smaller nations and rare creatures like the Kuroishi Lizards has often depended on staying hidden or forming strategic alliances. Otherwise, after centuries of conflict dating back to the Warring States Period, most small nations and creatures like these would have been wiped out. Takigakure had managed to avoid destruction, but many like the Land of Whirlpools and Uzushiogakure had not been so fortunate.

Menma's current destination, a region near Takigakure, was once considered part of a neutral territory where shinobi and powerful creatures coexisted in secret. The Kuroishi Lizards had thrived here, hidden away from the larger shinobi world.

"This should be the area," Menma muttered as they reached the entrance to a large cave system. He followed the directions pieced together from various sources, including Orochimaru's information.

"Is this where the Kuroishi Lizards are hiding?" Karin asked, eyeing the dark entrance warily. Her tone was curious but laced with uncertainty.

Menma chuckled. "That's what we're here to find out."

"Let's not waste time. A chakra signature as large as theirs shouldn't be hard to find," Menma remarked, focusing on his surroundings. Both he and Karin, being Uzumaki, had exceptional sensory abilities—locating the lizards was only a matter of time.

"We'll split up. We'll cover more ground that way," he said. "Once either of us finds them, we'll regroup."

Karin nodded, and the two moved in opposite directions, their chakra senses extending across the terrain. With their combined ability to detect chakra over vast distances, the Kuroishi Lizards wouldn't stay hidden for long.

Less than an hour passed before Karin located the target. They reunited at her position and began moving toward the enormous chakra signature she had found. As they approached, Menma finally laid eyes on their quarry—or so he thought.

In front of them stood a massive cave, with dark, slithering shapes moving just within the shadows.

"Is that… the Kuroishi Lizards?" Karin asked, wide-eyed.

Menma smirked. "Exactly. This is it."

Facing the enormous cave entrance, Menma called out, his voice clear, "Kuroishi Lizards, I know you're there. I'm not here to fight. I've come to request a summoning contract. Will you give me a chance?"

The shadows within the cave shifted, but no reply came. After several minutes of silence, Menma sighed.

"It seems like negotiations aren't an option."

He turned to Karin. "Step back, Karin. I'll handle this."

Karin hesitated but complied. "Alright, just… be careful, Menma."

Menma flashed her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, I've got this."

As Karin retreated to a safe distance, Menma refocused his chakra. If the Kuroishi Lizards refused to come out willingly, he'd have to draw them out by force.

Time to show some strength.

With a series of swift hand signs, he clapped his hands together. "Lightning Release: Rairyūdan no Jutsu!" (Thunder Dragon Bullet)

A massive surge of chakra surged through him, crackling with electricity. Above the cave, a dragon-shaped mass of lightning began to form, its serpentine body coiling in the sky.

With a roar, Menma unleashed the colossal lightning dragon at the cave below. The powerful jutsu tore through the air with a deafening crack.

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