Naruto: The Avenger of the Uzumaki clan

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"Oh, Shibuki, it's simple: you were deceived by Shisha, who used Fū as a pawn," Menma said, his voice sharp yet calm. "The root of the problem started when Fū asked you about Elder Mizuno's condition that day. Your answer— that was your critical mistake. If you'd been honest with her, she wouldn't have been so easily manipulated. And even if no one else knew about the elder's state, Shisha certainly would."

Mizuno frowned, his suspicions finally solidified by Menma's words.

Shibuki stood frozen, struggling to process the revelation. "That means… the reports Fū gave me were fabricated," he muttered, his voice trembling. "Ajun and the others are walking into a trap!"

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Shibuki's panic overtook him. "I have to send someone to bring them back immediately!" He turned toward the door, his movements frantic.

"You fool! Stop and think for once!" Mizuno's voice, laced with rare anger, echoed as he slammed his cane against the floor.

Shibuki halted, startled by the uncharacteristic outburst. "Grandfather… I—"

"Enough," the elder growled, his piercing gaze pinning Shibuki in place. "Running around aimlessly won't save anyone. Use your head. Do you even understand what's happening in your village?"

Menma stepped in, his tone cooler but no less firm. "Shibuki, relax. I've already sent reinforcements to handle Ajun's squad. Besides, Shisha's true target isn't them—it's you."

Shibuki blinked, his breath hitching as Menma's words sank in. "Me? But—"

"Do you still not see?" Menma interrupted, his sharp voice cutting through Shibuki's confusion. "Your forces are fractured. Without Elder Mizuno's authority, loyalty in this village has crumbled. Trust has been eroded, and Shisha has taken full advantage."

Shibuki swallowed hard, his mind racing. "So… Shisha's been spreading dissent? Dividing the village?"

"Precisely." Menma nodded, his smirk faint. "It's a basic tactic, but one that works well against someone like you, who places blind trust in everyone."

Shibuki staggered under the weight of Menma's words, his earlier confidence unraveling.

Mizuno sighed deeply, disappointment clouding his stern features. "Shibuki!" he barked, his voice snapping like a whip. "Is this how you intend to lead Takigakure? Will you disgrace the legacy of your ancestors with this display of weakness?"

Shibuki flinched, shame washing over him. "Grandfather, I…"

"You are the leader of this village," Mizuno continued, his tone steely. "Even in your darkest hour, you cannot falter. Stand tall, or you'll lose everything Takigakure stands for. Do you understand?"

Shibuki closed his eyes, drawing a shaky breath as Mizuno's words sank in. Slowly, he nodded. "Yes, Grandfather. I understand."

The elder gave a curt nod, his stern demeanor softening slightly. There was still hope for Shibuki, though his self-doubt remained a lingering concern.

Menma observed the exchange with an amused smile. "Well, I didn't come here just to lecture you," he said, crossing his arms. "I have a plan to turn this around."

Shibuki's eyes widened, a glimmer of hope piercing his despair. "A plan? You can stop Shisha?"

Menma chuckled, his tone brimming with confidence. "Of course. Shisha's a snake, but even snakes can be dealt with. You, on the other hand, still have potential. That's why I'm offering to help."

Mizuno narrowed his eyes, catching the layered meaning in Menma's words. It was an offer of aid, but also a test. Takigakure's survival would depend on Shibuki stepping up to his role as a leader.

Menma continued, his gaze fixed on Shibuki. "All you need to do is keep your composure. If you crumble now, Shisha wins without even lifting a finger. But if you stay strong, his plan will fall apart."

Shibuki straightened, his hands clenching into fists as his resolve hardened.

Mizuno coughed a few times, steadying his breath. His old but sharp eyes locked onto Menma. "Tell me everything you know, Menma. The situation is unstable, and we can't afford to waste time on half-truths."

Despite his limited knowledge of Menma, Mizuno knew Shisha was a significant threat. However, he lacked clarity on the full extent of Shisha's betrayal and the strength of the rogue Rain-nin supporting him. For Takigakure to survive this crisis, understanding Menma's plans was crucial.

"Of course," Menma replied, his tone even as he began outlining Shisha's machinations.

As Menma spoke, Mizuno's expression remained measured. Some of Menma's revelations aligned with the elder's suspicions, while others were surprising. Shibuki, however, couldn't mask his growing distress. His face grew pale as the scale of Shisha's preparation became clear, and his disbelief quickly gave way to dread.

"I can't believe Shisha's reach has extended this far," Shibuki muttered, his voice trembling. His gaze flicked to Menma, a mixture of gratitude and frustration in his eyes.

If Menma had revealed this earlier, maybe they could have avoided this level of chaos. But Shibuki knew better than to voice such thoughts now. Stabilizing the village and addressing the immediate threat was far more critical than indulging in regrets.

"Therefore," Menma continued, his voice calm yet authoritative, "Elder Mizuno, Shibuki—you needn't worry about Fu for now. Shisha plans to deal with her last. His immediate target is you, Shibuki. As long as we confront him directly, we can disrupt his plans."

Menma's confidence was unnerving. He spoke as though the forces aligned against them—the Taki-nin loyal to Shisha, rogue Rain-nin, and any other dangers—were mere inconveniences, obstacles he could effortlessly overcome.

"Menma," Mizuno said, his eyes narrowing, "you've clearly been planning this for some time. But I must ask—what is it you truly want from Takigakure?"

Shibuki flinched at the elder's bluntness, but he stayed silent. It was the question on both their minds, and only Mizuno had the audacity to ask directly.

Menma offered a faint, almost disarming smile. "There's no need for suspicion, Elder. Our interests align. I seek Takigakure's friendship, nothing more. As I mentioned when I first arrived, there are tasks my allies and I wish to accomplish, and your cooperation would make them much simpler. In return, I offer my assistance in stabilizing the village."

Mizuno studied him carefully, his weathered eyes piercing into Menma's unflinching composure. Finally, he nodded. "If that's the case, I can promise this: as long as your requests do not endanger Takigakure, you'll have our support."

The elder's tone was calm, but there was a subtle undercurrent of warning in his words. Menma sensed it and paused briefly, realizing Mizuno was not as frail or naive as his age might suggest.

"Elder Mizuno," Shibuki interjected hesitantly, still grappling with doubt.

Mizuno silenced him with a raised hand. "Shibuki, you know what needs to be done. Retrieve the Hero Water, reinforce the defenses, and summon Mori, Daigu, and the others. We can't allow Shisha to exploit any further weaknesses."

"Yes, Elder," Shibuki said, nodding. He hesitated before glancing at Menma. "Will you be alright here?"

"Don't concern yourself with us," Mizuno replied. "Aoki is nearby, and I have matters to discuss further with Menma."

Reluctantly, Shibuki nodded again. He cast one last glance at Menma before leaving, his resolve wavering but present.

As the doors closed, Mizuno returned his focus to Menma. His expression was no longer the calm, diplomatic one he wore before Shibuki but a colder, sharper version.

"You seem very confident in your plans, Menma," Mizuno said. "But let me remind you—Takigakure's future is fragile. If Shibuki falters, this village will be lost. Your 'alliance' will mean nothing if there's no village left to ally with."

Menma's smile remained steady, but his tone carried a subtle edge. "I have no intention of letting Takigakure fall, Elder. A crumbling village wouldn't benefit me in the slightest. I only invest in causes that have potential."

The two men locked gazes, an unspoken battle of wills passing between them. Both understood the precariousness of the situation, yet neither was willing to fully reveal their cards.

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