Avenge of the Uzumaki Twins: Naruto and Menma Chapter 176 CHAPTER 176

This had not been part of nma's original plan.

According to the schedule he had established over the past year, his primary focus had been physical developnt—enhancing vitality, strengthening cellular activity, and improving chakra circulation throughout his body.

The model he had in mind was obvious.

The legendary vitality and regenerative capacity of Hashirama Senju.

That overwhelming life force—often referred to as possessing the qualities of an "immortal body"represented the direction nma wanted to pursue.

For a shinobi of the Uzumaki clan, such a path was especially appropriate.

Their clan was already renowned for enormous chakra reserves, powerful life force, and extraordinary recovery ability.

If nma could push those natural advantages even further, he could establish a physical foundation powerful enough to support techniques that ordinary shinobi could never endure.

However

After unexpectedly obtaining Obito Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan from Hatake Kakashi, nma realized his plans required adjustnt.

True power did not co from the body alone.

Nor from the spirit alone.

It erged from the integration of both.

Body and mind.

Yang and Yin.

Only when those two aspects reached equilibrium could a shinobi truly approach the highest levels of strength.

nma did not know whether he could reach the sa heights as Madara Uchiha.

But at the very least, that was a direction worth striving toward.

To pursue that path, he needed to invest ti in both areas.

Originally, he had planned to prioritize physical developnt first before gradually studying spiritual techniques and Yin-based abilities.

Now, however, circumstances had changed.

The Mangekyō Sharingan in his possession was simply too valuable to ignore.

Advancing that phase of his research earlier than planned was the logical choice.

In any case, he still had assistance.

Karin Uzumaki was already helping him with sensory analysis and biological experintation.

With her support, it was entirely possible for nma to develop both directions simultaneously.

Moreover, the fact that he had taken Kakashi's Sharingan would inevitably reach Orochimarusooner or later.

There was no point in hiding it.

nma preferred to address the matter openly.

His request caused Orochimaru's expression to shift slightly.

Beside nma, Sasuke Uchiha turned his head, studying nma's profile with a faintly puzzled look.

"Hmm…?" Orochimaru's narrow eyes glead.

"So nma-kun is also interested in the power of the Sharingan?"

As he spoke, a subtle chill passed through his gaze.

nma shook his head calmly.

"Orochimaru-san misunderstands."

"To be precise, what interests is Yin Release."

He leaned back slightly against the stone bench.

"As the ultimate expression of Yin-based chakra, the Sharingan represents one of the most fascinating bloodline limits in the shinobi world."

"Studying it is simply the most efficient way to understand the limits of Yin Release."

nma's tone remained relaxed.

"Surely Orochimaru-san would agree with that assessnt?"

Orochimaru chuckled softly.

"Yes… I suppose I do."

The logic was sound.

Even if Orochimaru suspected nma had additional motives, the reasoning itself was perfectly valid.

"So," nma continued lightly, "what is Orochimaru-san's answer?"

Orochimaru's thin lips curved into a faint smile.

"There is no problem with your request."

"However…"

His snake-like eyes locked onto nma.

"A transaction must maintain balance."

"The compensation I previously provided for this mission was already quite generous."

"Under the current circumstances, I can only offer you the most basic level of my research data."

"If you wish to access deeper information in the future…"

A hint of amusent flickered in his pupils.

"You will need to offer sothing of equal value."

"It can be anything."

"As long as it interests ."

nma understood imdiately.

"That is only fair."

He nodded with a relaxed smile.

After all, there was no such thing as a free lunch in the shinobi world.

In fact, nma preferred dealing with people like Orochimaru.

Clear rules.

Clear exchanges.

No unnecessary sentint.

Even if such relationships eventually collapsed, cooperation before that point could remain productive.

"Oh, yes."

Orochimaru suddenly spoke again, as though rembering sothing.

"There is another matter I should inform you about, nma-kun."

"A ssenger from Iwagakure has arrived."

nma blinked.

"They claim to represent the Onoki."

"They wish to et you."

For the first ti since entering the chamber, genuine surprise appeared on nma's face.

"…The Third Tsuchikage wants to et ?"

"And he contacted through you?"

Orochimaru smiled faintly.

"Yes."

"I imagine the situation seems rather surprising."

"But nma-kun should rember sothing."

"Ohnoki-dono has cooperated with many… unconventional forces over the years."

"After all, when one becos a missing-nin, progress can be difficult without assistance from various sources."

Orochimaru's tone carried a hint of amusent.

The Third Tsuchikage was notorious for pragmatic decisions.

In the original political landscape of the shinobi world, Iwagakure had been one of the villages that made frequent use of the Akatsuki.

During the Five Kage Summit, the Fourth Raikage had even exposed those connections openly.

From Iwagakure's perspective, such arrangents were simply strategic decisions.

nma understood imdiately.

From the standpoint of village politics, Ohnoki's actions were entirely logical.

Protecting the interests of one's village always ca first.

nma considered the matter briefly.

Then he nodded.

"In that case, Orochimaru-san may inform the Tsuchikage that I do not mind eting him."

"However…"

"The location must be chosen by ."

nma smiled faintly.

"Of course, I have no intention of making things difficult for Lord Tsuchikage."

In nma's mind, the categories of enemies and potential allies were very clear.

As the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, he knew his value and the danger it represented.

But that value also created opportunities.

Based on the Tsuchikage's behavior in history, Ohnoki was soone who could negotiate.

If laying a few strategic foundations now produced benefits in the future, it would be worthwhile.

And if nothing ca of it

There was no loss.

"Very well."

Orochimaru nodded calmly.

"I will relay your response."

nma tilted his head slightly.

"Orochimaru-san doesn't seem worried at all."

"Worried?" Orochimaru repeated with a faint laugh.

"nma-kun…"

"Do you truly believe I have anything to worry about?"

The snake-like gleam in his eyes carried an unmistakable implication.

nma studied him for a mont.

Then he chuckled.

"You're right."

"There's nothing to worry about."

He stood up slowly.

"Well then, I'll stop here for today."

"I still have an experint waiting for ."

nma glanced briefly toward Sasuke.

Then, without waiting for Orochimaru's reply, he turned and walked calmly toward the exit.

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