SWNOVELXO Chapter 109: Ending
---
Menma stepped forward, his gaze steady. "This is a partnership, Shibuki. I'm not here to take advantage of Takigakure. I'll help you grow stronger, and in return, I'll rely on your support. Together, we'll shape a future where our enemies cannot ignore us."
Shibuki's brows furrowed as he struggled to process the proposal. The stakes were enormous—allying with the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki could make or break Takigakure.
"This is an opportunity we can't afford to waste," Mizuno pressed, his sharp eyes locking onto Shibuki's. "Without Menma, Shisha would've seized control, and both you and Fū wouldn't be standing here. The world is changing, and if we don't adapt, Takigakure will be left behind. Trust him."
Shibuki swallowed hard, glancing at Fū. She hadn't spoken, but her unease was palpable. Still, she gave a faint nod, her expression uncertain but resolute.
"I understand, Grandpa," Shibuki said at last, his voice heavy with the weight of his decision. Extending his hand toward Menma, he added, "Menma, Takigakure will accept your partnership. But know this—we won't be used."
Menma clasped Shibuki's hand firmly, his expression earnest. "You have my word. I'm here not only for myself but for the future of this village."
The tension in the room eased slightly, though traces of wariness lingered. Fū crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "Brother Shibuki," she began hesitantly after Menma released Shibuki's hand, "are you sure about this? He's a rogue ninja—and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki!"
Shibuki opened his mouth to respond, but Mizuno raised a trembling hand. The elder's voice, though faint, commanded attention. "Fū, Shibuki… listen carefully."
Both immediately knelt by his bedside.
"The future of Takigakure is now yours to shape," Mizuno said, his words laden with pride and finality. "Menma is someone we can trust. The risks are great, but the rewards are greater. In this unforgiving world, strength and alliances decide survival. Accept this chance, and use it wisely."
Shibuki nodded solemnly, gripping the elder's frail hand. "I understand, Grandpa. I won't let your faith in me—or Takigakure—be in vain."
Fū hesitated before muttering, "I'll be careful, Grandpa. I promise."
Mizuno gaze softened, a faint smile touching his lips. "Good… good. As for Shisha…" His eyes drifted toward the unconscious figure of the traitor nearby. "Let him pass quietly. He once served this village well, even if his actions betrayed us in the end."
"I'll handle it," Shibuki promised, his voice steady.
With a final, shallow breath, Mizuno's eyes closed, his body going still.
"Grandpa!" Fū cried, clutching his lifeless hand as tears streamed down her face.
---
"Isn't this an unexpected surprise?"
The death of Aoi Rokusho, also known as Midori Aoi, stirred little emotion in Menma. Instead, his attention was focused on the Thunder God's Sword resting in his palm. A faint smile played on his lips as he examined the blade. Though not a true legendary artifact, nor as extraordinary as some claimed, it was still a finely crafted chakra weapon. The materials and craftsmanship were among the best the shinobi world had to offer, a product of top artisans. From the perspective of most ninja, it could indeed be called an "artifact."
The weapon's reputation was further bolstered by its history—wielded by none other than Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, in numerous high-level battles. Despite its exaggerated legend, it was clear the sword remained a formidable tool in capable hands. For now, Menma was content.
With deliberate care, he wiped the blood from the blade and slid it back into its sheath. Patting the scabbard, he allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. Dispatching Aoi Rokusho had been almost too easy.
Meanwhile, Suigetsu Hōzuki stood nearby, the bodies of two Ame-nin lying at his feet. The battle had been effortless for him. Though weaker than his future self in the original timeline, Suigetsu's mastery of the Hōzuki clan's Hydrification Technique made him a formidable opponent. Against ordinary Chūnin, it had been no contest.
"Menma-sama," Suigetsu said as he approached, bowing slightly out of respect.
"How did things go on your end?" Menma asked, his voice calm and measured.
"All of the Ame-nin have been eliminated, Lord Menma," Suigetsu replied, keeping his head slightly lowered.
Menma nodded, satisfied. Everything was proceeding according to his plan. Using intelligence from Shibuki's inner circle, he had orchestrated a trap for the forces loyal to Shisha, the traitor seeking to destabilize Takigakure. Many of these men, including Ajun, were essential to the village's future stability. However, others—particularly those with ties to Takigakure's previous leadership—were now considered enemies. Menma's role was straightforward: eliminate Aoi and ensure Shibuki's rise to power remained untainted by allegations of outside interference. The truth mattered little so long as the narrative held.
Suigetsu, Tayuya, and Karin had executed their tasks perfectly. They ambushed Aoi Rokusho's team after Ajun and his men had initiated the battle, taking advantage of the chaos to strike. Suigetsu's strategic precision had turned the tide, swiftly eliminating the Ame-nin despite their smaller numbers.
"Good. Let's regroup," Menma said with a faint smile. "I'd rather not risk any... misunderstandings."
"Understood." Suigetsu inclined his head, and the two disappeared into the trees, heading for the site of the first skirmish.
Menma's concerns were well-founded. While Suigetsu, Tayuya, and the others had assisted Ajun's forces, they were still strangers to the Taki-nin. Without foreheads protectors or village affiliations, suspicion was inevitable.
When Menma and Suigetsu arrived, the tension was palpable. Ajun and his men stood warily, their eyes fixed on Tayuya and the rest of Menma's team. Though the battle had ended, mistrust lingered.
"Who are these people?" Ajun muttered to himself, his brow furrowed. The way Tayuya and her comrades had fought was unnerving—they were far stronger than any shinobi Ajun had encountered.
A young Taki-nin with black hair and sharp gray eyes leaned closer to Ajun. "Should we engage them?" he whispered.
"Not yet," Ajun replied cautiously. "We don't know if they're allies or enemies. I'll speak with them first."
Stepping forward, Ajun was about to address the strangers when two figures landed before him in a blur.
"Whoosh."
"Whoosh."
Menma and Suigetsu stood calmly, their presence commanding attention.
"Who are these guys?" Ajun's eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the masked figure of Menma.
"Ajun-san," Menma began, his tone light and reassuring, "no need to be so tense. We're here on Shibuki's behalf to deal with Shisha and his forces."
Ajun's posture relaxed slightly at Menma's words. "I see. Thank you for your assistance." Though still cautious, he recognized the pseudonym Menma had used before.
"It's no trouble at all," Menma replied with a faint, enigmatic smile. "After all, we're practically family now." His cryptic tone hinted at deeper involvement in Takigakure's affairs, though he offered no further explanation.
Ajun hesitated but eventually nodded. "Shall we return to the village together, then?"
"Of course." Menma gestured for his group to follow. Without further discussion, the combined forces began their journey back to Takigakure, leaving behind the battlefield and the bodies of their enemies.
---