Capítulo 73: Conclusion of the Contract
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Of course, Menma didn't want to worsen the situation further. He was here to tame the Kuroishi Lizard, not defeat or kill it.
He reminded himself, the balance of heaven and earth must be maintained.
Initially, Menma had planned to subdue the Kuroishi Lizard by force, showcasing his strength right away. But now, he realized how rash that approach had been. His lack of experience had led him astray.
I shouldn't have used the Rasengan earlier.
Now, he needed to tread carefully. Using just enough force—perhaps a mix of taijutsu and a controlled amount of Nine-Tails' chakra—might work better than unleashing more destructive jutsu.
Time for a more direct approach.
The Kuroishi Lizard, however, remained fiercely loyal to its previous master, Shouzaki Gosaku, and showed clear hostility toward any intruder. Menma's earlier attack had worsened the situation. The chances of forming a contract now seemed slim.
He sighed, looking up at the towering creature. "I went too far earlier. I apologize, Kuroishi Lizard. I didn't come here with bad intentions. I want to form a contract with you—so we can fight together," Menma said, taking a deep breath.
Menma knew how absurd this might sound after he'd just attacked it. But what choice did he have? The lizard had ignored his peaceful approach before, forcing him to use force. Unfortunately, Menma had underestimated the effect of his Rasengan, his first mistake.
The lizard ignored him, its eyes staring past him, indifferent. Although it knew it couldn't defeat Menma, it wasn't about to submit.
Menma's attempt to heal it with the Mystical Palm Technique, a basic healing jutsu, hadn't helped. The lizard resisted, unwilling to accept help from someone who threatened its bond with Shouzaki Gosaku. Trying to reason with the lizard felt like talking to a stone wall.
Menma scratched his head, frustration building. Still, he admired the creature's loyalty. Who wouldn't want a partner that steadfast? It reminded him of the bonds between Orochimaru and Manda, or Jiraiya and Gamabunta.
Manda was powerful, but loyalty was never part of the deal—often threatening to abandon Orochimaru. Gamabunta, though gruff, would fight to the death alongside Jiraiya.
That was the kind of bond Menma wanted.
"I know you're loyal to Shouzaki Gosaku," Menma continued, his tone softening. "But his time has passed. You've done your duty. There's no need for you to stay here, alone, any longer. Fight with me, Kuroishi Lizard. I can give you the purpose you once had. Do you really want to remain in this desolate place forever?"
He paused, hoping his words would resonate. This lizard was no mindless beast; it was a creature of intelligence, bound by loyalty and pride. Surely, decades of isolation hadn't dulled its spirit entirely.
For a brief moment, he saw a flicker in the lizard's eyes. But it vanished, leaving the silence even heavier. The bond with Shouzaki Gosaku ran too deep; Menma's words alone weren't enough to break it. The lizard had waited here, bound by the final command it had received long ago.
Just as he was about to abandon the effort, a bold idea struck him.
"If you agree to form a contract with me," Menma said, his voice resolute, "I promise to avenge the destruction of the Land of Swamps. I will bring justice to those who destroyed your homeland. And I will seek out the descendants of Shouzaki Gosaku, to protect them and offer them aid. Would that be enough for you, Kuroishi Lizard?"
If the lizard's loyalty lay with Shouzaki Gosaku, then Menma would appeal directly to that bond.
If this offer didn't work, Menma would have no choice but to walk away. He didn't want to kill the creature, nor did he hold any grudge against it.
Even if Menma failed today, it didn't mean he wouldn't have another chance in the future. If things didn't go his way, Menma would simply turn around and leave.
But now, it was clear that his words had struck a nerve. The lizard had been swayed, if only a little. Just as he had anticipated, Shouzaki Gosaku held an irreplaceable place in the lizard's heart.
In any other situation, the Kuroishi Lizard wouldn't have given him a second glance. But when it came to Shouzaki Gosaku and the fallen Land of Swamps, this beast couldn't stay indifferent.
For the first time, the Kuroishi Lizard turned around, its massive eyes locking onto Menma.
Menma's heart surged with excitement, though he kept his composure, meeting its gaze with a steady, calm expression.
He wasn't trying to deceive the Kuroishi Lizard. If a promise could earn him the loyalty of such a powerful summoning beast, it was worth it.
"Human... are you serious?"
After a long silence, the Kuroishi Lizard finally spoke, its deep voice rumbling as hot air billowed from its nostrils.
"Of course. I swear it on my honor. I will avenge the "Land of Swamps and do everything I can to find the descendants of Shouzaki Gosaku!"
Menma straightened up, his voice loud and clear as he met the lizard's gaze with unshakable resolve.
The Kuroishi Lizard could sense Menma's sincerity. His words struck a chord, and after a long, searching gaze, the lizard gave a slow, approving nod.
"Human, remember what you have promised today."
With that, the Kuroishi Lizard opened its mouth, spitting out a scroll roughly half the size of Menma, slick with thick mucus.
Menma grinned, unbothered by the slime. He unrolled the scroll and, after examining the markings, recognized Shouzaki Gosaku's signature. Swiftly, he bit his finger, drew blood, and signed his name.
The moment the contract was completed, Menma felt an almost tangible shift in the air—a powerful connection had formed between him and the Kuroishi Lizard.
Menma blinked, a thought crossing his mind. "Wait… are you part of a tribe?"
The Kuroishi Lizard, now officially his summon, lowered its head slightly and replied with respect. "Yes, Master. Our Rock Wild Lizard Clan may not be as renowned as the three great summoning realms, but we are a tribe. We number in the dozens, though many are still young or in deep slumber. I am the eldest of the tribe, and my name is Urushi."
Menma's eyes widened with surprise and delight. An entire tribe of summoning beasts? He could hardly believe his luck—the possibilities in battle were endless.
"Urushi, you don't need to call me 'master.' We're comrades, fighting side by side. Just call me Menma. And don't worry—I'll do everything in my power to fulfill my promise."
Though the traditional ninja beast clans valued hierarchy, Urushi paused and nodded. "If that is your wish, then I shall address you as Master Menma."
Menma smiled. The title was a small compromise he could accept; it felt less rigid than "master."
"Yeah, that works."
With the contract sealed, Menma activated the Mystical Palm Technique and began treating Urushi's injuries. Though his healing was basic, it was enough to help Urushi start recovering.
"Release!" Menma formed the seals to dispel the summoning jutsu, allowing Urushi to return to his realm for proper rest.
Urushi's injuries from their earlier battle were no small matter, and Menma knew he wouldn't summon him again until he had fully recovered. As for the other lizards in Urushi's tribe... Menma would take his time getting to know them.
I've really found something special here, Menma thought, a smile spreading across his face.
In the distance, Karin leaped toward him, her expression lighting up as she noticed his satisfied grin.
"Menma! Did everything go well? Are we heading back now?" she asked, with a hint of reluctance.
Menma, realizing what she was hinting at, chuckled. Orochimaru's lair was an unsettling place, and it was no wonder Karin preferred not to return.
Still, they couldn't avoid it. While Menma had his own plans to eventually break free and form his own group, the time wasn't right. He still needed to build his strength and gather resources, and Orochimaru's hideout remained his temporary base of operations.
"Yes, we will go back… but not yet." Menma grinned. "We made it here faster than expected, so there's one more thing I'd like to handle before we return."
Karin's face brightened with joy. The thought of spending more time with Menma—and avoiding Orochimaru's eerie presence a little longer—brought her a happiness she couldn't quite express.
"Alright! Let's get going, then!" she said, her eyes shining.
As long as she was with Menma, Karin felt like she could face anything. Even if it meant postponing their return to that cold, dark place.
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