Chapter 16: Return

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**That firm look and soft tone.**

To the average person, this might make someone seem trustworthy. But Menma wasn't just an ordinary person. As a member of the Uzumaki clan, he possessed an extraordinary perception, amplified by the Nine-Tails sealed within him. This ability far surpassed his mother, Kushina Uzumaki, his Kagura Heart Eye allowed him to sense the warmth and coldness of chakra.

Right now, Menma could easily feel the sincerity in Iruka's heart.

*He isn't lying to me!*

At that moment, Menma wasn't sure if he felt relieved or something else entirely.

But he was, at least, at peace.

Perhaps it was pretentious to say, but Menma couldn't completely disregard the goodwill of others. In his previous life, he was just an ordinary person.

Menma believed in repaying kindness with kindness and hatred with hatred. This was a creed he had always adhered to.

Iruka may not fully understand the concept of 'virtue,' but as Menma stared at him in silence, Iruka grew more anxious. Just when Iruka thought he'd failed to reach him, Menma finally spoke.

"I believe you, Iruka-sensei. If I can't trust you, then maybe there's no one I can trust."

Menma took a deep breath before saying this, his expression mirroring Iruka's seriousness.

Hearing Menma's words, Iruka felt a wave of relief wash over him. Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been observing everything, let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

The Third Hokage felt a deep appreciation for Iruka's efforts and knew he'd made the right decision in entrusting Menma to him. Now, with Iruka and himself as anchors, Menma would gain the acceptance and trust of more people in the village. The boy would indeed become the hero of Konohagakure that Hiruzen hoped for.

This had always been Sarutobi Hiruzen's wish.

Iruka nodded, smiling slightly as he saw Menma visibly relax. He walked closer to the boy.

"Now, why don't you tell me what happened, Menma?" Iruka urged gently.

"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"

Menma nodded and, after gathering his thoughts, recounted the events in detail, including how he'd accessed the Scroll of Seals. After all, this was all happening under the watchful eye of Sarutobi Hiruzen, so there was no need to hide anything.

As Iruka listened, his expression shifted constantly. He hadn't expected Mizuki to be behind this.

From a conventional perspective, without considering any unexpected factors, most people wouldn't believe Menma's story. But Iruka, both intellectually and emotionally, believed him.

This wasn't just due to the promise Iruka made earlier. It was a judgment born from years of knowing Menma.

Iruka didn't believe Menma could be a bad kid.

"I believe you, Menma, but this situation is serious. Let's take Mizuki and report to the Third Hokage. Don't worry; I'm sure the Hokage will believe you too!"

Iruka's voice was firm as he placed a reassuring hand on Menma's shoulder.

"I believe in the Third Hokage, too!" Menma responded earnestly.

With that, Iruka and Menma, one carrying Mizuki and the other holding the Scroll of Seals, left the forest and headed back toward the Hokage Building.

Underneath the crystal ball in his office, Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the scene unfold. When he heard Menma's words, a gentle smile crept onto his old face.

After all these years, Menma had met his expectations, passing this final test with flying colors.

*Minato, your sons have truly grown up. Whether it's Naruto or Menma, they will both become staunch protectors of the Will of Fire, just like you!*

Sarutobi Hiruzen silently mused as he exhaled a long breath.

Meanwhile, Iruka and Menma were nearing the Hokage Building when two ANBU members appeared before them.

Iruka was initially startled, but before he could speak, the ANBU on the left addressed him in a hoarse voice.

"Hand over the traitor, Mizuki. The Hokage is waiting for you inside."

The statement was clear and direct.

Menma, already aware of the situation, remained calm. Iruka, who quickly processed the term "traitor," relaxed upon hearing it.

Since Mizuki had been officially branded a traitor, the situation became much simpler. Although Iruka was curious about how quickly the village responded, he knew better than to question it. Sometimes, playing ignorant was the smartest move.

Iruka was no longer the naive rookie fresh out of the Academy.

"Let's go, Menma!" Iruka said gently after handing Mizuki over to the ANBU.

Menma, on the other hand, maintained his calm exterior. There was no turmoil in his heart.

With Sarutobi Hiruzen's watchful eyes and the non-interference of the ANBU, Menma knew the Hokage's stance. And with the original plot as a guide, he felt assured that nothing would go wrong unless something truly unexpected happened.

"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"

Menma's acting skills were becoming more refined.

The two entered the Hokage Building, heading straight for the office on the top floor. After knocking gently, they heard Sarutobi Hiruzen's low voice.

"Come in."

Iruka carefully pushed the door open, and as they stepped inside, both he and Menma moved to kneel on one knee in respect.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen stopped them with a gentle wave of his hand.

"There's no need for formalities, Iruka, Menma. I already know what happened. This isn't your fault, Menma. In fact, you've done well. There's no need to worry."

The Hokage smiled kindly as he spoke.

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Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, spoke plainly, without unnecessary preamble. He didn't need to beat around the bush, especially not with Iruka and Menma. As Hokage, he had the authority and the reputation to be direct.

Iruka, who had anticipated this moment and prepared himself accordingly, finally allowed himself to relax. His worries dissipated as he heard the Hokage's words.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was not like Tsunade or Minato. As the leader who had guided Konoha through times of crisis, he had led the village to prosperity and had been in charge for over thirty years. His word held supreme authority in Konoha, and his decisions shaped the very foundation of the village.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Iruka responded, his voice carrying a hint of excitement. He quickly bowed his head in respect.

However, Menma, standing beside him, couldn't shake his anxiety. He looked up at Hiruzen with a mixture of worry and unease. Taking a deep breath, he gathered his courage and spoke, "But... I also peeked at the Sealed Book, which is supposed to be a top-secret document, only for the Hokage. My identity is still..."

"You are who you are, Menma. You are the child I've watched grow up, and I have always believed in you. Your identity is clear—you are a ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village, Uzumaki Menma. This is your true self. You don't need to worry about my recognition or anyone else's. Your actions will prove your worth in the future. As for the Sealed Book, it's of no consequence. You defeated Mizuki, a traitor to the village. That was your reward, and you have nothing to fear."

Hiruzen interrupted Menma before he could finish, his tone gentle and reassuring. There was a warmth in his eyes, the kind of kindness one would expect from a grandfather toward his grandchildren. Hiruzen might have spoken from the heart, but Menma couldn't ignore the underlying motivations.

Menma knew that Hiruzen's words were driven by his commitment to Konoha. The village's well-being was his priority, and his righteousness was aligned with Konoha's interests. However, Menma did not share that same commitment. Konoha was not his final destination. His future lay elsewhere, beyond the village.

Despite these thoughts, Menma feigned a look of relief and gratitude. He smiled brightly and responded with apparent enthusiasm, "Yes, thank you, Third Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen's heart swelled with satisfaction. Everything was going according to plan, just as he intended.

"Let's conclude this matter for now. It's late, and tomorrow is the graduation ceremony. You both should get some rest," Hiruzen said warmly, dismissing them.

The clock had passed three in the morning by the time they left the Hokage's office.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Iruka and Menma said in unison, bowing before leaving the room.

Outside, at the street's fork, Iruka turned to Menma, his expression serious. "Menma, although tonight's events have concluded, I want to remind you to be cautious in your actions from now on. Today, you will officially become a ninja. You'll be taking on various missions, and any carelessness could lead to dangerous outcomes. Please, remember that."

"I will, Iruka-sensei. I promise to be careful," Menma replied earnestly.

Iruka nodded, a gentle smile appearing on his face. "Good. Go home and rest. The graduation ceremony starts at nine. Don't be late."

"Yes, Iruka-sensei," Menma responded, watching as Iruka turned and headed home.

As Iruka's figure disappeared into the night, Menma's smile faded. He glanced back at the Hokage Building, its windows still glowing with light.

A cold glint flashed in Menma's eyes.

'This is just the beginning,' he thought.

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The end of winter was near, and the first signs of spring were beginning to show. It was January, the 60th year of Konoha, and Menma had officially graduated from the Ninja Academy.

Having left the protection of being a student, he now faced real challenges, ones far more dangerous than anything he had encountered before.

As the night gave way to dawn, the first rays of sunlight touched the earth. The Ninja Academy, located in the heart of the village, buzzed with activity. The school had two lively seasons each year—March for the opening and January for graduation.

The graduates, boys and girls who had passed their exams, proudly wore their new forehead protectors as they gathered for the ceremony. Meanwhile, the younger students looked on enviously, dreaming of their own future graduations, oblivious to the harsh realities of the ninja world.

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