章 36: Return

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Everything had gone smoothly, but extracting all of Gato's wealth would take time.

Gato's assets far exceeded Menma's expectations. The wealth wasn't just immense in quantity; it was incredibly diverse. Gato was indeed rich—wealthy enough to rival a small nation. In fact, some minor countries might not even have as much as Gato had amassed alone.

However, liquid cash was scarce. Much of Gato's wealth was tied up in real estate across several nations. Beyond the Land of Water, he held properties in the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning. On this island, the available cash amounted to less than 70 million ryo—a substantial sum, equivalent to the bounty on two "Asumas." Still, it fell short of Menma's expectations.

Yet, considering it was unexpected income, Menma was satisfied. He packed all the cash, sealed it in a scroll, and took the real estate certificates with him—these might prove useful in the future.

As Menma stepped out of Gato's vault, a rare, genuine smile appeared on his face.

As for Mr. Gato, Menma had already sent him on his way.

In the most literal sense.

With that, Menma boarded the ship and set sail south, back toward the Land of Waves.

This trip had proven quite profitable for Menma. Even after sharing a portion, the remaining sum was more than enough to satisfy him.

Ten days later…

The bridge that Tazuna and his crew had been working on—the one meant to bring hope to the people of the Land of Waves—was finally completed. Gato's death had lifted the villagers' fear, and the workers who had abandoned the project returned to finish what they had started.

With renewed manpower and resources, the bridge was completed ahead of schedule.

This also meant Team 7 could now begin their journey back to Konoha. Menma had suggested they could leave right after dealing with Gato, but Naruto insisted on staying to witness the bridge's completion.

Menma simply kept his opinion to himself.

If Naruto wanted to do something, so be it. As long as it didn't interfere with his core interests, Menma saw no reason to argue. From that day forward, Menma had resolved never to engage in meaningless activities or debates.

Focusing on his own objectives was paramount.

That's why Menma had donned a deeper mask, projecting a more gentle demeanor on the surface.

This marked a sort of "growth" for Menma. As a time traveler, he had finally integrated into this world, shedding some of the so-called kindness from his previous life—kindness that, in hindsight, seemed more like hypocrisy.

It's worth noting that during these ten days, Team 7 hadn't wasted their time. Sakura and Sasuke began training in tree climbing and water walking after seeing how easily Naruto and Menma performed these techniques.

Even someone as proud as Sasuke couldn't remain indifferent.

Determined to grow stronger, Sasuke initiated his own training. Kakashi, seeing his resolve, had no choice but to assist him. Thus, their training progressed logically. Naruto, on the other hand, pestered Kakashi to teach him more advanced ninjutsu, while Menma focused on mastering the Rasengan.

The Rasengan, an A-rank, hand-signless ninjutsu, was undeniably powerful. In the original timeline, Kabuto Yakushi nearly died from this technique, surviving only because he was a skilled medical ninja.

Mastering this technique would significantly enhance Menma's combat abilities.

Naturally, he prioritized it.

Kakashi, knowing the origin of Menma's technique, wasn't surprised by his choice. Over these ten days, Team 7's training progressed swiftly.

By February 20th, Team 7 finally left the Land of Waves and began their journey back to Konoha. The return trip was much faster than their initial journey.

In just a few hours, the group re-entered the territory controlled by the Hidden Leaf Village.

"Oh, finally back! It's been so long!" Naruto exclaimed, stretching as they approached the village gates. His blue eyes sparkled with excitement at the sight of home.

Sakura, walking beside him, couldn't hide her own excitement.

It had been her first time leaving the village, her first C-rank mission, and everything had ended perfectly. For Haruno Sakura, this was already worth celebrating—especially with the extra income they'd earned!

Thinking about it, Sakura glanced at Menma, who stood slightly apart, his expression unreadable, though he had a faint smile.

'Maybe I was overthinking things. Menma-kun is still the same Menma-kun!'

At that moment, Sakura dismissed all her previous doubts about Menma. His more gentle demeanor and the large sum of money he had given them had reaffirmed her positive view of him since graduation.

"Well, we've been away from the village for a while, so I'll give you all a few days off," Kakashi said as he entered Konoha's main gate. Turning to Naruto, Menma, Sasuke, and Sakura with a smile, he added, "You don't need to report to the mission office. Go home, rest up, and wait for my next call."

"Oh!"

"Yes, Sensei."

"Understood."

The four responded in unison.

With that, they each leaped toward their respective homes.

Kakashi, meanwhile, headed alone to the mission center.

After handing over the mission report and receiving the remaining rewards, Kakashi didn't return home immediately.

Instead, he headed to the Hokage's office.

This mission had involved several unexpected developments, including retrieving Zabuza and Haku's bodies, as well as the executioner's blade. These matters needed to be reported to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

This also included a detailed report on Menma's performance during the mission.

It had been his first time leaving the village—a special test for Menma.

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"Zabuza Momochi... The Demon of the Hidden Mist?" Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, raised an eyebrow as he eyed the sealed scrolls and the massive Kubikiribōchō sword placed before him by Kakashi. The old man's expression momentarily revealed his surprise.

"A C-rank mission escalating into an A-rank... Rare, but not unheard of," Hiruzen mused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Still, for Team 7, fresh out of the Academy, to encounter something like this... quite unexpected."

With a small gesture, an ANBU operative appeared at Hiruzen's side, swiftly taking the sealing scrolls and Zabuza's blade.

"These bodies have research value. Even if we don't keep Zabuza's sword, it will serve as a valuable bargaining chip with Kirigakure in the future," Hiruzen remarked as the ANBU vanished.

"Now, Kakashi," Hiruzen's voice grew more serious as he clasped his hands together. "What are your thoughts on Menma?"

"Lord Third," Kakashi began, standing straight with a rare solemnity, "Menma is capable and trustworthy. His skills are well-honed, and I believe he has the potential to become a pillar of Konoha, much like the Fourth Hokage."

Hiruzen studied Kakashi, his gaze intense. Time seemed to hang in the air as he processed Kakashi's words.

Finally, Hiruzen nodded faintly. "I see. I trust your judgment, Kakashi. Team 7 is in good hands. Menma, Sasuke, Naruto... I believe you will guide them well."

"Thank you, Lord Third," Kakashi replied, bowing respectfully. "I won't let you down."

Hiruzen nodded in approval, dismissing Kakashi, who disappeared in a blur, leaving the Hokage to immerse himself in his endless paperwork.

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Meanwhile, at home, Menma sat deep in thought. He wasn't sure whether the Third Hokage truly trusted him or if the old man was simply keeping a watchful eye. Menma wasn't like Naruto—overflowing with optimism and energy. His circumstances were different, far more complex.

And then there was the Nine-Tails.

Even if Sarutobi didn't fear Menma himself, the presence of the Nine-Tails was always a concern. Caution was inevitable. After all, Hiruzen had led Konoha for over forty years, becoming Hokage at just twenty after the Second Hokage's death. His experience and cunning were undeniable.

Menma couldn't trust the Third Hokage, not fully. Despite the original story's portrayal of Sarutobi as a kind and righteous leader, Menma saw him differently. The Hokage wore a mask—a mask that concealed hypocrisy.

Danzo's very existence proved it. If Hiruzen didn't know what Danzo was doing in the shadows, then he was ignorant. If he did know and allowed it, then he was complicit. Either way, Menma couldn't place his faith in someone who let Danzo operate unchecked.

Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't someone Menma could trust. Not now, not ever.

A choice lay before him. Menma could sense a looming crisis in Konoha's future. He had to plan his next moves carefully. The future he sought—the escape he needed—would not come easily.

But the upcoming Chunin Exams presented an opportunity. Sunagakure and Otogakure's attack would create enough chaos for him to slip away unnoticed. Konoha would be too distracted to care.

That was the plan. Risky, but it was his best option.

Menma's eyes focused on the black ink on the paper before him. One word stood out, and a steely resolve hardened his gaze. He had no choice but to gamble. His life, his future, was on the line. But he refused to live a meaningless existence.

Timing and preparation were crucial. He still had some flexibility, but the Chunin Exams seemed the perfect moment to act. He would need contingency plans; after all, things rarely went as expected.

But one thing was certain: he needed to grow stronger.

His Rasengan training had progressed well during the mission in the Land of Waves, but it wasn't enough. He recalled Jiraiya's three-step training method from his memories of the original story. Menma could forge his own path, but there was no need to reinvent the wheel.

His progress in mastering the Rasengan was steady, but there were still issues, particularly with chakra control. His main challenge was stabilizing the chakra before it dissipated.

The next few days would be crucial. He was close, but close wasn't good enough.

Menma clenched his fist. He couldn't afford to fail—not now.

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