"Sasuke, good morning!" Naruto arrived at the academy early, beaming with his usual sunny smile as he greeted Sasuke.
"Hmph." Sasuke glared at him, still brooding over everything that happened yesterday—the annoying Naruto, his annoying older brother, and even his annoying mother. (へ╬)(へ╬)(へ╬) None of them were good people in his eyes right now. The memory of yesterday only deepened his frustration and sadness.
Naruto walked over, his big blue eyes fixed on Sasuke. Sasuke tried his best to avoid making eye contact.
But before he could step away, Naruto reached out with both hands, grabbed Sasuke's cheeks, and stretched them out wide.
"Sasuke, you're so rude! My brother says that when someone greets you, you should always respond. This is your punishment!" Naruto said, puffing his cheeks in mock anger. Sasuke's cheeks felt quite squishy, so Naruto didn't let go immediately.
"Uuuuuuugghhhh!" Sasuke grumbled, his words muffled by Naruto's pinching. Naruto leaned in.
"Huh? What did you say? I didn't catch that."
Sasuke glared and raised his own hands, grabbing Naruto's cheeks in return.
"Wooo wooo wooo!"
"Wooo wooo wooo!"
The two continued their muffled "conversation," pulling each other's faces until Iruka-sensei finally walked over.
"Awwhhh!" Naruto groaned as they finally let go.
"Hmph!" Sasuke huffed, still annoyed.
They glared at each other before returning to their seats, both red-faced and pouting, refusing to speak any further.
Meanwhile, back at home, Menma finally woke up from his nap in the afternoon. As his eyes opened, he saw a tall figure in the room—white hair, a black face mask, his left eye covered by a forehead protector. Dressed in a green flak jacket and with the red Anbu symbol on his shoulder—it was Kakashi.
Where was Kurama?
Menma immediately reached out with his senses, questioning the Nine Tails.
Kurama lazily replied, "He didn't seem hostile. Might even have something to do with you. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't want to bother you."
Then Kurama waved his paw, disappearing into the back of Menma's mind. "Don't disturb me. I'm in the middle of the best part of the novel."
Menma: "…"
Kurama, you're so unreliable.
"Mr. Kakashi? Why are you here?" Menma asked curiously. Based on what Kurama said, Kakashi must've been there for a while.
Kakashi stared intently at Menma and asked, "Do you know why I came to see you? What did you mean the other day—about abandoning the mission?"
Just like his father—Minato Namikaze—he gave his all for the village, even if it meant saving comrades and abandoning the mission. What was the result? Ridicule. Disgrace. Forced suicide to preserve certain interests. It was disgusting.
Those words had echoed in Kakashi's mind ever since Menma said them. He'd tried to distract himself by accepting missions, but it hadn't worked. In fact, he'd almost failed his latest one.
So, after returning to the village, Kakashi had come straight here to confront him.
Menma's lips curved into a smile. Perfect timing—I have something to ask you too.
"Mr. Kakashi, how about this—we make a deal?"
"A deal?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
"I've heard of you, the famous 'Copy Ninja' who's copied over a thousand jutsu and whose name echoes throughout the world. I want you to teach me all of those jutsu. In exchange, I'll tell you what you want to know."
Menma had long been planning to build a combat style uniquely tailored to his own talents. Someday, he'd be able to fight while sitting back, sipping tea, snacking on melon seeds, and watching the chaos unfold.
"You want to learn from me?" Kakashi was surprised. "Why? And how can I trust what you're offering is true?"
Menma replied, "I was attacked outside the village when they heard Jiraiya-sensei and I were returning. I already know who was behind it. I want to become strong—strong enough that no one dares to touch me."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "You're saying the attacker was from Konoha?"
Menma just smiled. "Mr. Kakashi, it's better if you don't know. After all… you're still a bit too kind."
Kakashi froze. A chill ran through him. Could it really have been someone from the village? Countless possibilities flashed through his mind. But Menma hadn't offended anyone—who would target him like this?
"Well, Mr. Kakashi?" Menma asked again. "Do you accept the deal?"
Kakashi was silent for a while before finally asking, "One question first—how do you feel about Konoha?"
Menma smiled. "Don't worry. I don't hate Konoha. If I did, I would've unleashed Kurama long ago."
Kurama:Brat! What did you just say?! Who's being controlled here?!
Menma:Oops—my bad, it's just for the story!
Kurama:Hmph! I'll forgive you this time. But you owe me three novels now.
Menma:...If this keeps up, I'll run out of stories from our 5000-year civilization...
Then Menma added, "Besides, I want Naruto to grow up happy here, fall in love, get married, and have kids."
Menma smiled at the thought, his expression soft and full of warmth.
It was the first time Kakashi had ever seen him smile like that. He could tell Menma was being sincere.
"I believe you, Menma. I accept the deal."
So, Menma told Kakashi everything he knew.
Kakashi sat in silence afterward, stunned. If what Menma said was true, Sakumo's rising influence had threatened certain people's ambitions. His honor, his position—even his life—had become obstacles. And in the end, someone had used a secret mission as an excuse to ruin him. When the mission failed, the details somehow reached the villagers. His comrades blamed him. Eventually, they basically forced him to commit suicide to shield Kakashi
"Mr. Kakashi," Menma said softly, "your father didn't die by suicide. He was killed. And the ones who did it… they believed they were right. But that so-called righteousness corrupts. That's why I want to change everything."
Before Kakashi could respond, a voice called from outside:
"Brother! Brother! Are you awake?! Tsunade-san is here again!"
"I'm up!" Menma called back.
Hearing that, Naruto pushed open the door and rushed in, his bright smile filling the room like sunshine.
"Brother, Mr. Kakashi's here too!" Naruto said, spotting him.
Kakashi greeted him, "Hey, Naruto. School's over already?"
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!"
"Menma! Hurry up and cook—I'm starving!"
Tsunade's voice rang out from the living room. No warning, no shame.
Tsunade: "What are you waiting for? Go cook for me, brat!"
Menma: "…"
I'm not your personal chef...
(End of Chapter)
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