Konoha, Year 60 — Ninja Academy:
"Congratulations on graduating," Iruka said warmly from the podium, his eyes full of pride. Another six years, another generation of young shinobi ready to step into the world.
"Graduated! Brother, we graduated!"
From below the stage, a golden-haired boy with bright blue eyes and a fox emblem on his white shirt beamed at the red-haired boy who looked almost exactly like him.
Though their appearances were nearly identical, their hair colors set them apart—one golden, one crimson. They were the only set of twins in the entire class: Naruto and Menma Uzumaki.
"Congrats, Naruto. You made it," Menma replied with a soft smile.
Unlike Naruto, who was practically vibrating with excitement, Menma felt... well, nothing. Years ago, Tsunade had offered to let him graduate early and start working for the village, but he'd refused.
Work for the village? What a joke.
Menma would much rather spend his time with Naruto, sharing the boring but peaceful rhythm of school life together.
Over the last six years, besides accompanying Naruto every day, Menma had focused intensely on improving his strength and mastering countless jutsu under Kakashi's guidance. On the side, he'd also been building a whole empire—from novels, to merchandise, to... Nine Tails dolls and figures.
It started small. Menma had created a few cute clothes and plushies featuring Kurama's mini form. Then, using his status as Naruto's older brother and the boss of the village kids, he began distributing the merchandise.
Each family's kids received three free items—courtesy of Menma. At first, Shikamaru, Sasuke, and the others hated them, calling them "ugly."
That pissed off Kurama so badly, he nearly burst out of Menma in rage. (へ╬) "I'm ugly?! Say that again!"
Menma had to hold him back and settle things personally. After a round of thorough "education," he told the boys:
"You're wearing these. Daily. No questions asked. This is fashion. Trend. Culture. If I catch you without them, I'll beat you on sight."
Since then, Shikamaru, Sasuke, and the others wore them obediently every day.
Before long, curiosity spread. Kids started asking: "What is this?" "Where did you get that?" "Is that the Nine Tails?"
Menma capitalized on the interest and began designing more styles: smiling Kurama, angry Kurama, Kurama reading with glasses, and so on.
Within a year, the Nine Tails brand had become Konoha's most popular children's product. Every home had at least one.
And Menma? Let's just say... he got rich.
Originally, he'd planned a Phase Two—live appearances of the Nine Tails for paid viewing. But Kurama immediately refused.
Kurama:I'm a dignified Tailed Beast, not a circus act!
Menma:It's for the kids. They love you!
Kurama:They love my plush version. You just want to cash in, you greedy brat!
Menma: "…"
In truth, Menma did want to make money—his appetite had grown absurd over the years. He ate enough for a small village. Sure, he could've lived off novel royalties alone...
Clones: "If you're tired from writing, what about us?"
Menma: "Don't break the fourth wall!"
Clones: "Too late. The audience deserves to know."
Menma: "Audience?! What audience?!"
Still, everything Menma built was meticulously planned. Novels first to raise interest, then merchandise to build a brand—like his own ninja-world Marvel.
He did it all himself... well, with a lot of clone labor.
Clone: "Are you really going to act like you didn't outsource 95% of the work?"
Menma: "You guys are me!"
Clone: "We want credit!"
Menma: "Denied."
Unfortunately, someone else noticed Menma's fortune: Tsunade.
When she first took office, Konoha's treasury had been nearly empty. Furious, she immediately raided Jiraiya's pockets, then demanded funds from the Nara, Hyuga, and Uchiha clans.
"Shikaku, Hiashi, Fugaku—you're advisors now. It's time to act like it and support the village."
Eventually, her sights turned to Menma.
"Menma," she said one day, hands on her hips. "I haven't pushed you to graduate early. But right now, the village is in trouble. Are you going to help the Konoha your parents gave their lives to protect—or not?"
Menma looked at her in disbelief.
Why does this feel like either a shakedown or a robbery...?
Tsunade grinned. "I heard your store's doing really well."
Menma: "…"
So it really is a shakedown.
"I'm not giving you money," he said flatly. "But I'll give you something better: a 10% share of the business. That means monthly profits—passive income. And in return, I want guaranteed village protection. No harassment. My store becomes off-limits."
Tsunade immediately agreed. "Deal."
10% wasn't much now, but Tsunade was already thinking long-term. One foot in the door... I'll get more later.
If Menma had known her thoughts, he would've screamed:
"WOLF IN THE HOUSE!"
Back at the Academy, Naruto was brimming with excitement.
"Brother! Let's be in the same team! We can go on missions together!"
Menma smiled but said nothing.
Not happening, kid.
Soon, Iruka announced the team placements.
Just like in the original timeline:
Team 7: Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura
Team 8: Hinata, Kiba, Shino
Team 10: Ino, Shikamaru, Choji
Team ???: Menma… unassigned.
As expected.
Menma was simply too overqualified to be grouped with anyone. It was unclear what the Hokage had planned for him, but he knew he wouldn't be sticking with the regular genin.
After Iruka left, Naruto pouted.
"Why aren't we in the same group?!"
Menma reached out and ruffled his hair again. "You can't cling to me forever. One day, the eagle has to fly on its own."
"But..."
"No buts. We still live together. You'll see me at home every day."
Naruto sighed. "Okay…"
One by one, the jōnin teachers arrived to collect their teams. Eventually, only four people remained in the classroom: Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
"Who's our sensei? Why are they so late?" Naruto grumbled.
"Sasuke, any idea?"
Sasuke shook his head. "No clue."
Compared to the old timeline, this Sasuke was more cheerful, more grounded. He had his parents, his brother, Naruto, and plenty of friends. There was no hatred in him anymore.
"But honestly, we don't even need a teacher. Right, Naruto?" Sasuke said confidently.
By now, he had already awakened the two-tomoe Sharingan. How? That's a story for another time.
"Of course!" Naruto grinned.
Just then, the door finally creaked open.
(End of Chapter)
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