Just as Kakashi was about to land another blow, two needles shot out from a tree on the upper right. They pierced Zabuza's neck, and he collapsed to the ground!
"Who?" Everyone turned toward the source of the attack and spotted a figure standing atop the tree. Dressed in dark green clothing and wearing a mask over his face, the figure exuded an eerie calm.
"Dead," the masked man said coldly.
Kakashi rushed over to check Zabuza's condition. "He's really dead," Kakashi confirmed, slightly irritated that someone had stolen his kill.
"I've been waiting for the right moment to take him out," the masked man said, bowing slightly in thanks. Kakashi had no rebuttal—he simply observed silently. But seeing the man's mask, he couldn't help commenting, "That mask… you're from Kirigakure's Hunter-nin force, aren't you?"
"As expected of Kakashi—so knowledgeable," the masked man replied politely.
Naruto, confused, leaned over to Sasuke. "Sasuke, what's a Hunter-nin?"
Sasuke shot him a blank stare. What were you doing in class?
"Idiot. Hunter-nin are elite assassins sent to eliminate rogue ninjas from their own village—ninjas like Zabuza. They're responsible for protecting their village's secrets."
"Wow, Sasuke, you're amazing!" Naruto said, eyes sparkling.
"Of course!" Sasuke smirked and raised an eyebrow.
Sakura: (へ╬) Are you two seriously flirting in front of me?
She began breathing heavily in frustration.
Naruto sensed the chill coming from Sakura's direction and instinctively leaned closer to Sasuke.
The masked man then spoke: "Yes, I'm a member of Kirigakure's Hunter-nin division, assigned to eliminate escapees like Zabuza."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes behind his mask, analyzing him.
Based on his voice and build, he was around the same age as Naruto and Sasuke. A Hunter-nin? No matter how he looked at it, this wasn't just some ordinary kid.
The masked man swiftly approached Zabuza's body, hoisted it up, and said to Kakashi and the others, "Your battle seems to be over. I must dispose of this body immediately—there are too many secrets hidden in him. I'll be taking my leave."
And with that, he disappeared with Zabuza's "corpse."
Kakashi had no objections—after all, the enemy was dead. Better to avoid unnecessary complications.
Inside Naruto's Mind:
Kurama pushed his glasses up his nose, muttering to himself: "What a bunch of idiots… They don't even realize they've been tricked. But hey, not my problem. My job is to protect this idiot Naruto so I can read new novels when we get back. Heh, ^_^"
The night before Naruto's departure, Menma and Kurama had struck a deal.
Kurama returned to reading his novel.
Leaf Village:
Menma strolled aimlessly down the street, shopping here and snacking there. Honestly, it was no surprise he was bored. All the work was being handled by his clones—hundreds of them training, and one even clocking in at the Konoha Anbu every day.
Menma had once believed Anbu would be full of thrilling missions. So, he'd gone in person… and what did he find? Every single task was boring village-level errands. As for out-of-village recon missions? Those never came his way.
Holding a skewer of Itachi's favorite three-color dango, Menma popped one into his mouth. It was sweet, but didn't ease his frustration one bit. He was still thinking about Naruto.
Ever since Naruto left, the village just doesn't feel the same.
Huh? Wasn't that Shikamaru?
"Brother Shikamaru! Where are you headed?" Menma called out to Nara Shikamaru, who was over ten meters away.
"Ah!" Shikamaru jumped, then relaxed when he saw who it was. "Big bro."
Menma nodded. "Where are you going?" He happened to be free and thought about inviting Shikamaru for a game of chess.
Ugh, does he want to play chess again? Shikamaru's mind instantly went into overdrive, trying to guess Menma's intentions.
He quickly put on an apologetic face. "Sorry, big bro. I was just on my way to find Asuma-sensei."
"Oh? Heading out on a mission?" Menma asked.
"Yes, that's right." Shikamaru replied.
"Alright then, I was just looking for someone to play chess with. Maybe next time." Menma said, continuing on his way.
Shikamaru watched Menma's back as he walked away and sighed in relief. I knew it—he wanted to play chess!
Playing chess with Menma was torture. If Shikamaru won, Menma would scold him: "Why are you so good, Shikamaru?!"
If he lost, he'd get beaten up.
So every match turned into a mental war just to end in a draw. Worse than death…
He picked up the pace and disappeared down another street.
Meanwhile, Menma arrived at the Akimichi clan's barbecue restaurant.
Only good food can soothe my depression.
There's a saying:
"When a woman's unhappy, she shops. When a man's unhappy, he eats."
The staff immediately welcomed Menma and led him to his exclusive seat. Over the years, Menma had become such a loyal and valuable customer that the Akimichi family reserved a special table just for him.
"Menma?"
"Big bro!"
Who called me? Menma turned around—it was Asuma, Ino, and Choji.
Huh? Weren't they on a mission? Why are they just chilling here eating?
Menma walked over. "Long time no see, Asuma. How's your father doing?"
Then he greeted Ino and Choji as well.
Asuma looked a bit awkward. He hadn't gone home in a while—his dad kept nagging him about marriage. So, he avoided going back entirely.
He forced a smile. "He's doing well."
Menma nodded thoughtfully. I should visit Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife sometime. They took great care of me and Naruto when we were young.
"Oh right! I just ran into Shikamaru earlier—he said he was heading out on a mission. So… why is he not with you?" Menma asked, confused.
Mission?
"Big bro, we just got back from our mission. Shikamaru was here a moment ago, but he left early," Ino replied casually.
Nani?! (ω)
Shikamaru, you're dead! You dared lie to me just to dodge a chess match?
Menma's fury was rising, but he kept his signature smile plastered on.
"Oh, no worries. You guys don't mind if I join your table, right?"
"Of course not," Asuma said. "But you're paying, Menma—I'm broke." He knew Menma's appetite and wasn't about to foot the bill.
"No problem. It's on me today."
"That's so generous—thank you!" Asuma replied cheerfully. Despite being a Jōnin and earning decent pay, equipment costs were high. Saving a bit here and there was a big help. Besides, Menma was basically a local tycoon.
Shikamaru, Shikamaru!
Once I've eaten my fill… you're dead! (へ╬)
With that, Menma turned his rage into fuel and began devouring his meal.
(End Of Chapter)
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