Menma and Naruto were invited to the Hokage's office.
"Grandpa Third!" Naruto greeted cheerfully.
"Grandpa Third Hokage, I was just about to look for you. The money I borrowed is almost gone," Menma said with a meaningful look—Translation: I need more money.
The Third Hokage: "..."
"3,000 taels will do?"
"Just about. I spent 1,500 taels on Naruto's new clothes, and we also went to Ichiraku Ramen. Naruto had two bowls," Menma replied.
"Yeah, yeah! Grandpa Third, Ichiraku Ramen is so tasty—I had two bowls!" Naruto added excitedly.
The Third Hokage patted Naruto's head gently. Such a cute child.
"Next time, Naruto will treat Grandpa Third to ramen!" Menma offered.
Naruto tugged on the Third's robes. "Grandpa Third, will you come eat ramen with me and my brother next time?"
"No problem!" The Third smiled, though the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.
Meanwhile, Kakashi—standing to the side—tilted his head in confusion beneath the mask. Something about this conversation felt... off.
"Naruto, why don't you explore outside a bit? Then you can tell your brother what you find that's fun," Menma said casually.
Naruto nodded without hesitation and dashed out, his little legs working fast.
Once he was gone, Menma turned to Kakashi and said flatly, "Go watch Naruto. If anything happens to him, I'll kill you."
His childish voice carried a deadly seriousness.
Kakashi: "..."
Under his mask, Kakashi rolled his eyes. Kill me? What a dream. Just because you're the son of my teacher doesn't mean I can't smack some sense into you.
The Third Hokage: "..."
He gave Kakashi a look. Kakashi understood immediately and left the room.
As expected of a child of the Will of Fire. The brainwashing runs deep.
Now only the Third Hokage and Menma remained.
Menma casually found a seat, crossed his legs, and looked ahead without saying a word.
The Third Hokage studied Menma in silence. Menma didn't bother speaking either.
After a long pause, the Third sighed.
"Menma... do you know who your parents are?"
As expected of Minato and Kushina's son—he's already so composed at this age.
Menma nodded.
So he knows... but how? Who told him about the Nine Tails?
"Then, can you tell Grandpa Third who told you?"
That old Danzo... even with Root disbanded, he can't sit still.
"It was the Nine Tails. I also saw my father," Menma replied calmly.
That response startled the Third Hokage. The amount of information packed into that one sentence was incredible.
So the Nine Tails spoke to him... and he saw Minato? It must have been Minato's chakra remnant from the sealing.
Wait... that means Menma can communicate with the Nine Tails... maybe even control it?
The Third's face lit up with a grin.
This was great news—after the Nine Tails attack four years ago, the village suffered countless casualties, including the Fourth Hokage and Kushina. The Uchiha clan was showing signs of rebellion. It felt like Konoha was collapsing from both inside and out.
But now—if the village had a Jinchūriki who could control the Nine Tails, it would significantly boost their power.
Maybe not just one... maybe even two?
"Menma, can you transform into the Nine Tails?"
"Yes," Menma answered blandly.
The Third Hokage nearly burst into a full-on laugh.
"What about Naruto?"
"Not yet."
Not yet... but that means he can later!
Two Nine Tails Jinchūriki. Just the thought made the Third Hokage want to drool with anticipation.
He needed to reinforce their belief in the Will of Fire—especially Menma. The boy knew who his father was, yet still faced such awful treatment from the villagers.
"Menma, I want to apologize to you and Naruto. Your father gave his life to protect the village—he was a hero. I'm truly sorry that the two of you have been treated this way. It was my failure. I didn't stop Danzo from spreading rumors in time."
Menma: "..."
Really? You think I'm that easy to fool?
The Third continued, "Actually, it would be simple to clear everything up. If I just announced your identities, the rumors would disappear. But do you know why I didn't do that?"
"I don't know," Menma replied flatly.
Of course I know. I'm just playing along.
"Because I was trying to protect you. Your father made many enemies. If they found out about you two, you'd be in serious danger."
Menma: "..."
Yeah right. You're telling me the mighty Konoha can't even protect two children? Go sell that lie somewhere else.
Still, Menma nodded, playing the part of the obedient child.
Winning an Oscar someday wouldn't be too hard.
"Good boy," the Third Hokage said, and then launched into a long speech about the Will of Fire.
Menma let the words go in one ear and out the other—but kept a polite expression, pretending to listen intently.
Half an hour later, Naruto finally returned. He flung the door open and huffed, "Brother! What took so long?!"
Finally, my good brother arrives! Why'd you take so long? I just got brainwashed for half an hour!
"Sorry, Naruto," Menma said, then turned to the Third.
"Grandpa Third, we'll continue this another time."
Tactical retreat is the best option.
"Wait a moment—"
Wait for what? Your next speech?
"Kakashi," the Third Hokage called.
Kakashi entered, kneeling on one knee.
"Hokage-sama, do you have instructions?"
"Kakashi, your resignation from Anbu is now suspended. Starting today, you're responsible for teaching Menma and Naruto."
Bonding via the Will of Fire—version 2.0.
Menma glanced at Kakashi and asked,
"Grandpa Third, is he really up to the task? He looks like he barely has any chakra."
Kakashi: "..."
This kid... is begging for a Thousand Years of Death.
The Third Hokage: "..."
Compared to an Uzumaki, who doesn't look chakra-deficient?
"Kakashi is more than qualified. He graduated from the academy at age 5, became a Chūnin at 6, and a Jōnin at 12. He's a genius ninja—you're in good hands."
Beneath the mask, Kakashi couldn't help but lift his head slightly, a hint of pride in his posture.
"Oh? Let him teach for now. If I'm not satisfied, I'll request someone else."
Kakashi visibly twitched.
Request someone else?
That's a straight-up insult!
"Don't worry, Kakashi won't disappoint you," the Third Hokage assured.
"Alright!" Naruto chirped, grabbing Menma's hand as they headed toward the door. Before stepping out, he turned back.
"Grandpa Third! You still haven't given us the money we borrowed."
The Third Hokage: "..."
I thought I could avoid it. Guess not.
(End Of Chapter)
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