Naruto:The avenger of the uzumaki clan

Chapter

68: The Return

Menma found the infiltration into

Gato's vault surprisingly smooth, but getting out took a bit longer. Gato's

assets far exceeded Menma's expectations, not just in quantity but also in

diversity. Gato was immensely wealthy, richer than some small countries.

However, most of Gato's wealth was tied up in real estate distributed across

various countries, including the Land of Water, the Land of Fire, and the Land

of Thunder. The actual cash assets on the island amounted to less than 70

million ryo—still a substantial sum, though not as much as Menma had hoped.

Satisfied with this unexpected

windfall, Menma packed all the cash and sealed it in a scroll, taking the real

estate certificates with him for potential future use. Stepping out of Gato's

vault, Menma's face showed a long-lost sincere smile. As for Gato, Menma

ensured he wouldn't be a problem any longer—on a permanent basis.

Following this, Menma took the ship

back south towards the Land of Waves, feeling he had made a lot of money. Even

if he had to share some of it, it was enough to make Menma very satisfied.

Ten days later, the bridge,

symbolizing hope for the people of the Land of Waves, was successfully

completed with Tazuna's efforts. The bridge connected the Land of Fire and the

Land of Waves. The news of Gato's death eliminated the people's fears, bringing

back workers who had given up due to timidity. With the manpower and resources

gathered, the bridge was built ahead of schedule.

Team 7 could now embark on the

journey back to Konoha. Menma had originally suggested they return directly

after dealing with Gato, but Naruto insisted on seeing the bridge completed.

Menma reserved his opinion and said nothing more. Whatever Naruto wanted to do,

as long as it didn't affect Menma's core interests, he saw no reason to argue.

From that day on, Menma had made up his mind not to engage in meaningless

disputes and to focus on taking care of himself.

Menma's personality seemed to have

become gentler on the surface, a result of his deeper integration into this

world and the abandonment of some of the so-called kindness from his previous

life. Over the ten days, Team 7 did not waste time. Sakura and Sasuke started

practicing tree climbing and water walking, inspired by seeing Naruto and Menma

do it so effortlessly. Even as proud as Sasuke was, he couldn't remain

indifferent and took the initiative in training. Kakashi couldn't refuse

Sasuke's request, making the training logical.

Naruto pestered Kakashi to learn

more advanced ninjutsu, while Menma began practicing the Rasengan. As an A-rank

Muji ninjutsu, the Rasengan's power was undeniable. In the original work,

Kabuto Yakushi almost died from this technique, indicating its potency. Menma

aimed to increase his attack strength with this technique, making it a

priority.

By February 20th, Team 7 finally

left the Land of Waves and embarked on the journey back to Konoha. The return

journey was much faster, taking just a few hours to enter Konoha's territory.

"Oh oh oh, I'm finally back.

It's been a long time since I've been out here!" Naruto stretched and

looked at the familiar scenery of his village, excitement evident in his blue

eyes.

Sakura, too, felt excited and

couldn't conceal her joy. It was her first time leaving the village and

performing a C-rank mission, ending it perfectly with considerable extra

income. She couldn't help but glance at Menma, feeling relieved that he was still

the same Menma-kun she knew.

Sakura's subjective brainstorming

ability led her to remove all negative views of Menma, easily returning to her

positive view from graduation. Menma's gentler attitude and his initiative in

sharing their substantial income contributed to this change. Sakura thought of

the shopping spree she could have, raising the corners of her mouth in delight.

Kakashi-sensei was the first to step

into Konoha's main gate, turning to Naruto, Menma, Sasuke, and Sakura with a

smile. "This time, I'll give you a few days off. You don't need to go to

the task handover. Go home, rest, and wait for my next call."

"Oh!" "Yes,

Kakashi-sensei." "Yeah."

They replied in unison, leaping

towards their respective homes. Kakashi-sensei went alone to the mission center

building, spending a few minutes handing over the task and receiving the

remaining rewards. Instead of going home directly, he headed towards the Hokage

Building.

This mission had many variables, and

Kakashi-sensei brought back the bodies of Zabuza and Haku, as well as the

beheading sword. These needed to be reported to Sarutobi Hiruzen, including

Menma's performance in this mission. It was Menma's first time leaving the

village and a special test for him.