ALL NOVEL Chapter 68: Report and Interval
Chapter
69: Report and Interval
"Well, is it actually going to
involve Zabuza, the demon of the Hidden Mist? This is indeed a big
surprise..." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the two seal scrolls placed on the
ground by Kakashi, as well as the beheading sword, with a hint of surprise on
his old face.
A small C-rank mission being
directly upgraded to an A-rank mission was not unheard of in the past, but it
was rare. For the newly graduated Class 7 to encounter such a situation was
quite unexpected for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He waved his hands gently. An ANBU
member appeared, took the sealing scroll and beheading sword, and left. The
corpses of Zabuza and Haku were of great research significance. Even if the
beheading sword was not kept for use, it could be a valuable bargaining chip
with Kirigakure Village in the future.
"Kakashi, tell me about the
mission. What happened in the Land of Waves?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked,
leaning forward with a serious expression.
Kakashi took a deep breath,
recounting the events meticulously. "We arrived in the Land of Waves to
protect Tazuna, as requested. However, soon after, we encountered Zabuza
Momochi, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. He was accompanied by a
young ninja named Haku, who possessed the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
"Zabuza and Haku... formidable opponents for a newly formed team. How did
Team 7 handle the situation?"
The Hokage nodded, his gaze intense.
"And Menma? How did he perform?"
Kakashi straightened, his voice
firm. "Menma showed exceptional tactical acumen and combat skills. He
remained calm under pressure and demonstrated a keen understanding of his
opponents' weaknesses. His actions were instrumental in ensuring our success."
Sarutobi Hiruzen leaned back, his
expression thoughtful. "Menma's progress is impressive. And what of Naruto
and Sasuke?"
"Naruto's determination and
unpredictability were crucial in our battle against Zabuza. He displayed growth
in both skill and maturity. Sasuke, on the other hand, demonstrated unwavering
resolve and improved significantly in close combat," Kakashi replied.
The Hokage's eyes softened, a hint
of pride evident. "It seems Team 7 has surpassed expectations. But tell
me, Kakashi, do you believe Menma can be trusted with greater
responsibilities?"
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama. I
think Menma is a trustworthy and well-trained ninja. I believe he will
definitely become a pillar of Konoha in the future, just like the Fourth
Hokage," Kakashi straightened his body and replied in a rare and solemn tone.
Sarutobi Hiruzen crossed his hands
on the table, looking at Kakashi with an extremely serious expression, as if he
wanted to confirm repeatedly. Time seemed to stand still. After a moment,
Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a faint smile, nodded slightly, and said, "Well,
that's good. I'll leave Class 7 to you. I'm most at ease, Kakashi. Whether it's
Menma, Sasuke, or Naruto, I hope they can all get the right guidance."
"Yes, Third Hokage-sama, please
rest assured!" Kakashi nodded and replied seriously.
"Um," Sarutobi Hiruzen
nodded with satisfaction and then waved.
"Whoosh!" Kakashi
straightened up and left the office directly. Sarutobi Hiruzen immersed himself
in handling his Hokage duties.
Back at his home, Menma didn't know
whether the Third Hokage, who seemed to be at ease with him, was still
concerned about him. This was a normal development. Menma wasn't as positive,
optimistic, innocent, and passionate as Naruto in the original work. Moreover,
a 12-year-old with the Nine-Tails inside him would naturally attract concern
about a potential rebellion.
As a Hokage who had been in charge
of Konoha for over forty years, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not careless. His rise to
power at the age of 20, following the death of the Second Hokage Senju
Tobirama, demonstrated his cleverness. Despite the original work's portrayal of
him as kind and righteous, many felt Sarutobi Hiruzen became hypocritical over
time, with facts contradicting his noble image. Danzo's existence was a point
that couldn't be bypassed.
Menma saw Sarutobi Hiruzen's actions
as inconsistent. If the Third Hokage was unaware of Danzo's actions, he was
foolish. If he knew and adopted a tacit attitude, he was both foolish and
wicked. Menma found Sarutobi Hiruzen unworthy of belief.
As Konoha faced another crisis,
Menma needed to make careful and comprehensive arrangements for his next steps.
He considered several options and found only a few viable ones. The most
reliable choice was clear, though it was dangerous.
'It can only be this guy. Although
it is a bit dangerous, it is better than reality...' Menma thought, focusing on
a particular word on the white paper in front of him. There was no best choice,
only the forced choice given the current situation. It was a big gamble, but
Menma was willing to take it.
Menma set his sights on the Chunin
Exams in a few months. The Konoha collapse plan jointly launched by Sunagakure
and Otogakure during the Chunin Exams presented an excellent opportunity.
Konoha would be in chaos, the perfect time to leave.
However, this was only a preliminary
plan. Specific operations and choices might change based on actual situations.
Having alternatives was essential.
The stronger Menma was, the greater
the initiative he could control. During the few days of rest, he did not relax.
His Rasengan training, already on track in the Land of Waves, was a priority.
Menma remembered the three-stage Rasengan training method taught to Naruto by
Jiraiya in the original work.
Even without the Sealed Book's
contents, Menma could have learned the Rasengan, but it was riskier. Living
under surveillance for twelve years, Menma could not risk practicing other
ninjutsu. Now, things were different.
In the Land of Waves, Menma had
completed the first stage of spinning the Rasengan while combining other
training. He was working on the second stage of enhancing the Rasengan's power
and maintaining the third stage. He had initially mastered the Rasengan but
still faced occasional chakra dissipation issues. During the rest period, Menma
aimed to consolidate his training and reach the level of complete mastery of
the Rasengan.