Menma and his group walked along the seaside path. Unexpectedly, until they reached their destination, they encountered no further interception from the Matsuo Group, whether Ninja or samurai.
It was as if the failure of the Demon Brothers had caused the other side to temporarily retract their claws, or perhaps they were brewing something.
Their destination was a two-story wooden house by the sea.
The house looked somewhat aged, the wood darkened by sea wind and salt erosion, but the structure remained sturdy.
In front of the house was a small open space with fishing nets drying. To the south of the house was a dense forest extending to a quiet fishing village in the distance, and to the north was the largest port in the Land of Waves.
On the main road, occasionally a few villagers could be seen carrying loads, walking unsteadily, perhaps heading to the port to try their luck, or taking their catches to town to sell, but their faces showed expressions of numbness and fatigue.
Tazuna looked at his home, let out a long sigh of relief, raised his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his forehead, and a relaxed smile appeared on his face: "We're here, this is my home."
"Ooh! Finally here!" Naruto cheered, hands on his hips, curiously surveying the seaside cottage, then looking out at the distant sea view, appearing very interested.
Hinata was also attracted by the surroundings… the vast blue sea, the long coastline, the air carrying a salty yet free scent.
She secretly glanced at Menma's profile beside her, her fair cheeks flushing slightly, a shy thought rising in her heart: 'If... if I could live with Big Sis, and Menma-kun, by such a quiet seaside in the future, how wonderful that would be...'
Menma's gaze lingered more on the distant port and the passersby.
He keenly sensed that although this fishing village seemed calm, an invisible oppression hung over the area. The villagers' eyes were evasive, their movements cautious, and behind some windows, it seemed there were furtive glances fixed on Tazuna's home.
He can see that Matsuo Group's tentacles had clearly penetrated every corner of this land.
Tazuna stepped forward, knocked hard on the wooden door, and turned to Kakashi, saying, "The materials for the final joining of the bridge are all ready. In the coming days, as long as you protect me and the workers willing to return to continue building the bridge, that's all. For these few days, I'm afraid you'll have to stay at my place."
Kakashi scratched his head, his dead fish eye scanning the surroundings, his tone still lazy: "Ah, sorry for the intrusion then. It's better than sleeping outdoors."
The wooden door opened with a creak from inside, revealing a black-haired woman wearing a simple pink sweater and black skirt.
She looked to be in her twenties, with a delicate face, but between her brows lingered an unshakeable anxiety and fatigue.
Seeing Tazuna outside, her face immediately broke into a delighted smile: "Father! You're back!"
"Ah, I'm back, Tsunami." Tazuna's wrinkles also relaxed at the sight of his daughter.
He stepped aside and introduced the people behind him to his daughter, "Oh, right, these are the Ninja-sama from Konoha. Thanks to them, I was able to return safely. For the next few days, they'll protect us while we build the bridge and will stay here temporarily."
The woman named Tsunami quickly bowed deeply to Kakashi and the others, her tone filled with gratitude: "Thank you so much, Ninja-sama! For escorting my father back, you've worked hard! Please, come in!"
Naruto, a bit embarrassed by such a serious thank you, waved his hand and grinned, "Oh, it's nothing, it's our mission!"
Kakashi nodded slightly and led Menma, Hinata, and Naruto into the house.
The living room wasn't large, the furnishings simple, but it was clean and tidy, radiating the warmth of home.
Tazuna plopped down onto a cushion by the low table, let out a long breath, and gestured for Kakashi and the others to sit anywhere.
Tsunami thoughtfully took her father's worn backpack.
Just then, a series of 'thump thump thump' footsteps came from the stairwell. A little black-haired boy wearing a small fisherman's hat shot down the stairs like a little cannonball and threw himself into Tazuna's arms, his voice clear as he shouted, "Welcome home, Grandpa!"
Naruto put down his backpack, curiously looking at this sturdy, tiger-headed little boy who seemed about five or six years old. His eyes widened in surprise as he pointed at Tazuna and exclaimed, "Wow! Drunk uncle! Y-you're already a grandfather?!"
Tazuna rolled his eyes at Naruto, pulled his grandson close, and said proudly, "Obviously! I'm over forty, is it strange to be a grandfather? By age, I could be your grandfather!"
Naruto instinctively wanted to retort, but his gaze fell on the small figure nestled in Tazuna's arms, relying on his grandfather. The words suddenly caught in his throat.
As if struck by something, his eyes flickered. The energy he had for arguing instantly dissipated. He silently closed his mouth, just looking at Inari, a flicker of envy and loneliness passing deep in his eyes.
Tazuna lovingly stroked his grandson's head, about to say something, when the little boy Inari, nestled in his arms, suddenly looked up. His large dark eyes lacked the innocent liveliness expected of a child his age, instead carrying a nearly indifferent precociousness and pessimism.
He looked at Menma, Naruto, and Hinata, and spoke in a voice not loud but very cold: "It's useless. You can't beat Matsuo's murderers. Everyone who goes against Matsuo... ends up dead."
These cold, despairing words coming from a child stunned everyone.
Naruto reacted first, his suppressed temper flaring up again. He pointed at Inari and yelled in dissatisfaction, "Hey, kid! What are you talking about! I don't care how bad this Matsuo guy is, but I, Uzumaki Naruto, am going to become the Hokage! How could I be intimidated by someone like that!"
Tazuna quickly patted his grandson's back, trying to smooth things over, "Inari, don't talk nonsense. These Ninja-sama are very strong. They'll protect Grandpa, and they can protect the bridge too."
However, Inari just looked at Naruto with those dead, age-inappropriate eyes, then struggled free from Tazuna's embrace and ran up the stairs without looking back, leaving a series of heavy footsteps behind.
"Tch, what an impolite, unlikable little brat!" Naruto made a face towards the stairs and muttered.
Hinata, with her delicate heart, noticed more.
She looked at Tazuna and asked softly, "Tazuna-san, has that child... experienced something?"
She keenly sensed that this home seemed to lack a male presence, and Inari's attitude was far more than simple childish tantrums.
Hearing Hinata's question, the smiles on Tazuna's and Tsunami's faces instantly vanished.
Tsunami's eyes dimmed. She lowered her head and said softly, "I'll go tidy up the guest room," then turned and hurried upstairs, her back carrying a hint of panic and sorrow.
Tazuna watched his daughter's retreating figure and sighed heavily. He picked up the water pot on the table, poured himself a glass, and downed it in one go, as if trying to extinguish the bitterness in his heart with the cold water.
He put down the glass and began speaking in a low, heavy voice: "That child, Inari... not long after he was born, his father encountered a storm while fishing at sea and never returned... Tsunami raised him alone."
"Later, a young man named Kaiza came to the village. He was a good kid full of dreams and energy. He became a fisherman. Once, while out at sea, he happened to rescue Tsunami and Inari, who were in danger. After that, Kaiza often came to help around the house, and he was especially good to Inari, treating him like his own child... Gradually, he became a new part of this family. Inari became particularly attached to him, seeing him as his real father."
Tazuna's voice grew lower, filled with pain and anger: "But... good times don't last. The Matsuo Group's influence grew, their oppression became harsher. Kaiza couldn't stand everyone being bullied like that, so he stood up and led some villagers who refused to give in to fight back!"
"The result? Matsuo's samurai captured him, falsely accused him of 'inciting terrorist activities', and handed him over to that cowardly Daimyo... Then, in front of everyone on the island... he was publicly executed..."
"Since then, Inari became the child you see now. He doesn't believe anyone can stand up to Matsuo. He thinks everyone who resists will end up like Kaiza... dead."
The living room was silent.
Naruto opened his mouth, but nothing came out. The anger on his face was gone, replaced by a look of sympathy.
He remembered his own lonely childhood. Although he didn't know how his parents died, the despair Inari had experienced… watching his father figure get executed… was unimaginable to him.
After a while, Tsunami came downstairs and softly said the guest room was ready.
Kakashi thanked her and led the three upstairs.
The guest room was a slightly larger Japanese-style room, with four clean futons already laid out on the floor.
Tsunami placed an iron pot filled with hot water on a low cabinet against the wall and said apologetically, "The conditions are simple, sorry to put you Ninja-sama out."
Kakashi waved his hand casually, his tone calm: "For us Ninja, having a place to shelter from the wind and rain and rest peacefully during a mission is already very good. Thank you for your trouble, Tsunami-san."
They put down their backpacks.
Menma looked at the sky outside the window and spoke, "Alright, let's take turns for security duty. Hinata, you take the first shift, mainly responsible for the safety of Tazuna's family."
"Eight hours later, around 11 p.m., I'll take over from Hinata. Another eight hours later, which is 7 a.m. tomorrow morning, Naruto will take over. Kakashi-sensei, you need to conserve your strength and Chakra to deal with possible strong enemies, so no fixed duty for you for now, but please stay alert."
Menma's arrangement was clearly well thought out.
The current time was a little after 3 p.m. The first shift was relatively safe, best handled by Hinata, who was attentive and possessed the Byakugan.
The night shift eight hours later was the most dangerous, especially the latter half of the night when people are most likely to slack off and ambushes are common... he would take that shift himself.
Naruto would take the morning and noon shifts, the time period when his energy was highest.
Also, not assigning Kakashi a fixed duty was to keep the Jonin in top condition to face potential enemies.
Kakashi looked at Menma's clear, well-considered arrangements and nodded approvingly: "Mm, very reasonable. Looks like you're already shaping up to be a good leader."
He was happy to see Menma's growth... this kind of overall planning ability is quite rare for a Ninja.
More importantly, it made his job as Jonin Instructor much easier.
Hinata, hearing Menma entrust her with the first shift, said nervously and excitedly, "I-I'll do my best... Menma-kun."
Naruto scratched his head, impatient to ask, "So, Menma-nii, what do we do now? I can't sleep just yet!"
Menma lightly smacked the back of Naruto's head, "We go do reconnaissance in the surrounding terrain and set up warning traps, obviously! What happened to your Ninja code and mission basics classes?"
"Oww!" Naruto rubbed the back of his head and smiled sheepishly, "Just forgot, hehe!"
For the next while, the four split up.
Hinata stayed at Tazuna's house to protect Tazuna's family.
Kakashi also stayed inside to rest, leisurely flipping through Icha Icha Paradise while staying alert for any signs of trouble.
Menma took Naruto to scout the surrounding woods and coastline, centered on Tazuna's house.
Menma planned and directed, while Naruto enthusiastically followed along, learning how to set up concealed warning bells and triggered traps.
They worked tacitly together and soon set up three invisible early warning networks at key nodes around the house.
As they emerged from a dense thicket by the sea, the setting sun had already dyed the ocean a brilliant golden-red.
Naruto, brushing leaves off his clothes, shouted excitedly, "Menma-nii! That move you used yesterday was so cool! You know, 'Swoosh', make lots of kunai, then 'Boom boom boom' explode! Teach me, okay?"
Menma walked leisurely with his hands behind his head, glancing at Naruto upon hearing this: "You mean the 'Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique'? Although it's based on the principle of the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, it requires very fine Chakra Control and Shape Transformation. It's quite difficult, you know."
"And—" He deliberately paused, looking at Naruto's instantly deflated face, and added, "The explosion effect came from tying exploding tags to each kunai. One exploding tag costs two thousand ryo on the market. That one move yesterday cost me forty thousand ryo. Calculate how many bowls of Ichiraku's ramen that could buy you. Are you sure you want to learn such an expensive fighting style?"
"T-two thousand ryo each?!" Naruto gasped, counted on his fingers, and his face scrunched up like a bitter gourd: "One bowl of Ichiraku ramen is cheap at five hundred ryo, forty thousand ryo is... is... how much is that..."
Naruto was never good at math. He calculated for a long time without figuring it out, then scratched his head with both hands: "Well... could I just not use the exploding tags? As long as I can make lots of kunai!"
Menma nodded: "Of course, but then the power would mainly rely on throwing accuracy and numbers. The effect against skilled opponents would be reduced."
"That's fine! Just being able to make lots of kunai is cool enough! I want to learn!" Naruto's enthusiasm reignited instantly, his eyes shining as he looked at Menma.
Menma felt a bit helpless towards Naruto's enthusiasm, but he also knew Naruto wasn't just passionate for a moment... once he set his mind on something, he would see it through.
So he stopped, took an ordinary kunai from his ninja tool pouch, and said, "Alright, since you want to learn so badly. While the sun isn't fully set yet, I'll teach you the basic hand seals and the technique for mobilizing Chakra at the moment of throwing. Watch closely..."
"All right!" Naruto raised his fist excitedly.
For the next hour, on this quiet coast bathed in the remaining glow of the setting sun, Menma patiently demonstrated and explained the secrets of the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique to Naruto.
Naruto studied extremely earnestly, practicing the hand seals and throwing motions over and over, trying to get his Chakra to multiply the moment the kunai left his hand.
But no matter how hard he tried, the kunai he threw could at most blur slightly in the air, never clearly splitting into multiple entities like Menma's.
Menma observed carefully, understanding why.
It wasn't that Naruto lacked talent, but the Nine-Tails sealed inside him was constantly interfering with his own Chakra, making this technique, which required extremely high precision and stability, exceptionally difficult.
Menma looked up at the sky. Most of the sun had sunk below the horizon, leaving only the last touch of dark red afterglow.
He said to Naruto, who was still gritting his teeth practicing, sweat on his forehead, "Alright, Naruto, that's enough for today. It's getting dark, we should go back for dinner. Tsunami-san should have it ready."
But Naruto's stubbornness kicked in. He continued practicing his throwing motions without looking back, his tone firm: "You go ahead, Menma-nii! I'll practice a bit more! I feel like I'm about to get it!"
Menma knew Naruto's temper and knew he couldn't persuade him otherwise, so he shrugged: "Then I'll bring dinner back for you. Stay safe."
It wasn't far from Tazuna's house, just a few minutes' walk.
"Got it! Thanks, Menma-nii!" Naruto called back, then continued focusing on his practice.
Menma turned and walked unhurriedly back towards Tazuna's house along the path they had come.
However, just as he took a dozen or so steps, his gaze casually sweeping over the positions of Yugao, Young Sasuke, and Sai hidden in the dark forest beside him,
the Tenseigan hidden beneath the skin of his forehead suddenly sent him an extremely faint throb!
It was a natural sensation of encountering an Otsutsuki!
Surprised, Menma immediately stopped, spun around, and looked up towards the seaside where Naruto was!
In the last halo of the setting sun, Naruto was still diligently practicing throwing kunai.
And in the air not far above Naruto's head, at some point, a figure in white robes had quietly appeared, floating!
The figure wore a conspicuous red fish basket at his waist, carried a red fishing rod on his shoulder, and had a greedy smile on his face like a fisherman seeing a plump catch. He was looking down at Naruto, who was completely unaware.
The figure seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, out of place with the surroundings, radiating a disturbing aura.
The white-robed figure seemed to notice Menma's gaze, but he paid it no mind. He simply turned his attention back to Naruto and spoke in a frivolous voice: "Such hard work, Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto, concentrating on his practice, heard someone call his name, stopped his motions, looked up in the direction of the voice, his eyes full of confusion: "Huh? Are you talking to me?"