"Why? You're asking me why? Naruto, you are the last person in the world qualified to ask me that question. Because you are the reason I saw the darkness of this village so clearly... the reason I despise this village even more!!!"
Menma stared coldly at Naruto. Every word he spoke dripped with icy malice, an aura so unfamiliar, so terrifying, that it sent shivers down Naruto's spine.
To Naruto, it felt as if the Menma standing before him had become a completely different person.
"Menma? What do you mean 'qualified'? What are you talking about? Because of me? Huh? Despise Konoha? Darkness? What are you saying?? Menma! Aren't we comrades!?"
Unlike his usual slow reaction time, this time Naruto was genuinely bewildered. He truly had no idea what was happening. Just a second ago, everything was fine, right?
But the next second, not only did a war suddenly break out, but his teammate—his close comrade—was standing on the opposite side? And looking at him with more hatred than even the enemies?
Naruto's brain was in complete chaos.
He couldn't comprehend the scene unfolding before him.
"Menma Uzumaki, what are you doing!? Helping the enemy? This is treason against the village!"
Genma, having just forced back Temari and Kankurō and preparing to press the attack, saw Menma blast Naruto away. Shocked, he abandoned the Sand siblings and rushed to Naruto's side, staring at Menma with a stern expression.
Behind him, Kankurō and Temari also looked at Menma with disbelief. Wasn't this guy a Konoha ninja?
And a teammate of the blond kid?
Why was he helping them?
The Sand siblings were confused.
But protecting Gaara was their priority. After exchanging a glance, they maintained their defensive formation in front of Gaara's sand sphere.
At the same time...
Kakashi, unable to suppress Baki and the other Sand Jonin any longer, was forced to retreat and create distance.
Luckily, Baki was worried about Gaara and actively pulled back as well. Otherwise, Kakashi wouldn't have disengaged so easily.
"Menma, don't be reckless! If you're resentful about the past, isn't everything getting better now!? Turn back! As long as you turn back now, everything can be fixed. Don't be deceived and manipulated by others!"
Kakashi landed beside Naruto and Genma, speaking urgently, his face filled with shock.
"Turn back? What a laughable choice of words. You all stand there, looking so righteous and bright, giving me your high-sounding advice? Don't you find it ridiculous? Kakashi... or do you truly know nothing about who I am!? And you, Genma Shiranui—as a former personal guard of the Fourth Hokage, and now a Special Jonin of Konoha—do you also know nothing about my identity!? Treason? Another laughable word. I betrayed Konoha? No... it was Konoha that betrayed me first!!!!"
Menma leaned forward slightly, fierce killing intent radiating from his brow as he spoke in a chilling voice.
Kakashi and Genma's expressions changed drastically.
"Identity? What identity? What does Menma mean? Why did he say I'm not qualified? Qualified for what? Kakashi-niichan!?"
Naruto, utterly confused, turned his wide eyes to Kakashi, pleading for answers.
"Naruto, that's... well..."
Kakashi looked at Naruto, struggling to find the words.
"What identity? You truly are pitiful and foolish, Naruto. Deceived by this filthy village for so many years... No, or perhaps this is just who you are? Do you really think Hiruzen Sarutobi is a kind old man? Do you think your so-called Kakashi-niichan and Genma-niichan treat you well? Immersed in your status as the son of the Fourth, hearing people call you 'Young Master Naruto' every day—does it give you a sense of honor? Aren't you curious about my identity? Then let me ask you a question first: What was your mother's name? What did she look like? Do you know, Naruto? Do you have a picture of your mother at home!?"
Menma mocked Naruto mercilessly.
"Mother? Mother was just an ordinary ninja, right? Her name was Kushina... and... and... Kakashi-niichan, what did my mother look like? Who was she?"
Naruto looked up at Kakashi again. His question made Kakashi's expression turn incredibly bitter.
In that moment, as if realizing something, a trace of fear appeared on Naruto's face.
"Heh, you don't know, do you? Kakashi doesn't dare tell you, does he? Then let me tell you, Naruto. Your mother's name was Kushina, yes. But her full name was Kushina Uzumaki. And she had red hair, just like me. Do you understand now? Our dear Young Master Naruto?"
"Now tell me... who am I!? My foolish little brother!!!"
Releasing all his pent-up rage, Menma's expression twisted into something wild and crazed.
Baki, having just returned to his position, wore a look of utter shock.
Menma being the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was one thing, but he was also the son of the Fourth Hokage?
But seeing the expressions on Kakashi and Genma's faces, and thinking of Gaara—who was also a Kage's son—Baki realized it all made sense.
"Uzumaki? Red hair? Brother? That? Impossible. Me? That? Kakashi-niichan, hey, tell me? It's fake, right? Kakashi-niichan, tell me it's fake! Genma-niichan!"
The sudden psychological impact caused Naruto's brain to short-circuit. He could hear and understand Menma's words, yet he seemed to have lost the ability to process them. His face turned pale.
Swaying on his feet...
Naruto whipped his head around to look at Kakashi and Genma.
But this time, both men instinctively averted their gaze.
They didn't dare—couldn't—continue the deception. Before, they could claim it was unintentional or for his protection. But to continue lying now...
Aside from being futile, even if they could fool him for a moment, what about later?
In that moment, Kakashi and Genma were filled with bitterness. They didn't even dare to look Menma in the eye.
Menma's roar, echoing through the stadium, shocked everyone.
Nearby, Asuma and Kurenai, as well as Sasuke, Lee, and Sakura in the stands, all showed varying degrees of shock.
'Menma is Naruto's brother!?'
'Menma-kun is also the Fourth Hokage's son?'
'How is that possible?'
'He knew all along?'
'No wonder...'
It was a shocking revelation, but one that perfectly explained the current situation.
"Impossible? Are you still lying to yourself? Naruto Namikaze, or have you simply never thought about it!? I am different from you! Twelve years of being treated like a monster! Twelve years of misery! Hey!? I want to ask—why? WHY!!? Why do you get to live as the son of the Hokage, enjoying all the glory, while I get treated like a monster? Naruto Namikaze? Menma Uzumaki? What truly ironic names! Do you know!? Do you know the anger I felt every time I saw those people call you 'Young Master Naruto' with respect one second, and then look at me with cold, utter disgust the next!? Who understands my humiliation!? Kakashi Hatake, Genma Shiranui—can you answer me!? Or can the Third Hokage answer me!? HEY!? WHY!?"