Menma's vision for the Four Star Development Consortium was simple: build an organization powerful enough to rival the Hidden Leaf. Simply destroying them would be too lenient. He wanted to turn Hiruzen Sarutobi and Konoha into something resembling Sunagakure—or worse. A quick, painless death wouldn't satisfy the burning agony of his memories. He wanted to strip the wealthy of their fortunes and make the supreme power base worthless. That was real revenge.
Besides, he had the ability to rapidly train powerful subordinates. He couldn't do everything himself, could he?
...
Tazuna's Cabin
Sasuke had been unconscious for a full day and night before he finally woke up. His face didn't show the relief of surviving a close call; it was grim.
"He's conscious," he muttered. "It seems that guy really didn't intend to kill us."
During his unconsciousness, Sasuke had dreamed of Itachi Uchiha again—the same nights he had lived through countless times. It put him in a foul mood, and he was deeply dissatisfied with his own growth rate.
Unfortunately, he didn't have Menma's accelerated growth rate. If he did, he probably would have avenged his clan in another two months.
Clang!
The sound of an iron basin hitting the floor rang out. Sakura scrambled to Sasuke's side, her voice trembling.
"Sasuke! Thank goodness! It's been a whole day and night—you're finally awake!"
Because Sasuke had shielded her from a large number of the senbon, Sakura's injuries were much lighter. She had woken up hours ago.
"What happened while we were unconscious?" Sasuke asked, looking around. Besides Sakura, there was only a small boy peeking through the crack in the door. "And who's that brat?"
"That's Tazuna's grandson," Sakura introduced him before answering his first question. "After we were knocked out, Menma emerged. He wiped out all the enemies."
"I heard from Kakashi that Menma used Three-Tails Chakra Mode this time," she continued, her eyes wide. "He created a crater hundreds of meters deep!"
Hearing about the crater, Sasuke's pupils constricted, and his expression darkened further. However, remembering that Naruto was usually just a hindrance, Sasuke's expression softened slightly.
Sakura, oblivious to his thoughts, continued her account. "After the battle, Gato appeared with a group of genin and chunin, trying to take advantage of the situation. Kakashi routed them, and they slunk back to their hideout."
"Because Gato wasn't completely eliminated, Kakashi went to protect Tazuna while he works on the bridge to the mainland. As for Naruto—no, Menma—he went to the market to shop alone."
Speaking of the market, Sakura's expression shifted, showing a hint of worry. "After this battle, Menma didn't return, and Naruto hasn't regained control of his body."
Although Sakura secretly hoped the cool and powerful Menma would stay outside more, Naruto's unusual silence was definitely worrying.
"Naruto didn't regain control?" Sasuke frowned.
Recalling yesterday's events, Sasuke roughly guessed what had happened. He gave Sakura a somewhat disgusted look and turned away.
Yesterday, Naruto had clearly stated that he didn't want the dark personality to emerge. Sasuke understood Naruto's inner turmoil—he had even let Naruto escape without mentioning Menma's appearance. But Sakura, that selfish woman, hadn't noticed at all. Or rather, she didn't care about Naruto's feelings.
Ultimately, after they were injured, Naruto had felt guilty and remorseful, experiencing a mental breakdown, to the point that he relinquished control of his body, hiding inside and refusing to come out.
Sakura was completely baffled by Sasuke's sudden coldness, though she was already used to his unpredictable moods. She turned and walked into the kitchen to bring out the food she had prepared.
Outside, Menma, who had been strolling around, leisurely pushed the door open, carrying a bowl of takoyaki. He had to admit, it felt really good to be in control of his body and enjoying delicious food. Naruto usually only had painful memories coming from his own side, but these pleasant moments of enjoying food were something only the primary personality could enjoy.
"Menma, you're back!"
Sakura's eyes lit up when she saw him return. His headband was casually draped around his neck, and his hair was neatly pulled back. After placing a plate of food in front of Sasuke, she eagerly scurried over.
"How was it? Was the Land of Waves fun?" she asked.
Menma glanced at Sakura, then put on a cheerful expression and flashed a bright smile. "I just wandered around a bit. This place is really poor; there aren't many food stalls. But the food was pretty good. Here, Naruto specifically asked me to bring this for you."
Menma didn't forget to appease the voices in his head, giving Naruto a final, sharp rebuke internally.
"Naruto... but... I'd rather it was you who brought this for me," Sakura murmured, blushing and clutching her clothes.
Menma forced a smile. He shoved the food into Sakura's arms and walked toward Sasuke.
Seeing Menma approach, Sasuke unconsciously clenched his fist, then relaxed it. He was just about to ask some questions about Naruto when Tazuna's daughter, Tsunami, rushed in from outside.
"Something terrible has happened!"
"Gato Shipping Company has signed a treaty with the Daimyo to invest in our Land of Waves and establish a ninja village! They've even sent a lot of people to help build the bridge. He's going to become a high-ranking noble in our Land of Waves!"
"What?!" Tazuna's grandson, Inari, rushed out of the room. His little face was filled with anger and disbelief. "That big bad guy, Gato, has bullied us for so long! I don't believe the Daimyo would agree to this!"
"Inari, the daimyo's mansion has already posted a notice," Tsunami said, her voice tight. "However, most people disagree with him, just like us. They're gathered at the daimyo's mansion gate to protest. Perhaps after the daimyo sees our voices, he will retract his decision..."
Tsunami's face was filled with anger and helplessness. Too many people had died this year because of their resistance against Gato, including Inari's father. Now that Gato had turned around and cleared his name, no one could accept it.
Listening to the conversation between mother and son, Menma shook his head with amusement. "Your daimyo won't retract his decision. He's terrified of poverty and wants to live a better life. And they're providing the funds to establish a ninja village. No small nation would refuse such a temptation."
Menma had just returned from his rounds, recalling one Shadow Clone and releasing another. Therefore, he knew the most about this matter. Gato, whose life and death Menma controlled with Nine-Tails chakra, had barely uttered the proposal when the daimyo eagerly agreed. The daimyo didn't even mention the humiliation he had endured over the past year, maintaining a smiling face throughout. Even the status of a high-ranking noble was forcibly bestowed by the daimyo, an attempt to bind Menma's group to the war effort.
"I don't believe it! I'm going to find the daimyo!" Inari roared and stormed out of the house.
Tsunami glared at Menma with a hint of helplessness.
"It's just the truth," Menma said. "Deceiving yourself won't change the fact. You'll find out the truth eventually."
He shrugged indifferently, then asked, "Are there any empty rooms and paper and pens?"
He was preparing to outline the future development plan for the shipping company.