Several masked ANBU members respectfully blocked Menma's path. They were patrol ANBU from the village, their duty being to stop and punish ninjas who engaged in street fights or damaged public property.
"You want to fine me?" Menma's face twisted into a strange expression.
Hadn't he killed enough? These ANBU members actually dared to approach!
In his mind, Naruto also sensed Menma's thoughts. He quickly shouted, "Menma, calm down! They're just enforcing the law!"
"I'll pay for it; the cost can be deducted from my 10% royalties!"
The book "Make-Out Paradise" was a huge hit, earning him a lot of money. Although Naruto could only get 10% of the profits, it was still too much for his current small piggy bank. In the end, he had to switch to a larger one to store this massive sum of over a million ryo.
With this money, Naruto not only achieved ramen freedom but also barbecue freedom. After using Menma's methods to deal with some merchants, he had been living quite comfortably for the past few months. Even his short stature, caused by long-term malnutrition, had increased significantly, now almost as tall as Sakura. His previously sallow complexion had improved, and combined with Menma's inherent charisma and appearance, Naruto was considered handsome. For a while, his catchphrase was, "I can't spend it all, I simply can't spend it all!"
This made Sakura, from an ordinary family, extremely jealous. Therefore, Naruto felt that giving some money as compensation was no big deal. It would also guide Menma onto the right path, preventing him from killing indiscriminately and fulfilling his mission as the primary personality!
Menma ignored Naruto's shouts. Seeing the ANBU members nod, appearing to be doing business, he couldn't help but ask again.
"Then why didn't you go after that green-suited bowl-cut guy?"
"What? You think I'm easy to bully?"
An invisible pressure emanated from his words. The sight of these low-ranking ANBU patrollers, barely chunin level, made their bodies tremble. Their ranks were extremely low; their daily duties consisted of low-risk patrols, serving as a replacement for the long-abolished Uchiha Police Force.
Therefore, they knew nothing of Menma's many exploits, only that the Jinchuriki had written a very profitable novel, "Make-Out Paradise".
"Sir, we're just following the rules. You... you can just pay half!"
Having personally felt the pressure and Menma's complete lack of fear toward them, these public officials—the low-ranking ANBU—immediately cowered, addressing him as "Sir."
Sakura, who knew Menma's exploits, saw their lack of understanding and quickly reminded them kindly, "You should leave quickly. Even if the Hokage came, he wouldn't make Menma pay!"
The group looked at each other, undecided. Menma, however, was too lazy to argue with these lowly underlings any longer. Taking the money was absolutely out of the question, even if it was Naruto's share—it was still his! There was no way he'd use it to build some junkhouse in Konoha!
He then raised his hand, and the Nine-Tails' chakra subtly extended from his arm. However, before Menma could even make a move, these ANBU members were suddenly slapped several times, sending them flying backward. The force was considerable; their ANBU masks shattered, revealing swollen cheeks.
"A bunch of idiots, get out of here! Have you forgotten the order not to provoke a Jinchuriki?"
An ANBU wearing a white hood stepped in front of him. He cursed a few times, seemingly angry but actually protective. Then he turned respectfully and bowed deeply to Menma.
"Lord Menma, I am the Hokage's personal guard, codename Zō. These blind fools, I will punish them for offending you later. By the way, your exam is about to begin. Shall I take you there now?"
The lower-ranking ANBU might not know, but these personal guards knew very well that Menma, wielding the power of the Nine-Tails, possessed Kage-level combat strength, was easily angered and bloodthirsty, and had killed numerous Jōnin and Root ninja. He was extremely dangerous.
One doesn't hit a smiling face. But Menma still reached out and patted the mask of Zō, who was bowing before him.
"You're quite good. I'm in a good mood today, so I won't pursue the matter. Lead the way."
With Menma slapping his face, Zō was on high alert, sweat beading on his forehead. He also felt a bit resentful toward Naruto's primary personality, having inexplicably released the madman again. However, hearing that Menma wouldn't pursue the matter, he breathed a sigh of relief. Then he quickly walked ahead, fawningly leading the way.
"My lord, and two young friends, I'll take you directly there; you don't need to submit any more applications."
Bang!
Zō pushed open the door, respectfully welcoming the three into the examination hall for the first exam.
"My lord, this is the first exam."
"Hmm, you can go now," Menma nodded casually.
Because Zō led them through the proctor's private passage, they weren't led in by Kakashi as in the original story. Menma wondered if Kakashi would foolishly wait there.
Looking at Menma, Zō hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't dare speak. Instead, he walked toward the proctors guarding the passageway. He simply wanted to tell them to ignore Menma and treat him like royalty.
Menma and his two companions not only arrived last but were also respectfully escorted by ANBU, immediately attracting attention.
"Whose young masters are these three? Sarutobi, Shimura, or Hyuga?"
"I'm so envious, born at the finish line we all aspire to reach!"
"Yeah, they're probably just here to get some experience..."
The whispers contained envy, disdain, and even curses.
"A bunch of idiots, stop gossiping! Those three are my friends, just ordinary ninjas!"
Inuzuka Kiba glared fiercely at the crowd, then walked over. He hadn't noticed from afar, but Naruto's attire and demeanor stunned him as he got closer.
"What the hell!"
"Hey handsome, please don't tell me you're Naruto!?"
Menma ignored him, glanced at Kiba, and found a seat. Sasuke followed suit, sitting down next to Menma with a cool expression.
Sakura behind them nodded frantically at Kiba. "It's Naruto, but not quite Naruto. Just pretend he is!"
Kiba: "???"
Behind Kiba, Hinata was practically steaming like a girl overwhelmed with love. Her face flushed red to the roots of her ears, and she barely managed to lean against the wall to avoid being overwhelmed by his handsomeness.
"Naruto is so cool..."
Shikamaru and the other two from Team 10 also approached. They all glanced at Menma, their faces full of doubt and disbelief. Ino, in particular, kept glancing between Sasuke and Menma, completely lost in self-doubt.
Menma hadn't shown himself for the past two months because he hadn't encountered any danger. But seeing Menma and Sasuke arrive, Kabuto, who had been waiting nearby, quickly came over. He tried to ingratiate himself with him, acting like a senior who had been through a lot, and even pulled out some character information cards.
Unfortunately, Menma and Sasuke ignored him, while the others stared intently.