"Woo! Delicious! Thank you, Director!"
"Director, you're like my second parent!"
Menma: "…" I'm not even old enough to be your older brother, let alone your dad.
"You're welcome. Eat more," Menma said, continuing to dig into his food while quietly planning his next move.
The more they ate, the more enthusiastic they became — their appetites shocked even Menma.
Minister Menma is amazing!
After everyone was full, Menma put down his chopsticks and said, "Alright, I've decided. We're going to renovate the Konoha Research Department starting tomorrow."
The three researchers froze. (ΩДΩ)
"Director Menma," Yoshimoto said cautiously, "we… don't have any funds."
Menma patted his chest confidently. "It's fine. I'll handle it."
That single gesture — casual, bold, and generous — made the three men's eyes shine.
So handsome! they thought. The most handsome man in all of Konoha!
Menma continued calmly, "For now, I'll provide ten billion as research funding."
"Ten… ten billion?!" Yoshimoto's legs nearly gave out. His voice shook. "Director Menma, did you say ten billion?"
"Of course! How can you do science without money?" Menma said, sounding proud — though in truth, he was already wondering if reviving Gato and shaking him down for hidden funds was a viable option. (Gato: Are you even human?)
He briefly considered seducing Konan for resources… then immediately shook the thought away. No way. I'd never stoop that low.
Still, he knew that if the department went broke, he'd be the one in trouble. So before that could happen, he'd better make money — by continuing to publish books and expanding his Jiu Horn restaurant chain.
After that, he'd need talent.
For research? Orochimaru and Kabuto.
For finance? Kakuzu, of course.
The man was practically a walking bank vault, an immortal accountant who killed for overdue payments.
Thinking of him, Menma grinned. Maybe I should buy Kakuzu off the black market — and if Hidan comes along, even better.
Hehe, the immortal duo. You won't escape me.
Yoshimoto, eyes teary, said, "Director Menma, you're too kind! I'm truly touched!"
Menma: "…" How did I end up surrounded by clowns?
"Alright, if you're really that moved, then show me results," he said. "First priority — renovate the entire research building. I don't care how much it costs, just make it look impressive."
"Yes, Director Menma!" the three shouted, fired up with new purpose.
"Next," Menma continued, "start developing chakra storage devices. That's your job. I'm busy and won't be here every day, but don't slack off. If I find out you're lazy, you're out!"
The three nodded furiously, their faces serious. Yoshimoto swore silently: We can't let the Director down! We'll build the perfect chakra battery!
"Good. Get to work." Menma tossed some cash onto the table, paid the bill, and left.
Behind him, Alan blinked. "Uh… what should we do first?"
Smack! Yoshimoto slapped the back of his head. "Idiot! Renovate the lab, obviously!"
Alan rubbed his head. "Right, right!"
The trio marched off energetically.
If Menma had heard them, he would've wept. I literally just said that!
That evening, Menma was relaxing on the sofa reading when he heard the front door open. Naruto walked in.
"Brother!" he called, beaming.
Lately, Naruto and Sasuke had been training nonstop in the mountains, while Sakura had started studying under Tsunade. Of course, Naruto hadn't missed his chance to mock Kakashi about it.
"You can't even teach properly, sensei!"
Kakashi: "…" This brat's getting worse.
"Have you eaten yet?" Menma asked.
"Yeah! Sasuke invited me over. Aunt Mikoto's cooking is the best," Naruto said, practically drooling at the memory.
Menma raised a brow. Mikoto's cooking, huh? Maybe I should drop by sometime.
"Good," Menma said. "Since you've eaten, I'll skip cooking tonight."
Suddenly, he remembered something. "By the way, Naruto, you're growing up now. You can start earning your own money. So, no more pocket money from me."
Naruto's allowance was a whopping five million a month.
But instead of complaining, Naruto smiled brightly. "No problem, brother!"
Menma blinked. Wait, what? No resistance? He really is growing up.
He patted Naruto's head. "Good. You've matured."
Naruto grinned. "And don't worry, I'll earn a lot! One day, I'll be rich enough to give you pocket money!"
Menma laughed. "Alright, deal."
Still, he decided to taper it off slowly. "Next month, I'll give you two million."
Naruto waved it off. "You don't need to, brother! I've been saving it anyway."
Saving? Menma gave him a surprised thumbs-up.
Then Naruto added, "If I ever run out, I'll just ask Sasuke. He's loaded."
Menma burst out laughing. "Of course he is. He's an Uchiha — the name alone screams money."
The next morning, Menma delivered the ten-billion fund to Yoshimoto's team, watching as their eyes filled with tears of gratitude.
After bleeding his wallet dry, he sighed, "You'd better make it worth it."
Then he left for Itachi's house.
(End of Chapter)
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