Another month passed. As October arrived, change came with it as well.
Menma walked through the streets of Konoha, as the village gathered toward the Hokage Mansion. Banners of celebration were raised. Stalls lined the roads. Shinobi and civilians alike filled the air with conversation, anticipation, and some with unease.
For today was Lord Fugaku Uchiha's inauguration as the Fifth Hokage. He would take office as the Leaf's village new head.
As Menma moved through the crowd, eyes were on him, and none were good. But his thoughts drifted over the past month. He still didn't know what decision the Hyūga clan had ultimately made. No public announcements, or funerals were spoken of openly.
That gnawed at him Menma's mind. Then his gaze flicked around as he walked. He noticed more Uchiha faces, than before walking around the center of the village. Not clustered and confined to the compound at village's edge. Slowly they were moving back in to the village. Living amongst the people of the village again. Scattered throughout all the neighborhoods to some of the people's dislike.
That showed Fugaku's influence had already begun reshaping Konoha. Because of this shift, Shisui had grown busier, meetings, patrols, responsibilities stacking higher by the day. Their training sessions became less frequent. In his absence, Lady Mikoto had quietly taken over.
In some ways she was tougher then Shisui. She drilled Menma relentlessly.
Relentless basics. Physical conditioning, Shuriken technique, Taijutsu Basics. Chakra control. For the last month Menma did the same thing, again and again. She included Sasuke alongside him since Itachi was rarely home now. Sasuke and Menma competed with each other, which Menma thought was good for him. It was exhausting, but grounding and unexpectedly warm.
Lady Mikoto also taught Menma how to cook properly. That was something, he cherished.
In his past life, he'd been a American Black man, so cooking Asian dishes wasn't his greatest skill. Plus, being reborn into a world shaped by shinobi, steeped in traditions inspired by Japanese and Chinese cultures, yet entirely its own. He hadn't fully processed that identity shift yet. Right now, he was more focused on gaining power and his freedom. That came first, his inner reflection could wait.
During that month, Menma asked to speak to Fugaku privately. In his apartment, he asked for compensation. As someone who had contributed to a sensitive political situation.
Surprisingly Fugaku hadn't dismissed him. Fugaku was quite fare like that.
"You did work. Don't expect the Hyūga's to compensate you, at least not for now." Fugaku said calmly. "But since I was the one who recommended you, I will pay you. So Menma if it is within my power I will grant it. What do you want as payment."
Menma bowed and told him what he wanted.
"Lord Fugaku I would like Uzumaki scrolls on sealing techniques. And any scrolls on the Flying Raijin."
Fugaku's gaze sharpened instantly.
"Uzumaki sealing scrolls are one thing Menma. The Flying Raijin was a technique used by the Second and Fourth Hokage, It's a forbidden jutsu" he said. "You are asking for dangerous knowledge at an absurdly young age."
Menma had expected that. But he knew forbidden jutsu didn't just mean it was evil. It just meant it's extremely dangerous. Some were ethical violations, or caused catastrophic damage, often involving self-harm like the Reaper Death Seal. Or just violated the natural laws of nature like the Edo Tensei
"Lord Fugaku, I'm not asking for something like knowledge from the Hokage's scrolls," Menma replied evenly. " I would only need the Fourth Hokage's notes. Any cliff notes would be helpful. Once you believe I am progressing properly, you could let me learn it officially if I don't do it by myself."
Silence followed.
Then Fugaku said only this: "I will think on it."
Before leaving Menma's apartment, Fugaku paused at the door with his back turned to Menma. "Menma," he asked, "are these techniques needed for your plans?"
Menma answered without hesitation.
"Yes. But they are only a small step I need to take. I will show you something lord Fugaku, so you know how serious I am. Not even Shisui sensei has seen this."
Then the wind in the apartment shifted as Fugaku felt chakra begin to take form. A swirl of wind., and distortion of space.
Fugaku had turned around, and his eyes widened in shock.
Back in the present, Menma reached the outer plaza of the Hokage Mansion.
The crowd was massive, and he spotted a ton of familiar faces everywhere.
Ino with her parents.
Chōji laughing beside his father.
Kiba with his mother and sister.
Shikamaru slouching next to his parents.
Hinata standing quietly with her family.
But no Neji or Hizashi.
Menma's jaw tightened. So they must have chose that path after all…
As Menma turned his gaze away as Sakura passed by him with her parents. She looked so happy and care free. That's when he saw Naruto in the distance.
Naruto walked calmly between Kakashi and Genma, waving at people of the village. The people smiled and showed how much they loved him. People bowed respectfully to Naruto as he passed.
"Happy birthday, honorable son" some said warmly.
While others who looked at Menma and whispered.
"The Monster's here. Better keep a close eye on him"
"The damn freak should just disappear already."
"Damn demon child."
While some villagers murmured about a Uchiha Hokage. Some people found it shocking, a few thought how Danzo might have been right.
Menma heard it all. He always did. He had to hold back his anger. He would not do what Naruto did in the original series and lash out. He will let his actions and success speak for him. Not to be acknowledged by them, but prove his own worth to himself.
A tap landed gently on his shoulder.
"Hey Menma."
Menma turned around.
Shisui stood there, smiling.
"Shisui-sensei your back," Menma said calmly, then bowing respectfully. Shisui just laughed softly and rubbed his head. "You don't have to be so formal all the time Menma."
He nodded. "I know but still," Menma replied calmly, "it's good to see you again."
"You're not going to stand up there with Lord Fugaku. I know Lady Mikoto and him said they want to have you up there with them." Shisui asked.
Menma shook his head. "I'm not a Uchiha or their child, and right now… it wouldn't look good, Even now the people of the village, are judging him and the other Uchiha's harshly. Having the black sheep of the village standing up there will just make things worse."
Shisui studied Menma, he was once again in awe by how Menma thinks, and also sad by it to. He was so young and so aware at the same time. No real time to be just a kid.
That's why I follow him Shisui thought. To help guide him when I can and maybe just help take the weight off his shoulders. Like how I wish someone did for me and Itachi. "Come on let's head closer up to the Mansion the view their is better."
They moved closer to the front as the ceremony began.
The Third Hokage stepped forward first.
He spoke of the Will of Fire, and of the sacrifices made by the ninja of the village. Of the Fourth Hokage's death. Of the loyalty of the Uchiha and other clans. And Of how long he had searched for someone worthy to inherit the will of fire he and the Fourth Hokage took up.
"Now that search is over," Hiruzen said, "I pass down the fire that Lord 4th Hokage and those that came before helped to keep alive."
He turned gesturing, and welcomed Fugaku Uchiha.
The Hokage robes were presented and placed on him.
Fugaku stood tall. Now as the Fifth Hokage. In the distance Itachi watched with Jiraiya on Hokage Mountain watched. Itachi had a small smile on his face. Then he looked towards his brother. "Thank you for this, Lord Jiraiya."
Jiraiya just smiled. "No problem kid, now lets go, we got a lot of work to do."
Without saying another word, the two disappeared in a blink.
Fugaku then began his speech. "To all of Konoha… I thank you all for this opportunity. I will lead us into a new age. An age where the Will of Fire will be passed on and grows. One where it is not only about sacrifice, but growth. That growth can burn brighter and be passed on to our children. They are our future and I want to see them succeed and, I want to change this world for them, and for that to happen I cannot do this alone. I ask all of you to walk with me, and work with me to help the children of the next generation. Together we can create a world never seen before."
Cheers erupted from the crowd, but Menma's eyes didn't show joy or happiness, they were cold, almost distant, and indifferent. Menma didn't stay for the rest. He turned and walked away from the crowd.
Shisui noticed and followed.
"Menma since it's your birthday, how about I treat you?" Shisui said
"Thank you for remembering, but that's not necessary sensei"
Shisui only smiled. "I insist, all you have to do is pick the spot."
Menma paused… then nodded, fighting him was pointless, he wanted to be a good senior and mentor. Menma knew he would be better off accepting it. "Thank you sensei, I know somewhere I would like to eat."
He led Shisui to a the Ichiraku ramen stand. Menma had passed by this place alot but never stopped by to eat. He didn't want to run into Naruto, since Kakashi and the others brought him here normally. Menma wanted to see if the food was as good as Naruto in the original serious said it was.
Or was it just his happy place since Ichiraku was always there for him as a kid. Probably the latter, but Menma did wonder since Naruto is growing up accepted in this life, why does he still love Ichiraku.
The two stepped into the stall. "Welcome." Teuchi the owner greeted them both warmly. His daughter wiped the counter, bowing politely. She looked probably 7 or 8. Her hair was still short, but she had a shy, but warm smile. "What can I get you two." Teuchi asked.
Shiusi and Menma sat down. "Go ahead Menma."
Menma ordered calmly. " Can I get a Spicy shabu beef ramen, and tea. Please."
Shisui smiled. "Can I get a Chashu bowl, and tea as well please."
Teuchi smiled. "One spicy shabu, and one Chashu and two teas coming right up." Teuchi went to work, cooking our food.
As we waited, Shisui began to talk. "So Menma do you have any other plans for your birthday..." That's when the stand filled again.
It was Kakashi and Genma. That's what Menma noticed first, but his ears could recognize another voice. It was Naruto. He was smiling and chanting, "Ramen! Ramen! Hey Ramen-san it's my birthday, I'm ready to eat Ramen until I'm full."
The three stopped mid-step. Kakashi eye looked towards Menma , and Shisui.
But Menma was focused on his twin brother Naruto, and Naruto was focused on Menma. His sky-blue eyes met Menma's lavender eyes.
For a moment the world went still.
Menma didn't expect this, but he knew it was going to happen at some point.