The classroom was quiet except for the scrape of chalk against the board.
Iruka stood at the front, one hand resting on the desk as he turned to face the students. "Today," he said, "we'll be covering the basics of genjutsu. Can anyone tell me how genjutsu works?"
A few hands twitched uncertainly. Others stayed firmly down.
Menma raised his hand confidently.
Iruka blinked once, then smiled. "Go ahead, Menma."
Menma stood, posture straight but relaxed. His voice was calm, even, carrying clearly through the room.
"Sensei. Genjutsu or Illusionary Techniques works by manipulating a target's chakra flow," I said. "Specifically, it interferes with the brain's nervous system to distort the five senses. Most genjutsu are applied by injecting the user's chakra into the target—usually through sight, sound, or direct chakra contact, this helps in creating realistic illusions that the victim's own mind completes."
The room went silent.
Iruka's eyebrows rose slightly before he nodded. "That's exactly right. Well done Menma."
A low murmur spread through the classroom. Some students stared at Menma with curiosity, others with indifference, a few with narrowed eyes. Naruto grinned even though he was still a little bit confused, by the concept. Sasuke just smirked at Menma. "I'll answer the next question."
I sat back down without reacting. "If you can go ahead." I said evenly.
From that day forward, I made a point of excelling whenever I was physically present in my classes.
Physical conditioning drills. We did 100 laps around the field. So I stayed in the front and kept pace without complaint. Naruto and Sasuke stayed by like it was a contest. While girls like Sakura struggled to keep up, so did Choji, but Shikamaru rand behind him saying he can do it, but he should also cut down on the snacks. Kiba tried to run past all of us, just to be told to get back in line.
Taijutsu basics were next. My movements were clean, efficient, never flashy. The instructors noticed as well, and barely corrected, even though I could tell he was looking for something to say about my form.
Shuriken and kunai practice was after that. Even though we were still getting through the introductory lessons. The instructor asked for some students to try. In order the shuriken skills shown was Me, Shino and Sasuke, that seemed almost equal, it looked like either one might surpass the other. Naruto was a good third. Probably because Kakkashi, Genma and Jiraiya were teaching him from time to time.
I didn't openly dominate the class. Showing off would get me nothing but more hate. I need to make it look more natural and humble. I simply… performed well.
By lunch, I sat with Naruto and Sasuke beneath a shaded tree, I ate quietly, while Naruto talked with his mouth half full. Sasuke listened with half his attention elsewhere. I said " Naruto don't talk with your mouth full, it's unbecoming of you."
Naruto paused and gulped his food and asked " What's unbecoming."
Sasuke sighed and said. " It means don't talk with your mouth full of food, it's nasty."
Naruto laughed. "Sorry Menma"
That was when two girls approached them.
"Um… your name is Menma Uzumaki, right?"
I looked up. It was Ino Yamanaka standing there with her hands on her hips, Sakura stood beside her, clutching her lunch nervously.
"Yes," I replied. "Do you need something?"
Ino tilted her head, her blue-green eyes were bright and sharp with curiosity. "How do you know so much already, and you seem really talented. You answered Iruka-sensei questions so easily, and the other classes your excelling in." She also looked at Sasuke with a smile smile.
"I had the chance to learn a little early is all." I said simply. "I studied before the Academy, and I'm still studying and training outside of that."
Sakura's eyes widened. "That's… actually really cool" She glanced briefly at Sasuke, then back at Menma. "Does that mean you could help us study sometime?"
I paused considering her question for half a second, then nodded. "If you want some help I don't mind."
Sakura smiled, relieved. Ino smirked, " Then how about we eat with you guys." Ino said showing her lunch box satisfied."
Naruto moved over and said. " Come over her ladies."
Sakura bowed. "Thank you. Honorable son."
Naruto sighed. "It's just Naruto. No honorable son or lord stuff, please."
Sakura blushed and bowed apologizing. " I'm sorry honorable.... I mean Naruto."
Ino nudged Sakura. "Sakura relax. No need to be so scared, Naruto seems really nice and cool."
"Right."
I smiled as I saw the two sit over by Naruto and they began talking. Then my eyes caught a familiar sight. It was Hinata sat alone a short distance away, shoulders slightly hunched, staring down at her lunch.
I stood up abruptly.
Naruto and Sasuke blinked. "Huh? Where you goin'?"
I didn't answer. I walked over, knelt beside Hinata, and set part of my lunch down next to her.
Hinata froze. Her face turned bright red almost instantly. "M-Menma—what are you doing?"
"I made too much food," I said, cutting her off gently. "And I don't like seeing people eat alone."
I offered a small, genuine smile.
Hinata hesitated, then nodded faintly. "T-Thank you… but you don't need to."
I then grabbed her hand and brought her over to our group. " Um... Menma?
I then looked at Hinata and realized I was probably to forward. For the shy six year old "Oh—sorry," I added, realizing I was still holding her hand. I released it immediately. "Didn't mean to force you to come eat with us."
"It's—It's okay," Hinata said softly, eyes down but smiling.
Ino was the first to speak. " Menma you need to be more careful. She is the princess of the Hygua clan. If you upset them, then they would come after you."
I nodded. "Your right." I turned to Hinata and bowed. "Princess Hinata will you please forgive me."
Hinata was surprised and embarrassed. " Menma you don't need to do that, after all we know each other somewhat.' She muttered.
Ino and Sakura eyes widened. " What! Wait you two know each other already. How?"
Hinata got flustered and hid her face.
Naruto just smiled and said "I don't know what's going on but it seems fun."
From the side some students were looking at Menma with contempt and dark eyes. From the side Shino with his dark shades looked at Menma with a his face half hidden.
When the day ended, Menma left the Academy with the usual glares—parents whispering, "Why would the Hokage allow him to be here. Damn Uchiha's"
Older students watching too closely, "He's the reason my dad and uncle are dead."
Some shinobi observed him with guarded expressions. But I ignored them all. I waved goodbye to Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Ino and Hinata.
"Ichiraku later!" Naruto shouted.
"Sure thing," I replied.
As I walked alone, I then spoke Kurama's in my mind. " There I went to the academy in person sensei. Is that the proper way you were talking about?" I asked. "
Kurama answered after a moment. Yes. It does. Good job.
Menma frowned slightly. "Why did you insist I go in person? I could've just used clones and trained more, or do something else more productive."
Because, Kurama replied, if they ever found out the person they talked to and gotten close with was a shadow clone, how do you think they'd feel?
Menma slowed to a stop. "…I didn't think about that."
Kurama continued. If you want to form strong bonds early, and for them to mean something, you have invest in them the same way you invest in your training. In person and overtime.
Menma smiled faintly. "Since when did you get so wise, sensei?"
Kurama huffed. …Don't get use to me giving you all the answers. Plus I always been wise, but now that Sun's here, you need to be carful before he drags you into his messes.
"What do you mean Sensei?"
Kurama didn't say anything.
Why can no one ever be straightforward.
Later that afternoon, Menma arrived at the training grounds. Shisui stood near the log stumps, relaxed, arms folded. Beside him was Fugaku stood in his Hokage robes, his expression unreadable.
Menma didn't expect to see Fugaku here, but he stopped and bowed. "Shisui-sensei. Lord Fugaku."
"I didn't expect to see you here, Lord Hokage," Menma added.
Shisui smiled. " Relax Menma. Lord Fugaku has a short break and wanted to see how you're progressing in your training."
Fugaku nodded once. "It's been a while Menma. Show how far you come."
Shisui grinned. "You got this Menma, no pressure."
Menma nodded. Then he inhaled, then formed hand seals. "Shadow Clone Jutsu." Smoke burst outward from behind him. When the smoke cleared, the field was filled with Menma—roughly a hundred clones standing calmly.
Shisui blinked. " Wow, how many shadow clones did you make?"
"Around a hundred," Menma replied.
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "Is that the maximum amount you can make?"
"I can make alot more," Menma said honestly. "But I believe this would be enough."
Shisui laughed softly. "And they're solid to. So you've mastered the Multi Shadow Clone. When did you even learn it?"
Menma dismissed the clones. " I just focus on my chakra control training and this came as a another result."
Menma then led the two to the forest clearing. Then he moved seamlessly into shuriken drills—ricochets, blind angles, precision throws. Finally, he demonstrated Flying Raijin a short-range, controlled teleportation.
When it was over, Shisui let out a low whistle. "That's… impressive. He's only six years old, and one week into the Academy. You can argue he's already at mid-to-high genin level with that display." Shisui said to Fugaku
Fugaku studied him for a long moment. It's like I am looking or you Minato. I guess he did inherit some of your talent. Then Fugaku spoke. "Menma. How would you feel about graduating early and being assigned to a ninja squad?"
Shisui eyes widened. "Are you sure lord Fugaku. Not even Itachi was a genin until he was at least 7."
Fugaku nodded. "That's because Itachi hid how advanced he was. Let me be more clear Menma, I would allow you to graduate early, and spend time working with Shisui throughout the village. Then as you get older place you on a Genin team under a Chunin or Jonin, where you will do no hire then C ranked missions. Then I will place you on a actual 3 man team as a permanent member. If your not a chunin by then. How does that sound ?"
I stiffened somewhat. I was surprised, and quietly proud. At Fugaku's plan. To be honest it would be better then being at the academy, and I will be able to do more as a genin then as a student.
Then Menma remembered what Kurama said about bonds.
Menma bowed. "I'm honored, Lord Fugaku. But… I must decline this gracious offer."
Fugaku and Shisui raised an eyebrow.
"May I ask why Menma?" Fugaku said.
"I know I am ahead of my peers," Menma said carefully, "but fundamentals and bonds matter more right now. The leaf village is currently in a time of cold war activity. I should use my knowledge to help push my fellow classmen to grow more. "
"Bonds," Fugaku repeated rubbing his nose. After a moment, he nodded. "Very well. If you change your mind, tell me."
He then pulled out a scroll from his robes and handed Menma the scroll. "Your Flying Raijin is stable enough. These are the Fourth Hokage's notes. If you like I can have ninja from the fourth Hokages protection squad teach you the more in-depthness of this technique. "
I paused for a moment. That would mean I would be in contact with Menma and the others. Thats something I don't want or need. I made it this far on my on, I might as well go all the way. I bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Fugaku. But I will not need their help, I would like to see this through to the end on my own, and if I need more help I will ask the famous Shisui the Teleporter."
Shisui just smirked. "You give me to much credit Menma. But I will help in anyway I can."
As Fugaku and Shisui walked away, Shisui asked quietly, "What do you think, Lord?"
"He's ready," Fugaku replied. "But he's right about being at the Academy. It will also be good for Sasuke and Naruto, as well as the other students. I was gonna place him on Guy's team or directly under Kakashi since he had no ninja team."
Shisui nodded. "I can see that. Both would be a good mentors. Have you heard back from Itachi?"
Fugaku's expression darkened slightly. "He's asked permission for something dangerous. As his father… I haven't decided yet. So I told him to come back to the village. We will discuss it then. I'm just worried about if I should bring Menma into this."
Shisui nodded. " I understand. It's like you don't even need to explain it fully to Menma because he alreayd has certain knowledge on it. But it's weird unlike with the planned coupe, he doesn't tell us anything without us asking."
Fugaku mind raced. "It's probably for two reason's. One. Some of what he see's probably can't be changed so he doesn't intervene. Just like with the Hyuga clan. He knew what they were gonna do and knew nothing could be changed because it was already to late."
Fugaku continued. "The second one could be, he probably knows more then what he let's on. And knows if he changes to much. Things might become worse off then he predicted."
Shisui's eyes narrowed. "You think so Lord Fugaku"
"I don't know. And I won't know unless I ask Menma. But I doubt he trust us enough to tell the truth. Either way he is our ally for now, and his plans for the future are something I believe we need to prepare for."
Back at Menma's apartment that evening, he sorted through his mail as he was getting ready to meet Naruto, when— Poof.
Smoke filled the room.When it cleared, a familiar gray-furred monkey stood there—noticeably taller than before.
"Miss me?" Sun Wukong said, grinning.
Menma stared surprised.