"Ahhhhh!"
After letting out a scream of terror...
Gatō tried to scramble away on all fours.
"Hey! Where do you think you're going?"
But he had long since been locked onto by Naruto.
Before he could even take a step...
Naruto grabbed him single-handedly. Unable to break free, Gatō's legs trembled violently.
"Don't kill me! Don't kill me! Ah! Don't kill me!"
Seeing Menma approaching slowly...
Gatō screamed loudly. Then, amidst Naruto's shocked and disgusted expression, he wet himself, losing control of his bladder completely.
"Is this guy really that cowardly?"
Naruto asked in astonishment.
"Sometimes, so-called evil is just guys like this, Naruto. There's nothing strange about it."
Menma said in an indifferent tone.
"Oh? Is that so? But Menma, why were you so ruthless? These people were just hired by Gatō, right? Wouldn't knocking them out be enough? Why kill them? They weren't hostile ninja."
Naruto nodded as if understanding, but in the next second, noticing Menma covered in crimson blood and the corpses lying in pools of blood not far away, he frowned and asked.
"Oh? Yeah, I couldn't hold back just now. It was indeed a bit excessive. I'll pay attention next time."
Menma nodded gently and replied.
This compliant attitude, completely different from their previous argument, stunned Naruto instead.
When he asked the question, Naruto had subconsciously prepared for Menma to retort, planning to debate him properly.
But Menma's sudden shift in attitude...
Caught Naruto off guard.
Was this a bad thing?
No, it should be a good thing, right?
After all, Menma agreeing with him should be good.
But was it really good?
In that moment, Naruto inexplicably felt that Menma was very, very far away from him.
When he used to look at Menma, Naruto felt a faint sense of familiarity deep in his heart. This was something he hadn't told anyone—not even Hiruzen Sarutobi, whom he trusted most.
Even during their previous argument about continuing the mission, Naruto hadn't felt that familiarity disappear.
However, today, in this moment...
Naruto felt that sense of familiarity vanish.
The Menma in front of him seemed like a stranger. Yet, in just a split second, looking at Menma again, everything seemed no different.
This feeling, like an illusion, left Naruto with an indescribable, faint sense of irritation.
Menma, however, didn't pay any more attention to Naruto.
"Mission accomplished. Let's take this guy to Kakashi-sensei. Once we confirm the final information, this mission will be successfully completed, and Tazuna-san and the others can rest easy forever."
Extending his right hand...
Like dragging a dead dog, he hauled Gatō toward the bow, walking toward Kakashi.
Naruto shook his head as if waking from a dream, trying to shake the nonsensical thoughts from his mind. Taking small steps to catch up with Menma, he returned to Kakashi's side.
Although Gatō's appearance suggested he wasn't a tough nut to crack, for safety's sake, Kakashi still used Genjutsu for interrogation. The final result was obvious.
This mission had absolutely no connection to the Land of Water or the Hidden Mist Village.
This was entirely Gatō's personal doing.
Zabuza had also been hired by Gatō using his personal funds.
Finally confirming that the Hidden Mist Village hadn't extended its reach to the Land of Waves, Kakashi relaxed completely. After all, if the Mist ninja had truly made a move, the Leaf would have had to take corresponding countermeasures.
That could have easily sparked a new Great Ninja War.
Often, even small causes could trigger wars between two great nations.
"Looks like we don't need to worry about any follow-up. Then, Kakashi-sensei, can I handle this guy now?"
After Kakashi finished the interrogation...
Menma stepped forward, pointing at the dazed Gatō who was still under the Genjutsu.
"Oh? Hmm, of course. Handle him however you like, Menma."
In just a second...
Kakashi guessed Menma's intention. Smiling lightly, he nodded and granted Menma's request.
He even took out a sealing scroll from his vest and tossed it to Menma.
To Kakashi, this was perfectly normal.
Including the slaughter earlier.
Kakashi didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Since they stood before them with weapons and hostile intent, obstructing their mission, they were undoubtedly enemies. For a ninja, killing enemies was as commonplace as eating and drinking.
Conversely, some of Naruto's attitudes and actions...
Made Kakashi feel they weren't entirely appropriate. A ninja could have a degree of benevolence, but it absolutely must not affect their judgment.
Ultimately bringing negative impacts to themselves or even their comrades.
"Alright. I'll be back soon, Kakashi-sensei."
Menma stepped forward. While Kakashi's Genjutsu was still effective, he interrogated Gatō for the information he wanted. Then, picking Gatō up again, he walked toward the interior of the ship.
"Let's head back first, Naruto. We'll leave this to Menma."
"Eh? Yes, Big Brother Kakashi."
Naruto reacted a beat late, nodding subconsciously. Then, following Kakashi's steps, the two headed back toward the bridge first.
After they left...
The ship, which had stopped due to the arrival of Kakashi and the others, set sail again. However, instead of heading toward the Land of Waves, it turned around and sailed in the opposite direction.
Sailing at top speed for about an hour...
The ship arrived at a small island located directly north of the main island of the Land of Waves.
"You're sure this is the place? You should know the consequences of deceiving me, Mr. Gatō."
After the ship docked at the edge of the small island...
Menma pushed the now-sober but still pale-faced Gatō out of the cabin, speaking coldly.
Hearing Menma's icy words...
Gatō shuddered uncontrollably. He nodded repeatedly, speaking tremblingly, "Please believe this lowly one, Lord Menma. The vast majority of my assets are all here. I absolutely haven't deceived you, my lord."
"Hmm, good. Let's go. You lead the way."
Menma nodded with an indifferent expression.
"Yes, yes, yes. Please come this way, my lord."
Gatō bowed and scraped, speaking in a fawning tone.
Walking one after the other...
They strode toward the only building on the island that could be described as magnificent.