The spring sun filtered through tender green leaves, casting dappled spots of light on the training ground of the Ninja Academy.
The air was filled with the scent of grass and earth, mixed with the vibrant energy of the boys and girls, and a faint, almost imperceptible tension.
It was time for the weekly practical sparring class again.
Sasuke took a deep breath, his sharp gaze locked on the figure on the other side of the field.
He hadn't slacked off during the entire break, undergoing rigorous training under Itachi's rare and precious guidance. He felt stronger, faster, and his Shurikenjutsu was more precise.
He was confident. This time, he would definitely wash away the shame of his previous defeat.
At the far end of Sasuke's line of sight, Menma was leaning lazily against the railing, seemingly completely unaware of the impending duel.
He was slightly turned, saying something to Hinata beside him.
Hinata had her head lowered, her cheeks flushed crimson, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her clothes. She responded in a soft, almost inaudible voice, occasionally shaking her head slightly at something Menma said, her ears turning bright red.
This intimate disregard for others, this casual attitude, pricked at Sasuke's proud heart like tiny needles.
It seemed the other party never truly saw him as a worthy opponent to be taken seriously… This dismissal angered him more than defeat itself.
"Sasuke! This time I'll definitely beat you!" Naruto waved his fists nearby, shouting boisterously, trying to grab Sasuke's attention, but Sasuke completely filtered him out.
His eyes were only on that black-haired, spiky-headed guy.
"Hmph." Sasuke snorted coldly, crossed his arms, and looked away, trying to calm his somewhat agitated mood as he waited for the teacher's instruction.
At the edge of the field, Choji crunched on potato chips, his round eyes observing the confident Sasuke. He mumbled to Shikamaru beside him, "Mmm... feels like Sasuke is pretty confident this time."
Shikamaru let out a big yawn, looking utterly uninterested in everything, "Yeah... Probably. But the result probably won't change. What a drag... That guy's position as the top of our year probably can't be shaken by any of the so-called geniuses."
Although he said it was a drag, his tone acknowledged the far-surpassing strength that the boy named Menma possessed compared to them.
Kiba and Akamaru were also barking nearby, cheering for Menma, while Shino stood quietly in the corner, his gaze behind his sunglasses unknown.
Ino, Sakura, and the other girls huddled together, cheering for Sasuke.
"Sasuke-kun, do your best!"
"You have to win, Sasuke-kun!"
Although Menma was also good-looking and powerful, ever since two overconfident first-year girls had tried to ask Menma out to a movie last semester, only to be scared to tears by the sudden burst of killing intent from Hinata, all the girls in the school had tacitly understood… Menma was Hinata's 'exclusive territory', not to be touched.
In contrast, the cold, aloof, super-handsome, and 'unclaimed' Sasuke naturally enjoyed even greater popularity.
Hinata, hearing the girls' cheers, stole a glance at Menma. Seeing that he seemed completely oblivious, just watching Sasuke on the field, she sighed in slight relief and murmured in a voice almost only she could hear, "Menma-kun... do your best..."
Iruka walked to the center of the field, looked at the two ready participants, especially the burning-eyed Sasuke, smiled wryly, and announced clearly, "Alright, next match, Uchiha Sasuke vs Menma! Remember, this is Taijutsu Sparring only! No lethal Ninjutsu! Now, form the Seal of Confrontation!"
Sasuke and Menma stepped forward, forming the Seal of Confrontation with each other.
Sasuke's gaze was fixed intently on Menma, as if trying to pierce through him with his eyes.
Menma still had that sleepy look.
"This time, I won't lose to you again." Sasuke said in a low voice, filled with determination.
Menma yawned, picking his ear with his pinky finger carelessly, "Ah, got it, got it. You said that last time too. Hurry up and start, Iruka-sensei."
Sasuke gritted his teeth in frustration. This attitude was simply an insult!
"Begin!" Iruka-sensei's arm came down.
Before the word fully left his mouth, Sasuke's figure shot out!
His speed was indeed noticeably faster than before the break, creating a slight breeze as he instantly closed the distance between them. A sharp straight punch aimed straight for Menma's face.
A flicker of movement passed through Menma's eyes, and he became slightly more serious.
He sidestepped to avoid the punch, raising his hand to block the elbow strike that followed closely behind.
The dull thuds of fists and feet connecting echoed across the field.
'Speed, power, reaction… all improved compared to last time. Seems he didn't slack off during the break, probably got some guidance from Uchiha Itachi.' Menma calmly assessed Sasuke's progress while seemingly passively blocking and dodging, 'But his rhythm is still a bit rushed. Too eager to prove himself, which makes him prone to exposing openings.'
The reason he was probing so carefully wasn't because Sasuke posed any threat, but for the purpose of 'score control'.
Sasuke was undoubtedly the top student in their year, the benchmark for measuring 'genius'.
By figuring out Sasuke's limits, Menma could precisely control the performance level of 'Academy Student Menma' to be just a notch above Sasuke… enough to be considered a commoner genius without being shockingly outrageous.
And such thing required careful calibration.
The students watching below were captivated.
"So fast!"
"Sasuke's attacks are so fierce!"
"Menma seems suppressed?"
"No, look how easily Menma is dodging!"
In everyone's eyes, the duel was exceptionally fierce. Punches and kicks were exchanged, figures weaved, highly spectacular.
Sasuke's offense was relentless, like flowing mercury, while Menma was as solid as a rock, always resolving crises at critical moments and occasionally retaliating, steadily keeping Sasuke under his thumb.
Iruka watched from the side, nodding occasionally, inwardly praising, 'Sasuke's progress is very noticeable… his Taijutsu is becoming more refined. But Menma is truly remarkable. He seems to be at a disadvantage, but he's actually handling it with ease. His grasp of timing and distance is far beyond his peers. The top student of this year is undoubtedly him.'
Sasuke, unable to break through after prolonged attacks, grew increasingly impatient.
'I had used all the techniques I learned during the break, even performed beyond my usual level. Why couldn't I even touch him?'
Menma's defense was like an invisible net, seemingly full of gaps yet impenetrable.
His breathing became rapid, fine beads of sweat appearing on his temples.
Just then, he spotted an opportunity… a high kick aimed at Menma's head, attempting to break the stalemate.
However, Menma simply leaned back, causing the seemingly certain kick to miss.
'Now!' Sasuke's heart stirred. Based on past experience, the opponent's center of gravity was shifted back now, his lower body vulnerable.
He planned to let his leg fall naturally, executing a sweeping leg attack.
However, Menma's reaction far exceeded his expectations.
In the split second before his raised leg could fully descend, Menma used the slight momentum from his backward lean, his toes pushing off forcefully. His body twisted like a ghost, sliding to Sasuke's back with an incredible speed and angle!
Sasuke's kick met empty air, his heart leaping in surprise. Sensing someone behind him, he instinctively tried to sink his stance, stabilize his lower body, and prepare to counter.
All his attention was focused on defending against lower-body attacks.
But Menma didn't attack his lower body.
Instead, Menma brought his thumbs together, the other eight fingers curved and interlocked, forming a peculiar hand seal.
Seizing the moment when Sasuke was sinking down, his guard wide open, he thrust forward with pinpoint accuracy!
"Konoha's Secret Finger Jutsu: One Thousand Years of Death!"
"Pfft-!"
"Gyaaaaah!!!"
A scream containing immense pain, humiliation, and disbelief erupted from Sasuke's throat!
His entire body shot forward like an ignited rocket for several meters before crashing heavily to the ground. He curled into a ball, hands clutching his rear tightly, his body trembling slightly.
The entire training ground fell into dead silence.
Everyone stared, dumbfounded, at this sudden, drastically shifted scene.
The next second, a huge uproar and sounds of gasping for air arose.
"Wha… what technique was that just now?"
"I-I don't know... looks really painful!"
"Sasuke-kun!"
"Menma actually used a move like that..."
Naruto, Choji, Kiba, and the other boys subconsciously tightened their legs, feeling a chill run up their spines from their tailbones to the tops of their heads.
Hinata let out a small "Ah!", her face instantly turning bright red.
She covered her face with her hands but couldn't help peeking through her fingers at Menma, who stood there looking innocent.
Iruka's mouth twitched violently, black lines appearing on his forehead.
He had said no lethal Ninjutsu... but this move wasn't technically against the rules… it was just... too indecent!
Sasuke struggled to get up from the ground, his handsome face flushed red, almost dripping blood.
He could feel the various gazes from all directions.
Some were concerned, some sympathetic, but more were shocked and… struggling not to laugh.
A huge sense of humiliation instantly overwhelmed him. He glared fiercely at Menma, his eyes extremely complex, filled with anger, shame, and a trace of disbelief.
Then, without looking back, he rushed out of the training ground, not even planning to attend afternoon classes.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura and Ino called out worriedly but failed to stop him.
The gasps and discussions within the field didn't cease for a long time.
"Wow! Menma! I want to learn it! I want to learn that move!" Naruto's eyes shone as he looked in the direction Sasuke disappeared, laughing heartily.
Menma stood up from the [One Thousand Years of Death] posture, a slight smile playing on his lips. He walked up to Iruka, "Sensei, that counts as my win, right?"
Iruka looked at his harmless face, struggled for a long time, then waved his hand weakly, "Yes, yes, you win. Next time, don't use such... such strange moves again!"
"Oh." Menma nodded obediently, but inwardly he didn't care. He'd forgotten such an important part during his last spar with Sasuke.
This time, it was finally complete!
The school bell rang. After the 'shocking strike' of the afternoon, students left the school in small groups.
"Hey, Menma, Naruto, Hinata!" Choji called out while packing his bag, "And Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba, Shino, let's go get some barbecue later! I went with my family several times during the break and saved up lots of coupons! My treat this time!"
Naruto's eyes instantly lit up upon hearing this, "Really? Choji! You're the best! Hahaha, barbecue! Barbecue!"
He remembered Choji mentioning last year that he'd treat him to something good. Feeling remembered and valued by a friend warmed his heart.
Shikamaru yawned, "Ahh... barbecue again, what a drag... But since it's a gathering, let's go together."
Ino agreed readily, "Sure!"
Kiba hugged Akamaru, "Of course I'm in if there's meat!"
Shino adjusted his sunglasses and nodded slightly.
Hinata looked at Menma and asked softly, "Menma-kun... are you coming too?"
Menma smiled, "Sure."
He just happened to have some things he wanted to confirm as well.
The group headed noisily to a popular barbecue restaurant on Konoha's commercial street.
The shop wasn't big, but it was full of atmosphere. The sizzling sound and aroma of grilling meat were appetizing.
Choji slapped a stack of coupons on the table with great bravado and ordered several deluxe sets.
As soon as the meat arrived, everyone started grilling immediately, the atmosphere lively.
"Wow! So good!" Naruto mumbled with his mouth full, praising it.
"The meat at this place is pretty good!" Kiba stuffed grilled meat into his mouth, looking satisfied.
"Ino, mind your manners." Shikamaru lazily flipped the meat slices, reminding the overly excited Ino.
"None of your business!" Ino shot him a glare.
Shino ate quietly, his presence as low as ever.
Hinata ate in small bites, but her speed wasn't slow. The plates in front of her quickly piled up.
Menma, while grilling meat, leaned closer to Choji and asked in a low voice, "Are the coupons enough? Hinata seems to have quite an appetite... I have some coupons here too."
He was actually planning to quietly pay for Hinata's extra portion if Choji's coupons weren't enough.
Hearing this, Choji patted his chest confidently, "Don't worry, Menma! Absolutely enough! I'm a man who can eat over twenty plates of thick-cut grilled beef by myself!"
He clearly underestimated some people's potential.
However, reality was cruel.
Choji ended up eating twenty-seven plates of barbecue, so stuffed he was rolling his eyes, slumped in his seat, unable to move.
And Hinata... she was just getting started. Seventy-two empty plates were already stacked in front of her, yet she was still sipping her drink somewhat regretfully that it was over, looking at the grill as if she could keep going.
Everyone stared, dumbfounded.
Kiba's mouth hung open, "Hinata… you- you're amazing!"
Naruto forgot to put the meat in his hand into his mouth. "Se-seventy-two plates? You can eat more than me?"
Ino covered her mouth, "Oh my god-"
Shikamaru's mouth twitched, "This is beyond just having a good appetite..."
Shino's sunglasses seemed to reflect light.
Menma looked at the limp Choji and the slightly blushing Hinata who seemed not quite full, and smiled wryly.
He patted Choji's shoulder, took his now-deflated little pouch containing the coupons, and said, "Alright, that's enough for today. I'll take care of it."
He got up and went to the front counter to pay. Sure enough, Choji's coupons were far from enough.
Menma paid calmly, then returned to the table. He took the larger-denomination barbecue coupon the shop gave after this purchase and stuffed it back into the hand of the dazed, utterly defeated Choji.
"Here, use it next time."
Choji looked at the large coupon, tears of gratitude almost mixing with his tears of being stuffed.
The streets of Konoha at night were much quieter.
After everyone went their separate ways, Menma and Hinata walked side by side on the road leading to the Hyuga Clan's compound.
The moonlight stretched their shadows long.
"Menma-kun... thank you for today." Hinata said softly, referring to him paying the bill, a faint blush still on her cheeks.
"It's fine. That guy Choji will remember the lesson next time." Menma smiled, "But, Hinata, your appetite seems to have gotten even better?"
"Ah... well..." Hinata's head lowered even further, "Maybe it's because training has been harder recently..."
She couldn't very well say it was because seeing Menma put her in a good mood, making her eat especially well.
Soon, they reached the street opposite the main gate of the Hyuga Clan's compound. Menma's detached house was here.
"Then I'll go back now. Good night, Menma-kun." Hinata stood at the compound gate, waving to Menma.
"Good night, Hinata." Menma nodded, watching Hinata walk through the imposing gate before turning around, taking out his keys, and opening his own courtyard gate.
The yard was quiet.
The two housekeepers he hired usually went home after cleaning, preparing dinner, or supper.
If Menma didn't come back to eat, they would leave the food in the refrigerator.
Menma didn't turn on the lights, walking straight through the living room to his training room on the second floor.
The room was simple, with only necessary furniture and some training equipment, not much decoration.
He walked to the desk and pulled open one of the drawers.
There weren't many stationery items inside. Instead, a few blank letters made of special material lay quietly.
These were the ones specially made for delivering the 'advance notices' when he attacked the Hyuga Clan's compound before. There were still some left unused.
Menma picked one up, his fingers rubbing the smooth surface of the letter paper, his gaze becoming deep.
'The Uchiha Massacre Night must be soon. Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen have sharpened their blades. The script and actors are in place.' He recalled the information Kabuto had sent through the seal during the day.
'Danzo's abnormal actions undoubtedly foreshadowed the coming storm.'
'Then, how can this grand play proceed without an audience?' A slight curve lifted the corner of Menma's mouth.
'Moreover, such a good opportunity... only taking the Uchiha would be too wasteful-'
Names and faces flashed through his mind.
His parents, Minato and Kushina, definitely needed to be notified. They had the right to know about Konoha's plan to massacre the entire Uchiha Clan and participate in the rescue operation.
As for Shisui, he was the VIP among the audience. Menma was very much looking forward to seeing Shisui's breakdown when he witnessed the clan he had always protected being slaughtered by the very village he served.
Hikari, Kanon, Oyashiro En, Kimimaro.
Especially Kanon, as a remnant of the Uzumaki Clan, and Kimimaro, as the last orphan of the Kaguya Clan, both had the right to witness the tragedy of the Uchiha Clan, to see clearly that the so-called Ninja Village System pioneered by Senju Hashirama wasn't fundamentally different from the Warring States period.
And the Hyuga Clan's branch family.
'Taking advantage of the Anbu and Root forces being drawn to the Uchiha Clan's compound, with Konoha's internal defenses empty and vigilance lowered, it would be the perfect opportunity to take away the willing branch family members!'
'Right, and Tono Katasuke can also be recruited amidst the chaos.' Menma's fingers tapped lightly on the desk as he began meticulously planning.