Those firm eyes and that gentle tone.
To anyone else, Iruka would seem like a trustworthy person. But for Menma, it was more than just a surface impression. He possessed the purest Uzumaki bloodline, immense sensory abilities, and the Nine-Tails' unique ability to sense negative emotions. His Mind's Eye of the Kagura was far more special than his mother Kushina's or Karin's—and Karin could already distinguish between cold and warm chakra.
At this moment, Menma could easily sense the absolute sincerity in Iruka's heart.
He wasn't lying!
In that instant.
Menma wasn't sure if he simply felt relieved, or if there was something else mixed in.
But at the very least, a weight lifted off his chest.
It might sound sentimental, maybe even a bit pretentious, but Menma ultimately couldn't bring himself to completely ignore genuine kindness. In his past life, he had been just an ordinary person.
Menma wouldn't repay evil with kindness, but he couldn't repay kindness with evil either.
Repay kindness with kindness, and repay injustice with justice!
That was the life motto Menma adhered to.
Even if Iruka's actions didn't necessarily qualify as a grand "kindness" yet.
Seeing Menma stay silent for so long, Iruka's anxiety began to grow. Just as he thought he might have messed up...
"Yeah, I believe you, Iruka-sensei. If even you aren't worth trusting, then maybe there's really no one left to trust."
Menma took a deep breath, looked at Iruka with a serious expression, and spoke.
Hearing Menma's words...
Not only Iruka, but even Hiruzen—who had momentarily considered intervening—let out a sigh of relief.
The Third Hokage found himself appreciating and approving of Iruka more and more.
He felt vindicated in his decision to entrust Menma to Iruka all those years ago. Now, with Iruka and himself as anchors, as long as Menma gained more recognition and closeness from others, he would surely become the hero of the Leaf that Hiruzen envisioned!
That had always been Hiruzen's wish!
Iruka smiled and nodded gently. Seeing Menma visibly relax, he walked over to the boy's side.
"Now, tell me exactly what happened, Menma!"
"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"
Menma nodded. After organizing his thoughts, he recounted the events from start to finish in plain, unembellished language.
He even admitted to opening and reading the Scroll of Seals.
Since Hiruzen had been watching everything anyway, hiding it was pointless. Being honest was the safest play!
As Iruka listened, his expression shifted constantly. He truly hadn't expected Mizuki to be the mastermind behind this.
Thinking logically, without considering any other factors, most people wouldn't believe Menma's story.
But in this moment, both rationally and emotionally, Iruka chose to believe him.
This wasn't just because of his earlier promise.
It was Iruka's subjective judgment, formed over years of knowing Menma.
He didn't think—didn't believe—that Menma was a bad kid!
"Alright. I believe you, Menma. But this incident has gotten a bit out of hand. Let's take Mizuki and report back to Lord Third. Don't worry, I'm sure Lord Third will believe you too!"
Iruka took a deep breath and said firmly.
To reinforce his words and soothe Menma's emotions, he patted the boy's shoulder slightly harder than usual.
"Yeah, I believe in Grandpa Third too!"
Menma looked up and said earnestly.
---
With that settled.
Iruka dragged the unconscious Mizuki, and Menma carried the Scroll of Seals on his back. Together, they left the forest on the outskirts of the village and sped back toward the Hokage Tower.
Gazing into his crystal ball...
Seeing this scene and hearing Menma's words, a faint, gentle smile appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's aged face.
After years of effort.
This relationship was exactly what he had been pursuing.
It seemed Menma had perfectly met his expectations. He had passed this final, small test with flying colors!
Minato, your children have truly grown up. Both Naruto and Menma will surely become steadfast defenders of the Will of Fire, just like you!
Hiruzen exhaled a breath of stale air, thinking silently to himself.
---
Meanwhile, Iruka and Menma sped back to the village. Just as they approached the Hokage Tower...
Two figures in standard ANBU uniforms appeared in front of them.
Iruka was startled.
But before he could say anything...
"Leave the traitor Mizuki to us. Lord Hokage is waiting for you inside!"
The ANBU on the left spoke in a raspy voice.
Those words were a definitive judgment.
Leaving aside Menma, who knew everything already, even Iruka—who was quick on the uptake—felt his tense nerves relax the moment he heard the phrase "Traitor Mizuki."
Since Mizuki had been labeled a traitor, everything else was simple. Although Iruka wondered why the village's reaction was so fast, he knew his place. Often, feigning ignorance was the correct course of action.
Iruka was no longer the green rookie fresh out of the Academy.
"Let's go, Menma!"
After handing Mizuki over to the ANBU, Iruka smiled and spoke to Menma in his gentlest tone.
He seemed to think this would ease Menma's nervousness.
In reality, most of Menma's expressions were just acting.
Internally, he was completely calm.
Hiruzen had monitored the whole thing, and the ANBU hadn't lifted a finger to stop him. That proved Hiruzen's attitude beyond a doubt. With the original plot as a reference, unless something truly bizarre happened, Menma had nothing to worry about.
"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"
Menma's acting was getting better and better.
The two entered the Hokage Tower and climbed the stairs to the special office on the top floor.
Knock, knock.
"Enter!"
Hiruzen's deep voice sounded from inside.
Iruka carefully pushed the door open.
After leading Menma inside, Iruka was about to kneel on one knee to pay his respects.
Hiruzen smiled and waved his hand, stopping them.
"Alright, no need to be so formal, Iruka. You too, Menma. I already know what happened just now. It wasn't your fault, Menma. In fact, you deserve credit. So, there is no need to worry at all!"
He spoke with a warm, reassuring smile.