Beside them, Tazuna felt like he was on a roller coaster.
The emotional ups and downs were so extreme...
That Tazuna almost couldn't react.
"So, Mr. Ninja, you mean... we can continue the mission?"
Tazuna asked Kakashi cautiously. Despite his tragic speech earlier, if he could truly receive the protection of Kakashi's Team 7, that would undoubtedly be the outcome Tazuna most desired.
A person might not fear death.
But almost no one actively chooses death, barring exceptional cases.
Not to mention that Tazuna had an unfulfilled wish. Naturally, he didn't want to die here. With Team 7's protection, his wish would surely come true!
"Yes, we will continue the mission. We will stay until you successfully complete the bridge, Tazuna-san. Please rest assured."
Kakashi nodded gently and replied.
"Thank you so much!"
A look of ecstatic joy appeared on Tazuna's face. This time, it was 100% genuine emotion!
He had felt like he was descending into hell.
But now, he had ascended straight to heaven.
It would be strange if Tazuna wasn't excited.
Menma pursed his lips and turned his head away, remaining silent. As mentioned before, Menma didn't care much whether the mission continued or not. Danger wasn't the issue. If he feared someone like Zabuza...
Menma should just give up on his plans right now.
To put it bluntly, this was a great opportunity to hone himself. Plus, there was Gatō—a fat sheep he could openly shear for resources.
Logically and emotionally, continuing the mission wasn't unacceptable.
So, the mission itself wasn't the problem.
Naruto's attitude and Kakashi's actions were what Menma found problematic.
But since the team captain, Kakashi, had made up his mind, Menma could only reserve his opinion.
However, if he got the chance later, Menma was determined to ask.
Kakashi must have a reason for continuing the mission.
Otherwise, this development was completely inexplicable.
"Alright, I'll go deal with those two Mist ninja, and then we'll get back on the road."
Seeing Menma stop questioning him, Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief internally. Just as Menma suspected, Kakashi indeed had another reason for continuing the mission, one that wasn't suitable to share openly.
"Wait a moment, Kakashi-sensei. Those two Mist ninja... can we handle them?!"
Just as Kakashi was about to walk toward the captive ninja...
Menma seemed to think of something.
He looked up at Kakashi, took a deep breath, and spoke in a slightly low voice.
"Hmm? Are you sure, Menma?"
Kakashi understood the implication behind Menma's words almost instantly.
Naruto and Sasuke were confused at first, but after a few seconds, they both realized what was happening. Their expressions turned serious in sync.
Only Sakura still looked dumbfounded.
Her face was a mask of confusion.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei, I'm sure. I am a ninja now, so I should have the capacity and mindset of a ninja. Kakashi-sensei's first time was probably around five or six years old, right? We're already lagging far behind."
Menma spoke with unwavering determination.
"Alright, I understand. What about you three? Do you have the same request as Menma?"
After giving Menma a deep look, Kakashi turned to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura.
"?!"
The sudden shift of attention...
Caused Naruto and Sasuke's pupils to shrink slightly.
Only Sakura remained bewildered.
She hadn't understood the conversation between Menma and Kakashi at all, let alone the true meaning behind Kakashi's question.
"Um, Kakashi-sensei... what does this mean?"
Sakura raised her right hand and asked timidly.
"Heh. It's a lesson every ninja must go through: executing those two Mist ninja!"
Although Kakashi had initially thought it might be a bit too early, hearing Menma's words convinced him that this was indeed a suitable opportunity!
How could one be called a qualified ninja without seeing blood?!
"What?!"
As soon as Kakashi's words fell...
Sakura's expression changed abruptly, and her body trembled uncontrollably.
Killing?!
Although the current Sakura Haruno was naive, even a bit foolish, as a ninja, she had some awareness that one day she would have to face this. But graduating only a month ago...
And facing such a scenario immediately...
Without having truly adjusted her mindset, Sakura naturally couldn't accept it!
Even Naruto fell silent in that moment.
Only Sasuke.
After just a few seconds, without any deliberation or hesitation...
"I'll do it too."
Sasuke looked up at Kakashi and spoke with a cold face.
"Alright, let's do that then."
Kakashi nodded. He picked up the two unconscious Mist ninja and walked toward the deeper part of the forest. Menma and Sasuke followed closely behind.
Watching the three leave, Naruto opened his mouth to say something but swallowed it back. Sakura looked fearful, her eyes darting around nervously, clearly showing how unstable her mental state was.
Tazuna appeared much calmer.
Even as an ordinary person, Tazuna had some understanding of what kind of existence ninja were!
Leaving the three behind...
Kakashi, Menma, and Sasuke entered the forest. Once they were out of sight of the others...
Kakashi tossed the two Mist ninja onto the ground.
Then, he extended a finger.
He tapped them lightly.
"Unngh?!"
Feeling pain through their unconsciousness...
The Demon Brothers woke up, their eyes opening instinctively with confusion.
"Genjutsu: Mental Barricade Destruction!"
Kakashi immediately formed hand seals.
Before the brothers could fully regain consciousness, relying on his superior mental strength...
Kakashi used Genjutsu to directly control their minds.
"Who is your employer...?"
Then...
Kakashi began interrogating the Demon Brothers.
It had to be said that the ninja world was very convenient when it came to interrogation, especially for those skilled in Genjutsu.
Kakashi was a ruthless man who had spent years in the ANBU.
His interrogation skills were on par with the professionals.