Going in was smooth.
Coming out took a bit of time.
This was because Gatō's assets far exceeded Menma's expectations. Of course, this "exceeded" applied to various aspects. First, Gatō was indeed wealthy; saying his wealth rivaled a nation wasn't an exaggeration—some small countries truly didn't have as much money as Gatō.
However, Gatō didn't keep that much hard cash. A significant portion was in real estate distributed across many countries. Leaving aside the Land of Water, he had assets in the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning as well. The actual liquid cash on this island amounted to less than seventy million ryo—which was roughly two "Asumas." This was certainly a huge sum, but it was still quite a gap from what Menma had anticipated.
But on second thought, this was extra income after all, so Menma was content. After packing and sealing all the cash into scrolls, he took the property deeds as well. Who knew? They might come in handy later.
Stepping out of Gatō's vault, a long-absent, sincere smile appeared on Menma's face.
As for Mr. Gatō, Menma had sent him on his way.
On his way—permanently.
Afterward.
Menma took the ship back south, returning to the Land of Waves.
Menma felt he had raked in a fortune on this trip. Even though he had to share a portion of it, it was enough to leave him extremely satisfied.
Ten days later.
The bridge, which claimed to bring hope to the people of the Land of Waves, was finally completed under Tazuna's efforts. It directly connected the Land of Fire and the Land of Waves. This was also thanks to the news of Gatō's death, which dispelled the fear in the hearts of the people. The workers who had previously quit out of fear all returned.
With manpower and resources fully gathered.
Only then could the bridge be completed ahead of schedule.
Team 7 could finally embark on their journey back to Konoha. Originally, after dealing with Gatō ten days ago, Menma had suggested returning immediately, but Naruto insisted on seeing the bridge completed.
Menma reserved his opinion and didn't say much more.
Let Naruto do what he wanted. As long as it didn't affect his core interests, Menma couldn't be bothered to argue. From that day on, Menma had made up his mind: he would not waste his breath on meaningless things.
Taking care of himself was the core priority.
Because of this.
Menma put on a deeper mask. On the surface, it made his personality seem even gentler.
This was also a form of "growth" for Menma. Only now had this transmigrator truly integrated into this world, discarding the so-called kindness of his past life—or perhaps, "hypocrisy" would be a more fitting term.
It is worth mentioning that during these ten days, Team 7 didn't completely waste their time. For instance, Sakura and Sasuke began training in tree climbing and water walking. After all, seeing Naruto and Menma walk on water so easily...
Even someone as proud as Sasuke couldn't remain indifferent.
Sasuke wouldn't refuse any method that could make him stronger.
Since Sasuke actively proposed it, Kakashi couldn't refuse. Their training followed naturally. Meanwhile, Naruto and Menma had their own training. Naruto pestered Kakashi to learn more advanced ninjutsu, while Menma began his training for the Rasengan.
As an A-rank non-elemental jutsu that required no hand seals, the power of the Rasengan was unquestionable. In the original story, Kabuto nearly died from this technique; if he hadn't been a medical ninja himself, he wouldn't have survived.
This technique would allow the current Menma to significantly increase his attack power.
Naturally, it had to be put on the agenda as soon as possible.
Kakashi knew the origin of this technique for Menma well, so he wasn't surprised. These ten days passed quickly as Team 7 focused on their respective training.
Until February 20th.
Team 7 finally left the Land of Waves and set foot on the road back to Konoha. Compared to the time it took to get there, the return journey was much faster.
In less than a few hours.
The group entered the territory controlled by the Hidden Leaf Village.
"Oh oh oh! We're finally back! We were gone for a long time this trip!"
When Team 7 arrived back outside the main gate of the Hidden Leaf, Naruto stretched and looked at the familiar scenery of his village, a look of excitement appearing in his azure eyes.
Sakura, beside him, also couldn't hide her excitement.
After all, it was her first time leaving the village and her first C-rank mission. Everything had ended so perfectly. For Sakura Haruno, this was worth celebrating—not to mention the significant extra income!
Thinking of this.
Sakura couldn't help but take a few extra glances at Menma, who was standing on the far left with a faint smile.
Hmm, I was definitely overthinking things. Menma-kun is still Menma-kun!
In this moment, Sakura fully utilized her subjective power of imagination. With her own mental filter, she erased all her previous negative views of Menma, easily reverting to the positive impression she had of him at graduation.
The reason was simple: Menma's attitude had become gentler than before, and he had voluntarily shared a huge sum of money with them!
It was an income far beyond Sakura's imagination. Thinking that she could soon go on a shopping spree in the village, the corners of Sakura's mouth couldn't help but curl up.
"Alright. We've been away from the village for quite a while this time, so I'll give you a few days off. You don't need to go to the mission debriefing. Go home and rest well. Just wait for my next summons."
Kakashi stepped into the main gate of the Hidden Leaf first, then turned to look at Naruto, Menma, Sasuke, and Sakura, speaking with a smile.
"Oh!"
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei."
"Hn."
They responded in unison.
Then.
The four of them leaped away, speeding toward their respective homes.
Kakashi, on the other hand, headed alone toward the area where the Mission Center was located.
After spending a few minutes handing over the mission and collecting the remaining reward...
Kakashi didn't go directly home.
Instead, he leaped toward the Hokage Residence.
This mission had unexpected variables. He had brought back the corpses of Zabuza and Haku, as well as the Executioner's Blade. These matters needed to be reported to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Including Menma's performance during this mission.
This first departure from the village...
Was also a special trial and test for Menma.