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Those determined eyes and gentle tone.

Anyone would have found him trustworthy, let alone Menma, who possessed the purest Uzumaki bloodline. His immense sensory abilities, combined with the Nine-Tails' exclusive Malice Perception and a Mind's Eye of the Kagura even more extraordinary than those of his mother, Uzumaki Kushina, or Uzumaki Karin, allowed Karin to sense whether Chakra was cold or warm.

At that moment, Menma could easily sense the utter sincerity in Iruka's heart.

He had not deceived him!

In that instant.

Menma did not know whether he was simply happy or whether he should have felt something else.

But at the very least, he felt as though a weight had been lifted from his chest.

It might sound a little melodramatic, even a little pretentious, but Menma ultimately could not completely disregard the goodwill of others. In his previous life, he had truly just been an ordinary person.

Menma would not repay kindness with enmity, but neither could he repay enmity with kindness.

Repay kindness with kindness, and enmity with fairness!

That was the creed Menma had always upheld in life.

Even if what Iruka had done could not truly be called "kindness."

Watching Menma remain silent for so long.

The unease in Iruka's heart gradually grew. Just as Iruka thought things might be going badly.

"Yes, I believe you, Teacher Iruka. If even you aren't worthy of trust, then perhaps there really is no one left worth trusting!"

After taking a deep breath, Menma looked at Iruka with an equally serious expression and said.

Upon hearing Menma's words.

It was not just Iruka.

Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had at one point thought he might need to act immediately, let out a sigh of relief.

The Third Hokage felt even more appreciation and recognition for Iruka from the bottom of his heart.

He also felt that handing Menma over to Iruka back then had been the right decision. As long as Iruka and he himself served as anchors, allowing Menma to gain the recognition and affection of more people, Menma would surely become the hero of Konohagakure that he wished to see!

This had always been Sarutobi Hiruzen's wish!

Iruka also revealed a smile and nodded gently. After clearly seeing Menma relax, he walked lightly to Menma's side.

"Then tell your teacher what happened, Menma!"

"Yes, Teacher Iruka!"

Menma nodded. After gathering his thoughts, he recounted everything from beginning to end in plain, unadorned words.

He even admitted that he had opened and read the Scroll of Seals.

After all, Sarutobi Hiruzen had monitored all of it, so it was completely fine!

As Iruka listened, his expression kept changing. He truly had not expected that Mizuki had been the one to stir this up.

From the most ordinary line of reasoning, without considering any unexpected factors, most people would not have believed Menma's words.

But at that moment, both rationally and emotionally, Iruka was willing to believe what Menma said.

This was not merely because of the promise he had made earlier.

It was also Iruka's own subjective judgment after spending so many years with Menma.

He did not think, nor did he believe, that Menma could be that kind of bad child!

"Mm, I believe what you've said, Menma. But this incident has indeed become rather serious. Bring Mizuki with us, and let's return to report to the Third Lord. Don't worry. I believe the Third Lord will believe you as well!"

Teacher Iruka said after taking a deep breath.

As though to make his words more convincing and soothe Menma's emotions, he gave Menma's shoulder a slightly firm pat.

"Mm, I believe Grandpa Third too!"

Menma raised his head and said with a serious expression.

After that.

Iruka and Menma left the forest far from the village's core area, one carrying Mizuki and the other carrying the Scroll of Seals, as they Flashed back toward the Hokage Building.

Beneath the crystal.

Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had witnessed the scene and heard Menma's words, revealed a faint, gentle smile on his aged face.

After all these years together.

Was this not exactly the kind of relationship he had sought?

Now, it seemed.

Menma had completely met his expectations. This final small test had been passed perfectly as well!

Minato, your children have truly grown up. Whether Naruto or Menma, they will surely become steadfast defenders of the Will of Fire, just like you in the future!!

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly exhaled a breath of stale air, silently thinking to himself.

Meanwhile, Iruka and Menma rushed back at full speed. Just as they neared the Hokage Building.

Two people clad in standard Anbu uniforms appeared in close proximity to Iruka and Menma.

Iruka's heart immediately skipped a beat.

But before Iruka could say anything.

"Leave Rogue Ninja Mizuki to us. The Hokage is already waiting for you inside!"

The Anbu member on the left spoke in a hoarse voice.

Those words plainly classified the matter outright.

Let alone Menma, who had known everything from the start.

The quick-witted Iruka also relaxed his previously taut nerves the moment he heard the words "Rogue Ninja Mizuki."

Since Mizuki had been designated a Rogue Ninja.

Then everything that followed became simple. Though Iruka was somewhat concerned about why the village had responded so quickly, he knew very well what his duty was. Many times, pretending not to understand was the right approach.

Iruka was no longer the immature rookie who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy.

"Let's go, Menma!"

After handing Mizuki over to the Anbu before them.

Iruka smiled and spoke to Menma beside him in the gentlest tone.

He seemed to believe that this would ease Menma's nervousness.

But in truth.

Most of Menma's expressions were merely an act.

There was no ripple at all in his heart.

Sarutobi Hiruzen had monitored the entire event, while not a single Anbu had intervened afterward. That was already enough to prove Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitude beyond any doubt. With the plot of the Original Work as a reference, unless something truly unexpected occurred.

Menma had no need to worry about anything at all.

"Yes, Teacher Iruka!"

It could only be said that Menma's acting was truly growing more refined by the day.

The two entered the Hokage Building directly and climbed the stairs to the top floor, stopping outside that most special office.

They gently knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

After Sarutobi Hiruzen's somewhat low voice sounded from within.

Iruka carefully pushed open the door.

After leading Menma inside.

Just as Iruka was about to have Menma kneel on one knee to pay their respects.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and waved his hand, stopping them both.

"Alright, there's no need to be so restrained. Iruka, and you too, Menma. I already know everything that happened just now. You were not at fault, Menma. You even rendered merit, so there is no need to worry about anything!"

He then smiled with a gentle expression.