Arrangements for the New Team 7

The cleanup work on Hokage Rock was proceeding in an orderly fashion.

Naruto had hung himself from a rope and was swinging left and right like a pendulum, a wet cloth clutched in his hand as he scrubbed hard at the exaggerated sausage lips painted on the Fourth Hokage's statue.

The paint had not completely dried yet, making it especially hard to wipe off, and fine beads of sweat had already broken out on his forehead.

"Big Brother Menma—" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs while scrubbing with all his might. "Once we get this place cleaned up, let's go eat Ichiraku Ramen! My treat! We'll call Iruka-sensei too!"

His voice was full of energy, not at all dejected from being scolded.

Over the years, Naruto's life had indeed changed greatly compared to the original story.

With Menma's arrangements, Naruto no longer had to worry about being turned away by convenience store owners, nor did he have to eat instant noodles every day.

There were many businesses under Menma's name, and shops such as Gato Department Store and chain restaurants all kept their doors open to Naruto.

At twelve years old, Naruto was a head taller than his peers, with a sturdy body, and the smile on his face was even brighter than before.

Although the villagers' prejudice against him still existed, at the very least, financially, he no longer had to worry about survival.

At this moment, Menma was standing on the statue of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, his chakra adhering to the rock surface as he stood there steadily.

Hearing Naruto's words, he looked up at Iruka, who was still sulking on the observation deck, and the corner of his mouth curved into a faint smile. "Clean all this up first, then we'll talk. If