Ninja Academy had finally welcomed the long-awaited break. Naruto was like a little bird released from its cage, bursting with excitement.
Naruto's room was filled with commotion. He bounced around on the bed like a tiny cannonball packed with energy, shouting as he jumped, "Menma, what should we go do with Sasuke later?!"
Menma sat on the bed, reading the Encyclopedia of Ninjutsu. "All right, big brother, don't bounce so hard you break the bed. Let's head out after breakfast is ready. Otherwise, Sasuke might get tired of waiting."
"Naruto! Menma! Come downstairs for breakfast!" Kushina called from below.
Their eyes lit up at once. Menma immediately set down his book and went downstairs, while Naruto jumped off the bed and followed.
They reached the table almost at the same time. They had gotten up so early that Kushina hadn't even made breakfast yet, and now that it was finally ready and on the table, they were thrilled.
Menma looked at the generous spread before them: fish fillets, chicken legs, bacon, and eggs. There were also sandwiches and a glass of milk.
They immediately dug in, saying nothing as they swept through breakfast. Before long, they had finished eating.
"Hey, slow down. Why are you eating in such a hurry?" Kushina asked, chuckling to herself.
"Mom, we're done eating! We're going to Sasuke's house to see him later. We might not be back for lunch!" Naruto said, his mouth still stuffed with food.
Menma finished his milk and got ready to leave.
Once they were ready, Naruto set off for the Uchiha Clan Compound, practically bursting with excitement. Along the way, he was like a walking chatterbox, never pausing for breath.
Menma smiled as he listened to Naruto's endless rambling, occasionally chiming in.
Meanwhile, near the Uchiha Clan Compound, Shisui