Menma ignored Jiraiya and continued walking. Naruto and Sasuke silently followed behind him. Jiraiya remained where he was, watching them leave with worry weighing on his heart.
He knew Menma was a strong-willed child, but what he had just said had left Jiraiya deeply uneasy.
The group arrived at a small park in the village. It had a broad grassy field surrounded by cherry trees.
It was cherry blossom season, and pink petals drifted down on the breeze like a gentle shower of flowers.
Naruto excitedly ran to the middle of the grass and lay down. Watching the cherry blossoms fall from the sky, he sighed, "I wish every day could be this carefree."
Sasuke sat beneath a cherry tree, gently touching the petals on the ground. Looking at Naruto, he said, "Times like these are precious, but we can't let our guard down. The shinobi from other villages won't stop training."
Menma stood to one side with his arms crossed over his chest, gazing toward Kage Rock. His thoughts were still occupied with Orochimaru. He knew Orochimaru was dangerous, but his longing to bring their father back was growing stronger by the moment.
Jiraiya walked over and sat beside Menma. Breaking the silence, he said, "Menma, I know you miss your father, but Orochimaru's jutsu defies nature. It could have all sorts of unpredictable consequences."
Menma turned to look at Jiraiya. "I know the risks, but bringing our father back is something I have to do."
Hearing them talk, Naruto sat up and said, "Menma, I want Dad to come back too, but using such a dangerous method doesn't seem right. Dad wouldn't want us to put ourselves in danger just to bring him back."
Menma frowned. "Big brother, you don't understand. If Father were still here, our lives