NOVEL WEB Chapter 23: The Scroll of forbidden jutsu's
Chapter
23: The Scroll of forbidden jutsu's
As Mizuki's figure gradually
disappeared into the thick night, completely vanishing from Menma's perception
range, a trace of sarcasm flashed across Menma's eyes, but it quickly vanished.
On the surface, Menma appeared "excited" and "thrilled."
Mizuki didn't know that Menma was
well aware of the Anbu surveillance around him. Moments after Mizuki arrived,
the subtle sense of being watched returned. There was no doubt that this was
Sarutobi Hiruzen keeping an eye on him. Using his special Telescope Technique (望遠鏡の術, Bōenkyō no
Jutsu), Sarutobi Hiruzen could detect everything within Konohagakure Village as
long as he captured a specific chakra aura.
Now was the critical moment to play
along. Menma couldn't let his guard down. After suppressing the urge to laugh
wildly, he read the details of the assessment recorded in the "Assessment
Task Scroll" normally. Menma returned to his house, changed his clothes,
and equipped himself with ninja tools. Then he leaped out of his house and
rushed towards the mission location recorded in the scroll—Sarutobi Hiruzen's
residence.
On his way, none of the Anbu
following closely around him intervened. This was almost a foregone conclusion.
Menma's slightly tense heartstring relaxed. Sarutobi Hiruzen was obviously
aware of his actions but chose not to stop him. This attitude spoke volumes.
Menma reached the Hokage's
residence, easily climbed over the outer wall, and entered the house. Still, no
one stopped him. At this moment, Menma eliminated the last trace of worry in
his heart. Sarutobi Hiruzen was still deliberately letting him take the Scroll
of forbidden jutsu's (封印の書, Fūin no
Sho) as in the original story.
With newfound boldness, Menma
entered the innermost part of the mansion. According to Mizuki's instructions,
he directly went to Sarutobi Hiruzen's study. Logically speaking, Mizuki
shouldn't know such information, but Menma was too lazy to investigate further.
He sneaked into Sarutobi Hiruzen's study, easily finding the giant scroll
placed in the corner.
'It's really worry-free and
labor-saving. Just put it outside for me to take,' Menma thought, shaking his
head with a smile.
He carried the giant scroll on his
back and leaped out of the mansion, flying towards the area agreed upon with
Mizuki. Since he was already on stage, the play had to continue. Otherwise, it
wouldn't end well. Menma remained under the surveillance of the Third Hokage.
In the Hokage Building, Sarutobi
Hiruzen relied on his special crystal ball. After seeing Menma take the Scroll
of forbidden jutsu's , a faint smile appeared on his old face. As the Hokage
who had been in charge of the village for over thirty or forty years, he
couldn't claim to know every movement, but actions like Mizuki's couldn't
escape his notice, especially when they involved someone special like Menma.
'This is a small compensation...'
Sarutobi Hiruzen thought, watching Menma's swift movements. He had another
thought hidden in his heart: this was also a final small test for Menma.
Sarutobi Hiruzen deliberately waited
a little longer, giving Menma more time, before issuing an order to gather
currently idle mid and low-level ninjas, including several ninja school
teachers like Iruka. It was a pretense to launch a search mission. In reality,
the Anbu directly under the Hokage, arranged by Sarutobi Hiruzen, had always
been trailing Menma. These elite Anbu members were stronger than average elite
Chunin. Mizuki posed no real threat to them.
However, Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered
these Anbu not to act rashly. The Scroll of forbidden jutsu's was a small compensation and test for Menma.
Mizuki's accident was also a test and tempering for Menma by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
As an experienced ninja, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that true strength could only
grow in the battles of blood and fire. Mizuki, whose strength was only that of
an ordinary Chunin or slightly worse, was the most suitable first enemy for
Menma when he officially entered the ninja world.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had high
expectations for Menma. Being a Nine-Tails Jinchuriki was itself a synonym for
power. Moreover, Menma was the child of Minato and Kushina, making Sarutobi
Hiruzen naturally optimistic about his future. He firmly believed Menma would
become a hero of Konohagakure like Minato.
This wasn't just wishful thinking.
The attitude shown by Menma over the past twelve years justified Sarutobi
Hiruzen's expectations. However, Menma's path was destined to go completely
against these expectations.
Menma wouldn't become the righteous
"Uzumaki Naruto" from the original work, seeking the recognition of
the people of Konohagakure and forgiving enemies. Menma had no interest in
realizing a peaceful world where everyone understood each other. He just wanted
to live happily. Menma's life choice was driven by survival and personal
happiness, not Sarutobi Hiruzen's ideals.
Meanwhile, the Konoha ninjas who
were summoned spread out in pairs, searching for Mizuki and Menma with solemn
expressions. Iruka, unaware of the details, was filled with anxiety.
'The Scroll of forbidden jutsu's ?
Why would Menma steal the Scroll of forbidden jutsu's ? What did Mizuki say to
Menma?' Iruka thought. After six years of getting along, Iruka firmly believed
Menma was just a child who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside.
Although he had some resentment towards certain villagers, this was understandable
given his experiences of rejection and isolation. Iruka always thought Menma
was a good kid. But now, Menma had done something outrageous, at least in
Iruka's opinion.