Chapter 78: The Wave Country Branch

"Thank you so much! Thank you!"

Mr. Tazuna led the people of the Land of Waves in expressing their gratitude to Kakashi and his team. With the tyrant Gato taken down by the tides of change, the people of the Land of Waves could finally return to the peaceful lives they once knew.

"You're welcome. It's our duty—after all, we were hired for the job," Kakashi said with a smile. He then glanced over at Menma, who stood not far away, with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

Menma: "…"

I really want to punch him. What should I do?!

Kakashi's words were clearly a jab at Menma—since he was the one who paid for the mission.

"Brother Menma, I'll definitely help take care of your store while you're gone!" Inari ran over and promised eagerly.

Naruto, seeing Inari so close to his brother, quickly rushed over to "correct" the situation. He physically dragged Inari a full meter away from Menma and looked at him with satisfaction.

"See that? Keep this much distance when talking to my brother! Got it?"

Inari tilted his head, clearly confused. If Naruto hadn't been holding her back, he'd have already thrown himself back into Menma's arms.

Menma growled, "Naruto, let go."

"Brother!" Naruto looked up with a wounded expression, but still obediently released Inari—who instantly darted into Menma's embrace.

Menma stroked his head gently. "Inari, I'm putting the Kurama Shop in your hands."

After a few days of hard work, the Kurama Branch was finally complete. The shop had been stocked with Kurama-themed plushies, clothes, and other merchandise brought over by Menma's clones from the Hidden Leaf Village.

On the day of its grand opening, Menma announced a massive giveaway:

Free Kurama plushie and Kurama hoodie to every visitor.

Seeing the long line outside the shop, Menma couldn't help but smirk.

Kakashi looked at the crowd, astonished. "Menma, aren't you taking a huge loss? Giving away a plushie and clothing to every single person?"

"You don't understand, Mr. Kakashi," Menma said with a grin. "This isn't a loss—it's just an advertising fee. Plus, I used the money I took from Gato to fund this. It's pocket change."

This promotion would cement Kurama as a household name in the Land of Waves. When people thought of clothes, they'd think Kurama. When buying gifts for kids—Kurama. The local prices would be lower than those back in the Leaf Village, since the standard of living differed.

From now on… the money's going to roll in.

Of course, Menma didn't plan to stay in the Land of Waves permanently, so he left behind two clones and assigned Inari to help watch over the shop. That was more than enough.

"Leave it to me, Brother Menma!" Inari said proudly, pounding his chest.

With everything set, the five of them boarded a boat and departed the Land of Waves.

Mr. Tazuna watched their figures disappear into the distance and said solemnly,

"The bridge's name will be: The Great Naruto Bridge."

Thank you—Naruto.

Naruto Uzumaki had paid for his escort, defeated Gato, and saved the Land of Waves from despair. Truly, a hero to their nation.

On the boat:

"You dummy! You're the only one who thinks you understand my brother!"

Menma reached out and ruffled Naruto's hair. "Stop being jealous of Sasuke all the time!"

"Really, Brother?" Naruto beamed. I'm the only one! I'm special!

"Of course."

Revived, Naruto turned to Sasuke with a mischievous grin.

"Sasuke, why are you so jealous all the time, huh?"

Sasuke twitched. "You're the one who's jealous!!"

"Why are you yelling? I'm not deaf." Naruto covered his ears dramatically.

"Go away. I don't want to look at you." Sasuke turned his back on him. Jealous every day? Me? How could I possibly be…?

But he didn't dare argue with Menma—so he took it out on Naruto instead.

"You don't go!" Naruto circled to the other side to stay in Sasuke's view.

Sasuke turned away again.

Naruto circled again.

The ridiculous "flirting" between them made Sakura's face flush. Seriously? Flirting in front of me like I don't even exist?!

She clenched her fists in frustration.

Menma chuckled at the sight. Looks like someone else is getting jealous too.

Then he turned to Kakashi.

"Mr. Kakashi, how are things going with Sister Shizune?"

Kakashi: (°ω°)!

Immediately, the three kids perked up, their eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Kakashi and Shizune??

Six eyes stared expectantly at Kakashi.

"Ahem. Beautiful weather today, isn't it?" Kakashi tried to dodge the question.

Menma: "…"

Naruto: "…"

Sasuke: "…"

Sakura: "…"

Menma wasn't letting it go. "Mr. Kakashi, stop running. You're not getting any younger. Don't tell me you want the Hatake Clan to end with you? That'd make you the sinner of your bloodline."

Kakashi: "…"

"By the way, I heard Hokage-sama plans to arrange a marriage between you and a village girl," Kakashi shot back, deflecting the heat.

Immediately, the three kids turned to Menma again.

Naruto blinked in confusion. Huh? When did that happen? Why didn't Brother tell me?

Menma answered calmly, "It's true. But right now, I'm not interested in anyone. There just aren't enough girls good enough for someone like me." He said it with full confidence—and zero humility.

Kakashi pointed to Sakura. "How about Sakura? She's not bad. Aside from her average figure and lack of strength."

Sakura: Kakashi-sensei, what the heck?!

I like Sasuke! And now you're tossing me to the demon lord Menma? I'm not sure I'd survive a single day with him!

Terrified, she took a few steps away from Menma.

Naruto immediately intervened.

"Mr. Kakashi, please stop messing around. There's no way Sakura is good enough for my brother!"

Naruto held a pretty average opinion of Sakura—and he certainly wasn't going to let her marry Menma.

Sakura: (╬へ) Naruto… what did you just say?!

Menma interrupted, "Alright, alright. I don't plan to find a wife right now anyway."

He glanced at Sakura and added, "As for Sakura—return her to her rightful owner."

Then he winked.

Sakura instantly understood and gave a bright, cooperative smile.

"Yes, sir~!"

After arriving on the shore, everyone began their journey back to the Hidden Leaf.

"Ichiraku Ramen… the Akimichi Clan's BBQ restaurant… three-colored dango…"

Naruto was drooling as he listed all the foods he'd been craving.

"Shut up, Naruto," Sasuke grumbled. "Now I'm hungry too!"

"I won't!"

Gurgle gurgle gurgle…

"Whahahahahaha!" Naruto burst out laughing.

Sasuke: (￣ω￣)

(End Of Chapter)

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