Chapter 80: The Butterfly Effect
"No, 15% at most! Otherwise, I'm out!"
Half? Absolutely not! Without me, who else could even run this kind of business? Even if Tsunade knew the entire plan, she wouldn't be able to pull it off. Menma stated firmly.
Tsunade: (ω)!
After thinking it over, Tsunade had no choice but to agree. She knew that even if she took over the project herself, it would cost immense manpower and resources—not worth it. But with Menma? All he needed was a Shadow Clone.
"Happy cooperation!"
"Happy cooperation!"
With that settled, Tsunade moved on to more official matters. She looked at Menma and said,
"Menma, the Chunin Exams will be held in one month. A total of six villages will participate: 30 genin from the Sand Village, 21 from the Stone Village, 6 from the Grass Village, 6 from the Waterfall Village, 3 from the Sound Village, and 87 from the Leaf Village."
Tsunade placed great importance on the Chunin Exams, as they were a prime opportunity to showcase the strength of the Leaf Village.
Although the ninja world was currently at peace, war could break out at any moment. In the First Great Ninja War, peace collapsed after the death of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju. In the Second War, economic disparity led to fights over land and resources. The Rain Village declared war on the Iron Country, the Sand, and the Leaf. Even the Sand and Leaf clashed again.
During the Third Ninja War, the disappearance of the Third Kazekage left the Sand leaderless. The Fire Country declared war, and the Stone and Leaf Villages entered battle.
Ultimately, it all came down to selfish desires—wanting more, taking more, and launching wars to do so.
Among all the countries, the Fire Country was the richest and had the best environment. But once war broke out, it was impossible for them to avoid being dragged in. That's why Tsunade remained cautious. She knew all too well how cruel war could be.
"Got it," Menma replied, glancing at Tsunade with a hint of helplessness.
Nonsense. She repeats this every time we meet.
But then a thought occurred to Menma, and he smiled.
"Sister Tsunade, is there some sort of reward?"
"Reward?" Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"There is," she answered. "There are many girls in the Leaf Village your age. You can choose anyone you like, and as long as you're a match, I'll personally act as your matchmaker."
NANI?!
That's a reward?! More like a punishment!
Forget it, discretion is the better part of valor.
"Lady Tsunade, just pretend I didn't say anything. Goodbye."
And with that, Menma vanished on the spot.
Tsunade shook her head with a soft smile.
"This brat. He's so focused on helping his younger brother's future, but completely ignores his own."
Perhaps this was simply the price of growing up too fast.
"Sigh..."
Tsunade let out a long sigh and went back to processing the documents on her desk.
Meanwhile...
Menma, wandering through the village and thinking of shopping, suddenly saw three children and an old man.
"Grandpa Third!" Menma greeted warmly.
His feelings toward the Third Hokage were complicated. He didn't exactly hate him, nor did he like him much. At best, the Third was just a very familiar stranger.
"Menma, how have you been lately?" Hiruzen asked with a smile. Ever since retiring, he'd been enjoying the warmth of family life.
"Very well. When I have time, I'll bring Naruto over to visit you."
"Sounds good, you're always welcome!" the Third replied. Then, as if remembering something, he added,
"Oh, and Mina has been missing you two. Don't forget to bring a baby gift when you visit."
Baby gift?!
Menma's pupils widened in surprise.
"Sister Mina again?"
It couldn't be for the 6-year-old Konohamaru next to him. It had to mean… the second child!
The Third nodded excitedly. He hadn't expected his eldest son to be the most accomplished. While the younger one didn't amount to much, the eldest had given him a precious grandson—Konohamaru—and now another grandchild.
"Alright, I'll bring Naruto over tomorrow."
Menma originally planned to visit that night, but figured it would be better to wait. Naruto had just returned from a mission, and it was probably best not to disturb Mina's rest in the evening.
At that moment, Konohamaru tugged at the Third's robes and asked, "Grandpa, who's this big brother?"
This Konohamaru was very different from the one in the original timeline. In canon, being the Hokage's grandson put a lot of pressure on him. Most people only acknowledged him because of his grandfather's status. As a result, Konohamaru had a rebellious streak and often dreamed of defeating his grandfather to prove his worth. But the Third was always too busy for him, and the emotional distance left them not particularly close.
Now?
Konohamaru admired his grandfather more than anyone. Their bond was deep and genuine.
This change—this butterfly effect—was all because of Menma.
Naruto introduced himself, "I'm Menma Uzumaki. Just call me Big Brother Menma."
Konohamaru looked to the Third, who nodded approvingly.
"Brother Menma!" Konohamaru called out.
"Hey! Wait right here!"
Menma vanished for a few seconds, then reappeared holding three Kurama plush dolls. He handed one to each child.
"Wow! Kurama!"
"Ahh! I love it!"
"Thank you, Brother Menma!"
The kids—Konohamaru, and the two beside him, Udon (the wide-eyed boy) and Moegi (the shy girl)—clutched their plushies with joy.
The Third smiled warmly. "Menma, your Kurama merchandise is a huge hit."
"Of course!"
"Then... when will you repay the money I lent you?"
NANI?! Repay?!
"It's going to rain! I just remembered—I forgot to bring in the laundry!"
Before the sentence even finished, Menma vanished from sight.
Rain?
The sky was crystal clear, not a cloud in sight!
"That rascal. Instead of picking up Jiraiya's good traits, he's copying his bad ones," the Third chuckled.
"But there's no mistake—Menma is using the Flying Thunder God Technique. Minato... your son is incredible."
Looking up at the clear sky, the Third Hokage smiled, then turned to the children.
"Alright, let's go home."
(End Of Chapter)
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