Chapter 31: The coming team division
Chapter
31: The Coming Class Division
These two people—Akimichi Choji and
Nara Shikamaru—had been in the Ninja Academy with Menma for the past six years.
They had close contact with Menma several times. While their relationship
couldn't be described as close, they were familiar enough that Menma didn't
treat them with a cold face. Their interactions were normal and friendly, at
least for now.
"It's not that exaggerated.
Hard work is one thing, and sometimes it also requires a little luck,"
Menma replied softly.
"Luck? Hehe, that's a very
euphemistic way of saying it, Menma!" Kiba glanced at Sasuke, who was
sitting diagonally in front of him with an indifferent expression, as if he
meant something, and smiled.
Menma couldn't help but smile. Kiba
still had some cheeky attributes in him.
"However, Menma, for ninjas,
the Ninja Academy is just a starting point. Graduation is the highlight.
Akamaru and I will not lose to you!" Kiba said with a confident
expression.
"Woof woof woof!" The
little white dog named Akamaru, lying on top of Kiba's head, also barked
cooperatively.
The original Twelve Genin in the
anime had distinctive personalities, and Inuzuka Kiba was no exception. Kiba's
competitive nature was evident, particularly during the Chunin Exams. His
subsequent actions further proved that he was a person who refused to admit
defeat. In the past, he took the initiative to talk to Menma because he
recognized Menma's strength. This recognition also fueled Kiba's desire to
surpass Menma.
If young people aren't competitive
and energetic, why call them young? From Kiba's point of view, this was
natural.
"Well, I'll wait then,
Kiba," Menma said. For someone with Kiba's character, Menma didn't find
him annoying. It was easier to get along with straightforward people.
"I don't think it's possible.
In terms of effort, you can't compare to Menma! Over the past six years, you've
slept in class and skipped classes as many times as I have. It's impossible.
This is absolutely impossible!" Choji, who was munching on potato chips,
calmly continued to critique, hitting the mark quickly and accurately.
Choji's words made Kiba's face turn
'green and red.' The next moment, "Wow! Choji, you guy! Akamaru, come on,
let's show him how powerful we are!" Kiba exclaimed.
"Woof woof woof!" The
words were loud and clear. The two of them and the dog started playfully
fighting.
"Quick... stop... tell Akamaru
to stop, Kiba... ah~~~~" Choji's voice was a mix of laughter and mock
complaint as he struggled playfully.
Watching the two of them have fun, a
faint smile appeared in Menma's eyes. In the past, Menma had wondered if it
would be better to follow the path of the protagonist in the original work. At
least there wouldn't be as many resistances and problems, and he could get a
lot of help. And in this life, he wasn't alone. With a younger brother named
'Naruto Namikaze,' his path seemed smoother.
But this thought was quickly thrown out of Menma's mind. It
wasn't just about pride—there was a deeper sense of resentment and
determination. Even if Menma could achieve his goals after taking over the
power of Konoha Hidden Village, how many years would it take? Furthermore,
while Menma didn't care about the opinions of ordinary people, he couldn't bear
to see the village of Konoha continue to exist.
That's right—the most profound ambition hidden deep in
Menma's heart was to dismantle this so-called largest ninja village in the
world. He could restrain his actions and follow the last line of rationality,
avoiding any crazy revenge massacres for the sake of his father. However, to
Menma, the village of Konoha represented the ultimate sense of hypocrisy and
betrayal. The so-called high-level officials of Konoha were also one of Menma's
deepest obsessions. Only by confronting these people could he truly come to
terms with his thoughts.
'This village is in complete decay. The right thing to do
is tear it down and start over!' Menma thought silently, his resolve hardening.
Although Shikamaru seemed to be
aware of Menma's change in mood, he didn't ask anything. Everyone had their own
secrets. Shikamaru's character was such that he wouldn't pry when it wasn't
necessary. Under these circumstances, he didn't care about other people's
affairs.
The graduation ceremony began on
time. This was a carnival day for graduates. Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third
Hokage, took the time to visit the Ninja Academy. On the large playground,
facing all the gathered graduates, he made a speech that ignited passion in
more than 99% of the students. Encouraged by Sarutobi Hiruzen, each one of them
seemed to see the prospect of becoming a village hero. Their eyes flashed with
anticipation and excitement.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's 'MLM' skills were
top-notch. Even though he was old and incompetent now, his past achievements
couldn't be ignored. Menma sighed, acknowledging that Sarutobi Hiruzen was once
the Hokage who saved Konoha from danger. When the three Sannin grew up, Hatake
Sakumo was still around, and Sarutobi Hiruzen was in his prime. Konoha
prospered for a time. However, the Third Hokage quickly decayed, became
narrow-minded, and ridiculous.
Menma recalled the words used to
evaluate some emperors in ancient times: 'Everything is good, but he died too
late.' This description seemed apt for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The graduation ceremony ended
lively. The last remaining content was the most important part—class division!
The students returned to their classrooms, looking at their teachers with eager
eyes. Even a fool knew it was advantageous to be assigned to a strong team and
have a Jonin as a sensei. Jonin and Chunin were worlds apart. Who wouldn't want
their instructor to be a Jonin?
As soon as Iruka entered the
classroom, he attracted the attention of almost all the students. He could see
through their thoughts at a glance. Iruka showed a gentle smile on his face.
"First of all, I would like to
congratulate you on your successful graduation. From today on, you are official
ninjas of Konohagakure Village. I hope all of you remember the duty of being a
ninja. I look forward to seeing you all become excellent ninjas in the
future!" Iruka said, supporting his hands on the podium, his eyes slowly
sweeping over all the students below.
"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"
Dozens of boys and girls responded in unison, their voices filled with
excitement and determination.