Reborn as Naruto's older brother

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***

As Ryoshi and I quietly headed towards the orphanage, we were repeatedly met by Clan Shinobi and Clan Heads who greeted Clone, and he was polite and sociable with everyone. And Clone had really become much cooler, not only had he increased in strength, but he had acquired such good social skills! I don't think I would be able to talk to them so smoothly, I'd get sick of it, but he seems to like it, has he really become an aristocrat? Although, if you remember him at home, he's the same as three years ago....

When we had only a few dozen minutes to go to the shelter, a few middle-aged men in burgundy, obviously expensive Kimono stood in front of us in the middle of the street and looked at us nastily, my face twisted from their ugly smile.

- Why aren't you saying anything? Shouldn't a green head like you immediately bow and greet our head?! - came the voice of one of the Shinobi standing behind, apparently their Head. The head looked older than the others, and stood with his head held high, looking at us with overwhelming superiority.

- ... - The clone only looked at them with a strange expression and did not answer anything, to which the others began to freak out. A crowd gathered around and watched the two Heads closely. I just stood there and did nothing, waiting for any action from Ryoshi.

- Ha-ah, I only wanted to point out the young Clan Head of the Uzumaki Clan in his place and thought that simple words would be enough. But it looks like you're overconfident and I'll have to use force. - said their leader and at the same moment I felt some pressure from them and saw them turn into some demon-like creatures that inspired strength and fear. Then I felt my whole body stiffen and saw that I was bound up to my neck by some vines that grew out of the ground, but....

- Genjutsu. - I felt a voice in my head, and in an instant I felt warm chakra enveloping my body. When I opened my eyes, I saw that the illusion was fading, and instead of the creatures that had been there before, the same Shinobi were standing there, looking at us with mockery, and the vines were gone, but I decided not to move. Looking at the clone with the corner of my eye, I saw that he was smiling slightly and his eyes were beginning to glow. His bloodshot eyes were clearly glowing even in the sunlight, and when I looked at the people standing in front of us, I saw fear in their eyes and an uncontrollable desire to escape. They frantically began to crawl backwards, and the crowd around us looked at them perplexed.

- Did you seriously think you could defeat me in numbers? How foolish. Only lowlifes like you would think that. Disappear. - after Ryoshi's words, they ran backwards with all their might, leaving one of their own who had passed out. After that, the crowd began to disperse, and we quietly walked on.

- What did you do to them? - I asked the Clone calmly.

- Showed up in my head and scared me a little. The same thing they wanted to do to us, using some kind of group Genjutsu. They used a weak Genjutsu on you, knowing that you, Jinchuriki, would get out of it anyway.

- That's the Kurama Clan? I thought they weren't very powerful. Why are they trying to scare us? I thought the strong Clans like Yamanaka, Uchiha and others would try it.

- The strong Clans aren't that stupid, and they just underestimated me, apparently thinking that what I did in the battle with Hiashi was all I could do.

- Hmm, I see. But didn't you scare them too much? Aren't you going to have a problem? - After my question, the Clone stopped and looked at me in surprise, eyes wide. - What? Did I say something stupid? Why are you looking at me like that? - Then he grinned and said with a smile.

- Remember, Menma, you now have a patron that is me, and you don't need to be as careful as you were before. If you are attacked with the intent to kill, you can calmly respond in kind without hiding anything from the Village. I'll take care of everything. Isn't that why I became the Head? So that you don't have to hide like before.

- Aren't you a bit overconfident? I'm happy to hear you say that, but it doesn't sound very true. The village could decide at any moment that you're a danger to them and hunt you down. You could run away, of course, but then all three years would be for naught.

- Huh, don't worry about it. The village won't be able to kick me out, I guarantee it. They realise how much they'd lose if they did. So you can rest easy. They're not capable of that. - There was a lot of confidence in his words, and I didn't find anything to say in response, so I just kept walking.

If Clone is telling the truth, then I really can remove my own limitations. I can use all the techniques I've been hiding. I can do many things without fear. If this is indeed true, then training Naruto will be much easier and he won't have to get black eye from other Clan Shinobi. He'll be able to become the best in the academy and be on Sasuke's level! Interesting. Naruto will now be able to walk around without fear and he won't be oppressed. And if they try, I can outright kill such a person! Yeah, this is really looking good. After walking some more, we still reached the walls of Konohagakure no Sato's orphanage. Haaaah, this is really happening. At the entrance, we were immediately greeted by the Shelter Director and I think the Head Girl at the Shelter, I didn't really pay attention to what they were saying. All my thoughts were only on Naruto. I could feel him already. He wasn't in his room, but at the children's training ground behind the orphanage building.

- Hello, Ryoshi-dono.

- We've been expecting you, sir. Please come in.

- Hello. - We went inside and entered the living room where Clone and the two people we were meeting were seated. There were cups of tea on the table, which was filled by one of the workers, for four people. But I didn't sit down and looked at Ryoshi, my whole body showing my intentions. He only smiled at me and said.....

- Go. - On my face involuntarily flashed a smile and I, without waiting for the employee who wanted to accompany me, quickly walked towards the back range. Once there, I saw a lot of children playing amongst themselves, holding toy kunai and similar things. They were everywhere, but there was no Naruto among them. Using my perception to the max, I quickly found him and walked towards him.

Sitting on a small smooth rock was a small blond boy with blue eyes and fox-like stripes on his cheeks. He was sitting on a small smooth rock, with blue eyes and stripes like Fox's. He was sitting with his legs together, looking at the stream in front of him, where small fish were swimming. He was dressed in short dark green shorts and a grey t-shirt with a distinctive red spiral mark on the back. Uzumaki. The next moment another boy, an older boy in clothes with the same red spiral on his back and the Konoha protector on his head, approached him. The blond didn't immediately notice his guest, as he approached silently, the sound of the rushing stream drowning out all other sounds. But then he felt someone touch his right shoulder. The boy was surprised and looked to his right, but all he saw was someone else's hand. He looked to his left and saw the face of a red-haired boy with the same characteristic stripes on his cheeks and dark blue eyes, different from his own. The blond recognised the man at the same second and opened his eyes wide, which immediately got a glare from being covered in moisture. Menma was already about to say something, but Naruto, without waiting for his words, hugged the guy with a sharp movement and tried with all his might to hold him back. The red-haired man was surprised, but smiled softly and began to soothe the tearing boy, stroking his head. He felt moisture roll down his cheek and saw a drop fall on Blondin's head. The children closest to them stopped playing and looked at the scene in surprise, but after a few seconds they realised what was going on and were already staring enviously at the two Uzumaki.

- Naruto, shall we go home? - Menma quietly asked his younger brother, to which he replied, sniffling and sobbing.

- Mm-hmm. - I lifted Naruto onto my back and walked with measured steps towards his room. The whole time he was hiding his face against my back and not saying anything. When I reached the farthest room, I opened the door and saw that Mina had already packed up all of Naruto's things and her own and was sitting on the bed playing with a small yellow bird. It was a beautiful picture, for Mina was not wearing her usual orphanage worker's uniform, but a beautiful red kimono that I had given her long ago, and in which I had seen her for the first time. She had become much prettier in three years, and the sun was shining from the window at the perfect angle.... I think I've fallen in love for the second time.

- Hi, Mina. - she looked away from the bird that had already flown up to Naruto and perched on his head.

- Hello, my love. You're finally here. - she said with a smile. For the third time...

After creating a couple of Clones to carry all these things, I, still carrying Naruto on my back, left the room, followed by Mina. Then we went into the living room where Ryoshi was talking to the orphanage director and the head lady.

- Oh, have you finished already? - Ryoshi put down his cup of tea and slowly stood up, as did the two beside him.

- You take care of him. - The Headmaster said, bowing slowly.

- Yes, Naruto-kun was like family to us, we will miss him. - The older woman repeated the gesture of her boss. Naruto, on the other hand, cringed and hid behind my back when he saw their gaze.

- Oh, don't worry. I'll do my best to make sure he's taken care of properly, not like here. - Ryoshi also, smiling, said and walked away, seemingly pressing those two with his YAKI. Heh, I thought he wasn't as testy as me.

When we got out of the shelter, Naruto was a little scared, but he looked at everything with interest, occasionally smiling and asking me something. I remembered my first trip out of the orphanage with my parents and decided to make the same trip for him that my parents had made for me. We walked around the village together and showed Naruto all the interesting places and spoilt him in every way possible. Slowly he began to glow with happiness, despite all the looks that were thrown at us. This time I felt not twice as much contempt, but five times as much. Heh, but no one was trying to mess with us in any way, even the vendors with a dash of YAKI pressure were becoming the most hospitable. The Uchiha police from all the pressure from the residents tried to make some noise, but they quickly quieted down when the pressure was already on us. Even their Sharingan didn't save them from a couple of Clone illusions. Well the majesty of Clan Head Ryoshi Uzumaki helped in getting them off our backs. Fugaku must have told them to leave us alone for no reason.

Like me, Naruto liked the view from Hokage Mountain the most, where we sat and watched the sunset. Well, I was sitting with Naruto sitting in front of me and Mina leaning on my shoulder on the side. Ryoshi had left much earlier, either because of Clan business or to warn Mariko-san and Karin to prepare a celebratory dinner. And so it was. When we got home, there was a surprise waiting for us from Mariko, Karin, and... Clone Clone. Yeah, looks like Ryoshi's really on to something. That's okay. And Mariko-san's cooking was really amazing, Naruto loved it all. He was shy of strangers, of course, and shy of talking to his new family, yes, family, as well as Karin, and I guess it brought them closer together. Heh, I'll be glad if they help each other. They're kind of alike after all. Mariko met Mina and they seemed to get along, though Mariko-san seemed a bit surprised by Mina's attitude towards me, but she didn't say anything against it and got used to it quickly. The original Clone returned at the end of the party and we went to bed, having had a little more fun. Me, Ryoshi and Naruto in my room, and Minami, Mariko and Karin in my parents' bedroom. It was cramped, but somehow cosy, and I could see Naruto smiling happily in his sleep.

- We should remodel the house so there's room for everyone. - Lying on the futon, the clone said, holding his hands behind his head for comfort.

- Oh, no. You want to tear down the house and build another one in its place? - I was also lying on the futon, but closer to Naruto, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed.

- Why? - Ryoshi turned and looked at me questioningly.

- This is my parents' house and I don't want to ruin it, even if the new house will be much better. - I shifted my gaze to the family picture on the wall, Clone echoed my actions.

- Hmm, well, then we'll just improve this one so we can all fit in it.

- Now that sounds better.

- Then it's settled. We should do something like that too. - he nodded towards the same painting.

- That's a good idea. Hmm, to complete the picture, we should give Mina the Uzumaki gene, what do you think?

- Of course, she'll be your wife now.

- Pfft! What?! - I took a glass of water on purpose before I did that.

- Not at me. - Ryoshi pulled out a handkerchief out of nowhere and wiped his wet face.

- Repeat what you said. I think I heard you wrong.

- Minami will be your concubine.

- Pfffft!!! What?!

- Enough already. - What's wrong with that? I got the glass out of my inventory, but where does he get the tissues from?!

- Come again?

- Well, how else would you bring her into the Clan, especially now that she's in the main family? I first suggested you get married, like me and Mariko, but you didn't seem to like it. Then I suggested you take her as a concubine, and you don't like that either.

- Can't you just take her into the Clan?!

- It's possible, but it's not interesting.

- Pfft!

- Hey! I didn't say anything shocking.

- That's just revenge jokes. Just take her into the Clan and I can get married later.

- Hmm, it's not illegal to be polygamous here. You want to have one wedding for your entire harem?

- I'm asleep.

- Ha ha ha, come on. I'm just kidding.

- Z-z-z...

- Yeah, using Genjutsu for something like that, you're just like Turtle.

***

- Brother. Brother! Brother!!!

- W-what? - When I opened my eyes, I saw Naruto shaking me by the shoulder.

- I think Sister Mina is sleepwalking. - He pointed his finger in front of me, and when I looked over, I saw Mina sleeping peacefully on top of me. At least she was wearing pyjamas... or was it a nightie?

- Well, Original. I see you've been having a lot of fun in my absence. - I heard Ryoshi's voice to my left, who was looking at me with a nasty grin as he stood up from the futon.

- And anyway, shouldn't you be dealing with your shop and the construction of the Quarter? - I put my hand on Mina's head and stroked her softly, which made her... like a purr. Yeah, you'd think I'd hear that.

- I kind of already have. But to see your face when Brother caught you in bed with a woman, I left Clone behind. - He smiled even wider and pointed his finger at my face. I tried my best to remain nonchalant, but when I looked in the mirror I realised I was completely blushing! *With a distinctive sound, Clone Ryoshi disappeared.

- Brother, maybe sis needs to go to the hospital. - Naruto was looking at me with such innocent eyes that I was embarrassed.

- Um, N-Naruto. Y-you misunderstood. What the hell am I supposed to say?! Think, think, think!!! Even with accelerated perception, I couldn't think of anything for a couple of seconds. What's the big deal? I mean, she just snuck into my room and fell asleep, that's all! Hmmm, haaaah, that's even harder to explain, so... - Yes Naruto, Mina has these moments and sleepwalks. But it's not a bad thing, it's just...

- Mm-hm, huh? Good morning, my love.

- Morning, Mina-chan. But what are you doing here?

- А? Ah, I just came to wake you up, but you were sleeping so sweetly. And then Ryoshi-san said I could sleep with you.

- RYOSHI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - I shouted right inside Ryoshi's head without realising it, connecting my consciousness to him with the help of Fox, causing him to jump up!

Heheheh, anyway, having sorted out the situation, we went downstairs and.... I waited for Naruto and then Minami to finish their morning routine. Although they went in together, I guess Naruto is still having a hard time with it. Well, it might look strange if it wasn't for the fact that he was raised in an orphanage before. But the most unusual thing is that I had to wait. Yeah, I'm not used to that. I'll have to get Clone to set up a separate bathroom. But I'll have to get used to the fact that I'm not living alone anymore. I have someone else cooking for me and Mariko-san taking care of the house, too, although it seems like. Minami is determined to wrestle the housewife position away from her, or is she? Well, I used to use clones for that before, but now.... It's kind of nice, but it's weird.

Speaking of Minami and Mariko. They both have Shinobi ranks now. Mina has the rank of Chunin, though that's no longer certain, and Mariko-san has the rank of Jonin. But both of them don't go on missions and are only officially Shinobi. Hmm, maybe we should offer Mina to go back to Ninja work. But she needs to be reinforced and the first reinforcement would be the very thought I had yesterday. I'll graft on the Uzumaki gene. She has excellent control, so it should not fall critically, but the reserve and recovery, and life energy, she has many times less than mine, so the Uzumaki gene is the perfect reinforcement for her. I can help her with training and regaining her form, as well as give her a couple of techniques. As for Mariko-san, Ryoshi said she's on the level of a weak Jonin, and I don't know about her techniques. But it seems like she wants to stay in the same position as she is now, and has no desire to return to the Shinobi path. So she'll remain the wife of the Head of the Uzumaki Clan and that's enough. Speaking of which, I wonder when they're having that planned wedding Clone was talking about?

After waiting for Naruto and Minami, I went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Nothing seemed to come to mind. That's good, but... and suddenly I felt someone touching the barrier. Maybe one of the residents was banging on it? Hmm, shouldn't Ryoshi have discussed this with the Konoha board? Or maybe some of the other Clans decided to come? In any case, I created a Clone and sent him out to check what was going on.

And what was going on was the expected. Standing near the Barrier, which was actually a kilometre away, were several familiar faces. Namely, Itachi with his little brother Sasuke, Daruma, Asami, and Misami. They were standing near the main entrance to the Quarter, which, by the way, the clone had fenced off not only with a Barrier, but also with beautiful walls made of a red coloured mineral unknown to me and made a magnificent Gate with beautiful illustrations in scarlet and white.

- Oh, Sempai is coming! - Misa was the first to shout and everyone else turned their attention to me.

- He's finally here. - Asami grumbled unhappily.

- Menma-dono! Are you all right? - Kenshi shouted at me through the barrier.

- Hi, Menma. - Itachi said hello in the most normal way possible, followed by Sasuke.

- Hi, Brother Menma.

- Hi Sasuke, Itachi. - When I got out of the barrier, I said hello to the Uchiha brothers.

- You just said hello to them?! - Misa said indignantly, pouting her lips.

- Well, you didn't say hello to me. - I said indifferently.

- Hello, Menma-dono!

- Hello, Daruma.

- Good morning, Sempai!

- Good morning, Misa. - Asami, on the other hand, came over to me and walked behind me and hugged me, pressing something very soft against my back.

- Hi there, sis missed you, Menma-kun~.

- Yeah, hi. What are you guys doing here so early in the morning? I could've come myself if you called me.

- How can I call you when there's a soundproof barrier?

- It's one-way.

- Menma, your house is a kilometre from here. We'd only disturb the people near the barrier.

- Oh yes, I'm sorry, Itachi. But still, what brings you here?

- This! - Little Sasuke jabbed his finger at the barrier and immediately yanked it away when the barrier reacted and showed red coloured hexagons.

- I thought you already knew. This barrier blocks off our Quarter. Yeah, I'd have to put some sort of bell on it, though touching the Barrier could be considered a bell.

- So the rumours are true?

- What rumours?

- Well, that you've joined the Uzumaki Clan and some Uzumaki who came to the Village recently has become the head of the Clan?

- Yeah, why?

- I want to join!!! - Surprisingly, this cry came from three people at once! namely Daruma, Misami and Asami. I was as surprised as Itachi and Sasuke, and I didn't know what to say. But after a second, I found an easy way out.

- You can make such a request to the Clan Head.

- Where is he?! - again. Were they rehearsing?!

- I don't know. Anyway, don't be so hard on me. I'm just a Clone, and I can go out now!

- Oh, sorry, Sempai.

- Sorry, Menma-dono.

- How can my gentle touch make you relax, Menma-kun~? - Asami hugged me even tighter, well, I'm basically used to it. And to Misami's next action of grabbing my hand, I'm used to it too.

- You have some funny friends, Menma.

- Menma's brother has a harem? - Sasuke's words made both of the women blush. One because of embarrassment and the other because of indignation. Meanwhile, Itachi covered little Sasuke's mouth and smiled awkwardly. Well, Daruma stood dumbly, apparently not realising what it was.

- Okay. So why didn't you come earlier? The barrier was put up two days ago.

- Well, I waited for you to come to practice, but you never showed up. - Oh, shit, that's right. I was so busy walking Naruto, I forgot to send the Clones to warn them.

- And Sempai didn't show up at the restaurant as usual. - Oh shit, I've really screwed them over here. I usually pay, and this time I said I'd buy them a drink.

- Menma-kun didn't show up to meet the Hokage for the mission either. - Whatever.

- And our training session too! - Sasuke yelled. Heh, I'm feeling a little guilty. Even though these absences weren't critical, I still didn't keep my word. Hmm, how to get out of the situation....right! This will work!!!

- Have you had breakfast?

- What? A chorus of five people. I mean, I know these three have already bonded, but you Uchiha brothers, where are you going with them?!

- You're welcome to visit if you want. I think the Original would be in favour. - So, what's with all the surprised looks on everyone's faces?! And why did they move a few steps away?! Even Sasuke?!

- Menma, are you all right? You're not sick? - That's what ITACHI said in surprise?!

- What's wrong with you? If you don't want to come in like that, you could have just said so.

- No, I want to go to see Brother Menma. - Little Sasuke stood next to me with a thirty-two grin, showing me that he wanted to come in.

- Well, if you're serious, I wouldn't mind visiting your house either. - Itachi took Sasuke's hand back.

- May I? - Daruma said, but a sharp shriek from the two Honey drowned out my student's already quiet voice.

- I want to do it too!

- Okay. - I touched the Barrier lightly and the hexagonal parts of the Barrier where I touched began to disappear, opening a two by two metre passage. - Come on in.

- Wow! - they all slowly entered, scrutinising the thin barrier, and then I followed them in and touched the Barrier again, closing the opening. The clone had bound me to this Barrier the same way my parents had bound me to the last one, and taught me how to control it. I can't do it from a distance yet, only by touching it, but with practice, I think I can do that too.

- Let's go. - The girls pretended to be uncomfortable and scared and clung to my arms, and the boys followed us at a leisurely pace. Yeah, though the magnificent Gate was impressive, the area inside was the same, just empty. Reminded me of Ghost Town. Speaking of the Gate. The area was like this because they hadn't had time to set up the place yet, but why the hell had such a bulky Gate already been put up? Even though they are only three metres high, they surround a gigantic area and look so beautiful. It would have taken days of work. But maybe the Clone made them beforehand, sealed them up, and printed them back out when he got here. and then he and a bunch of other Clones installed them overnight. But still, how could it be?!

After walking through the empty streets, we reached my house and I walked in leisurely, while the guys stood at the entrance in a stupor. Well, except for Sasuke. He quickly dashed in and took my hand already, looking at Itachi and the others with the same bewilderment as me. AND AFTER!!!! Afterwards, the two jokers took a step, and then another, and another, and another... After five steps, they pinched each other without even asking for it out loud, but only by looking into each other's eyes! Either Itachi's just messing around, or they're serious! Anyway, five minutes later they were standing next to us and walking normally. No, I understand, of course. I'd never let them in the house, despite all sorts of excuses, and today I offered to let them stay, but man, I didn't expect THAT kind of reaction, especially from Itachi. He'd been to our house six years ago. Yeah, for a long time. Well, whatever. I walked slowly into the house, holding Sasuke's hand, for Itachi was having trouble walking at this point.

- Mariko-san, we have guests. Can you set the table for five more? - I shouted softly and walked into the dining room where Original, Naruto, Karin, Mina and Mariko-san herself were having breakfast.

- Menma? - She shifted her gaze from me to Original, before staring at him with a mute question.

- The Original, in short...*Poof!"* - I folded my concentration seal and fused back into the Original. Then he began to speak.

- We have guests. These are my mates and friends. - I saw that my family didn't understand and stood up and walked over to the group of confused people. - Allow me to introduce myself. This is Itachi, my childhood friend.

- Hello, I'm Itachi Uchiha, nice to meet you.

- And this little cutie here is my little brother. - after introducing Sasuke, Naruto gave him a strange look.

- Hello, my name is Sasuke Uchiha. - the younger Uchiha followed suit.

- And this is my student.

- Hello, my name is Daruma Kenshi. It's a pleasure to meet the Menma-dono family!!! - he actively began to bow, and the family's eyes grew wider and wider.

- And this is my sempai and comrade.

- Hello, my name is Asami Kobayashi and I'm Menma-kun's girlfriend. Menma-kun, you should have introduced me like that~

- Don't mind her, she's just kidding.

- And the last one, my kohai and comrade.

- Hello, my name is Misami Fukui and I'm actually Menma-sempai's girlfriend~.

- Anyway, I introduced them. Now like this. - I've already approached the family who had already risen from their seats following Mariko-san's example. - Mariko-san, the wife of the Head of the Uzumaki Clan and my kin.

- Nice to meet you. - She smiled sweetly, causing Itachi and Daruma to blush.

- This is her daughter, Karin Uzumaki and my sister.

- H-Hi!" she said, embarrassed.

- And this is my own stupid little brother, Naruto Uzumaki.

- Hello!" he said, also embarrassed. And out of the corner of my eye I noticed that Sasuke gave him a strange look.

- One last thing. My girlfriend is Minami Uzumaki. I hope you two get along. - I smiled with the Bisyonen Smile, which, although temporary, has a +1000 (for people of the same sex) and +2000 (for people of the opposite sex) effect on Reputation.

- D-GIRL?!?!!! - As expected, literally everyone was shocked by this news, well except those who already knew.

- Yes, it's nice to meet you. I've recently joined the Uzumaki Clan, and I've adopted Beloved's last name. - Honey's jaw dropped and pierced the ground, meeting the bottom of Ryoshi's Dome Barrier.

- Okay, now that everyone's met, let's get to the table. I'll set it for you now. - Mariko stood up and began to set the table for them, and the boys came to their senses and sat down at a very large table, where everyone could fit, including the two Honeys, who were already doing everything on automatic, but also sat down at the table. Naruto and Sasuke were both already looking at each other rather strangely. Is it their destiny to compete with each other? Or was it because of the influence of Indra and Ashura's souls? Then it's quite strange, because I always thought Indra, even after everything that happened, genuinely loved Ashura and didn't want to kill him, but he was brainwashed. I thought at least the personality of the soul wasn't brainwashed, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Heh, well, I guess since they got along in the anime, with all the crap that went on there, including Jinchuriki's fame and cutting the Clan, they'll get along now... or at least compete and be friends. I don't want them to be enemies, because I care about Sasuke too, and I don't want to hurt him.

Breakfast was a nervous affair. The honeys were trying to burn Mina with their eyes and even seemed to be united for the sake of it. Well, the rest of the guests were wary of Naruto. And why? Sasuke I can understand, but Itachi and Daruma? It made Naruto and Karin even more nervous, while Mariko and Minami seemed to be calm. They probably thought it was a good thing that everyone was eating in silence. No, they're eating in silence!!! AND I'M SICK OF IT!

- Misa, Asami, stop it. And Itachi and Daruma, what's wrong with you? You're scaring the kids!

- But Menma-kun!

- But Menma-sempai!

- No, I'm just surprised you have a brother.

- Me too. - BLEEP! Why the hell did I invite them?! I can't eat anymore! Haaah, this is so stressful.

- We'll discuss it later. Just stop your stupid childish games. That goes for everyone, except for little Karin, Sasuke and Naruto.

- Okay. - they said in a humble sort of way. There was nothing for them to do while they waited for me at the gate. They decided to rehearse speaking at the same time, just like twins! Oh, well, never mind. We spent the next few minutes eating while Mariko-san slowly got to know the guys. Then, we also went out all together and went to the playground. Karin was easier with Minami and she agreed to go out too. Already at the playground itself Naruto, Sasuke and Karin joined the kids on it. Sasuke did a good job helping the little Uzumaki, for which I thanked him and promised to buy him whatever he wanted next time at the children's toy shop, after which Naruto looked at him with envy and had to promise him the same, and took advantage of the moment to promise Karin the same, to which she just looked away. Minami joined the kids and played with them, keeping an eye on all three of them. Well, we sat down on a bench next to each other and started discussing what they were interested in.

- So, what did you want to know? - Itachi was about to start, but the sexy and cute Honey Kunoichi beat him to it.

- Where is she from?!

- It's uncivilised to point fingers like that. Mina's from Konoha.

- That's not what we meant. Who is she and how did you two meet?! - Itachi and Daruma's ears perked up too, apparently everyone was interested, but I just put my face in the palm of my hand and looked at Mina, who was playing with little Naruto in the sandbox.

- She was an orphanage worker and was looking after Naruto. Yes, Naruto had been at the orphanage until yesterday, but more about that later. When the head of the Clan took Naruto away, he decided to take her into the Clan because she was related to Uzumaki and Naruto was attached to her. That's how she joined our family and I got to know her.

- Ugh. - Misa and Asami sighed loudly and leaned against the back of the bench.

- So I fell in love. - After the last words, they jumped up sharply again and stared at me.

- What do you mean, "in love"?! - No, it's definitely a day of synchronised conversations! They're so different! How can they talk like that?!

- There you go, look at her. The question is, how could I not be in love? - They turned their heads in sync again, and Itachi and Daruma nodded in agreement, while the Honeys, not knowing what to say, just collapsed on their backs, and I felt like their souls were going to fly out of their mouths. - Okay, that's taken care of. Well, what about you?

- I think I've figured it out. - Itachi said briefly.

- That's right, he's my own brother and no other way.

- I see your point, too, Menma-dono. I have the same case as you, so it wasn't hard to understand. - and that's where I lost it.

- Wait, you're telling me you have a little brother?!

- No. Ugh, I thought I did. Of course not, we've been talking for three years, and he wouldn't be able to hide something like that. - I have a little sister. - What?!

- Now you're getting a little more specific. How could I not know that?! Why didn't you tell me before?!

- Well, you took your time, and I don't really like to talk about family, you know.

- Now I'm curious! Tell me, or I'll make you spar with me until you pass out!!!! - Daruma shuddered and turned pale. Yeah, it's a tough endurance training, which he had a paltry stamina compared to mine at first.

- L-okay, I'll tell you. - Itachi and I had our ears to the ground. I guess he was interested too. - Just don't tell anyone.

- Okay. - Wow, this is the first time I've been in a choir like this.

- Huh, like I said, I'm an orphan. But I didn't tell you how it happened. My mother died in childbirth, and my father alone took care of me from birth. When I was nine years old, my father married Kunoichi, who had a daughter four years old. She was a beautiful woman, and I loved her like my own mother, and she treated me well. But my half-sister didn't like me, no matter how hard I tried to be a good brother. Then, on one of the missions, my mum sacrificed herself to save my dad and died. My younger sister blamed my dad for everything, and he hated himself for it. He was absent-minded and drank a lot, and after a while he died on one of the missions too. We were left orphans and I was given a dorm room as a student of the Shinobi Academy, while my sister went to an orphanage.

Now she's ten years old and she's also studying at the academy like I used to, but she still hates me and doesn't want to socialise with me. But I try to earn as much money as I can and give her most of it, I know from myself how small the orphans' allowance is. She is reluctant to accept it and I am terribly glad, because my relationship with her is improving. Last time she didn't even insult me, she just took the money and opened the door. Before, she wouldn't even open the door and cursed me and my father in every possible way, sometimes throwing rubbish on me. But I guess if I try harder, she'll forgive me someday. - Daruma cried towards the end, and I was shocked that I didn't know that about him. Itachi and I sat in silence and let him cry. Heh, I didn't think I could get so upset over another person's misfortune. But, I have no intention of helping him. Daruma is trying to do his best and his sister sees his efforts. I think she'll forgive him and Kenshi's efforts will pay off, at least I hope so. But if he asks for help, I will of course help him in any way I can. I don't think that will ever happen though. He's got a strong will and he'll try to the end.

- Hey, Sempai, what's wrong?

- Menma-kun? - Misami and Asami woke up and stared at us with a question.

- Nothing, we were just talking. Let's go play with the younger ones. - the moment I said that, a light bulb came on above Misa and Asami's heads and it was as if they were seeing things.

- Kids! - I don't know why, but they joined Mina and started entertaining the kids with illusions. So Daruma, Itachi and I joined in. Or rather, we wanted to join, but I didn't finish something and grabbed Itachi by the short sleeve of his t-shirt while Daruma was walking towards the kids.

- Menma? Is something wrong?

- I have one question, will you answer it? - He sat back down.

- 'Of course. What kind of question?

- How... how's Sarikawa? Is she okay? - He smiled softly and touched my shoulder.

- She's fine, don't worry. You ask me that every week, even when you're away on missions, you send Clone on a falcon. She's quite well and she enjoys working in the ANBU. She also trains a lot with Shisui and I and is developing quickly. I think Saki will be replacing me as Captain soon. So you have nothing to worry about, she's happy-" Itachi paused for a second, but then continued. - Don't worry about her, she'll be fine.

- Okay...