"Get up!"
On this day, Menma woke up before dawn.
Today was a special day for Konoha Village!
The Uchiha patriarch of the largest clan in the village was getting married.
The Uchiha compound was decorated entirely in red — festive, bright, and filled with life.
"Clone, start cooking. Make plenty — I probably won't have time to eat later." Menma instructed his shadow clone.
As Itachi's close friend, he had an important role at the wedding — greeting guests.
After washing up, Menma put on a brand-new black outfit and polished shoes.
He looked at himself in the mirror and grinned.
"Sure enough, a handsome guy looks good no matter what he wears. Eh, being this good-looking is a curse. I might even steal the groom's spotlight today."
He sighed dramatically, silently apologizing to Itachi.
Once ready, Menma went to Naruto's room and pulled the half-asleep boy from bed.
"Brother… what time is it?" Naruto mumbled.
"It's almost six. Wash up and get dressed — we're heading to Itachi's place to help. Wear the new suit I bought for you," Menma said, heading out.
Naruto jolted awake, rushed to brush his teeth, and quickly got dressed.
After breakfast, the two brothers set off for the Uchiha compound.
"Menma, Naruto — you're early!"
Sasuke stood at the gate in a black kimono. With his sharp features and calm demeanor, he looked every bit the proud Uchiha heir.
"Sasuke, wow! You look amazing!" Naruto exclaimed, impressed.
Sasuke gave a small smirk. "You look good too. New suit?"
"Yeah! Bought it just for today. You must be touched, right? Want to thank me with a big meal?" Naruto teased.
Since Menma had cut off his pocket money, Naruto had become surprisingly thrifty — always trying to trick Sasuke into paying for food.
"No problem," Sasuke replied casually. "It's just a meal."
Naruto's grin widened. "This makes eleven meals you owe me, Sasuke. That's five whole days of free food! As expected of me — financial genius Uzumaki Naruto!"
Sasuke blinked in confusion. "Wait… eleven? Are you sure?"
Naruto whipped out a small notebook. "Of course I'm sure. I've kept track of every time you agreed to treat me."
Menma stood to the side, a mix of pride and embarrassment crossing his face. "My little brother really learned all my 'best' habits."
Sasuke stared at Naruto in disbelief, then sighed. "Naruto, I'm disappointed. Don't you trust me? If I said I'd treat you, I'll treat you!"
Naruto shook his head dramatically. "No, no, Sasuke. It's not about trust — I just don't want to forget. I'm broke, man! Would you really let your best friend starve?"
Menma silently gave a thumbs-up. Good job, Naruto. The student surpasses the master.
Sasuke's heart softened immediately. With a grin, he patted Naruto's shoulder.
"Fine. Anytime you ask, I'll pay."
"Really?" Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Awesome!"
"Of course. I, Sasuke Uchiha, never break my word." He puffed out his chest confidently.
Naruto extended his pinky finger. "Then let's make it official. Pinky promise."
Sasuke sighed. "So childish…"
But he hooked his pinky anyway.
"Promise — for a hundred years!" Naruto said solemnly.
Sasuke flushed slightly and looked away, embarrassed.
Menma chuckled quietly at the scene. But realizing it was almost time, he clapped his hands.
"Alright, you two lovebirds — that's enough. Time to work."
Together, they set up tables and chairs at the entrance. A notebook sat on one table for sign-ins, and next to it, a large gift box — Menma's personal favorite part.
After all, someone had to handle the red envelopes, and who better than him?
Soon the guests began arriving.
The first to appear was the Nara clan, led by Nara Shikaku.
"Welcome, welcome! Uncle Shikaku, everyone — you're all very welcome!" Menma said warmly, accepting their generous gift envelope.
He weighed it in his hand and smirked inwardly. As expected of the Nara clan — true nobles.
He even considered recruiting Shikamaru one day for the Konoha Research Department. A smart mind with deep pockets — the perfect combo.
Next came the Akimichi clan.
"Menma, kid, what are you doing here?"
"Hey, what's the Hokage's apprentice doing at the gate?"
Menma grinned. "I'm Itachi's best friend! Of course, I'm here to welcome you all. Uncle Choza, everyone — welcome!"
As the crowd grew, Menma's welcoming crew expanded to include Naruto, Sasuke, and several others leading guests inside.
The Uchiha compound quickly filled with laughter and conversation.
Then the crowd suddenly parted — the Hokage herself had arrived, with Jiraiya at her side.
Tsunade wore a tea-green kimono with black trim, her blonde hair loose and regal.
Jiraiya, as usual, sported his red cloak and wooden clogs — unchanged as ever.
Menma sighed. "You two… couldn't even change clothes for the occasion?"
Tsunade looked down at herself. "Ah. I forgot."
Shizune, who stood beside her, facepalmed. "I reminded her last night…"
Jiraiya just shrugged. "I forgot too."
Menma stared blankly. "...Right. Forget it. At least you came."
He forced a smile — after all, they had taken time from their duties to attend, and that was what mattered most.
(End of Chapter)
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