Originally, Menma had planned to find the right opportunity to have a face-to-face "meeting" with the man behind everything — Gato, the corrupt magnate who had enslaved the Land of Waves. But now that Kakashi had acknowledged his plan, Menma could bring it up openly. No need for secrecy anymore; this would save him unnecessary trouble later.
As he walked back with Kakashi through the cool night air, Menma's mind raced ahead. He analyzed where to begin tomorrow.
For Gato to control the Land of Waves, two things had to be true.
First, his influence and resources had to be far greater than the country's own fragile leadership — enough to keep the citizens silent out of fear.
Second, he had to have inside help — traitors among the people of the Land of Waves. The most efficient way to weaken a nation was to corrupt it from within.
That was where Menma would begin his investigation. The Land of Waves wasn't large; even Gato's network couldn't hide forever. And Gato himself… he didn't strike Menma as a particularly clever man.
This was someone who had dared to threaten Zabuza Momochi — a former member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist — face to face. Worse, he thought he could stand against shinobi with a band of hired thugs.
Truly, an arrogant fool.
"Oh, you're back! Brother Kakashi, Menma!"
A few steps away, Naruto called from inside the house, his face brightening as he saw the two return.
He looked like he wanted to ask something — but then, thinking of something else, he hesitated. His expression darkened slightly.
Kakashi noticed and chuckled beneath his mask.
"Starting tomorrow," Kakashi began, hands in his pockets, "we'll split into two teams. Menma will investigate the movements of Gato — the one hiring these enemies. The rest of you will protect Tazuna-san and help him continue building the bridge. You'll take turns assisting Menma depending on the situation. I'll let you four decide the rotation."
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Oh? So we're going after Gato? You mean we're taking the fight to him?"
Kakashi gave a soft laugh. "Heh. That's right. We can't stay on the defensive forever."
Naruto grinned, clenching his fists. "Then I'm in! We'll end this before he hurts anyone else!"
"Understood, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said firmly, determination in her tone.
Sasuke gave a small nod, calm as ever — expression unreadable. Gato was just another target, another step on his path to strength.
"Ah? Kakashi-san, you're going to take on Gato?"
Tazuna's voice came from behind them. He had just finished helping Tsunami prepare bedding and had overheard the discussion. His face showed both surprise and relief.
He had wanted to ask for this very thing before — but didn't dare. Gato was too powerful, too rich, too ruthless. Asking Konoha ninja to handle it had felt like too much.
Now that Kakashi had brought it up himself, Tazuna felt both grateful and anxious. After all, he still didn't truly understand what ninja were capable of. To him, even a group of men could still pose a threat if large enough.
Kakashi gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Tazuna-san. We'll handle it. Gato's tyranny ends here."
Before Tazuna could reply, a harsh, trembling voice interrupted from the hallway.
"Stop lying! There's no way you can beat Gato! That's just stupid! Heroes don't exist! You're all wasting your time!"
Everyone turned toward the voice — startled.
A small figure stood in the corridor, fists clenched, eyes burning with anger and tears.
"Inari…" Tazuna's face changed instantly. He raised his voice, sharp with frustration. "What are you saying!? That's extremely rude! Apologize to them, right now!"
The boy — barely six years old — glared back stubbornly. His mother, Tsunami, rushed over and held him protectively, bowing deeply to Kakashi and the others.
"I'm so sorry! Inari's still young and doesn't understand. Please forgive him."
She turned to her son, voice firm. "Inari, apologize! Quickly!"
But Inari shook his head, his small frame trembling. "I'm not wrong! Why should I apologize!? You don't know what Gato's like! You're all just pretending to be strong! My dad… my dad died trying to stand up to him!"
His voice cracked. "There are no heroes in this world… none at all!"
The words hung heavy in the air. His tear-streaked face made even Naruto and Sakura, who'd been angry, fall silent. Sasuke's brow furrowed, though he said nothing.
Kakashi sighed softly, about to speak — but before he could, Menma stepped forward.
"What an ignorant and foolish brat."
His tone was icy, his eyes filled with quiet fury. He looked down at Inari with absolute disdain.
"A child should learn his place. If you want to cry, do it in the corner. Don't stand here spouting nonsense. You make me sick."
The killing intent behind his words was palpable — raw, cold, and suffocating.
Inari froze instantly, his breath catching. His eyes widened as his small body trembled uncontrollably. It felt like invisible hands were clutching his throat, and the air around him grew heavy, colder than the sea wind.
The boy's sobs stopped at once. Fear — primal and paralyzing filled his chest.