It went in very smoothly.
But coming out… that took time.
Gato's hidden fortune turned out to be far greater than Menma had expected.
The man truly was obscenely rich—richer than many daimyō of small nations. Some minor countries might not even hold as much wealth as this one corrupt merchant.
However, most of Gato's assets weren't in ready cash. A large portion was tied up in real estate and offshore ventures scattered across several nations. Not only in the Land of Water, but even the Land of Fire and the Land of Lightning had investments connected to him.
The liquid money on this island, though impressive, amounted to just under seventy million ryō—still a staggering sum, equivalent to multiple elite-rank mission payouts.
Even so, it was slightly less than Menma had anticipated.
He paused, then smiled faintly.
"Well, unexpected profits are still profits."
After carefully storing the cash inside a sealing scroll, Menma gathered all property deeds and transaction seals into another. They might come in handy one day, he thought.
As he stepped out of Gato's private vault, a rare, genuine smile crept across his face—one that hadn't appeared in a long time.
As for Gato himself?
Menma had already sent him on his way—permanently.
Without hesitation or remorse, he had dealt the final blow.
Now, with his objective complete, Menma boarded the ship once more and steered it south, back toward the Land of Waves.
By his measure, this mission had yielded more than success—it was a windfall. Even after deductions, he had gained enough to make any ninja satisfied.
⸻
Ten Days Later
The bridge that symbolized hope for the Land of Waves was finally complete.
Thanks to Tazuna's determination—and the fall of Gato—the people's fear had vanished.
Workers who once abandoned the project returned with renewed courage.
With resources and morale restored, construction finished earlier than expected.
Team 7 could finally return home.
Menma had suggested leaving right after dealing with Gato, but Naruto insisted they stay until the bridge was done.
Menma had no objection.
If Naruto wanted to linger, so be it.
As long as it didn't interfere with his own plans, Menma had no reason to argue.
From that day onward, he resolved something within himself: he would no longer waste energy on meaningless sentiment.
Taking care of his own path—his vengeance—was what truly mattered.
That's why, outwardly, he began wearing a gentler mask.
He appeared calmer, softer even—but beneath that exterior, his convictions had hardened like tempered steel.
In truth, this was Menma's form of growth. The time-traveler had finally begun to fully integrate into this world.
The kindness he once held from his previous life… he now saw it for what it was—a form of weakness, or perhaps, hypocrisy.
⸻
During these ten days, Team 7 hadn't been idle.
Sasuke and Sakura had begun chakra control training—tree climbing and water walking—after seeing how easily Naruto and Menma performed such feats.
Even the proud Sasuke couldn't ignore such an advantage.
Driven by rivalry, he trained relentlessly. Kakashi guided them both patiently, helping them push past their limits.
Naruto and Menma trained separately.
Naruto pestered Kakashi to teach him stronger jutsu, while Menma devoted himself entirely to mastering the Rasengan—a jutsu once created by their father, Minato Namikaze.
An A-rank, chakra-compression technique that required no hand seals. Its raw destructive power was undeniable—enough to crush solid rock in a single blow.
Menma knew it would amplify his attack strength tremendously, and he approached its mastery with quiet obsession.
Kakashi, aware of Menma's lineage and natural aptitude, wasn't surprised. Within ten days, the results of Team 7's combined training were remarkable.
⸻
February 20
At last, Team 7 departed from the Land of Waves, their mission complete.
The journey back to Konoha was far quicker than before.
Within a few hours, they crossed into the Land of Fire's borders.
"Ohhh, finally back!" Naruto stretched and laughed as the massive wooden gates of the Hidden Leaf Village came into view. His blue eyes sparkled with excitement.
Sakura exhaled in relief, her lips curving into a soft smile.
It was her first mission outside the village—and not just a simple escort. They had faced danger, death, and victory. For her, it was an unforgettable experience… and the generous payment didn't hurt either.
She glanced at Menma, who walked quietly at the edge of the group, his expression unreadable.
'He's still the same Menma,' she thought warmly. 'I really overthought things. He's kind after all.'
Sakura's optimism painted over every doubt she once had about him.
To her, Menma's recent calm demeanor—and the fact that he had shared some of the mission rewards—proved his generosity.
The thought of going home with enough money to buy anything she wanted made her grin from ear to ear.
Kakashi, walking at the front, stopped and turned with a faint smile beneath his mask.
"Well, it's been a long mission. You've all earned a break. Take a few days off before reporting for the next one."
"Got it!" Naruto cheered.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura replied.
Sasuke gave a silent nod.
Menma said nothing, just watching the village gates with calm eyes.
One by one, the four young shinobi leapt away toward their homes, vanishing into the familiar streets of Konoha.
Kakashi, however, didn't go home.
Instead, he headed straight for the Hokage Building, carrying several scrolls and two large sealing pouches.
Inside were the remains of Zabuza Momochi, Haku, and the massive Executioner's Blade—proof of mission completion and items that required official report and storage.
This mission had been filled with unpredictable turns—and for Kakashi, one thing stood out: Menma's performance.
It had been his first time outside the village.
And yet, the boy's decisions, skill, and efficiency… were beyond what a newly graduated genin should possess.
It was time to report everything to Lord Third—Hiruzen Sarutobi.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ 30+ CHAPTERS BEFORE PUBLIC RELEASE OR PURCHASE FOR LIFETIME ACCESS! WE ARE CURRENTLY ON CHAPTER 98.
👉 Patreon.com/HACKDWORLD