Chapter 5: Mastery of the Eye
Three months had passed since Menma had returned to Magnolia. The streets felt more like home now, though the quiet hum of magical energy reminded him that danger never truly rested. Makarov had taken a particular interest in him, guiding him in the subtle control of his Sharingan and EMS — powers that could manipulate space, teleport, and perceive the smallest threads of magic.
"You have to understand," Makarov explained, adjusting his spectacles, "these eyes are not just tools. They're weapons, yes, but also eyes of judgment. You must control them. Otherwise…" He let the words trail, the unspoken consequence hanging in the air.
Menma nodded. "I understand, Master. Control is paramount. I will not let them dominate me."
Training Begins
Makarov's lessons were a combination of meditation, visualization, and practical exercises. Menma would focus on activating his Sharingan, then the EMS (Kamui) to manipulate space. At first, it was exhausting — even dangerous. One lapse could tear the space around him, or worse, alert someone to the power he sought to keep hidden.
"Remember," Makarov instructed, "your Rinnegan is permanent. Do not try to deactivate it. It is stable, but it will reveal you if you are careless. Treat it like a compass, not a weapon."
Menma bowed his head slightly. "I understand. Its power is… immense, but I will use it wisely."
Slice-of-Life Moments
Training wasn't all grim. Mira often stopped by to bring food or tease him about sitting cross-legged for hours without moving.
"You know," she said with a grin one afternoon, "you look ridiculous concentrating so hard. You should smile more. Or at least grunt dramatically. Adds flair."
Menma glanced at her, eyebrow raised. "Flair is not necessary for precision."
"Pffft," Mira laughed, tossing a small loaf of bread at him. "Precision is boring. Fun is memorable."
Despite himself, Menma allowed a small smile. Her warmth grounded him, a tether to normalcy in a life dominated by power, grief, and responsibility.
Foreshadowing Adventures
By the end of the three months, Menma had achieved a measure of mastery. He could activate and deactivate his Sharingan and EMS at will, perceiving the flow of magic and bending space subtly without unintended consequences. His Rinnegan, stable as Makarov had promised, remained hidden beneath the eyepatch — its six tomoe constantly observing, always analyzing.
Mira watched him one evening, her voice soft, teasing: "Don't forget, the next guild event is coming. You'll be dragged into that madness. And… maybe into a little photoshoot too."
Menma's lips curved faintly. "I suppose I'll endure it… for the guild."
Mira smirked. "You're no fun."
Yet beneath the playful banter, Menma's mind wandered. Rogue guilds, dimensional rifts, and unstable magic were not mere rumors. Shadows moved, and his presence in Magnolia would soon be tested. He was ready — but would anyone else be ready for him?
End of Chapters 4–5: Shadows of the Past & Mastery of the Eye
If you like this, I can move on to Chapters 6–7, which cover:
Mira helping Menma prepare for the photoshoot trip, slice-of-life comedy, and teasing interactions.
The Phantom Lord side-branch attack in the forest, debuting Menma's Chain Magic and Wood Make Magic in action with humor and tension.