Chapter 6: Preparation and Teasing
The sun was bright over Magnolia, casting long, warm shadows across the guild hall. The day was unusually calm, a rare respite for the city's most chaotic guild. Menma Uzumaki sat quietly in a corner, stretching his legs and letting his mind wander. His Rinnegan rested hidden beneath the eyepatch, and his left eye shimmered faintly whenever he practiced subtle spatial manipulations with his Sharingan and EMS.
"Menma!" Mira's voice cut through the calm like a bell. She appeared at his side, silver hair glinting in the sunlight, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. "You're coming with me today, and don't even think about pretending you're too busy."
"I am… busy," Menma replied, though his tone held no real conviction.
"Busy? Practicing your scary eyes again?" Mira teased, leaning closer. "Or are you just brooding like always?"
Menma's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Both. And neither. You wouldn't understand."
"Oh, I understand perfectly," she said, rolling her eyes. "You've always had that serious 'I'm too powerful for this world' thing going on. But… today, you're helping me get ready for a photoshoot. Don't tell me you'll hide behind some dimensional rift excuse."
"I…" Menma paused, then allowed himself a slight nod. "Very well. I will accompany you."
Guild Comedy in Preparation
Inside the guild hall, Mira fussed over various props and costumes, pulling out outfits as if she were leading a small parade. Menma observed quietly, occasionally giving measured advice or adjusting a poorly placed accessory.
"You know," Mira said, glancing at him, "I don't see you smile much outside of… extreme situations."
"I find it unnecessary," Menma replied calmly. "Expression without purpose distracts from efficiency."
Mira smirked. "Efficiency, huh? Sure, that's your excuse. But I think you secretly enjoy it."
Before Menma could respond, Natsu and Happy burst in, both looking entirely disheveled. Natsu had clearly tripped over some furniture, while Happy's tail flicked irritably.
"Photoshoot?!" Natsu exclaimed. "Why didn't anyone tell me there's food involved?!"
Mira raised an eyebrow. "Focus, you two. This is serious. Menma's helping me."
Happy circled Menma curiously. "You're helping? Wow… you're actually being useful today."
Menma's calm expression remained unshaken. "I always am. You just rarely notice."
The banter continued, Mira teasing him, Natsu complaining about minor inconveniences, and Happy observing Menma like he was an exotic creature. Despite the chaos, Menma moved with quiet precision, helping Mira organize, instructing subtly, and occasionally stepping in to prevent minor accidents caused by guildmates.
Hints at Past Bonds
At one point, Mira leaned closer to Menma, lowering her voice playfully. "You know… you really are different now. I never thought I'd see the Masked Warden in person, but here you are, calmer, stronger… and still trying to hide that smirk behind your serious face."
Menma's blue eyes flickered briefly toward her. "You've changed as well, Mira. Stronger… more… grounded."
Her smile softened, a faint blush touching her cheeks. "Maybe… but I never forgot you. You were always someone I could trust — even back then, when we were kids."
Menma's expression remained unreadable, but inside, a faint warmth stirred. Memories of that first encounter in the village flashed — her young silver eyes, her courage despite fear, the bond they had formed so many years ago.