For a brief moment, the world seemed to narrow to just two boys staring across from one another at a ramen stand.
As Menma and Naruto stared at one another, something unspoken passing between them. A feeling came over Naruto as faint felling of recognition. He couldn't explain it but, it was subtle, and fragile, like a thread that could snap if pulled too hard.
That moment shattered when Shisui stepped forward. "Senior Hatake. Senior Shiranui," Shisui said smoothly, bowing respectfully. "It's good to see you both."
Kakashi gave a lazy eye-smile beneath his mask. Genma nodded, toothpick bobbing as he did.
"Shisui," Kakashi replied. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Shisui straightened and glanced at Menma, giving him a pointed look. Menma exhaled internally. I hate bowing to people who looked at me like I was something dangerous or inconvenient. In this case Kakashi for ignoring my existence.
Still, I slid off the stool and bowed precisely, my movements clean and respectful. "Mr. Hatake. Mr. Shiranui," Menma said, his tone calm, cold, and controlled. "It is good to meet you. I am Menma Uzumaki."
Kakashi blinked once, his visible eye saddening slightly. Genma studied him more openly. "Polite kid," Genma muttered.
Menma straightened and turned his gaze back to Naruto. He didn't bow this time. "Hello, Naruto. It's nice to meet you." Menma said casually.
Naruto tilted his head, grin wide. "Huh? You not gonna call me 'Honorable Son' or 'Lord Namikaze' or anything."
Menma's lips twitched—just barely. "I don't see the point," I said simply. "Your name is Naruto. Do you want me to call you that?"
Naruto stared at him for a second, then laughed. "Heh… No I like just Naruto."
Teuchi's voice cut in cheerfully. "Welcome back Naruto! I remember my promise. All your ramen bowls are half off today."
Naruto's eyes sparkled. "YES! Your the best Ramen-san"
Kakashi nodded appreciatively. "Much obliged."
As everyone settled in, Naruto sat next to Menma, his eyes shining. " So you like Ichiraku too? This place is the best! You have to try the miso chashu omori bowl."
Menma sat back on his stool, posture relaxed. "It's my first time here actually."
Naruto gasped dramatically. "No way! Then you're gonna love it. Trust me!"
Shisui chuckled. "Don't worry, Menma. It's your birthday—you can order more if you want."
Naruto froze. "Wait—your birthday too?"
Menma nodded.
Naruto's jaw dropped. "That's so cool! We share the same birthday? That's such a weird coincidence!"
Not a coincidence, I thought quietly. We're twins. But aloud, I said nothing.
The food arrived soon after, steam curling up from the bowls. Naruto dug in immediately, slurping loudly. Menma ate more slowly, tasting carefully.
It was… good, and simple nothing I haven't eaten before in my past life. That means this place must hold some sentimental value to Naruto.
Naruto talked to me nonstop between bites—about ramen, about Kakashi being late all the time, or how Genma always acts like he's cool. I listened and smiled softly. Naruto asked about me, but I didn't say much. I mostly listened instead, I guess I treated Naruto like a little brother. Considering how he grew up before I really wanted him to be happy in this life.
This was the first time I'd spoken to Naruto like this. Once, a year ago, I tried to approach him, only to be blocked by ninja security.
Now, there was no one stopping me especially with Lord Fugaku's backing
Kakashi watched the two boys quietly, his single eye flicking between them. The resemblance obvious at first glance—red hair and lavender eyes versus blond and blue. He automictically thought he was looking Minato and Kushina, part of him grew sad from the memory.
When Menma finished his bowl, Naruto leaned over. "So… can we hang out again!"
Menma nodded. " Of course Naruto, I'd like that. I'm also doing early training for the academy, so unless your gonna join I might be a little busy." I continued. "You could join me sometime."
Naruto grinned. "No way! Big Brother Kakashi and Genma are training when their not on missions, and Pervy Grandpa teaches me stuff too. But more about ladies and research for his book, not that I understand it."
Genma coughed. Kakashi sighed.
"Though," Naruto added, lowering his voice, "Pervy Grandpa mostly teaches me useless stuff… but I been developing a new jutsu that can knock out even the strongest ninja!"
Menma resisted the urge to smirk. He's probably talking about Sexy Jutsu. "Sounds… interesting. You have to show me it when it's done." Menma said neutrally.
Naruto nodded with a thumbs ups. "You'll be the first person I show. Believe it."
I told Naruto where my apartment was and which training fields I used most often. Naruto waved enthusiastically as Menma and Shisui left. "Can't wait to see you again, Menma!"
As they walked away, Naruto tugged Kakashi's sleeve. "Did you see that, Big Brother Kakashi? I made my first friend."
Kakashi looked at Naruto a little confused.. "What about the other kids?"
Naruto's smile faltered. "They're… nice, and all but," Naruto said slowly. "But they don't treat me like a regular person. They keep calling me 'Honorable Son' and the looks on their faces. They pity me cause my dad was the hokage and died died. They let me do whatever I want, but… they never really see me."
He glanced back at the ramen stand entrance. " But Menma did. He called me Naruto. No titles. And didn't look me with pity."
Kakashi and Genma didn't know what to say.
When Menma and Shisui returned to his apartment later that evening, he flipped on the lights—
POP!
"Happy Birthday, Menma!"
Menma froze.
Mikoto stood smiling warmly, holding a cake with four flickering candles. Fugaku stood beside her, arms crossed, a rare softness in his eyes. Sasuke bounced excitedly. "Happy birthday!" Sasuke shouted, thrusting the cake forward. "Make a wish!"
Menma stared at everyone. For a moment, his carefully constructed walls cracked. He turned his face slightly, breathing in slowly as emotion surged unexpectedly in his chest. Before tears could form, he leaned forward and blew out the candles.
"Thank you," he said quietly.
Later, alone in his apartment, Menma began to opened his gifts.
Mikoto's letter came first. Inside was 2,000 ryō—and paperwork.
Dear Menma. The publishing company has opened an official account in your name. Your earnings have been deposited. Lord Fugaku has also arranged a secondary account for emergencies. Ask him if you ever need any money.
Menma flipped open the checkbook. 52,000 ryō. Was how much he had.
My eyes widened. "…That's a lot," he muttered. "This will last me a long time." Next were clothes they were well-made, good I will definitely grow into them.
Then a box full of scrolls. Six of them.
A letter rested on top.
Dear Menma, I am trusting you with this knowledge. Do not embarrass me.
One of these scrolls contains the Fourth Hokage's notes on the Flying Raijin. Study them carefully. When you believe you are ready, come to show.
—Fugaku
Menma's breath caught. This is great, I have Uzumaki sealing techniques. Now I can learn things like the Adamantine Sealing Chains, the Eight Trigrams Sealing Style, Sealing Barriers. With a number of sealing jutsu. Who knows I might be able to create my own with some practice. Considering I want to stop black Zestu from watching me I should create a concealment barrier.
And the best part. Notes on the Flying Raijin, this was more than I'd hoped for.
As soon as I tried to open the scroll— Knock. Knock.
Menma frowned. Who was it knocking on my door so late? As I opened the door. There stood Hiashi Hyūga, beside him was Neji.
Neji's eyes were red. I could tell he was crying alot recently. While Hiashi's expression was stoic—but heavy with grief.
"Lord Hyūga," Menma said softly.
Hiashi gestured for Neji to step forward. Neji held out a box with trembling hands.
"Thank you, Menma," Neji said quietly, bowing deeply. Hiashi bowed with him as well.
Then they turned and left.
I was confused but just closed the door slowly. As I looked Inside the box I noticed a bag of ryō, along with neatly wrapped sweets, and a scroll with a letter. I read it in silence.
It was from Hiashi.
Menma Uzumaki. Thank you for looking out for my brother… In his final moments, he went in peace.
I was unable to free my nephew from the Caged Bird Seal. But you gave my brother hope. Inside this scroll is a sealing technique adapted from Uzumaki methods. I trust you to put it to good use.
—Hiashi Hyūga
Menma closed his eyes.
They sacrificed Hizashi. Frustration stirred within me. I'm sorry Neji. But why give me this scroll?
"The Hyūga wants you to free his nephew," Kurama rumbled.
Menma blinked. "You don't usually talk to me like this sensei."
"It's your birthday," Kurama said dryly. "Consider it a courtesy."
Menma chuckled softly. "Thank you, Sensei."
"Now read one scroll, but brush your teeth and head to bed in an hour."
Menma smiled and chuckled faintly. "Yes, Sensei."
What a day, I thought. Well now I can at least get a head start until I head to the academy. Menma opened the scroll and began to read the Fourth Hokages notes.