The gazes focused directly on him.
"I still think we should abandon the mission, Kakashi-sensei. This isn't just about the rules a ninja must follow, but about being responsible for ourselves. We don't know what dangers lie ahead. We've already encountered two Mist Chunin. Since that man Gatō can control the economy of an entire nation, it wouldn't be impossible for him to pay a higher price to hire Jōnin from the Hidden Mist. Perhaps you can handle one, Kakashi-sensei, but what if the number exceeds that? We cannot gamble the safety of our entire squad on such an uncertain variable, Kakashi-sensei."
Before Kakashi could speak, Menma spoke again, his expression extremely serious.
Originally, Menma's initial words were just a judgment based on personal attitude. Whether they ultimately abandoned the mission or continued, Menma didn't care much. With Kakashi there, clashing with Zabuza and Haku would be a form of training.
But after hearing Naruto and Sakura's words, Menma completely changed his mind.
He despised this kind of "bleeding heart" behavior and the inability to understand one's own position.
So, he was determined to stop Kakashi from agreeing to continue the mission.
Menma didn't know if the Kakashi in the original story was truly overflowing with sympathy, or if he felt confident enough to handle everything and boldly treated this mission as a special trial for Naruto and Sasuke, or if his brain had simply short-circuited in that moment.
Regardless, he had led Team 7 to continue the mission.
But in this life...
Menma believed that as long as he laid everything out clearly, there was a high probability he could dissuade Kakashi.
In his speech just now, Menma had hinted heavily to Kakashi: You aren't on a mission alone. You are carrying a bunch of rookies—rookies with very special identities!
A Jōnin?
Sure, Kakashi could hold his own. He could suppress or kill most Jōnin. But what about two? Or three?!
Could he still handle it with ease?
Could he still protect the four rookies of Team 7?
If Sakura Haruno died, it might not matter much to the village.
But try letting one of the other three die and see what happens?
Sure enough.
Menma's words caused Tazuna's face to change drastically.
Kakashi's expression also became stern. Regardless of what happened in the original story, now that Menma had laid the facts bare right in front of him, Kakashi had to consider all these factors.
As someone trusted by the Third Hokage to lead Team 7, the burden on his shoulders was far heavier than it appeared on the surface.
Seeing Kakashi fall into silence again, Naruto became anxious. He and Sakura looked at Menma, their gazes becoming complicated.
"Menma, how can you say that?! Ninja shouldn't fear difficulty or worry about danger! When we see people in trouble, shouldn't we help them?! Are you really that kind of person? Menma, I misjudged you!"
Naruto puffed out his cheeks, staring at Menma and shouting loudly.
"I also think doing this isn't very appropriate, Menma-kun. Tazuna-san and the people of the Land of Waves are really suffering and in danger. We should help them," Sakura added from the side. She didn't dare to be as direct as Naruto, but her words clearly expressed her stance and her dissatisfaction with Menma.
In Sakura's eyes, Menma's attitude and actions were truly excessive.
"Should? Shouldn't? Naruto, Sakura, do you know what you are saying?"
Menma's expression turned slightly cold.
"Does that mean you have to help every single person in the world who is in trouble? Naruto? Sakura? across the entire ninja world, in countless small villages, people are dying every day. Can you help them all? Yes, ninja shouldn't fear difficulty or danger, but that depends on the situation. Charging in blindly without caring about anything is something only a fool would do!"
Menma's tone became chillingly sharp.
"I don't know what you're thinking, Naruto, but I have to consider myself, and I have to consider you guys. In my eyes, the importance of my comrades far outweighs anything else. I cannot gamble my life, or the lives of my comrades, at the table. Naruto, you might be confident in your strength. You might not fear sacrifice. But do you wish to see your comrades die in battle? For a so-called 'just cause'?! If we continue this mission and Sakura dies right in front of your eyes because of it, what will you do then?! Will you wait until that moment to regret it?! Or do you really think you're so strong right now? Arrogant enough to protect everything?! Even Kakashi-sensei wouldn't dare claim that!"
"And you, Sakura. Not to be blunt, but do you have no clear understanding of your own strength? Forget stronger enemies—would you have been a match for the attackers just now?! Have you not considered the option that you might die?! You're twelve years old. We just graduated. Do you want your parents to receive notice of your death immediately?!"
The more he spoke, the more rapid and severe Menma's tone became.
His words were 30% truth and 70% acting, but the attitude was real. He was genuinely angry at Naruto and Sakura's inability to read the situation.
He was practically scolding them to their faces.
As Naruto and Sakura listened to Menma, their expressions gradually changed, and they fell into silence.
On the other side, Kakashi gave Menma a deep look.
Sasuke looked at Menma as if seeing him for the first time, a strange light flickering in his eyes.
Tazuna, who had previously looked at Menma with some resentment, also fell silent.
From his standpoint, Tazuna had reason to dislike and resent Menma. Purely from a perspective of self-interest, if Menma hadn't spoken up, Team 7 might have continued to protect him, and his bridge-building mission could have been completed smoothly!
But Menma's words were the most correct.
What reason did they have to gamble their lives to accompany him on an adventure?!
For the reward of a mere C-rank mission and so-called justice?
Tazuna wasn't naive. Having lived for decades, he saw the darkness and cruelty of this world clearly. Did he not know how his son-in-law had died?
Perhaps this is just fate...
Tazuna thought silently to himself.
Just when it seemed the final decision was about to be made...
"Maybe you're right, Menma. I can't help everyone. But... my Ninja Way is to never go back on my word! I can't think about things that are too far away or too complex. I can only see what's in front of me. I have no right to demand anything from you guys, but even if I'm the only one left... I will continue to protect Tazuna-san!"
Naruto, who had slowly lowered his head, suddenly looked up. His azure eyes shone with determination as he spoke with unwavering conviction.