Naruto: I'm in Konoha, my name is Uzumaki Menma

Chapter 384 The Popular Menma

The atmosphere at Dazner's home was solemn and sorrowful.

Miss Tsunami, carrying her son Inari, led everyone to a clean and tidy but simply furnished room.

Against the wall in the room stood an old wooden table, on which a small oil lamp cast a dim yellow glow, illuminating a picture frame placed in the center.

The photo frame shows a young man named Kesha, with a bright smile, bright eyes, two scars of different lengths on his chin, and skin tanned a healthy bronze from years of seafaring.

Yudou and several young men of similar age silently walked to the table and lined up in a row.

Their eyes instantly welled up with tears as they looked at the vibrant face in the photo.

Youdou was the first to bend over deeply, his forehead almost touching the cold tabletop, his voice choked with sobs, filled with endless self-reproach and pain:

“Brother Keisha… I’m sorry! We… we’re back! We were useless…”

The other young people also bowed and began to sob softly.

Through Yuto's fragmented narration, interspersed with painful memories, a story about the struggles and sacrifices of the lower classes in the Land of Waves slowly unfolds before everyone.

A few years ago, Keisha had only been in the Land of Waves for a short time. He was a young fisherman full of ideals and unwilling to be controlled by fate. A tide of ideas from the distant Land of Stars quietly flowed into this island nation through the exchanges of merchant ships and travelers.

That is the book and thought known as "The Will of the Stars".

The book depicts a society free from aristocratic oppression, where ninja power serves the people and everyone can earn dignity through hard work. This vision, like a torch lit in the darkness, deeply moved and attracted a group of young people from the Land of Waves who were dissatisfied with the status quo, including Keisha and Yuto.

They seemed to have found a new direction in life and secretly joined an underground organization called the "Red Star Alliance".

This organization is active among the major nations of the ninja world, with the aim of spreading the "Will of the Stars," advocating the overthrow of the old class order, and establishing a new world of equality.

However, the main strength and resources of the "Red Star Alliance" are concentrated in large countries such as the Land of Fire, the Land of Lightning, and the Land of Water. The support that can be provided to small countries like the Land of Waves, which are poor in resources, is extremely limited, and is more of a spiritual guide and meager funds for activities.

Driven by a passion to change his homeland, Keisha became the de facto leader of the "Red Star Alliance Wave Country Branch," leading Yuto and a dozen like-minded partners to carefully sow the seeds of resistance on the oppressive land of the Wave Country.

They held secret meetings to spread their ideas, attempting to awaken the people oppressed by the Matsuo Group and the corrupt daimyo.

But their actions soon brought about their annihilation.

At that time, the Matsuo Group had already basically controlled the daimyo and noble class of the Land of Waves through bribery and threats, and monopolized foreign trade.

Keisha and others' resistance activities undoubtedly touched a nerve with the Matsuo Group.

The Daimyo of the Land of Waves swiftly issued an arrest warrant for Keisha and his group, and the Matsuo Group directly dispatched hired ninjas and samurai to carry out a bloody arrest and suppression.

Lacking effective organization and armed forces, the "Red Star Alliance Wave Country Division" quickly collapsed under the brutal attacks of the Matsuo Group.

In order to cover the retreat of some younger members, including Youdou, and to preserve the seeds of revolution, Keisha and several core members resolutely chose to stay behind.

However, due to a shameful traitor within their ranks who betrayed their retreat route and hiding place, Keisha and his companions were ultimately unable to escape and were captured by the samurai of the Matsuo Group.

Soon after, they were charged with "inciting rebellion" and publicly executed in front of the entire island of Wave Country as a warning to others.

Meanwhile, the surviving young people, including Yuto, filled with grief and humiliation, boarded a dilapidated small boat, braved the wind and waves, crossed the ocean, and headed to their ideal country—the Land of Stars—to seek true power and hope for revival.

"Waaah—!" Upon hearing the details of her adoptive father's tragic death, Inari, who had been tightly held by her mother, could no longer hold back and burst into tears. She forcefully broke free from Tsunami's embrace, rushed to Yuuto, and pounded his thigh with her small fists, crying and demanding, "Why! Why did you abandon Dad and run away?! Why didn't you stay to help Dad?! Waaah..."

Youdou endured Yi Nali's beatings, tears mingling with sweat as they streamed down his face. He closed his eyes in anguish, his voice hoarse: "Yi Nali... I'm sorry... We... We were supposed to retreat in two groups... But... there was a traitor... Our trusted comrade betrayed Brother Keisha and the others' whereabouts... By the time we received the news and rushed to their aid... it was already... it was too late..."

He couldn't recall his comrades who had died years ago, and a huge sense of guilt almost consumed him.

"Inari! Don't do this!" Tsunami rushed forward, tears streaming down her face, and tightly embraced her distraught son. She looked at Yuto and the other young people kneeling on the ground, writhing in pain, her voice trembling but filled with understanding, "Don't blame them... Inari... your father... he was trying to protect everyone..."

In the hallway outside the room, Boruto, Menma, and Hinata stood quietly, watching the heartbreaking scene inside through the door frame.

Boruto clenched his fist. He thought of his father, who was always so busy he rarely came home, yet valued his friends more than anyone else. What if his father were to encounter something similar...

With a calm gaze, Mianma looked around the room. The tragedy before him was merely a small microcosm of the cruel nature of this world.

As an organization supported by the Star Kingdom, Menma naturally knew that the 'Red Star Alliance' attracted many ordinary people from various countries in the Ninja World, such as Kaisa and Yuto, to join. They were full of enthusiasm and spread their ideas, but change is not something that can be achieved overnight, and struggle and sacrifice are inevitable.

Hinata, the eldest sister, stood close to Menma. She seemed to feel the sorrowful atmosphere and the pain of losing someone important to her. However, her way of expressing concern was to grip Menma's arm even tighter, as if she was afraid that if she let go, something would happen to the most important person to her.

Opposite them, Ida-suke, leading three Star Country genin, also stood silently on the other side of the corridor.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Boruto looked at the tall, composed man opposite him, who was carrying a large sword, and couldn't help but lower his voice to ask, "Um... Mr. Ida, is your Land of Stars... here to help Yuto and the others overthrow the rule of the Daimyo of the Land of Waves?"

When ninjas intervene in the internal affairs of another country, they usually have a clear political purpose.

Upon hearing this, Ita-suke slowly shook his head, his voice steady and sincere: "No, you misunderstand. Our most important mission on this trip is to represent the Land of Stars and go to Konoha to participate in the upcoming Chunin Exams. Escorting Yuto and the others back to their hometown is just a side mission we took on from the 'Red Star Alliance'."

"We will not proactively intervene in the internal affairs of the Land of Waves unless... someone threatens the safety of our citizens or the itinerary of our delegation."

His explanation temporarily dispelled some of Boruto's doubts.

Boruto's gaze then curiously swept over the three genin behind Itada.

The girl with glasses and striking red hair seemed exceptionally lively. Noticing Boruto's gaze, she immediately flashed a bright smile and introduced herself, "Hello! I'm Karin Uzumaki, a genin from the Land of Stars! These two are my teammates, Kurotsuchi and Ranmaru! Nice to meet you!"

The girl next to her, with short black hair, a tall figure, and especially long and straight legs, gave a cool fist salute; while the boy, Ranmaru, with short purple hair, a handsome face, and who looked not much older than Irene, gave a slightly shy bow.

“Uzumaki… Karin?” Boruto paused for a moment. The name sounded familiar; he seemed to have heard Sarada mention it before.

And the surname Whirlpool...

Is she a distant relative of my father?
But what surprised him even more was the girl named "Black Earth"!

It's actually the future Fourth Tsuchikage?!

How did she end up here? And why is she a low-ranking ninja from the Land of Stars?!

Boruto instinctively wanted to turn around and look for young Sasuke to seek answers, but then remembered that his master had already rushed to the bridge, so he had to suppress his many questions for the time being.

Menma pretended not to know these people at all and introduced himself: "My name is Menma, a Konoha genin."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hinata, the leader beside him, immediately hugged Menma's arm even tighter, as if asserting her ownership. Her eyes were filled with undisguised vigilance, especially when she stared at Karin, whose smile was too enthusiastic. She said stiffly, "Hinata Hyuga, a Konoha genin."

Her keen intuition told her that there was something strange about the way the red-haired woman was looking at Mianma!

Karin seemed completely oblivious to Hinata's hostility; her attention was entirely drawn to Menma, who was using a cane.

She pushed up her glasses, her gaze behind the lenses filled with undisguised concern and indescribable excitement.

She walked up to Menma in a few steps and carefully examined him: "Are you injured? You look very unwell and weak. I've learned some medical ninjutsu, would you like me to examine you? Maybe I can help you recover faster!"

As she spoke, her fingers twitched slightly, as if she wanted to examine it immediately.

Hinata's brows furrowed instantly, and she tightened her grip on Menma's arm, almost pulling him behind her. Her gaze swept over Karin's outstretched hand like a knife.

Menma and Karin exchanged a glance, their eyes seemingly concerned but actually carrying a hint of cunning and "I understand you" in them.

Within a select few inner circle of the Star Kingdom, Menma occasionally reveals his true identity. Karin and her mother, as his earliest followers, are naturally among those who know the truth.

Menma felt helpless, but outwardly maintained her weakness and politeness, nodding: "Well... then, I'll trouble you."

"No trouble at all! No trouble at all!" Karin's face lit up with a smile, her expression like that of a lovesick girl, and she immediately reached out with both hands.

"Hey!" Hinata finally couldn't hold back any longer and grabbed Karin's wrist, which was already halfway out of the air. The force was so great that Karin frowned slightly.

Hinata forced a smile, her voice strained through clenched teeth: "This... Karin-san, fine, I'll examine you, but where... are you going to put your hands?"

Karin's wrist was grabbed, but she didn't struggle. Instead, she met Hinata's hostile gaze with an innocent smile: "Hinata-san, don't misunderstand. Medical ninjutsu examinations naturally require physical contact to accurately sense chakra flow and injuries. I just wanted to examine Menma-kun's chest and meridians more carefully."

Between the two girls, invisible sparks crackled, and an electric current seemed to flash where their eyes met.

Boruto, standing opposite, and Kurotsuchi and Ranmaru standing behind Itada, all instinctively shrank back at the sudden confrontation, which was filled with a strong smell of jealousy and gunpowder, feeling the temperature drop to freezing point.

Kurotsuchi muttered under her breath, "Strange... Karin, why is she being so proactive today? She usually ignores all the boys who try to woo her at the Ninja Academy..."

As Ida watched this scene, the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

As one of the most outstanding young people in the Star Kingdom, he had trained in the Dark Division and had the privilege of seeing Lord Shura's true face several times. He was fully aware of the true identity of the man with the pockmarked face in front of him.

Karin is the princess of the Uzumaki clan, how could she not recognize this lord? It's just that she's being a little too... enthusiastic.

Ita Suke cleared his throat, changing the subject at the opportune moment, which also reflected his assessment of the current situation: "Um... Menma needs to rest, Karin, stop after the check-up. I just heard that construction has started on the bridge, but the Matsuo Group may have sent people to cause trouble as well. I'll go check on the situation."

"Kurotsuchi, Ranmaru, you two stay here and help protect Ms. Tsunami and Inari's safety."

"Yes, Ita-suke-sensei!" Kurotsuchi and Ranmaru immediately straightened their backs and replied.

Ranmaru raised his red eyes, seemingly casually glancing at Menma, then quickly lowered his head, a hint of doubt flashing through his mind: Why do I feel a sense of familiarity about this Konoha genin... Is it just my imagination?
Ita-suke glanced again at Karin and Hinata, who were still waging a silent "war" with their eyes, shook his head helplessly, turned around and left Tazuna's house, hurrying towards the bridge.

Before long, Itada arrived at the head of the Wave Country Bridge.

Tazner and a dozen workers were gathered at the end of the bridge closer to the land, their faces filled with fear and unease as they gazed at the thick, impenetrable white fog in the middle of the bridge.

From time to time, the crisp sound of metal clashing, the booming of ninjutsu colliding, and the faint shouts could be heard from within the mist.

The arrival of Ita-suke made the already tense workers even more agitated, and they all looked at this strange ninja carrying a huge ninja sword with wary and fearful eyes.

Ita's gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Tazuna, who seemed to be the leader. He tried to keep his tone calm: "Excuse me, which one of you is Mr. Tazuna?"

Tazner hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward, his face showing weariness and wariness: "I am Taz, and you are..."

He felt that this tall, silver-haired ninja had a very special aura. He didn't have the aloofness of a Konoha ninja, nor did he have the naked killing intent of the previous attackers. Instead, he seemed a bit like a neighbor who had come to help.

"I am Ita-suke, a ninja from the Land of Stars." Ita-suke introduced himself simply: "I came here at the request of Yuto to see if there is anything I can help with."

He mentioned Yuto's name.

"Yudou?" Tazuna and the surrounding workers looked surprised, and then began to whisper among themselves.

"Is it the You Dou who was with Keisha?"

"Didn't he escape to the Star Kingdom? Why is he back?"

"They even brought ninjas from the Land of Stars? Did they find a backer?"

……

In any case, having one more ninja helper always gives us a glimmer of hope.

Tazuna pointed to the thick fog and said worriedly, "Mr. Itada, a very fierce ninja just tried to kill me, but thankfully Mr. Kakashi from Konoha, whom I hired, stopped him. They are fighting fiercely in the fog now, and then two more Konoha ninjas went in. We don't know the specifics..."

Ita-suke nodded, indicating that he understood, after all, Tazuna was just an ordinary person.

He looked up at the thick fog and immediately deduced that it was the Hidden Mist Village's signature ninjutsu, the "Hidden Mist Technique." He could also sense the intense chakra fluctuations emanating from it, indicating a battle at least at the Jonin level.

With a clang, Itada Suke drew the massive guillotine from his back, the heavy blade slicing through the air with a low hum.

"I'll go in and take a look. You all retreat to a safer place." He said to Dazner and the workers, then moved like a cheetah, rushing into the thick fog where no one could see their own hand in front of their face, his figure instantly swallowed up.

[Image: Karin Uzumaki]

(End of this chapter)