Among those left, even the laziest of the bunch, Shikamaru, attended the gathering. His emotional and intellectual intelligence was off the charts, so he knew when to show up. Plus, as Chōji's best friend—and Chōji was the one most eager to go—Shikamaru naturally tagged along.
As for whether Naruto could afford to host so many people? That wasn't an issue at all.
Naruto was still Naruto, but in this life, he carried the halo of being the son of the Fourth Hokage.
Minato and Kushina's inheritance was a substantial sum of money.
This expense was nothing to him.
Besides, even though Naruto was still carefree, passionate, and hot-blooded like in the original timeline, his upbringing had made him a bit more mature. He wasn't the type to throw money away recklessly.
To him, celebrating with friends was a perfectly reasonable expense.
While Naruto led most of the class to the BBQ restaurant to celebrate their graduation, Menma headed to his usual training ground in the forest. After completing his daily routine, he leisurely made his way back home.
Next up was the official start of the original plot!
He needed to plan carefully. The Chūnin Exams were only a few months away. Before that, he had to make all necessary preparations.
However...
"Surprises" and "accidents" always arrived when least expected.
That night.
Just as Menma finished washing up and was about to go to bed...
A familiar chakra signature suddenly appeared within his sensory range not far away.
Menma paused, slightly stunned. A thought popped into his head: Could it be...?
Knock, knock, knock!
The owner of that chakra signature arrived at his door and knocked gently.
Huh? Coming to see me at this hour? Is the plot inertia really this strong?
Menma muttered to himself, then walked quietly to the entryway.
He opened the door.
"Eh? Mizuki-sensei? Why are you here so late? Is something wrong?"
Although he knew exactly what this guy was up to, Menma put on a surprised expression. He looked at Mizuki, who was wearing a clearly fabricated smile.
"Heh heh, of course, it's something urgent. It's about the graduates. Because the rules this year are a bit special, the top ten students—especially the number one student—will receive special treatment, like better team assignments. Now, Menma-kun, since some students' performances in the morning exam were very close to yours, the school has consulted Lord Hokage and added an extra test. Only those who pass this can be considered the most outstanding graduates and receive the special treatment! Of course, it's up to you. What do you think, Menma-kun? Do you want to take the test?"
Mizuki looked at Menma with a beaming smile.
His speech was full of holes.
Any adult with normal intelligence and a bit of experience would see through such a clumsy lie instantly.
But Mizuki seemed 100% confident that Menma would buy it.
After all, in Mizuki's mind, these were just sheltered little brats who knew nothing of the world.
He had been their teacher for six years. Mizuki had every reason to believe Menma would trust his words.
As for whether Menma would participate?
Heh. What teenager didn't care about honor and glory?
Why else would Menma strive for first place in every single exam, theory or practical, for the last six years?
It was clearly a boy's competitive spirit at work.
Mizuki wasn't worried at all about Menma not taking the bait.
"Top ten? And special rewards?"
Just as Mizuki expected.
As soon as he finished speaking, Menma's eyes lit up. He spoke in a low voice, sounding eager to try.
Over the past six years, although Menma hadn't tried too hard, his outward persona was that of a perfectionist who aimed for first place in everything.
In reality, Menma had crushed his peers every single time, achieving the best results. To the outside world, this looked like the introverted Menma seeking validation through achievement.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi thought so.
After all, Menma had once told him to his face that he wanted to be a "great ninja."
Combined with his personal circumstances as an orphan and Jinchūriki, wasn't this the perfect motivation?
Mizuki naturally assumed Menma would jump at the chance for a "special exam." Plus, he was an Academy teacher—someone the students respected just as much as Iruka!
Mizuki had plenty of reasons to believe Menma wouldn't suspect him.
The minor villain had no idea that everything Menma was showing him right now was just an act.
"Can I ask what the exam is first, Mizuki-sensei?"
Menma took a deep breath and looked at Mizuki with a serious expression.
"Of course! The content is simple. It's a standard ninja mission: retrieving classified documents. The target is a scroll called the Scroll of Seals. It records some of our village's advanced ninjutsu. It's often used as a mission item and a reward! Your test is to retrieve this item from a specific location within two hours!"
Mizuki smiled slightly.
He deliberately altered key details and used enticing language to sweeten the deal.
"The Scroll of Seals? A reward? Does that mean...?"
Menma looked at Mizuki with a hint of delight in his eyes.
"Exactly what you're thinking. After you successfully retrieve the Scroll of Seals, you can learn the jutsu recorded in it. You can choose up to three! How about it? The reward is rich enough, right? The ninjutsu in there are all B-rank or higher!"
Mizuki's smile widened, his tone sounding more and more like a weasel luring a chick.
Top ten ranking!
A chance to learn B-rank ninjutsu!
Heh heh... I don't believe you won't fall for this!
Mizuki thought smugly to himself.
And sure enough.
As soon as he finished his pitch...
"I agree to take the test, Mizuki-sensei! Please tell me the details!"
Menma didn't hesitate. He looked up at Mizuki with a determined expression.
"Heh heh, I knew you would, Menma-kun. Here are the details, including the location of the target item and the final checkpoint you need to reach. Iruka-sensei and I will be waiting for you at the checkpoint. Good luck, Menma-kun!"
Mizuki handed a pre-prepared scroll to Menma, finishing with a smile.
Watching Menma take the scroll with a confident look, Mizuki turned and leaped away.
He left with a heart full of glee.