Afterward, Menma made another trip to the ninja tool shop to replenish his stock of shuriken, kunai, and explosive tags. During this period, not only were missions consuming them, but the wear and tear from his daily training was also quite significant.
Thanks to his newfound wealth, Menma could afford to be a bit extravagant; otherwise, he really couldn't have sustained such expenses.
Of course, stocking up on more ninja tools was also in preparation for his upcoming plans. It was already summer. Although the original story didn't specify the exact date of the Chūnin Exams, it gave a rough timeline. Based on Menma's own estimation, it should be happening very soon—the deviation wouldn't exceed half a month. Necessary preparations needed to be put on the agenda.
I hope you don't disappoint me, Orochimaru-san.
Menma thought silently to himself.
All his plans were built upon the actions of this former Sannin.
The current Menma was more eager than anyone to see the "Konoha Crush" plan unfold.
Ideally, it should proceed as usual—or even better, more violently than in the original story. Only then could he leave the Hidden Leaf Village easily without worrying too much about pursuit.
"Hmm? This chakra signature?"
On his way back home, just before reaching a corner, Menma sensed several chakra signatures and heard slightly intense, noisy sounds. His footsteps paused, and a look of surprise appeared in his eyes.
"Could it be?"
As a thought surfaced in his mind, he instinctively quickened his pace.
Turning the corner.
The next second.
Seeing several familiar figures...
"So it really is them?"
Not only were his three familiar teammates there, but there were also three small figures hiding behind Naruto and Sakura. Most importantly, there were two figures with their backs to him. Although it was technically his "first time" seeing them...
Menma recognized their identities at a glance.
Kankurō and Temari!
The biological children of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and the older brother and sister of the One-Tail Jinchūriki, Gaara.
The moment he saw these two...
Menma was certain that the Chūnin Exams had arrived.
"Damn brat! You dare ambush me?! I'll teach you a lesson!"
Kankurō glared viciously at Sasuke, who was sitting expressionless on a tree branch. His right hand reached behind him, looking ready to attack right there.
"Kankurō!"
Seeing this, Temari's expression changed, and she immediately shouted sternly.
Startled awake by her voice, Kankurō showed a look of annoyance. Although he stopped his hand movements, he still glared viciously at Sasuke and Naruto.
Before Temari, Kankurō, or anyone else could say more...
Next came Gaara's grand entrance.
Just like in the original story, the scene unfolded, and the two groups eventually dispersed.
Menma remained hidden in the shadows to the side without emerging. The people below couldn't possibly sense his presence.
Only after everyone had left did Menma step out, unable to suppress the joy on his face.
Is it finally coming? The Chūnin Exams!!
Just moments ago, he was wondering how long it would be until the exams arrived. He hadn't expected the surprise to come so suddenly.
Since Gaara and his siblings were already in the Hidden Leaf Village...
It proved the Chūnin Exams were right before his eyes.
How could Menma not be excited? He had long ceased wanting to stay in this village filled with malice toward him. Twelve years. Twelve whole years.
I can finally leave this place!!
Menma took a deep breath, his fists clenching tightly in this moment.
The gradual arrival of participants from various ninja villages made the Hidden Leaf Village even livelier.
Even those in the village who weren't particularly sensitive to such things clearly realized that their village was about to host a lively grand event. Genin who had similar experiences, upon receiving clear notifications from their team leaders, began to gear up and prepare for the upcoming Chūnin Exams.
The next day, Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura received a summons from Kakashi.
Regarding this summons, Menma knew exactly what it was about, and the other three had their guesses.
After all, having just met the Sand siblings yesterday, they naturally had expectations regarding the Chūnin Exams.
As Team 7 gathered, the other three naturally noticed Menma's brand-new attire.
Sasuke didn't react much, just giving it a second glance.
"Menma-kun, you changed your clothes?"
Sakura, being the aesthetics-focused fangirl, was different. Previously, Menma's looks had been dragged down by his outfit, so Sakura hadn't paid much attention to his appearance.
Now, seeing a revitalized Menma who seemed to have had his seals released...
Sakura's eyes widened. Instinctively comparing Menma to Sasuke beside him, even Sakura, a staunch Sasuke supporter, had to admit in this moment that Menma in this outfit was in no way inferior to her beloved Sasuke.
And that fiery red hair draping over his shoulders was quite eye-catching.
"Yeah, the old outfit wasn't very stylish. Since I came into a bit of money recently, I decided to change my look."
Menma smiled faintly and replied.
"Mhm mhm mhm! The old clothes really weren't good-looking. They completely hid your charm, Menma-kun!"
Sakura nodded furiously like a chick pecking at rice.
If not for her last shred of reserve holding her back, Sakura probably would have started fangirling.
"Tsk tsk. You really look different like this, Menma. Much more handsome than before!"
Naruto gave a thumbs up and said with a laugh.
"Thanks."
"Hey, can you tell me which shop you bought your clothes from, Menma? I want to go take a look too..."
"Well, I had these custom-made."
"Eh? Really? Really?"
"It was at..."
Just as Naruto and Sakura were eagerly asking Menma about the details of his new clothes...
Whoosh.
To the left.
Kakashi's figure suddenly flashed into existence.
And this was a full five or six minutes before the agreed time. Seeing that Kakashi not only wasn't late today but had actually arrived early...
Everyone in Team 7 was stunned.
When Kakashi saw Menma's new attire, he also froze momentarily. Although the hair was red, not blond...
It had to be said that in that instant, in Kakashi's eyes, Menma's figure truly overlapped with the Fourth Hokage's for a split second.
After all, Naruto's face resembled Kushina more, while Menma bore a 30-40% resemblance to Minato.
This caused Kakashi to experience a rare moment of distraction.