The afternoon summer sun hung high above the Academy yard, bathing the training grounds in a warm golden glow. The air buzzed with energy as students gathered around the sparring circle.
Iruka stood at the edge with his clipboard, watching attentively. In the center of the ring stood Menma Uzumaki and Kiba Inuzuka.
"Begin!" Iruka called.
Kiba lunged immediately. He came forward with a flurry of punches, moving aggressively. His strikes were fast and energetic, driven by raw instinct rather than polished technique.
Menma didn't move at first. Then when Kiba's attacks got close his body flowed. He leaned slightly to the side as Kiba's fist passed inches from his face.
Then another punch came, and Menma stepped back, barely shifting his weight. Kiba followed up with a sweeping kick.
Menma ducked under it smoothly.
The watching students murmured.
"Whoa…"
"It looks like he's not even trying…"
Naruto murmured. " It's Menma, someone like Kiba doesn't stand a chance."
Kiba gritted his teeth, irritation rising. "Stop dodging and fight me!" he barked.
Menma said nothing. His face was calm and expressionless. He simply continued weaving through Kiba's attacks with calm precision.Inside his mind, however, he wasn't even thinking about the fight.
I wonder how I'm gonna find Sun's items he thought…The Ruyi Jingu Bang. His gourd and armor. Finding them would take alot of time. Information. Influence, and probably alot of money. Not to mention the heavenly court might be a problem. There's no telling how powerful and different they might be to their original counterparts.
Menma knew this meant one thing. He need to form alliances. Menma ducked another punch automatically.
He started thinking again. If I can get on the Land of Waves mission… That way I can meet Zabuza and Haku.
Those two are good potential allies. One of the seven swordsman of the mist. Zabuza has the potential to be a high level Jonin, more then he already was in the original story. Not to mention Haku is a prodigy-level shinobi with immense, Kage-level potential, and a rare Ice Release Kekkei Genkai.
And If Gato is removed, they won't need to be my enemies, not to mention it would help the Land of Waves village.
Kibe sent another kick that swept toward him. Menma stepped aside.
And then there's Orochimaru… If I'm going to change the future, I'll need him but I need him to see me as an equal. But for that to happen I need him to take me seriously. On paper it was surprisingly easy to get him to work with me. I just need to tell him about the White Zetsu bodies to help him gain his immortality. Which will save time since I will need his help fighting the Akatsuki anyway. But getting him to trust me is whole other issue's.
Then there was Karin… Suddenly Menma focused back to the sparring match. Just as Kiba's fist appeared directly in front of his face.
Menma's instincts snapped him back to the present, and his body reacted instantly. He slipped inside Kiba's guard, pivoted his hips, and grabbed Kiba's arm and in a smooth motion. He turned the momentum into an over shoulder throw.
Kiba slammed onto the dirt with a heavy thud.
The crowd gasped.
Menma stood calmly above Kiba, his expression completely stoic.
Iruka raised his hand. "Match over! Winner Menma."
Kiba sat up, scowling. "That move was crazy," he muttered while dusting himself off. "But I won't lose next time."
Menma simply bowed slightly. "Thank you for the match." But his mind was already elsewhere again.
The two then completed the seal of reconciliation. That's when Iruka suddenly stiffened. His eyes moved toward the Academy gate.
"Oh!" He noticed Fugaku approaching and quickly bowed. "Lord Hokage!"
Every student immediately turned. Standing at the entrance was the Fifth Hokage. The entire class straightened instantly and bowed.
Sasuke blinked with a small smile. "Father"
Fugaku nodded calmly. "Hello, everyone. I hope you are well and training diligently."
Then his gaze shifted across the yard. It landed on Menma. "Iruka."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
"I need Menma for a moment."
Iruka and the rest of the class blinked while looking at Menma.
I was just as surprised as them. Then Naruto leaned toward Menma. "Did you get caught doing something bad?"
Sasuke crossed his arms.
"You're not in trouble… right?"
Menma shrugged slightly.
"I don't think so and unlike you Naruto I know how not to get caught."
"Whatever." Naruto said sticking out his tongue
Iruka gestured. "Menma, follow the Hokage, and make sure to be on your best behavior."
Menma walked over and bowed respectfully. "Hello, Lord Hokage. How may I help you?"
Fugaku just stared at Menma. "I need to discuss something with you in private. Don't worry, you aren't in trouble."
That only made the students more curious. Ino, Sakura, Shikamaru, and Hinata gathered near Sasuke.
"Do you know why your dad want's Menma?" Sakura whispered.
Sasuke shook his head. " No, but I did hear my parents talking about Menma last night."
"What about?" Ino asked.
"They said he might become a ninja earlier than expected."
Everyone's eyes widened. "What?!"
Naruto looked stunned. "No way! He's only six and we barely started the academy last year.!"
Sasuke shrugged. " I heard It happens sometimes." He continued calmly.
"My big brother Itachi graduated at seven, and he was only at the academy for a year. All three of the legendary Sannin graduated at six. And the White Fangs son Kakashi Hatake graduated at five too. Plus a few more people. I heard some were mostly due to it being because of the war. But the first ones were definitely due to talent." Sasuke said with his hand balling into a fist.
Naruto stared at his tiny hand. "Big brother Kakashi… and Pervy Grandpa…" His eyes then filled with determination. "I need to catch up if I'm gonna surpass him."
Meanwhile
Fugaku and Menma entered a empty classroom inside the Academy building. Inside stood Shisui Uchiha, who waved casually.
"Hey, Menma."
Menma bowed. "Hello, Shisui-sensei. What are you doing here?"
Shisui leaned against a desk. " Always so formal. You know you can lighten up a little bit. I said I would help you no matter what." Shisui said." And I'm here to ask you something along with the Lord Hokage."
He gestured toward Fugaku. "And the Hokage is here to witness your answer."
Menma's mind sharpened immediately. This must be important, do they need me to help with another political situation or ask about a upcoming conflict? But I don't remember any major events happening now…
Shisui folded his arms. "Menma. Do you want to graduate from the Academy early?"
Menma blinked. For the first time in a long while, he was genuinely surprised. "…I'm sorry," Menma said slowly. "Did you ask if I want to graduate early?"
"I did," Shisui replied.
Menma frowned slightly. "But it hasn't even been a full year since I started the Academy."
Fugaku spoke. " While that is true. Your grades and abilities already exceed the academy student and easily place you in the genin level."
Menma remained silent. This is crazy. I mean I don't completely disagree with that statement, but I don't believe I am anywhere near ready for field missions. They probably been having me watched. Which makes sense I'm still the nine tails Jinchuriki.
Fugaku continued calmly. "You trained long before joining the Academy, and have displayed a mind beyond your years, and you already possess multiple high-level techniques. Now what you need now is field experience."
Menma's thoughts raced. So they know that much. I need to be more careful in the future when training. Let's see if I graduate early I would have more time to train, would be placed on missions alot earlier, but I wouldn't be on the same team as Naruto.
I would also be more visible to the Akatsuki. But I would also have a way to search for Sun's items. Either way things would get more dangerous. Black Zetsu would have already noticed the changes to his plans, so I have no idea what he would plan next. I need to be alot older.
My jutsu's are ok. But their not refined either. I can use them but I haven't truly made them my own yet. I haven't even developed my own signature techniques.
"Would I be assigned to a genin squad?" Menma asked.
Fugaku shook his head. "Not immediately. You would train directly under selected shinobi. When you are older, you would begin taking missions but mostly shadowing that shinobi. Then you will be placed on a new rookie team until the Chunin exams. Until then, you would report to Shisui and another instructor."
He paused. "So, Menma… what do you say?"
Menma thought quietly. Graduating early has it's pro's and con's, but it would also isolate him from the others.
Naruto, Sasuke And the other future Konoha Twelve.
I need to make bonds with them and push them to grow stronger even if it's just by a little before we are all genin. But the most important thing I need is their trust.
My answer became clear at that point.
Menma bowed respectfully. " Shisui-sensei. Lord Hokage… I am honored and grateful for this consideration, but I would like to remain at the Academy. But I would gladly accept any additional training."
Fugaku studied him for a moment. Then looked to Shisui who nodded. "I understand Menma, then you shall remain at the academy."
Shisui smiled slightly. "Alright, Menma. After Academy hours, report to the Konoha Police headquarters. I will have your assigned instructor waiting for you."
Menma bowed. "Yes, Sensei."
Sometime later
Menma returned to the yard. Naruto and the others immediately surrounded him.
"What happened?!" Naruto asked.
Menma explained the offer to graduate. Except for a few details. One being he did not mention the special training.
Naruto's jaw dropped. "You turned it down?!"
Sasuke looked shocked. " Yeah why would you do that. You could've graduated early."
Ino crossed her arms. " Yeah you could be a genin, and out of here."
Menma smiled faintly. "The world outside the academy is harsh. We should enjoy being kids while we can."
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow. "That sounds exactly like something my dad says. What are you an old man now?"
Naruto laughed. "Pervy Grandpa said something like that too!"
Hinata spoke softly. " Menma...I'm glad you're staying."
Menma smiled gently at her. "Same here Hinata."
But from the back of the group. Several students glared at Menma. Their eyes carried the same hatred as always.
Later that afternoon
Menma arrived at the Military Police headquarters. He stepped inside and bowed politely to the shinobi inside.
One of them pointed down a hallway. "Go ahead Menma. Shisui is in his office."
Menma nodded. 'Thank you"
When I opened the door I saw Shisui was there. But he wasn't alone. A woman leaned casually against the wall. She had pale skin, light brown pupil-less eyes, and dark violet hair tied into a spiky ponytail. She wore a mesh bodysuit beneath a tan coat.
And In one hand she held dango. She took a bite while looking Menma over with sharp curiosity.
Menma recognized her immediately.
Anko Mitarashi.
Shisui grinned. "Perfect timing Menma" He gestured toward her.
"Menma, meet your new instructor."
Anko turned fully toward him mouth chewing on one of the dango dumplings. Then she flashed a bright, mischievous smile. "So you're Menma Uzumaki. Nice to meet you, kid."