NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Powerful plot inertia
Chapter
22: Powerful Plot Inertia
Even the laziest Shikamaru attended
Naruto's graduation celebration. With his maxed-out IQ and EQ, and considering
Choji's eagerness to join, Shikamaru had to be there as his best friend.
Naruto, now with the halo of being the son of a hero, the Fourth Hokage, had no
trouble handling the crowd. The inheritance from Minato and Kushina ensured he
didn't need to worry about expenses.
Although Naruto's personality
remained carefree and passionate, his different circumstances made him slightly
more mature. He wasn't reckless with money and considered this celebration a
reasonable expense. As Naruto led most of the class to a barbecue restaurant,
Menma went to his familiar training ground. After completing his daily training
tasks, he staggered back home.
Next on Menma's agenda was the
official arrival of the original plot. He needed to plan meticulously. With the
Chunin Exam just a few months away, he had to make all necessary preparations.
However, surprises and accidents
often come unexpectedly.
On this night, just as Menma
finished washing and was about to go to bed, he sensed a familiar chakra
presence within his range. Startled, he wondered, 'Could it be?'
"Dong Dong Dong!" The
owner of the chakra knocked gently on Menma's door.
'Huh? Coming to me at this time? Is
the inertia of the plot really so strong?' Menma murmured to himself as he
walked to the entrance and opened the door.
"Eh? Mizuki sensei , why are
you here so late? Is there something wrong?" Menma feigned surprise,
knowing Mizuki came with ill intentions.
"Hehe, of course, there is an
urgent matter. It is about you graduates. This year's regulations are special.
The top ten graduates, especially the first candidate, will receive special
treatment, including class division. Some students, including you, performed
very similarly in the morning assessment. Therefore, after consulting with the
Hokage, the school added an additional assessment. Only those who pass it can
be considered the best graduates and receive preferential treatment. How about
it? Menma, do you want to take the assessment?" Mizuki said, smiling.
A speech full of mistakes and
omissions that no experienced adult would believe, but Mizuki was certain Menma
would fall for it. In Mizuki's eyes, these were just a bunch of inexperienced
kids.
He had taught them for six years and
believed Menma would trust his words. Mizuki assumed Menma's competitiveness
would drive him to participate.
"Top ten? And there are special
rewards and preferential treatment?" Menma's eyes brightened as he
whispered eagerly.
For the past six years, Menma had
always shown a strong desire to excel in every assessment. To many, it seemed
like a quest for recognition. Sarutobi Hiruzen thought so too, believing
Menma's drive stemmed from a desire to be a great ninja.
Mizuki naturally believed Menma
would participate in such a special test. As a teacher respected by students,
he was confident Menma wouldn't doubt him.
"Can I ask what the test is
first, Mizuki sensei ?" Menma asked cautiously.
"Of course. The assessment is
simple. It is a regular ninja task—stealing confidential elements. The target
is a scroll called the Scroll of frobidden jutsu's (封印の書, Fūin no Sho). This scroll records
advanced ninjutsu in our village. Your task is to obtain it within two
hours," Mizuki explained, tampering with important details and using
tempting language.
"Forbidden scroll?
Reward?" Menma asked, his pupils hinting at joy.
"Yes. After you successfully
obtain this book, you can learn the spells recorded on it. You can choose
three. How about it? This reward is rich enough. There are all ninjutsu above
Class B," Mizuki said, sounding like a deceitful weasel.
Assessment of the top ten!
Opportunities to learn ninjutsu above Class B! Mizuki thought proudly, 'Humph,
I don't believe you won't fall into the trap!'
As expected, when he finished, Menma
responded firmly, "I agree to take part in the assessment, Mizuki sensei .
Please tell me the details of the task!"
"Haha, I knew Menma-kun would
participate. This is the detailed content of the assessment. It includes the
target's location and the final assessment point. Teacher Iruka and I will be
at the assessment point. Looking forward to your arrival, Menma-kun. Good
luck!" Mizuki handed a prepared scroll to Menma and left joyfully.