Twin Devils of Konoha

Chapter 1

The apartment was quiet. Naruto was nowhere to be seen. Menma sat on the floor, eyes closed, lost in thought. The room was sparse, bare walls, minimal furniture. Nothing unnecessary. 

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. He already knew who it was. 

"Come in." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped inside, holding a long, cloth-wrapped object. He met Menma's cold gaze and placed the bundle on the table. 

"A gift," Hiruzen said. 

Menma unwrapped it, revealing a finely crafted katana. The hilt was black and red, the blade gleaming even in the light. He ran his fingers along the edge. Sharp. Perfect. 

"Thank you Hokage-Sama," Menma said, his voice neutral. Then, without hesitation, he asked, "Have you reconsidered my request?" 

Hiruzen sighed. "No." 

Menma's grip on the sword tightened. "Why not?" 

"Menma, you're talented, but you're still young, too young for the world of darkness." 

"I don't care about that!" Menma snapped, standing up. "I want more power!" 

Hiruzen studied him for a long moment before speaking. "I once knew someone obsessed with power." 

Menma scoffed. "Skip the details. Just tell me the moral of the story." 

Hiruzen's expression darkened. "That man committed heinous crimes, sacrificed innocents, ruined lives, all in pursuit of strength." He turned toward the door, pausing before leaving. "Strength without a purpose is nothing but destruction." 

Menma said nothing. 

"If you seek power to protect Naruto, I will understand. But if it is only for your own desires, I will not help you grow." 

With that, Hiruzen left, leaving Menma alone with his thoughts, and his new blade. 

--- 

It didn't take Menma long to master the way of the sword. He trained relentlessly, pushing his body and mind to the limits. The blade became an extension of himself, quick, decisive, lethal. 

Months passed.

At the apartment, Naruto sat across from Hiruzen, his usual carefree demeanor slightly subdued. 

"Old man… do you know who my parents were?" 

Hiruzen hesitated. He had expected this question. He had prepared for it. He would not tell Naruto the full truth, not yet, but he could at least ease the boy's mind. 

"They did not abandon you," Hiruzen said. "Your mother… she was a kind but fierce woman. She didn't take nonsense from anyone." 

Naruto grinned. "Sounds like someone I'd get along with." 

Hiruzen chuckled. "Your father was a genius, like Menma. But unlike your brother, he was a warm person, deeply loyal to his comrades." He looked at Naruto, his expression softening. "They were excited to meet you… both of you. I can't imagine the pain they felt having to say goodbye." 

Outside, just beyond the door, Menma listened in silence. 

And then, memories, fragments, whispers of a fading past. 

His mother's voice. We love you.

His father's words. Protect each other.

The images faded, leaving only silence. 

Menma turned and walked away. 

--- 

A Dangerous Encounter

Naruto trained alone in a secluded clearing. Although he often portrayed himself as a carefree slacker, he secretly pushed himself to grow stronger. He had a gut feeling instinct, that Menma was walking a dangerous path. If it came down to it, he needed to be strong enough to stop him. 

His fists ached. His muscles burned. He wiped the sweat from his brow. 

"Training alone isn't sufficient." 

Naruto spun around. 

A tall man stood at the edge of the clearing. Long black hair. Emotionless dark eyes. His presence sent a chill down Naruto's spine. 

This guy… looks like a total psycho.

The man chuckled, as if reading Naruto's thoughts. "You shouldn't judge by appearances." 

He stepped forward. "Pardon my manners. My name is Illumi. And you are?" 

Naruto hesitated, then said, "Naruto Uzumaki." 

Illumi nodded. "Would you like some help?" 

Naruto eyed him warily. "…You want to train me?" 

"Yes." 

Despite his instincts screaming at him, Naruto agreed. 

The sparring began with simple exchanges, punches, dodges, counters. But soon, it escalated. 

Illumi hit hard. Naruto coughed up spit. 

"You good to continue?" Illumi asked. 

Naruto wiped his mouth and nodded. He charged forward, throwing a punch. 

Illumi dodged. Then, without warning, he struck. 

Pain. 

Naruto gasped, stumbling back. Illumi withdrew his hand, revealing long, sharp nails, stained red with Naruto's blood. 

Naruto's instincts flared. I knew it!

He turned to run. 

Illumi chuckled. "The thrill of the hunt…" 

--- 

Menma sat on the rooftop of the apartment, sharpening his blade, when Kurama stirred within him. 

Your brother is in trouble.

Menma paused. "…Explain." 

I can feel his distress. And if he dies, my chakra within him dies as well. I will not take that risk.

Menma stood. "Lead the way." 

--- 

Naruto's body was covered in needles. 

The thin metal pins contorted his skin when he moved, restricting him. Worse, they disrupted his chakra flow. His body refused to obey him. 

Illumi stood over him, preparing to throw a final needle. 

Naruto gritted his teeth. "Why the hell are you trying to kill me?!" 

"It's nothing personal," Illumi said. "I was hired to kill you. Both you and your brother." 

He raised his hand. 

The needle flew. 

A metallic clang echoed as the needle was deflected midair. 

Naruto turned, a relieved smile forming. "Oh hey, Menma." 

Menma's eyes flicked to Naruto, then back to Illumi. His voice was cold. "You're pathetic. This is the price of weakness." 

Naruto scowled. "Not even a 'You okay, Naruto?' or 'I'm glad you're alive'?" He smirked despite the pain. "Can't you show a little affection?" 

Menma shrugged. 

His focus shifted. He stared directly at Illumi, his grip on his sword tightening. "State your name." 

The assassin's lips curled into a faint smile. "Illumi Zoldyck." 

Menma gave a curt nod. "With pleasantries exchanged… the fight begins."