Avengers of the Whirlpool Family.

Chapter 28 Return
That firm look and soft tone.

Ordinary people would think that this is a trustworthy person, not to mention that Menma possesses the most orthodox Uzumaki bloodline, a huge perception power, coupled with the Nine-Tails' unique ability to perceive malice, and the Kagura Mind's Eye, which is far more special than his mother Uzumaki Kushina and Uzumaki Karin. Karin can even sense the coldness and warmth of chakra.

At this moment, Menma could easily sense Iruka's incomparably sincere heart.

He didn't deceive himself!
In that moment.

Menma didn't know whether he was simply feeling happy or if he was feeling some other emotion.

But at least I felt a sense of relief.

It may sound a bit hypocritical, even a little bit artificial to say this, but Menma still cannot completely ignore the kindness of others. He was really just an ordinary person in his previous life.

Menma will not repay evil with kindness, but it is even more impossible for him to repay kindness with evil.

Repay kindness with kindness, repay hatred with kindness!
This is the life creed that Menma has always adhered to.

Even for Iruka, this might not be considered as "morality".

Looking at Menma who remained silent for a long time.

This also made Iruka's inner uneasiness gradually grow, and just when Iruka thought that things were going to go wrong.

"Well, I believe you, Mr. Iruka. If even you are not worthy of trust, then perhaps no one is worthy of trust!"

After taking a deep breath, Menma looked at Iruka with an extremely serious expression and said so.

When hearing Menma's words.

It wasn't just Iruka.

Even Sarutobi Hiruzen, who once thought that he would not have to be dispatched immediately, breathed a sigh of relief at this moment.

The Third Hokage also appreciated and recognized Iruka more and more from the bottom of his heart.

He also felt in his heart that handing Menma over to Iruka was the right thing to do. From now on, as long as he used Iruka and himself as a fulcrum to help Menma gain recognition and closeness from more people, Menma would definitely become the hero of the Hidden Leaf Village as he wanted to see!
This has always been Sarutobi Hiruzen's wish!
Iruka also smiled and nodded slightly. After seeing that Menma had obviously relaxed, he also walked lightly to Menma's side.

"Now tell the teacher what happened, Menma!"

"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"

Menma nodded, and after organizing his thoughts, he narrated the whole story from beginning to end in plain words.

He even told her about how he opened and read the sealed book.

Anyway, all of this is under the surveillance of Sarutobi Hiruzen, so it's completely OK!
As Iruka listened, his expression kept changing. He really didn't expect that Mizuki would be the one to stir up the matter.

If we think from the most normal perspective, without considering any unexpected factors, most people would not believe what Menma said.

But at this moment, Iruka was willing to believe what Menma said both intellectually and emotionally.

This is not just because of the commitment mentioned earlier.

It is also Iruka's own subjective judgment after living with Menma for so many years.

He didn't think so, and he didn't believe that Menma would be such a bad boy!

"Well, I believe what you said, Menma, but this time the matter is indeed a bit too much. Take Mizuki with you, and let's go back and report to the Third Generation. Don't worry, I believe that the Third Generation will believe you!"

Iruka said this after taking a deep breath.

As if to make his words more credible and to calm Menma down, he patted his shoulder with a little force.

"Well, I believe in the third generation grandfather too!"

Menma raised his head and said seriously.

Following from that.

Iruka and Menma, one with Mizuki and the other carrying the Book of Seals, left the forest far away from the core area of ​​the village and flew back towards the direction of the Hokage Building.

Under the crystal.

After seeing this scene and hearing Menma's words, Sarutobi Hiruzen's old face revealed a faint and gentle smile.

Years of getting along.

Isn't this the kind of relationship he's looking for?

Menma had completely met his expectations, and he passed this last little test perfectly!

"Minato, your children have really grown up. Whether it's Naruto or Menma, they will definitely become staunch defenders of the Will of Fire like you in the future! !"

Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a breath and thought silently in his heart.

On the other side, Iruka and Menma, who were rushing back, were just approaching the Hokage Building.

Two people in standard ANBU uniforms appeared near Iruka and Menma.

Iruka was suddenly startled.

But before Iruka could say anything.

"Leave the traitor Mizuki to us. The Hokage is already waiting for you inside!"

The Anbu on the left spoke in a hoarse tone.

This is clearly a direct and qualitative statement.

Not to mention Menma who already knew everything.

Iruka's reaction was fast enough, and when he heard the words "traitor Mizuki", his previously tense heartstrings suddenly relaxed.

Mizuki has been defined as a rebel ninja.

Then everything that follows is very simple. Although Iruka is a little concerned about why the village reacted so quickly, he is still very clear about what his duty is. Many times and in many things, pretending to be confused is the right approach.

Iruka is no longer the green rookie who just graduated from the ninja school.

"Let's go, Menma!"

After handing Mizuki over to the opposing Anbu.

Iruka also smiled and spoke to Menma beside him in the gentlest tone.

It seems that this method can relieve Menma's nervousness.

But in fact.

All of Menma's expressions are mostly fake.

There was no ripple in his heart at all.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was under surveillance throughout the entire process, and none of the Anbu behind him took any action. This can completely explain Sarutobi Hiruzen's attitude, and there is also the plot in the original work for reference, unless something unexpected really happened.

Otherwise, Menma doesn't need to worry about anything.

"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"

I can only say that Menma's acting skills are really getting better now.

The two of them walked straight into the Hokage Building and walked up the stairs to the most special office on the top floor.

There was a gentle knock on the door.

"Come in!"

After Sarutobi Hiruzen's slightly low voice was heard inside.

Iruka also pushed open the door carefully.

After entering with Menma.

Just as Iruka was about to kneel down on one knee with Menma to salute.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and waved his hand to stop the two men.

"Okay, there's no need to be so reserved, Iruka. The same goes for you, Menma. I already know everything that happened just now. It's not your fault, Menma, and you have made a contribution, so there's no need to worry!"

Then he said with a gentle smile.

(End of this chapter)