Menma possessed an almost obsessive passion for studying the various bloodline limits of the shinobi world.
Even back in the Limited Tsukuyomi World, he had enjoyed collecting different kekkei genkai—analyzing their genetic structures in hopes of unraveling the mysteries of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
Everyone knew that any clan with special abilities in the current ninja world could trace their roots back to the Sage of Six Paths.
Famous examples like the Uchiha's Sharingan, the Hyūga's Byakugan, and the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku were all, in essence, weakened fragments of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's original powers.
But unlike Orochimaru and many other shinobi scientists who resorted to insane human experimentation, Menma—whether in the Limited Tsukuyomi World or now—had always maintained a strict personal boundary.
He refused to conduct live human experiments.
Part of it was because he couldn't fully accept that false world, and part of it was because he feared crossing a line from which there would be no return.
That inner struggle had lasted all the way until he launched the Fourth Shinobi World War against the Five Great Nations.
After robbing Orochimaru and raiding several of his secret laboratories, Menma came across research logs detailing experiments on the Iburi clan.
It reminded him of that minor clan from the original anime—one that appeared for only three episodes before being wiped out.
Their ability to turn into smoke was a bloodline power Menma had never encountered before, even in the Limited Tsukuyomi World.
And that alone sparked his interest.
It wasn't a malicious desire to collect specimens—but rather to recruit the clan, obtain small samples of blood and tissue, and study the unique "smoke transformation" ability.
"Lord Shura, these are the historical records of the Iburi clan. Everything we have is here."
Deep within the underground chamber, Gota led Menma into a small stone room and presented their meager collection of scrolls.
Though he still verbally insisted he couldn't believe Orochimaru had betrayed them, Gota had nonetheless accepted temporary cooperation with Menma—waiting to see the truth with his own eyes.
So when Menma asked to see their clan history, Gota didn't hesitate.
He simply handed everything over.
Looking at the pitifully small pile of scrolls, Menma quickly understood.
The Iburi clan had never placed much importance on history or tradition. Most knowledge was passed down orally.
And considering they struggled just to survive—constantly short on food, medicine, and basic necessities—preserving records was likely the least of their concerns.
Their ragged clothing and lack of tools spoke volumes.
Even Gota, the clan leader, didn't own a proper weapon—having fought Kakashi earlier using nothing more than a woodcutter's hatchet.
In the dim stone room, Menma brushed his fingers across dust-covered scrolls.
"I don't like owing people," he said suddenly, tossing a storage scroll back to Gota.
"There's enough food in there to feed a hundred people for a week."
"Food?" Gota's eyes lit up as he caught it with both hands. "Thank you."
Menma didn't reply. He simply opened another ancient scroll and immersed himself in the history of the Iburi clan.
For Menma, it was merely a standard emergency supply scroll—packed with long-lasting rations of mediocre taste.
But for the Iburi clan, this single gift could stretch their meals for a month or two if rationed carefully.
When Gota returned to distribute the food, he found Yamato locked in battle with a silver-haired masked ninja.
Other clan members were attempting to intervene as well.
"Are these Konoha pursuers?" Gota asked sharply before instantly turning into smoke and joining the fight.
In the Kakashi Anbu Arc, Gota's combination of taijutsu and smoke transformation had allowed him to fight Kakashi on nearly equal footing.
In fact, Kakashi had only won by luring him out of the windless cave—using natural gusts to disperse his smoke body, ultimately leading to Gota's death.
Now, Gota once again used his clan's signature technique—Smoke Suffocation—invading Kakashi's body through his nose.
Still engaged in swordplay against Yamato, Kakashi suddenly felt as if his organs were being roasted from the inside.
"AAAAHHHH!"
He dropped his weapon and clutched his chest, writhing in agony.
"Stop!" Yamato shouted, quickly forming seals. "Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!"
Wooden barriers sprang up around Kakashi, forcing Gota to withdraw.
"Why did you save him?!" Gota demanded angrily after reverting to human form.
"He's a Konoha ninja," Yamato quickly improvised. "He can't die yet. I might be able to interrogate him for information about the pursuers—and Orochimaru."
He bound Kakashi with wooden restraints, pretending to prepare for questioning.
Gota hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. I'll report to that man."
With that, he turned and left, passing the food scroll to one of the clan women.
Once alone, Yamato let out a breath of relief and approached Kakashi.
"Sorry… this was the only way to keep you alive."
Still trembling from the internal burning pain, Kakashi looked up at him.
Yamato had once been sent to assassinate the Third Hokage and was defeated by Kakashi—but spared because Kakashi recognized the value of Wood Release.
Now, Yamato had returned the favor.
"Who are they?" Kakashi asked weakly. "And who is this 'Lord' they mentioned… Orochimaru?"
Yamato shook his head.
"Orochimaru hasn't arrived yet. The one here is… Shura."
"Shura is after the Iburi clan's kekkei genkai. He's waiting for Orochimaru."
"Shura…" Kakashi murmured.
The image of that white three-eyed fox mask flashed through his mind—the figure who had crushed the Hyūga clan and terrorized the Cloud Village.
A man of terrifying strength.
But how had he known Orochimaru would come here?
"Tenzo!"
At that moment, Yukimi rushed back in.
"And she is…?" Kakashi asked, glancing between her and Yamato.
"Her name is Yukimi. She's the only child left in the Iburi clan. The others… were taken by Orochimaru for experiments."
"Taken for experiments…" Kakashi didn't need further explanation.
Yukimi, still unaware of the full truth, looked worriedly at Yamato.
"I'll help you both escape. If Lord Shura finds out, you'll be in danger."
Even beneath his mask, Kakashi's expression softened.
This bright, kind-hearted girl—who had grown up in darkness yet remained gentle—reminded him painfully of someone he'd lost long ago.
Rin.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/ZoroTL442