The Phony War

A month came and went, as Konoha's preparations for the war became close to the only thing anybody ever talked about.

With the news of the alliance between Kumo and Iwa announced to the public by the Hokage around a week after Mizuki was notified by his sensei, the conflict had officially begun.

For now, there was a noticeable little amount of fighting taking place.

All five of the great nations were preparing their militaries and gathering the resources needed to wage this war.

In the interim, both sides set up fortifications along the borders of the smaller nations, who were all but threatened into allowing the great nations to set up bases there.

There was also record high amounts of espionage, with infiltration and sabotage currently being the main objectives of each nation.

. . . . .

Jonin: "Report"

Mizuki: "The mission was successful sir, we were able to safely and effectively complete the mission"

Jonin: "Excellent. Your reward will be eligible for collection in two days. In the interim, report to the mission center to receive your next task."

Mizuki: "Yes sir."

Mizuki then turned and left, making his way to the Mission center, pondering the events of the last month as he did so.

As he was still considered a relative "newbie", being part of the most recent generation of Chunin, Mizuki's responsibilities were noticeable lower risk, mainly involving preparation.

Most of the missions were C rank with the odd B rank mission being added in as well occasionally.

For the most part, Mizuki was still considered relatively fresh meat for the Chunin, being the "newbie", and never having seen actual conflict like the older shinobi have.

Despite this, Mizuki was slowly but surely shedding the stigma, as he gained respect from his fellow shinobi for doing his part and being efficient, not wasting anybody's time.

The tasks delegated to him and the weaker chunin were those such as guarding important political figures whenever they went out.

Or helping guard the workers who were building the fortifications set up in Kusa, which was predicted to become a major battleground on the Iwa front.

Jobs that were required, but none which involved any active roll in the war effort, as the village wanted to be prepared before commencing fighting on a large scale.

Meanwhile, there were also fortifications being set up along the area which would later be known as Otogakure.

Seeing this, Mizuki realized that the country most likely suffered great tragedy due to the war similar to Ame, allowing for Orochimaru to come and take advantage of the situation.

So far, the only fighting that had occurred was between Spies and their pursuers once they were ousted, along with some minor skirmishes in Kusa between scouting parties.

Although Mizuki had not been present for any of these, as those sorts of missions were reserved for those who were at least Tokebetsu Jonin level.

However, even with this, there were still rumors flying around of even more heinous actions taken by both nations.

Rumors which he wasn't inclined to disbelieve.

Assasination missions.

. . . . .

Mizuki ended his reflection, as he finally reached his destination.

Mizuki sighed to himself slightly before entering, thinking about how he had barely been back in Konoha for a couple of hours, only to be sent off so soon.

Sorting out his thoughts, Mizuki approached the building and knocked on the door.

Jonin: "Wait at the door"

Hearing this, Mizuki obliged and did so, facing the jonin, who had now opened the door, before giving his name and identification number as the man requested it.

He was then asked a series of questions about his personal life before, at last, being let in.

Most government buildings now had a stricter entry policy, as they feared spies and saboteurs trying to disrupt them.

In particular, the mission center was where information about requests being sent to them, previous missions, and current missions was stored.

In addition to who was on what mission currently, and an exclusive bingo book which contained information about their ninja in the event of defection.

In other words, somebody entering the mission center, and stealing the information stored there could be absolutely devastating for Konoha in the war.

Jonin: "I see that so far you have an excellent track record, hmm . . .Ok, you shall be given a B rank mission."

The jonin said those words as he was fumbling around a file cabinet, looking for missions which were needed to be completed.

Jonin: "This is going to be your first infiltration mission, and you will be joined by another two teammates, who you will meet up with tomorrow at the front gate at dawn, am I clear?"

Mizuki: "Yes"

Jonin: "Excellent, you can pick up the mission reward that you earned from the one you just completed here when you come back from this one."

Mizuki: "Ok, Thanks"

. . . . .

Upon being done with his report, Mizuki spent the rest of his free time eating the food that he missed and seeing if anybody else was available.

Unfortunately for Mizuki, pretty much everybody he knew was all out on varying missions, with none of them being inside the village.

Mizuki sighed slightly before approaching Ichiraku, intent on grabbing a bite to eat only to be surprised.

Sitting at one of the stands, was the prodigy Uchiha and newest member of the Anbu, Shisui Uchiha.

Mizuki quickly took the seat next to him before giving him a playful punch on the back.

Mizuki: "Hey Shisui, been a whilst"

The Uchiha boy nearly leaped out of his skin, surprised to be called out, only to see his friend sitting beside him, a carefree smile adorning his face.

Shisui: "Eh, fine I guess? Honestly, I'm just damn tired right now."

Mizuki: "Tell me about it, I just wanna sleep for like a week"

The two boys conversed back and forth about what had happened in the past month, Mizuki talking about some of the chunin he met and the hijinks that ensued, wheres Shisui chatted about how he had learned a lot in Anbu, and how the atmosphere was miserable.

Eventually, dinner drew to a close, and Mizuki ended up covering for the both of them, stating that it was just the nice thing to do.

However, just as he was about to leave, Shisui called out to him.

Shisui: "And Mizuki?"

Mizuki: "Hm, yah?"

Shisui: "You said that your next mission is in Kusa, yes?"

Mizuki: "Yup"

A look of seriousness appeared in Shisui's eyes.

Shisui: "A piece of advice, try to get in and out as fast as you can."

Saying those words, Shisui body flickered away, although to where Mizuki did not know.