Chapter 106: Who is Ren Mizutani?

Ren spun around suddenly, trying to spot whoever was watching him. But there was no one. He stood still for a moment, his gaze still wary, before shaking his head. Yet I was sure I sensed someone, he thought, straightening up. With a determined sigh, he started walking toward home.

He walked in silence, his thoughts drifting between the challenges he had just overcome during the exam and the growing weight of his daily responsibilities.

Shibuki's appearance was unexpected; I never saw that coming. But neutralizing that Tokinaga was almost too simple. Why didn't the Anbu intervene right away? Were they trying to push us into a dangerous situation? Or maybe they're looking for a replacement among the Seven Swordsmen?

Then, turning a corner, he spotted a familiar figure. Kurara was waiting for him, leaning against the wall of a narrow street, her presence calm and unchanging.

"Kurara?" Ren asked, surprised. It wasn't like her to look for him at such a late hour.

She raised her gaze, arms folded, wearing the usual impassive expression that defined her. "I wanted to say hello to Yuki," she said simply.

Ren let out a quiet sigh, allowing himself a small, relaxed smile. "Sure, come with me. She'll be happy to see you."

They began walking side by side, their long shadows blending into the thickening mist. Kurara remained silent, as she typically did, but Ren sensed a different energy around her—an undercurrent of concern that did not dare to show itself openly.

Is she still embarrassed about earlier? In any case, I'm glad she passed as well. Her chakra control is improving, though with great effort. But the fact that she can't perform any Jutsu still puzzles me.

When they reached the shop, Yuki, who was just finishing arranging some scrolls, opened the door with her usual warm smile. As soon as she saw Kurara, her face lit up even more. "Hi, Kurara, it's so good to see you," she said, moving in for a hug.

Kurara, for a moment, let her composure slip and returned the hug, resting her head on Yuki's shoulder. It was something they often did—a small habit that had formed over time. Yuki gently stroked her hair, a motherly gesture that Kurara accepted without protest.

"Everything's fine, don't worry," Yuki said reassuringly.

Then she turned to Ren, observing him with curiosity. "So, how did the exam go?"

Ren was about to speak, but Kurara beat him to it. "We passed," she said, then added quietly, "Ren finished first," her tone neutral but with a slight smile betraying her satisfaction.

"First?" Yuki repeated in surprise, a flash of pride crossing her eyes. She tried not to show it too much to avoid embarrassing him.

Ren immediately tried to play it down. "It wasn't anything special. I only did what had to be done."

But Kurara seemed to disagree. "One student had the Shibuki and caused us some trouble..." She trailed off, as though choosing her words carefully.

"Shibuki?" Yuki asked, confused, tilting her head to one side.

"Yes, one of the Seven Legendary Swords," Kurara explained, her tone suddenly more animated. Her eyes gleamed with a desire she rarely revealed. "I'd love to try it at least once."

Ren scratched his head, looking a little bored. And here I was hoping to practice the Shadow Clone Jutsu today, he thought, trying not to sigh. Instead, I'm headed for another 'exam.'

Meanwhile, on the Third-Year Training Field

Seated on a raised platform, the Mizukage watched the older students' tests with quiet intensity. His presence alone was imposing, even with no words spoken. An ANBU approached, handing him a detailed report on the results from the first- and second-year exams.

"Mizukage-sama, here are the reports," the ANBU began calmly. "For the first year, Council Member Fujino has identified a promising youth: Momochi Zabuza."

The Mizukage flipped through the pages slowly, pausing at that name. "Zabuza…" he murmured, a faint smile touching his lips. 

The ANBU continued. "As for the second year, Fujino's suggestion to test Tokinaga as a possible candidate for Shibuki didn't go as hoped. Tokinaga failed."

A heavy sigh escaped the Mizukage. I wasn't convinced about this idea, he mused, his gaze drifting. It would have caused too much chaos, yet…

The ANBU interrupted his thoughts. "However, another student stood out, Mizukage-sama: Ren Mizutani."

Without taking his eyes off the third-year test, the Mizukage examined the report more closely. His gaze lingered on the lines mentioning Ren Mizutani, a name he had never heard before. Leaning back in his chair, he tapped the wooden armrest with his fingertips, his expression as impassive as ever, but his eyes betrayed deep contemplation.

A new name… not one of the usual clans. An unknown talent emerging in the second year. I thought Shinji would give a good show...instead The Mizukage turned toward the ANBU, who waited patiently. "Tell me about him," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

"Mizutani Ren," the ANBU began, opening another file, "is the son of Mizutani Toshiro, a mid-level chunin who died on a mission. His mother, Yuki, is a civilian, currently running the family's weapons shop in Kirigakure on her own. Mizutani Ren is among the top of his class in both chakra control and ninjutsu, but his defining trait is a remarkable ability to adapt to unexpected situations."

"Adaptation..." The Mizukage leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "That's not a skill I see often among today's youth. Most are too accustomed to following predetermined patterns."

The ANBU nodded. "Indeed, Mizukage-sama. In the most recent exam, Ren tackled critical situations without ever losing his composure. He single-handedly neutralized Tokinaga. He also showed signs of leadership, while managing to keep a low profile."

The Mizukage allowed himself the slightest of smiles. Interesting. The ability to remain unnoticed while excelling. Perhaps this boy deserves closer observation.

"Keep an eye on him," he commanded, without looking back.

---

In a Cave, Darkness swallowed everything, as though it were a living entity breathing in sync with the damp stone walls. The only light came from the deep red glow of Obito's Sharingan.

The mask rested next to him.

The silence was broken by the familiar slimy sound of Zetsu emerging from the rocks, his mocking tone echoing through the hall.

"Your old master gave you a hard time, huh?" he said with a smug smile. His face divided into black and white smiled asymmetrically, an image that seemed to reflect the duplicity of his nature. 


Obito didn't answer right away, his thoughts lost in memories of that night with the Nine-Tails and Minato.

 Zetsu continued, his tone becoming more enigmatic. "Looks like your plan is working though. Fujino is increasingly gaining the Mizukage's trust."

More silence.

But in the darkness, Obito's aura seemed to grow, like a shadow ready to swallow everything.

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