Chapter 2: Altering One’s Nature, Feigning Virtue

Chapter 2: Altering One's Nature, Feigning Virtue

Walking unhurriedly toward the swing, Mizuki approached the quietly sobbing Naruto Uzumaki and offered words of comfort:

"Naruto, are you still upset with Iruka-sensei? I don't think Iruka-sensei was trying to single you out. Becoming an excellent ninja isn't an easy task, after all. Besides, you can always return to the Academy and try again next year."

Unfortunately, Mizuki's attempt at consolation had little effect.

Naruto, still staring at the ground, protested indignantly, "I know what you're trying to say, Mizuki-sensei, but why is it that I'm the only one who failed? Why is it always me? I worked so hard!" His voice was filled with frustration and unwillingness.

For a boy who had always been neglected yet still held onto his enthusiasm and desperate desire for recognition, failing the exam was a devastating blow.

Not far away, villagers stood watching coldly, whispering amongst themselves. Words like "monster," "serves him right," and "he should have been kicked out long ago" reached Naruto's ears, causing the once bright and cheerful boy to hang his head even lower.

This isn't the best place to talk, Mizuki thought. He gently patted Naruto's hunched shoulders and said with a warm smile, "Naruto, how about we go somewhere else? I have something important to tell you. Failing the graduation exam isn't the end—if you put in the effort, there might still be a chance for a retest."

"Really, Mizuki-sensei? You're not lying, are you?" Naruto's face lit up with hope as he eagerly looked at Mizuki.

"Of course not," Mizuki assured him. "It won't be easy, but you actually have a lot of talent as a ninja. You might even earn Iruka-sensei's recognition and finally become one. But for now, let's go somewhere quiet and talk."

"Okay! Where are we going?"

"The Hokage Rock. The weather's nice today, so it's a great spot. You go on ahead—I'll meet you there in a bit."

"Alright! I'll go first, but don't take too long, Mizuki-sensei!" Naruto shouted as he excitedly ran off toward the Hokage Rock.

Watching the energetic boy disappear into the distance, Mizuki smirked. For an outcast so desperate for acceptance, becoming a ninja holds immense value. That's something that might come in handy later.

However, at the moment, Mizuki wasn't someone Naruto truly wanted recognition from. He chuckled bitterly at his own status—he was still just a background character. Even if things went smoothly today, his future remained uncertain.

The power balance in the ninja world was increasing at an exponential rate. Early-stage powerhouse villains eventually became trivial obstacles in the later stages. At this point in time, given his abilities, Mizuki didn't even have the luxury of trying to build a base, train quietly, and level up. Without any special advantage or cheat ability, his only option was to take things one step at a time and adapt as necessary.

As the students were gradually picked up by their parents, the Third Hokage eventually left the Academy as well. Mizuki briefly exchanged a few words with Iruka before heading toward the Hokage Rock.

---

On the Way to Hokage Rock

As he walked, Mizuki pondered his role in this world.

The original Mizuki had been a fairly intelligent ninja of Konoha. While his overall abilities weren't extraordinary, he was still considered an elite among Chūnin. His ninjutsu and genjutsu were average, but he excelled in taijutsu, though his physical condition limited him. He also had some basic knowledge of puppetry techniques and had a solid tactical mind. In terms of raw ability, he was a reliable mid-tier ninja in Konoha. If he had specialized in a unique skill, he might have even qualified for the rank of Tokubetsu Jōnin.

Reaching that level at a young age was an impressive feat for an orphan with no notable lineage.

However, Mizuki's flaws were just as apparent. His jealousy was overwhelming, his desires far exceeded his abilities, and he lacked both patience and wisdom. Instead of striving for personal growth, he placed his hopes on Orochimaru, offering nothing of value in return. His final mistake—stealing the Forbidden Scroll as a tribute to Orochimaru—led to his utter downfall at the hands of Naruto.

No, perhaps this was never his downfall, but rather the will of the world itself.

The higher-ups had merely watched from the shadows, allowing him to serve as Naruto's stepping stone, a mere plot device to help the child of destiny grow stronger. With his personality, how could Mizuki ever respect someone like Iruka, who had always been weaker than him? And how could he have possibly anticipated that the so-called dead last, Naruto, would master the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu—a technique that suited him perfectly due to his immense chakra reserves?

In hindsight, his inevitable defeat made perfect sense.

It was a situation eerily similar to his own past life. A person with average talent but an unwillingness to remain average, recklessly making desperate moves without the strength to back them up. He had no advantages, no favorable circumstances, and no allies. It was no surprise he had met a tragic end.

But now, with foreknowledge of events, perhaps he had a chance.

He had no way out—so his only option was to carve one himself.

So… where do I start?

The answer was simple: by changing his very nature.

The original Mizuki had been an unremarkable person, and so was he. That made them fundamentally similar.

But Mizuki was also an unsuccessful villain—not someone who had committed terrible crimes, but someone who harbored undeniable malice.

The ancient philosopher Xunzi once said, "Human nature is evil; goodness is a matter of deliberate effort." However, this wasn't to imply that all humans were inherently vile, but rather that people needed discipline and education—laws and morality—to cultivate goodness.

In a world where life was cheap and war was constant, discussions of virtue were a luxury. Ideas like love and justice were privileges reserved for protagonists. Mizuki had no such privilege.

Thus, the only feasible option was to feign virtue.

"The sage alters human nature to create order. From this order, morality is born, and from morality, laws are established."

Sages and noble men? Mizuki was neither. He was just a man struggling to survive, unable to afford the luxury of worrying about anything else.

With that thought, the puzzle pieces began falling into place. The key to his survival lay in tonight's events—specifically, in how he played his role.

---

Hokage Rock

When Mizuki finally arrived at Hokage Rock, Naruto was already there, waving enthusiastically.

"Mizuki-sensei! You're finally here! You're so slow! I'm starving! Over here!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Naruto," Mizuki said with a reassuring smile. "But don't worry, we still have plenty of time."

"Yeah, yeah! So, Mizuki-sensei, what's this secret way to pass the exam? Tell me already!" Naruto urged impatiently.

Mizuki chuckled. "Don't be so hasty. Before that, there's something else I want to talk to you about."

Naruto's eager expression turned into a pout. "Fine, but hurry up!"

Mizuki's tone turned serious. "First of all, I don't want you to resent Iruka-sensei. He's actually someone who truly cares about you."

Naruto crossed his arms, puffing out his cheeks in frustration. "I know that! But I just don't get why I can't become a ninja! I've already decided—I'm going to be the best ninja ever! I'll become Hokage and make everyone acknowledge me! But if I can't even become a ninja… then what am I supposed to do?"

"Becoming a ninja isn't as simple as playing ninja games, Naruto. Besides strong ninjutsu and skills, a ninja must also be prepared to make sacrifices."

"I know that already!" Naruto clenched his fists. "My ninja way is to never go back on my word!"

Mizuki smirked. He's so simple-minded…

"Well then," Mizuki continued, "if you truly want to become a ninja, I know where you can learn a powerful jutsu—one that even Iruka-sensei would have to acknowledge."

Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Really?! Where?!"

Mizuki leaned in. "Konoha has a legendary Forbidden Scroll filled with powerful jutsu. If you can learn one of them, you'll definitely pass."

And just like that, everything was set in motion.