Chapter 7: Good Times Don’t Last

Chapter 7: Good Times Don't Last

Leaving Konoha Hospital, Mizuki and Tsubaki walked through the bustling streets.

"Mizuki, are you really going to cut ties with Iruka?" Tsubaki couldn't help but ask.

"Don't worry about it, Tsubaki."

"But you've been friends since childhood. Didn't you always look after him?"

"You heard what I told Iruka, right? Those words weren't just for him—they were for me too," Mizuki said casually.

"I still don't understand. What does that have to do with your friendship?"

"Tsubaki, I've told you before—Iruka and I weren't always friends. Back then, Iruka was a lonely kid who got bullied all the time, so we looked after him. But now? He's a chūnin and a respected teacher at the Ninja Academy."

"So… you think he doesn't need you anymore? But that doesn't mean you have to stop being friends, right?"

"You'll understand soon enough, Tsubaki," Mizuki said, indifferent. "See that ridiculous-looking kid covered in face paint? The one in that ugly orange jumpsuit?"

"Ugly orange? Is that even a color? Oh, wait… he looks familiar. Isn't he that orphan everyone avoids? I heard he was the only one who failed the graduation exam this year. There are even rumors that he's the Nine-Tailed Fox that attacked the village years ago. Why are you asking about him?"

Tsubaki suddenly paused, realizing something. "Wait… don't tell me you're the one who made him attack Iruka?"

Mizuki nodded. "Yeah. Don't be fooled by how dumb he looks—his combat potential is impressive. If a chūnin underestimates him, they'd suffer for it. Just look at Iruka."

"That's too reckless," Tsubaki said, worried. "Won't you be punished for this?"

"When you make mistakes, you face the consequences. But since no real harm was done, I doubt the punishment will be too severe."

"Should we go talk to him? Maybe apologize?"

"No need," Mizuki said flatly. Given his current position, it was best to avoid drawing too much attention to Naruto. "Just keep walking. Pretend we didn't see him."

Naruto didn't notice Mizuki as they passed each other.

Just as Mizuki thought he was in the clear, a shout came from behind.

"Hey! Silver-haired guy—hold it right there!"

The sound of rapid footsteps followed. A sudden skid stop, and there he was—Naruto, standing right in front of him.

"Figures it's you, you big jerk who hurt Iruka-sensei!"

Mizuki smirked. "Naruto-kun, long time no see. Still as energetic as ever."

"Nobody asked for your concern!"

"Pointing at people when talking is rude, you know."

"Like I care! Answer me—why did you make Iruka-sensei get hurt?"

Mizuki sighed. "Naruto, I didn't do anything. You were the one who injured Iruka, weren't you?"

Naruto hesitated. "Wait… what? Is that true?"

This kid's IQ is seriously lacking—so easy to manipulate.

"No way! If not for you, Iruka-sensei wouldn't have gotten hurt!"

"I just visited Iruka," Mizuki said with a shrug. "He said he was lonely in the hospital. And yet, the one who put him there isn't even visiting him. Seems like the new batch of ninja graduates lacks empathy. It's concerning for the future of the village."

"Iruka-sensei isn't like that! You're lying!" Naruto snapped. He then turned to Tsubaki. "Hey, lady! You're with this guy? Are you his… y'know…" He wiggled his pinky finger in a teasing gesture.

"I'm Chihiro Tsubaki, Mizuki's fiancée."

"Fiancée?!" Naruto's jaw dropped. "Big sis, you shouldn't stay with this guy! He's bad news—he'll just end up hurting you!"

Tsubaki only smiled, saying nothing.

This brat sure has guts. Guess I'll have to hit him where it hurts.

"Oh, by the way," Mizuki said casually. "You know, Iruka isn't alone. When I left, Haruno Sakura had just arrived to visit him. Such a kind and thoughtful girl. Not like some people." He shot a glance at Naruto.

"Sakura-chan is so nice! Ha ha!"

Completely missing my sarcasm.

Mizuki smirked. "Sakura even said she wouldn't forgive the idiot who hurt Iruka."

"Sakura-chan said that?!" Naruto looked horrified.

And now, for the finishing blow.

"Oh, and I almost forgot—Uchiha Sasuke was with her. They seem really close. Honestly, they make a cute couple."

Naruto froze.

"Sakura even said she hates 'blond dead-last losers' the most."

"No way…" Naruto looked utterly shattered. Then, his expression twisted in rage. "That bastard Sasuke! He took advantage of me being gone to steal Sakura-chan's heart! I won't forgive him!"

Naruto immediately bolted away, running at full speed.

Mizuki smirked as he watched him go.

"Thanks for helping me pass the exam, jerk teacher! But next time, I won't go easy on you!"

His voice faded into the distance. Mizuki turned to Tsubaki. "See? Iruka and that brat are the same—both complete idiots. So there's nothing to worry about."

Tsubaki covered her mouth as she chuckled. "Iruka sure is unlucky to have a friend like you."

"How so? This is just the beginning. After all the years I looked after him, just one beating isn't enough. And I didn't even do it myself. Next time, I'll find another way to knock him down a peg."

"Iruka is a chūnin now," Tsubaki teased. "And that kid will back him up. You wouldn't stand a chance against the two of them."

"True," Mizuki admitted. "Iruka's always been more popular than me. If I ended up in the hospital, no one would come visit."

"I would."

"Hospital food is awful. I'd rather not end up there."

"Then don't." Tsubaki smiled. "It's still early—what do you want to do next?"

Mizuki pointed ahead. "That place."

"A barbershop?"

Disregarding the overwhelming aura of questionable fashion choices, Mizuki took a seat, waiting for service.

No matter the world, barbers always give off the same vibe. What, did a hairdressing master reincarnate into the ninja world just to start a business?

A stylist approached. "Welcome! What would you like?"

Mizuki glanced at the wall, which was plastered with posters of famous celebrities from this era. One particular samurai portrait caught his eye.

The stylist eagerly explained, "Ah! That's the latest movie's protagonist, the noble Shogun-sama! His hairstyle is the 'Chonmage' topknot, reserved for the most prestigious warriors. It would suit a fine ninja like you perfectly! Would you like to try it?"

Tsubaki immediately tugged on Mizuki's sleeve. "Please don't."

"Hmm… what about that afro?" Mizuki joked. "Looks powerful."

"No."

"How about the naturally curly look?"

"Also no."

"Fine, fine. Just straighten all of my hair and trim the front into short, layered bangs." His original hairstyle looked too much like Kabuto's, and resembling a major villain was not ideal. He decided to base his new look on Katō Dan's style.

"Tsubaki, what about you? That hime-cut over there would suit you."

"No, I like my hair the way it is."

"You're so stubborn. Fine, just wait while I get this done."

Time passed quickly in leisure.

As the sun began to set, Mizuki and Tsubaki strolled along the street, looking for a place to eat—until Mizuki spotted a familiar figure ahead.

"Tsubaki, head home first. I have something to take care of."

"Oh… okay. Be careful." Though confused, she didn't question him.

After Tsubaki left, Mizuki approached the man.

"You waiting for me, Kakashi?"

"I have something to discuss with you. Follow me."

They sat side by side on the rooftop, watching the people below.

"Ninja sure love rooftops. And isn't there an open-air hot spring nearby? You must know your way around well."

Kakashi ignored the remark. "Last night's incident… that blonde kid will likely be on my team. Along with Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke."

"Sounds like a nightmare for you."

"…Yeah, I think so too."

"Why tell me this?"

Kakashi fell silent for a moment. Then, he asked, "What did it feel like… when you killed your comrade?"

Mizuki chuckled. "I've long since forgotten."