Chapter 11: Life and Ideals
Chapter 11: Life and Ideals
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage sat, listening to Morino Ibiki and Anko Mitarashi's reports.
"We'll proceed with this plan. Next, we need to establish contact with the feudal lords and the major shinobi villages. The Intelligence Department must verify the identities of all participating Genin, as well as their team leaders and escorts. We cannot allow unidentified threats to infiltrate the exam," the Third instructed firmly.
"As for Mizuki's request for reinforcements, we will immediately assign Chūnin Iruka Umino to assist in clearing the Forest of Death. Additionally, since Jonin Might Guy is currently on a mission, his team is unoccupied. I am issuing a C-rank mission—Anko Mitarashi will serve as the temporary captain, leading Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee to assist in clearing the Forest of Death."
"Lord Hokage, is it appropriate to send Guy's students into the exam venue beforehand? Since they will likely participate in this year's Chūnin Exam, this might be seen as unfair and cause complaints," Anko pointed out.
After a moment of thought, the Third replied, "This year's newly graduated Genin aren't ready for such tasks, and apart from Guy's team, last year's batch of Genin isn't reliable either. We don't have the manpower to be picky—so proceed as planned."
"Understood."
---
Mizuki found himself once again in that strange, dreamlike space—the realm of floating colorful bubbles.
But this time, it was different.
A sinister red-black mist now permeated everything, giving the entire space an eerie and ominous atmosphere.
In the midst of the mist was the original Mizuki—his expression blank and lifeless as before.
But something had changed. His entire figure seemed to be slowly swallowed by the eerie red glow.
Looking down, Mizuki found that his own body was the same, with his arms already being corroded by the red mist.
"This situation is getting worse… Is this the result of the Cursed Seal activating?"
"It's giving me no time to react… If I don't figure something out soon, this is only going to get more dangerous. And if these problems pile up, it'll be even harder to deal with later."
With both his body and spirit being threatened simultaneously, Mizuki felt a growing sense of urgency.
He needed a solution, and fast.
---
The next morning, Mizuki arrived outside the Forest of Death as instructed.
Waiting for him was Iruka Umino, alongside three Genin—Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee.
"Iruka, I didn't think you'd actually show up."
"Good morning, Mizuki-sensei!" Tenten and Lee greeted politely.
Neji merely nodded in acknowledgment.
"Good kids," Mizuki thought to himself. "Unlike a certain hotheaded Chūnin teacher with no manners…"
"Excuse me?" Iruka shot back.
"Didn't someone beg the Hokage for help because they couldn't handle their own mission? And now they're dragging us into this mess?" Mizuki teased.
"Oh, is that so? Dumping your own problems onto others—that kind of irresponsibility is truly disgraceful!"
"And who do you think I was talking about, huh?!" Iruka snapped.
"Well, since you're all here and seem to get along so well, I'm sure this mission will go smoothly!" Anko Mitarashi suddenly appeared out of nowhere, cutting off their argument.
"Now, let's get to work!"
---
With the additional help, their efficiency improved significantly.
The Genin provided distraction and support, while Mizuki, Iruka, and Anko handled the heavier combat. Even when they encountered particularly troublesome creatures, they managed to deal with them effectively.
By midday, they found a clean, open space to rest and eat lunch.
"Iruka, when did you learn that sealing technique?" Mizuki asked while chewing his food.
"The Sealing Barrier Formation? I've known it for a while, but I never had many chances to use it. So I'm not very skilled with it yet."
"I figured," Mizuki smirked. "Still the same half-baked amateur, huh?"
"Excuse me?" Iruka's temper flared. "And yet, here you are, needing this half-baked amateur's help!"
"You know, Iruka, maybe you should just stick to teaching. Ninja school kids don't need fancy sealing techniques, so why waste time learning something you'll never use?" Mizuki sighed dramatically, shaking his head in mock concern.
"Mind your own business," Iruka grumbled. "Unlike you, I actually have dreams. Maybe someday I'll even be Hokage!"
"The day you become Hokage… I honestly can't imagine what kind of disaster that would be." Mizuki sighed.
"Just you wait, damn it!" Iruka fumed.
Watching the exchange, Rock Lee looked on in admiration.
"Mizuki-sensei and Iruka-sensei are such good friends!" he said enthusiastically.
Tenten nearly choked on her food.
"Which part of this looks like friendship to you, Lee?! You need to get your eyes checked!"
"You don't understand, Tenten! This is true friendship—two comrades pushing each other to be better!"
Mizuki laughed, giving Lee a thumbs-up with a toothy grin.
Seeing the topic shift, Anko joined in.
"Hey, I gotta say, you kids are doing great. We usually wouldn't have Genin handle this kind of mission, but we're short on time, so we had to bring in whatever free manpower we had. You'll all get good evaluations for this."
"Yeah," Iruka agreed. "Seeing such promising Genin makes me feel old."
"If Konoha's future shinobi are as capable as you guys, I might as well retire early!" he joked.
"Should a teacher really be saying that in front of his students?" Anko teased.
Mizuki chimed in, "Konoha would still need someone loud enough to deal with ninja school brats. There's no one else patient enough to play ninja games with a bunch of snot-nosed kids all day!"
"But honestly," Mizuki continued, "it's been a while since I've seen such distinctive Genin like you guys."
"Really, Mizuki-sensei?" Lee beamed.
"Yeah, your taijutsu is impressive. I've heard all about you. Keep training, and you might inherit Guy's legendary spirit!"
"YES! I KNEW IT! HARD WORK AND YOUTH NEVER LIE!" Lee shouted.
"As for Neji, even though I don't know much about the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist, I can tell you're already beyond most Chūnin. With your talent and dedication, your future is bright."
"And what about me?" Tenten asked excitedly.
Mizuki took a sip of water before answering.
"Honestly? I think you'd make a great wife."
Silence.
Everyone stared at him in shock.
Unfazed, Mizuki continued, "Judging by your fighting style, you must come from a wealthy family. Throwing ninja tools like they're free kunai? You must be loaded. Marrying you would save me twenty years of hard work. You're also cute, so you'd be a popular match. If you ever consider taking a husband, you'll have no shortage of suitors!"
Tenten turned bright red.
"YOU CAN'T SAY STUFF LIKE THAT!" Iruka scolded.
"Mizuki, this is blatant harassment!" Anko grinned. "Aren't you engaged?"
Mizuki waved them off. "It's just honest advice about life and ideals! And my fiancée isn't the jealous type!"
"Wait, you're engaged?!" Lee exclaimed.
"Yep," Mizuki nodded. "We grew up together."
He sighed dramatically.
"Man, being a ninja is tough—low pay, endless missions, crazy expenses… Maybe I should switch careers?"
"Ever thought about becoming a movie star?" Mizuki mused. "Actors get rich and famous—even the Daimyo treats them like royalty!"
"Maybe someday I'll become a celebrity… and you guys can be my bodyguards!"
"Adults are weird," Lee muttered.
"Alright, Mizuki, time to quit daydreaming and get back to work," Anko ordered.
"Fine, fine," Mizuki laughed.
But deep down, his thoughts were elsewhere…