Chapter 63: The Meaning of Existence
Chapter 63: The Meaning of Existence
Watching the busy medical-nin tending to Moonlight Hayate, Mizuki finally exhaled, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten. He stood up, stretched his aching body, and stepped out of the room.
To his surprise, both Yamanaka Inoichi and the Third Hokage were waiting outside.
"You're here, Lord Hokage?" Mizuki quickly bowed.
"No need for formalities—you've done well," Hiruzen Sarutobi acknowledged. "How is his condition?"
"He's stable. The sealing technique was a success. Based on his chakra consumption, he won't wake up for a few days, but if he gets through this recovery period, his survival will depend on his own luck."
"Good work. The rest is up to the Medical Corps." Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction before turning to Inoichi. "This isn't the place for a full report. Meet me in my office later—I want every detail. I need to know just how serious this situation is."
By the time Mizuki left the hospital, it was already deep into the night.
He chuckled bitterly—lately, he had been coming home at ungodly hours. Even in his past life, he had never been worked this hard.
But as he prepared to head home, he noticed two familiar figures waiting nearby—Uzuki Yugao and Chie Tsubaki.
"You two are still here?" Mizuki asked in surprise.
"Hey," Yugao greeted anxiously. "How's Hayate?"
As an ANBU operative, Yugao had undoubtedly received more intelligence than Mizuki himself. She knew how much pressure Hiruzen was under—if there was any chance to save Hayate, they had to take it, no matter the risk.
"Relax," Mizuki reassured her. "For now, he's out of danger."
Hearing those words, Yugao finally let out a breath she had been holding for days.
"I told you he'd be okay." Tsubaki smiled in relief.
"He's probably still undergoing some tests," Mizuki added. "But you'll be able to see him soon."
"…Thank you." Yugao bowed deeply in gratitude.
"You don't have to be so formal. He's a comrade—it's only natural I'd help," Mizuki replied. "You should go see him."
Yugao wiped away the tears welling in her eyes and nodded. "Sorry for the trouble. I'll head inside now."
As she left, Tsubaki took Mizuki's arm and leaned against him.
"Let's go home," she said softly.
Mizuki sighed, feeling warmth in his chest.
"You waited up for me again?" he asked. "I told you to get some rest."
"You've been so busy these past few days. You're never this exhausted," she murmured. "I can't do much to help you, so… this is all I can do."
"Hey, don't think like that." Mizuki gently reassured her. "Right now, I'm starving. I haven't eaten since noon, and I feel like I'm about to collapse…"
"I'll make your favorite—assorted sushi," Tsubaki offered.
Mizuki grinned. If not for her, he probably wouldn't even bother cooking.
"I can't wait that long," Mizuki chuckled. "Let's grab something quick to eat first."
"Where?" Tsubaki asked, looking around.
Just then, Mizuki noticed a glowing storefront ahead.
"Wait… is that Ichiraku Ramen? Why are they still open at this hour?" Mizuki blinked. "Let's just eat there—it'll be quicker."
"…Alright," Tsubaki agreed.
When Mizuki and Tsubaki entered, they saw a familiar blond troublemaker slurping away at his noodles.
"Naruto?" Tsubaki greeted in surprise. "You're here?"
The boy perked up and turned around.
"Oi! Big Jerk Teacher?!" Naruto shouted, pointing his chopsticks at Mizuki.
Mizuki's eye twitched at the nickname.
Sitting next to Naruto, Mizuki noticed an older man—a tall white-haired sage with a headband that read "Oil."
"…Jiraiya-sama?" Mizuki blinked, instantly recognizing the legendary Sannin.
Tsubaki hurriedly bowed in respect.
Jiraiya glanced at Mizuki and scratched his head.
"Mizuki, huh? That name rings a bell…" he mused. "Naruto, you know this guy?"
"Yeah! He's Watermelon Teacher—uh, no, wait—Mizuki-sensei!" Naruto declared. "He's got a rotten personality and was super mean to Iruka-sensei!"
"…Naruto." Mizuki gave him a deadpan glare.
"Haha! I like this kid's honesty." Jiraiya chuckled at Naruto's antics. "But yeah, I think I've heard about you recently."
Hiruzen sat silently, his expression grim.
Across from him, Inoichi had just finished delivering his report.
"…Are you absolutely sure?" the Hokage asked.
Inoichi nodded solemnly.
"There's no mistake, Lord Hokage. According to Hayate's memories, Kabuto Yakushi was conspiring with the Sand Village emissaries. It was confirmed—Hayate saw them meeting with Baki, the Sand Jonin."
Hiruzen clenched his fists, his weathered face darkened with anger.
"…So it's true," he murmured.
After decades of diplomatic alliance, the Hidden Sand had chosen betrayal.
"…I don't want to believe it," Hiruzen admitted, shaking his head. "But Hayate's wounds match Baki's fighting style perfectly."
The room fell into heavy silence.
Finally, the Third Hokage sighed deeply.
"This meeting is over," he declared. "Prepare a formal report and submit it by noon tomorrow."
"Yes, sir," Inoichi bowed and excused himself.
Left alone, Hiruzen fell into deep contemplation.
Then—
"…Summon the village elders for a meeting tomorrow," he ordered.
He paused before adding—
"Call Danzo Shimura as well."
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