Chapter 65: Preparing for the Worst

After bidding farewell to Jiraiya, Mizuki walked home alongside Tsubaki, deep in thought as they strolled through the darkened streets.

"Mizuki, was there something wrong with what Jiraiya-sama said?" Tsubaki couldn't help but ask.

"No," Mizuki shook his head. "I just have some immature speculations, but they shouldn't cause too much trouble."

For now, this had nothing to do with Mizuki. Even if his suspicions were correct, if the sky were to fall, there would be taller figures to bear the burden. It certainly wouldn't be his problem to solve.

However, viewing this world from a different perspective revealed some unsettling patterns. The shinobi world was teeming with intelligent creatures beyond just humans—various bizarre beings constantly emerged to stir up chaos.

In Mizuki's past life, there was a saying: "Those who are not of our kind will have different hearts." And that was just about different ethnic groups—here in the shinobi world, it wasn't just races that were different, but entire species. While some non-human entities might be peaceful, the fact that so many were entangled in human conflicts seemed far too coincidental.

"But I didn't expect Jiraiya-sama to take an interest in Naruto. Just a few months ago, he was still an orphan ostracized by the village," Tsubaki said, sounding wistful.

"He's a good kid. One day, he might become the pillar of the village," Mizuki replied. "But let's not dwell on that. Something might change in the village tomorrow—we should rest early."

With the village leadership now aware of Sunagakure's alliance with Orochimaru, they had more time to prepare. How events would differ from the original timeline remained uncertain, but given the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's cautious nature, Konoha was unlikely to start a war preemptively. The outcome would depend on how things unfolded.

At lunchtime the next day, during their usual break, Mizuki turned to Sakura.

"How's your progress with the sealing techniques?"

"I've been following the schedule you set. No major issues so far," Sakura replied.

Mizuki nodded approvingly. "Good. I originally planned to give you a test, but I've been too busy these past few days. Sorry for neglecting your training."

"That's not true, Mizuki-sensei," Sakura reassured him. "I think things are progressing well."

Her words were polite, but it was clear to everyone that Mizuki had been exhausted lately. No one felt it was appropriate to complain.

"That's because of your intelligence, talent, and hard work," Mizuki said with a smile. "Not because of any particular excellence on my part."

Sakura hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Actually… I made a mistake. I shared some of the techniques you taught me with Ino."

"Oh?" Mizuki raised an eyebrow, glancing at Ino, who looked slightly embarrassed. That explained why Yamanaka Inoichi had been so friendly to him recently.

"I hope you're not upset, Mizuki-sensei," Ino said. "It's just that I couldn't understand them myself, and I was frustrated, so I asked my family to take a look. But… none of them could figure it out. This morning, my father even told me to thank you on his behalf."

Mizuki chuckled. "That's very polite of him. You're welcome to learn whatever you can, as long as Sakura doesn't fall behind in her lessons."

Establishing connections was always beneficial, and it seemed he was gaining favor with the Yamanaka clan.

He then glanced outside and instructed, "Prepare a bouquet for me. It's for a hospital visit. I'll be heading out this afternoon, but I'll be back soon."

When Mizuki arrived at Moonlight Hayate's hospital room, he was surprised to find Hatake Kakashi there.

"Kakashi? Weren't you supposed to be training Sasuke? Back already?"

"Yeah, I just received an urgent summons. There's an emergency jōnin meeting soon," Kakashi replied. "This is already the second meeting this week—something is definitely wrong."

Mizuki placed the flowers in a vase and turned to Yuugao Uzuki. "How's his condition?"

"He was just examined—there hasn't been any change," Yuugao said, worry in her voice.

"No worsening is a good sign," Mizuki said reassuringly. "Shinobi aren't that fragile. As long as he's alive, there's always a chance."

"He'll pull through," Kakashi agreed.

After a bit of small talk, Kakashi signaled to Mizuki, and the two stepped outside.

"What's up?" Mizuki asked.

"I just got back and don't know the full situation yet, but I heard you were involved. Do you have any intelligence?"

"I don't have the full details," Mizuki admitted. "I'm just a chūnin, after all. But you should be prepared."

"Prepared? You mean for war?" Kakashi's voice grew more serious.

Mizuki didn't confirm or deny it. "From what I know, many shinobi stationed outside the village have been recalled. You've probably heard that Jiraiya-sama is back in the village too, right?"

"Yeah, that surprised me. I didn't expect you to know that as well."

"I met him last night, actually. Had a brief chat. Naruto was there too."

Kakashi nodded. "If Jiraiya-sama is personally training Naruto, that's good news. But how's Sakura?"

Mizuki smirked. "Took you long enough to ask about your other student. Don't worry—you're in for a surprise. If Sasuke hasn't made significant progress, you might find Sakura catching up to him."

"Really?" Kakashi mused. "That's good to hear. I should head to the meeting now. See you at the Chūnin Exams."

After parting ways with Kakashi, Mizuki had no desire to loiter in the scorching midday sun. He hurried back to the flower shop. As soon as he arrived, Ino rushed up to him.

"Mizuki-sensei! Iruka-sensei came looking for you earlier. He said there was an important message and left you this letter."

Mizuki took the envelope, opened it, and quickly skimmed its contents.

A contingency plan for an emergency evacuation?

They're preparing for the worst.

The letter outlined measures to protect the youngest shinobi and lower-ranking ninja in the event of an attack on Konoha.

In the original timeline, the situation had been dire enough that even Genin were forced to fight against Jinchūriki—a decision made out of sheer desperation.

But now? With forewarning about the Sand Village's betrayal, perhaps Konoha wouldn't be caught off guard this time.

Let's hope they don't underestimate the enemy again.

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*

Last Chapter Next Chapter