Chapter 66: Promotion and Pay Raise

Chapter 66: Promotion and Pay Raise

Ever since Mizuki visited Moonlight Hayate that day, he had been spending his free time wandering the village. Partly, he needed to clear his mind—both learning and teaching were mentally exhausting. More importantly, he was familiarizing himself with the terrain and setting up a few surveillance measures in preparation.

During this period, Mizuki clearly felt that the village's security had tightened. To outsiders, Konoha still appeared normal, but anyone paying attention would notice the increased scrutiny of unfamiliar faces. The Third Hokage wasn't canceling the Chūnin Exams, a clear sign that Konoha was confident in its strength. Even knowing enemies lurked in the shadows, they weren't backing down.

As for Moonlight Hayate, his situation remained unfortunate. While he was no longer in immediate danger, there was still no sign of him waking up.

This was simply the way of a shinobi—life and death separated by a single mission. Even in times of peace, ninja deaths were common, and during war, life became even cheaper. A single skirmish between teams could leave behind nothing but corpses and ruins.

At midday, Mizuki brought Sakura and Ino to a dessert shop, treating them to an indulgent meal.

Why? Because they had discovered the illusion array Mizuki had secretly placed on the Four Seasons Flower Shop's signboard. He had no choice but to pay them off with sweets to keep them quiet. While it wasn't a serious issue, it wouldn't look good if word spread.

"This brown sugar dango isn't that great. I think the red bean one tastes better," Ino muttered while eating.

"Yeah, I agree," Sakura nodded.

Mizuki sighed. If it's so bad, why did you both finish your plates? This was obviously extortion.

Reluctantly, he ordered two more servings.

"Ladies, this shop is famous, but it's also expensive. You two are full now, right? Time to head back?"

"Not yet! We're still eating," Ino replied, mouth full.

Sakura chimed in, "Mizuki-sensei, how exactly did you do it?"

Sakura had noticed something was off during her first visit to the flower shop, but she lacked the knowledge to figure it out. As her studies in genjutsu and sealing techniques progressed, Mizuki's style became more familiar to her. Combined with Ino's constant complaints about why the shop was so successful, they had finally uncovered the secret today.

"Keep your voices down," Mizuki warned, not wanting to discuss this in public. "This level of technique is too advanced for you right now. You wouldn't understand it quickly. But, I can teach you something else."

Although it was just a bamboo signboard with a genjutsu array, the underlying technology was highly sophisticated. The key wasn't the genjutsu itself but the fact that it was entirely self-sustaining. If fully developed, its applications would be tremendous.

"What kind of jutsu?" Sakura immediately perked up. With the Chūnin Exam finals approaching, she wasn't about to waste any chance to improve.

"Don't worry—you'll love it. But in return, you know the deal…"

"We'll keep it secret!" Sakura and Ino promised in unison.

"Good."

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office…

Sarutobi Hiruzen was reading through a report from an ANBU operative.

Setting the document down, the Third Hokage asked, "It says here that the effects of the barrier jutsu were weaker than when Mizuki used it. Why?"

"Based on our investigation, the difference lies in sealing proficiency. None of the shinobi who tested it had Mizuki's expertise—he's the creator, after all."

"I see." Sarutobi nodded.

Mizuki's Soul-Gathering Formation, which had helped save Hayate, had been thoroughly tested. The village confirmed its effectiveness, though its power depended on the user's skill.

Satisfied, the Hokage gave his orders.

"Archive the technique under A-rank secrecy. Also, upgrade Chūnin Mizuki's personnel file. After the Chūnin Exams, consider promoting him accordingly."

Mizuki's contributions couldn't be ignored. Not only had he developed a technique that could stabilize a shinobi's mind and resist genjutsu, but he had also displayed impressive combat capabilities. Among Konoha's Chūnin, he was already one of the strongest—remarkably well-rounded with no major weaknesses.

Additionally, his talent in medical ninjutsu and sealing techniques made him invaluable. His Chakra Scalpel and Mystical Palm Technique put many veteran medical-nin to shame.

Although Mizuki had a criminal record, he had already been punished for it, and his recent merits far outweighed past mistakes. Promoting him was the logical next step.

Back at the Flower Shop…

Mizuki had no idea he was about to be promoted and given a raise. Instead, he was busy stressing over teaching Ino and Sakura.

Sakura was progressing well—after a month of intense training, her foundation was solid. Ino, however, was troublesome. It wasn't that she lacked talent—she just wasn't suited for Mizuki's teaching methods. She lacked the necessary groundwork in his brand of ninjutsu.

"What is this, Mizuki-sensei?" Sakura asked, looking at the scroll he handed her. "It looks familiar."

Of course, she'd seen it before—it was the explosive tag sealing technique she had used in the Forest of Death. However, breaking down and reconstructing sealing arrays was still beyond her level.

"This will help compensate for your biggest weakness," Mizuki explained.

"My biggest weakness?"

"You lack physical endurance and chakra reserves," Mizuki stated bluntly.

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