Chapter 70: A Cold Joke
Chapter 70: A Cold Joke
Early the next morning, Mizuki and Tsubaki shared a long-overdue breakfast together.
"This is quite the feast, Tsubaki." Mizuki complimented as he took a bite. "It's been a while since I've had such a satisfying meal."
"As long as you enjoy it," Tsubaki replied with a reserved smile.
"But isn't this a bit much for breakfast?" Mizuki asked, noting that even his favorite assorted sushi was on the table—something he hadn't eaten in such quantity for a long time.
"Today is special, isn't it?" Tsubaki remarked. "You've been double-checking your ninja tools since last night, and today you've got every possible weapon strapped to your body. I've never seen you prepare this thoroughly for a mission before."
"So, you noticed, huh?" Mizuki scratched his head. It seemed fooling the sharp-eyed Tsubaki was impossible. "I didn't want you to worry, but since you've figured it out—just be careful today."
"You too," Tsubaki said softly.
---
The streets of Konoha were bustling, as lively as a festival. Even inside the meeting room, the energy outside was palpable.
Mizuki sat in a corner, idly counting his fingers before surveying the room.
"Familiar faces everywhere… looks like this is Konoha's main force."
To his left sat Morino Ibiki, as silent as ever. When he wasn't smiling, he looked normal enough, but when he did—his face full of scars made him downright terrifying.
"Ibiki, why were you assigned to outpost patrol?" Mizuki asked casually. "With your skillset, wouldn't you be more useful on the battlefield?"
"Because he'd scare the kids in the audience—hahaha!" A loud, carefree voice interrupted.
Mizuki sighed as he turned to see Anko Mitarashi laughing wildly across the room. "Was that supposed to be a joke? Did you find that funny, Ibiki?"
Ibiki said nothing, though the scars on his face twitched slightly.
"Konoha's sense of humor is truly worrying," Mizuki muttered. He nudged Iruka, seated on his right. "Don't you think so, Iruka?"
Iruka smiled awkwardly. "I'm probably part of the humorless group you're talking about."
"Wait, really? Have I said that about you before?"
Iruka nodded firmly.
"Huh… in that case, someone is definitely going to stay single forever." Mizuki muttered under his breath. There was no way anyone would appreciate Anko's weird and cruel sense of humor. Serves her right for being single for life. Such a waste of a decent face and figure.
Before he could finish his thought, a toothpick suddenly shot through the air and stabbed into the table in front of him, making him flinch.
"I think I just heard something very interesting," Anko said with a sly smile, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
"Who, me?" Mizuki feigned innocence and turned to Ibiki and Iruka. "Did you guys hear anything?"
Ibiki remained poker-faced, while Iruka awkwardly laughed again.
"See? You must've misheard," Mizuki said, trying to act casual.
Anko glanced at Ibiki and Iruka before smirking. "I thought you two were decent men, but it seems hanging around Mizuki for too long has corrupted you."
"Hey, don't say it like that! What do you mean 'corrupted'?! You're making it sound like I'm some sort of infection."
Before Anko could retort, the atmosphere shifted as a new presence entered the room.
"Is everyone here?" A voice asked.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had arrived.
Immediately, the group rose to their feet in respect.
"Sit down," Hiruzen instructed.
Today, he looked different—clad in an older, more traditional combat uniform, he exuded the aura of the formidable leader he once was.
Hiruzen scanned the room before speaking.
"You've all been briefed on the plan. The third stage of the Chūnin Exams is about to begin, and we are currently seating the VIPs. This event is critical. Do your best. Any questions?"
Mizuki raised his hand. "My designated squad leader, Hatake Kakashi, hasn't returned yet. What should I do?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Kakashi has reported in and will return in time. There's no need for concern. Besides, there are other jōnin present for now."
"Understood," Mizuki acknowledged.
In the original events, aside from the ANBU, only two jōnin had appeared—Kakashi and Might Guy. But considering the current situation, perhaps there would be more reinforcements. Then again, with Konoha's forces already spread thin, that wasn't a guarantee.
After waiting a moment for any further questions, Hiruzen concluded, "That's all. Move out."
---
At the arena entrance, Mizuki watched as spectators slowly lined up to enter.
He couldn't help but marvel at the sheer variety of people—so many different skin tones, hair colors, strange tattoos, body paint, and ridiculous hairstyles. It was as if someone had gathered the most eccentric characters imaginable in one place.
Thinking about it, thick eyebrows really didn't seem all that unusual anymore.
With that thought, Mizuki glanced at Might Guy, who stood beside him. His square-jawed, thick-browed, wide-eyed noble warrior expression would've looked impressive if not for the fact that he was Might Guy.
Sensing Mizuki's gaze, Guy turned his head, gave him a thumbs-up, and flashed a dazzling, teeth-gleaming smile.
Mizuki instantly turned away.
I can't interact with him too much, or I might get infected…
Over-the-top, righteous hot-blooded types were the hardest to deal with—especially when they were actually strong and refused to back down when they got worked up.
As the crowd filed into the venue, Mizuki and the other guards carefully inspected them. Though it was impossible to detect hidden threats in such a large audience, they managed to catch a few common pickpockets and small-time criminals.
There's no such thing as a thousand days of guarding against thieves. This whole security check feels useless…
With just a handful of ANBU disguised among the civilians, it was nearly impossible to thoroughly secure the stadium.
Despite how widespread chakra use was in this world, ninjas were still a rare minority compared to ordinary people.
Just as the inspections neared completion, the exam participants began arriving.
The first to show up was Dosu Kinuta, standing alone—a stark contrast to the rest.
He looked especially pitiful, knowing full well that this was his last chance to make a mark on the ninja world.
Even if he put up a good fight, the truth was no one cared about him.
His team had abandoned him, and the world had no place for him.
Ironically, he was actually the lucky one.
If he had known that his teammates, Zaku and Kin, had already been sacrificed for Orochimaru's Edo Tensei experiments, he might have realized that dying in this battle was a mercy.
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