CHAPTER 52

"How could it be him?" Mizuki frowned, truly puzzled. In the original timeline, Moonlight Gai—no, Gekkō Hayate—was the one assigned to shadow Yakushi Kabuto. He was ultimately assassinated by the Hidden Sand ninja Baki after discovering the conspiracy between Sunagakure and Orochimaru. While Mizuki hadn't been particularly close with Hayate, he was still a fellow shinobi—a comrade-in-arms who had risked his life for Konoha. If there was even the slightest chance, Mizuki would have hoped for his survival.

"What's the issue?" Kakashi asked casually. "Gekkō Hayate is a Tokubetsu Jōnin, skilled in surveillance and stealth. He's also well-versed in kenjutsu and has decent combat ability. Isn't it appropriate for him to keep tabs on Kabuto?"

Mizuki gave a noncommittal nod, choosing not to speak further. Without concrete proof, it was impossible to justify sending a higher-ranking ninja, especially when even suggesting that Sunagakure might betray their alliance bordered on treasonous talk. Still, evidence had been surfacing—subtle, disturbing clues that Suna's recent behavior wasn't entirely aboveboard. But claiming outright that the Hidden Sand would collude with Orochimaru to attack Konoha? It was too far-reaching… for now.

"Hayate, I can only wish you the best. May you make it out alive…" he muttered inwardly.

Haruno Sakura, who had been quietly listening to Mizuki and Kakashi's exchange, finally interjected with a confused expression.

"Kakashi-sensei, the Gekkō Hayate you're talking about… wasn't he the proctor for the Chūnin Exams? And Kabuto—he's one of the examinees, right?"

"Yeah," Kakashi confirmed with a nod.

"But if they're both Konoha shinobi, why would Kabuto—who everyone calls 'senpai'—try to harm Sasuke-kun? And why send a Tokubetsu Jōnin after him?"

Mizuki glanced at Kakashi and said flatly, "You didn't brief your team at all?"

Kakashi scratched his head awkwardly. "Did I forget? No one asked, so I assumed you all knew… Anyway, Sakura, the Kabuto you referred to as 'senpai' is actually a spy and an agent of Orochimaru. He's been posing as a loyal Konoha genin, but in truth, he's a traitor with dangerous intentions."

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "What? That can't be…"

As someone still relatively sheltered from the darker sides of the shinobi world, this revelation shook her. She had interacted with Kabuto just days ago—he had been helpful, friendly, and even shared medical tips.

Mizuki saw her confusion and gently said, "Sakura, that's the reality of our world. Betrayal, deception, and death… these are things every shinobi must eventually face."

She looked at him uncertainly. "Have you… experienced that, Mizuki-sensei?"

"Hmm… Some things are still too early for a Genin," Mizuki admitted. But Kakashi stepped in, a more serious tone taking over.

"Sakura, remember your mission in the Land of Waves? When Haku attacked and nearly killed Naruto and Sasuke? That was only the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, things were even more dangerous than you knew. Mizuki, Ibiki Morino, and Gekkō Hayate were all deployed during that time as covert support. While you fought Zabuza and Haku head-on, they intercepted enemy reinforcements and sabotage attempts from other villages."

Kakashi sighed. "Fighting in broad daylight isn't the only kind of battle. Much of what matters happens in the shadows. The Academy didn't teach you espionage and stealth tactics just for show—it's survival training."

"Alright, Kakashi," Mizuki interrupted, rolling his eyes. "Enough preaching. Don't you still have something to do?"

"Right, right. I'll get going."

As Kakashi disappeared in a swirl of leaves, Mizuki turned back to Sakura. "Don't let it weigh too heavily on you. Sometimes knowing too much only clouds your heart."

"Yes, Mizuki-sensei…"

Watching the quiet, thoughtful look on Sakura's face, Mizuki felt a rare sense of concern. She was a bright girl. He just hoped she wouldn't lose that light too soon.

—

On a rooftop high above Konoha, Jiraiya leaned lazily against a railing, observing the street below with an amused grin. Naruto Uzumaki, soaked from head to toe, was yelling at a flustered Ebisu, who had just gotten a face full of hot spring water. The kid was loud, clumsy, but spirited—exactly the kind Jiraiya couldn't help but watch.

He'd been observing this unusual pair since the day before. The more he watched, the more Naruto reminded him of someone else.

"Still spying on kids, Jiraiya?" came a familiar voice from behind.

Without turning, Jiraiya smirked. "I wasn't hiding. Of course you'd notice, old man."

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped up beside him, hands tucked into his robe sleeves. "You've been away for years. I assume you didn't come back just to peep on hot springs and train brats?"

Jiraiya shrugged. "I'm a best-selling author now, you know. Maybe I'm here on a book tour."

"Spare me." Hiruzen's tone was dry. "You've been watching the village for days now. You must have some thoughts about the current state of affairs."

"Days, huh? Who ratted me out?"

"I have my ways," Hiruzen replied. Then his voice turned grave. "You've heard, haven't you? Orochimaru has returned. This could be the start of something terrible. I'm getting older, Jiraiya. If something happens… I need someone I can trust to take my place."

Jiraiya blinked, then laughed. "Me? Be Hokage? That's the biggest joke I've heard all week."

"I'm serious."

"So am I." His voice was suddenly firm. "You need someone who actually wants the job, not someone like me. I'm not cut out for political games and compromise."

The old Hokage sighed. "I know you still resent my decisions—about Orochimaru, about the Uchiha, about so many others. But leading a village means making hard choices, even if it means sacrificing a few for the many."

Hiruzen had indeed made many such calls. The Hyūga affair. The Uchiha massacre. Silent nods and dirty hands.

"That's exactly why I'm not suited for it," Jiraiya muttered.

"So then, what did bring you back?"

"I heard a few things," Jiraiya said vaguely. "And I ran into someone interesting."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "A prophecy again?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "Maybe. That boy down there—Naruto Uzumaki. The Fourth's son. He's grown up strong."

"Yes. A fine shinobi. Reminds me of someone else I used to know."

Jiraiya watched Naruto from afar, a wistful look in his eye. "Time flies. Minato's been gone more than ten years… and his kid is already this old."

Then, softly—like a whispered wish—he added,

"Don't die on me, old man."