CHAPTER 97

Although the process is dangerous, if handled properly, the outcome can still be favorable. This highlights the advantage of being a well-rounded ninja. With adequate preparation and tactical foresight, there is almost always a viable path forward. That's why a ninja with no glaring weaknesses—one who can adapt—is the one with the highest survival rate.

"The enemy retreated so easily?"

Without Mizuki's keen perception and superior situational awareness, Sasuke Uchiha couldn't comprehend just how dangerous the foe that had appeared was. He hadn't even realized how close he'd come to death.

"They're all injured or in poor condition. With Konoha's pursuing forces right behind them, continuing the fight wouldn't be wise. Retreating is the most rational choice."

After several interactions with Uchiha Sasuke, Mizuki had grown increasingly disappointed. Itachi was right—Sasuke lacked the qualities of a truly strong shinobi. Despite his talent, his Uchiha lineage, and guidance from renowned mentors, all Sasuke displayed was arrogance, hatred, and impatience. He couldn't properly assess his own abilities, let alone accurately gauge an enemy's strength. He envied Naruto Uzumaki's progress, but turned a blind eye to Naruto's relentless effort. Talk of fate and tragic rivalries might sound poetic, but at its core, it was just another excuse not to accept defeat.

Mizuki had no intention of interfering with this so-called "avenger" who still harbored the mindset of a child. At present, Sasuke was far inferior to Naruto. At least Naruto had clear goals and worked toward them step by step. Sasuke, on the other hand, relied solely on his talent and daydreamed about instant power.

Even so, Mizuki had never thought of correcting him. The Uchiha, who inherited the Sharingan—the most powerful dōjutsu, born from the Sage of Six Paths—were extremely attuned to Yin Release and spiritual energy. For the Uchiha, the more intense and paranoid their emotions, the stronger their Sharingan became. Only the emotional extremes born of trauma could awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan. In Mizuki's view, this kind of bloodline "evolution" bordered on madness. Killing one's closest bonds for power—the infamous "curse of hatred"—was a cruel and irrational path.

Still, Mizuki didn't believe it was his place to fix any of that. The ninja clans that survived since the Warring States era all had their reasons for existing. Mizuki might not like the Uchiha's path, but he had no right to judge it. He wasn't interested in lecturing people about their way of life—especially when it had nothing to do with him. He was simply fulfilling his duty as a Chūnin of Konoha and a teacher tasked with protecting the younger generation.

Sasuke nodded at Mizuki's explanation. "Where are we going next?"

"You're heading back to regroup with Sakura, then return to the village. Remember—once you're there, don't trust anyone but Kakashi-sensei. Especially you…"

Without the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, around to keep the darker factions in check, Mizuki no longer fully trusted the timeline he remembered.

I have to constantly remind myself: this isn't an anime anymore—it's real.

"Only Kakashi-sensei?" Sasuke asked, frowning. "You don't trust Lord Third?"

"You'll understand soon enough." Mizuki handed Sasuke a sealing tag. "Place this on your forehead and focus. It'll block interference from the Genjutsu barrier."

"We're not going together?"

Mizuki shook his head. "You head back first. Be careful. I still have something left to do."

With the pursuit squads active, the road shouldn't be too dangerous. But Mizuki still had unfinished business.

After watching Sasuke disappear into the distance, Mizuki turned to the empty air beside him. "Everyone's gone. Why haven't you come out yet?"

A shimmer in the air distorted. "So you noticed. As expected."

"You think Genjutsu like that can fool me?" Mizuki scoffed. "Only children would fall for it. Drop the mask, Kabuto."

The figure removed the ANBU-style mask, revealing Kabuto Yakushi's familiar face and trademark glasses.

"You've become quite unpredictable lately," Kabuto said with a thin smile. "Information about Konoha has gotten harder to come by, but I still hear things. You saved Moonlight Gale, didn't you? That caused us a lot of trouble…"

"You didn't come just to complain, did you?" Mizuki narrowed his eyes. "And how'd you guess it was me?"

"We met not long ago, remember?" Kabuto said, touching his temple with mock pain. "You hit me hard. Very painful, by the way. But you let me go. That was unexpected."

Mizuki scoffed. "What, you think I'm stupid? Sending a flashy shadow clone just to make a public link between us? It's wartime—I don't have the luxury of dragging your useless clone into a scandal."

"Fine, fine. So… can you guess why I'm here?"

"I don't play games. If you have something to say, say it. And you'd better offer a reward worth my time."

Kabuto's smile deepened. "Your green serum—paired with the spiritual technique that revived Moonlight Gale. You call it the Soul-Gathering Array, don't you?"

"You know the name?" Mizuki's voice tightened. "Looks like your intel network is better than I thought."

"We know what we need to." Kabuto pushed up his glasses.

"What's the payment?"

Mizuki knew both the omnipotent potion and the Soul-Gathering Array were immensely valuable. Sarutobi Hiruzen had even used the serum himself—without understanding Mizuki's body chemistry—and the results were… astonishing.

Kabuto answered slowly, as if savoring the offer: "What would you say to the Impure World Reincarnation technique?"

Mizuki narrowed his eyes. "I know of it."

It was a bold offer. But it wasn't a technique Mizuki wanted. Not really.

The Edo Tensei required human sacrifice and violated his moral boundaries. Worse, it summoned souls directly from the Pure Land—a dangerous and unnatural act. Everyone resurrected this way in the original timeline… had died. Again. Maybe Mizuki couldn't explain it logically, but the jutsu just felt wrong.

"It's not enough. I don't want Edo Tensei." Mizuki crossed his arms. "If you're serious, then I want Flying Thunder God—and the full set of formula seals."

Kabuto blinked. "That's impossible. Outrageous."

"I'm not the one begging for a deal—you came to me."

"We can't do it," Kabuto repeated, frowning.

"Can't… or won't?" Mizuki smirked, catching the implication. "So this isn't even Orochimaru's offer, is it? You want my secrets for yourself."

Kabuto flinched. "I let that slip, didn't I?"

Orochimaru might know of the technique, but he wouldn't waste such a trump card on a solo errand. That made this a personal side operation. A gamble by Kabuto himself.

"No wonder you approached me in secret," Mizuki thought aloud. "Trying to make yourself a power broker behind Orochimaru's back."

"You really don't give anyone a break, do you?" Kabuto's expression twisted—but before he could speak again, a kunai flew straight through the forehead of his shadow clone.

Far away, the real Kabuto's body jolted.

"What's wrong, Kabuto?" Orochimaru asked, watching him from the shadows.

"Nothing, Lord Orochimaru. Just a failed shadow clone."

"Then let it go. We must move quickly."

Kabuto's eyes narrowed behind his glasses. So it failed. What a pity. I'll have to dissect the Soul-Gathering Array myself after all…

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