Mizuki glanced around, making sure no one was paying attention, before continuing, "There's a Scroll of Seals in the Hokage Office. It contains plenty of powerful forbidden techniques, including the real Multi Shadow Clone Technique. Learn that one page, and everyone will see you in a new light tomorrow. Teacher Manji and all the other teachers will have to acknowledge your strength."
Naruto's breathing grew noticeably faster. "The Scroll of Seals? Isn't that... something really important? Stealing it would..."
"Who said anything about stealing?"
"I'm just telling you where it is. You can 'borrow' it, take a look, then return it once you've learned the technique. That's called being eager to learn, understand? Besides-"
Mizuki cut him off, still wearing that kindly expression.
Mizuki paused, giving him a meaningful look.
"Haven't you always wanted to prove yourself? To have the whole village acknowledge you? To shut up all those people who look down on you? Learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, and you can do all that. Who would dare say you don't qualify then?"
"Besides, you've always been close to Lord Hokage. Even if you're caught, he won't make an issue of it."
Naruto's fingers slowly tightened around the swing's chains.
That's right. I'm so close to Grandpa Hokage. Even if I get caught, nothing much will happen.
Mizuki pressed further, his tone growing even more earnest.
"I know it's hard being on your own. You have no parents to pick you up, and you failed the exam. You must feel awful. But I believe in you, Naruto. You have potential. As long as you're brave enough to take this step, your future will be completely different."
"I can keep watch for you and tell you how to avoid the patrols. All you need to do is learn that