Life and Ideals

In Konoha's Hokage Office, the Third Hokage was listening to reports from Ibiki Morino and Mitaraishi Anko.

"That settles it. We'll proceed according to this plan. Next, we need to contact the daimyō of the various countries and the major ninja villages. The Intelligence Division also needs to verify the details of the Genin taking part in the exams from each village, as well as their squad leaders and escorts. We absolutely cannot let any dangerous people of unknown identity slip in among them," the Third Hokage instructed solemnly.

"Regarding Mizuki's request for support, we'll immediately enlist Chunin Umino Iruka to help clear the Forest of Death. Jonin Might Guy is away on a mission, and the Genin squad he mentors is currently idle. I'm issuing a C-rank mission, with Mitaraishi Anko as acting squad leader. She'll take Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee to help clear the Forest of Death."

"But Lord Third Hokage, the Genin on Team Guy are very likely to take part in this year's Chunin Ninja Exams. Would it be unfair to the other Genin if they enter the exam grounds ahead of time? Could it invite criticism?" Anko asked.

The Third Hokage thought for a moment before replying, "The Genin who just graduated this year aren't of much use yet. Of last year's graduates, only the Genin from Might Guy's team are reliable. We don't have anyone else to spare. So be it."

"Yes."

It was the same colorful world of bubbles, and the same original Mizuki, standing motionless with a blank expression. But unlike last time, the entire space was filled with a faint red-black mist, making everything seem especially eerie. The expressionless face looked even more sinister, and the whole figure seemed to be swallowed by the strange red glow. Mizuki raised his hands and looked at them, only to find they were the same. His arms couldn't stop the red mist from eroding them at all.

"Things are getting more and more troublesome. Is this the result of the Cursed Seal becoming active? It isn't giving me any time to react. If I don't find a solution quickly, more and more unpredictable things will happen. If all these problems get tangled together, they'll be even harder to deal with."

His body and mind were both under mortal threat. Until he could block the Cursed Seal's dual assault on his body and mind, he couldn't even make a rash move. He wasn't even capable of weathering a single unexpected turn of events. There just wasn't enough time.

Early the next morning, Mizuki followed instructions and headed to the Forest of Death. He found Iruka already waiting there, along with three Genin: Neji Hyuga, Tenten, and Rock Lee.

"Iruka, I didn't think you'd actually come."

"Good morning, Mizuki-sensei!" Tenten and Lee greeted him politely. Neji nodded.

"Ah, what good kids. They make that rude Chunin teacher look even worse."

"Sorry for being rude. It's not like some arrogant guy couldn't handle his mission and went running to Lord Third Hokage for help. If he hadn't, we wouldn't have had to come to this lousy place so early in the morning."

"Ah, exactly. It's absolutely awful when an irresponsible guy dumps his work on someone else."

"Who do you think you're talking about, you jerk?" Iruka snapped angrily.

"Looks like everyone's here! Seeing how well you all get along puts me at ease. I hope you'll all do your best on the mission." Mitaraishi Anko appeared out of nowhere and shamelessly spouted nonsense. "Since you're all so full of energy, let's get to work."

With a few extra hands, their efficiency improved considerably. The Genin helped lure and pin down the creatures, while Iruka, Mizuki, and Anko pitched in. They cleared the area much faster, and even when they ran into particularly troublesome monsters, they managed to deal with them without a hitch.

Near noon, they found a clean, open spot, tidied it up a little, and sat down to rest and eat lunch.

"Iruka, when did you learn that Sealing Jutsu? You don't seem very good at it. They nearly broke free several times," Mizuki asked as he ate.

"You mean the Binding Formation? I learned it a long time ago, but I've never had much use for it. I haven't had many chances to use it, so I'm not very good at it."

"You're still the same, Iruka. You're mediocre at everything you do."

"Well, sorry about that. At least someone is eagerly waiting for this mediocre guy to come help him."

"Iruka, you should stick to your promising career as a Ninja Academy teacher. Why bother learning Sealing Jutsu? The brats at the Ninja Academy can't use anything that advanced anyway." Mizuki pretended to have Iruka's best interests at heart, then sighed with deep compassion.

"Mind your own business. I may not look like much, but I have dreams too. Who knows? Maybe one day, I'll become Hokage!"

"I can't imagine what Konoha would become if Iruka ever became Hokage," Mizuki said with a sigh.

"Just you wait and see, you jerk," Iruka said through gritted teeth.

Lee chimed in from the side, looking envious. "Mizuki-sensei and Iruka-sensei are so close. I'm jealous!"

Hearing Lee, Tenten hurriedly interrupted. "Don't say nonsense, Lee. Which of your eyes says they're close? I think you should get your eyes checked."

"Tenten, you don't understand the friendship between men. It's like these two teachers, who encourage each other," Lee retorted with a resolute expression.

"Lee, I believe in you." Mizuki gave him a thumbs-up and flashed a toothy smile.

Seeing that the conversation had shifted to the three Genin, Anko joined in. "Ah, speaking of which, thanks for helping us with this mission. You weren't supposed to have to take on such a troublesome job, but we're really short on time. So we had to call in the idle Genin to help. I'll give you a good review for this mission."

"That's right. Seeing how capable the new generation of Genin are makes me feel like I'm getting old," Iruka said with a smile. "If all Konoha's Genin were as capable as you, I'd better retire early. Haha!"

"As a Ninja Academy teacher, is it really okay to be so unmotivated in front of your former students, Iruka?" Anko teased him too.

Mizuki joined in. "Konoha still needs a loudmouth like you to look after the brats at the Ninja Academy. I doubt anyone else could patiently play ninja games with that bunch of runny-nosed kids. That said, it's been years since I've seen Genin with such distinctive talents."

"Is that true, Mizuki-sensei? Are we really that capable?"

"Yes. Lee, your Taijutsu is truly impressive. I've heard about it. Your talent and hard work are already well known. If you keep it up, you might even inherit Might Guy's skills."

"That's great! I knew Guy-sensei wouldn't lie to me. Youth means giving it everything you've got!" Lee said excitedly.

"Neji is quite capable too. I'm not very familiar with the Hyuga clan or the Gentle Fist, but honestly, at Neji's current level, even an average Chunin would have a hard time defeating him. A ninja with both talent and hard work ahead of him has a bright future—much brighter than mine, anyway. I'm just an unremarkable Chunin."

"As for Tenten..." Mizuki paused.

"What about me, Mizuki-sensei? Am I very capable too?" Tenten asked expectantly.

"I'm not very familiar with your fighting style, and I can't tell what your future holds, but..." Mizuki took a sip of water before continuing. "Putting everything else aside, I think you'd make a fine wife."

"Seriously?" His words left everyone stunned.

Ignoring their astonishment, Mizuki continued, "From the way you fight, you throw ninja tools around like they cost nothing. Your family must be pretty rich. If I married you, I could live comfortably for the rest of my life without having to work hard for another twenty years. And you're cute, too. Pretty, wealthy kunoichi are a rare find. If you wanted a husband who married into your family, there'd be plenty of takers."

"What's wrong with you? How can you say something like that in front of your students and junior colleagues?" Iruka couldn't help shouting at him.

"I don't want a husband who marries into my family..." Tenten said shyly, glancing at Neji.

"Hey, Mizuki, you're openly harassing a fellow Konoha kunoichi," Anko said with a sigh. "Aren't you worried your fiancée will be upset?"

"How is that harassment? I'm just telling the truth. I'm talking about life and dreams with a cute junior and offering a little advice, that's all," Mizuki hastily denied. "Besides, Tsubaki isn't that petty. We're very close. There's no need for you to worry about it, Anko."

"Wait, Sensei, you already have a fiancée?" Lee asked.

"Yes. We grew up together, childhood friends," Mizuki replied. "To be honest, I've worried a lot about my future too. I'm not particularly talented or special. Am I even suited to being a ninja? The endless missions, the meager pay, and the outrageous expenses make life so difficult. What if I can't support my family one day? Should I change careers?"

Mizuki continued, looking dreamy. "Maybe I should try acting in movies and becoming a star. Isn't that one movie everyone's talking about lately? The leading actress is beautiful, too. I heard it made a lot of money. Wherever she goes, she's the center of attention. Even the daimyō has welcomed her warmly. If I became a big star one day, I wouldn't have to worry about all these troubles anymore. If I came back to Konoha to post a mission, would Lord Hokage welcome me warmly too? I'd love to see everyone's faces then. Of course, I wouldn't forget you guys. I'd definitely consider hiring you as my bodyguards, and I'd pay you well, haha!"

"Adults really do have complicated lives," Lee said, looking bewildered.

"All right, Mizuki, put your big-star dreams on hold for now and finish the mission first. Everyone's had enough rest. Back to work," Mitaraishi Anko ordered.