The Ninja Academy's Incredible Legends (84) It's Hard to Move Others, It's Foolish to Move Yourself

Mizuki swallowed the slice of meat in his mouth, wiped the grease from the corner of his lips, and said leisurely, "This request isn't excessive. But first, I want to know—what exactly are you worried about?"

"Well... I just feel like there are many better candidates. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to give a speech as the wedding officiant?"

"Oh ho, so that's what this is..."

Mizuki gave an exaggerated smile.

"You're not here to ask for advice—you're getting cold feet..."

Umino Iruka gave an embarrassed, sheepish laugh, effectively admitting that Mizuki's guess was right.

"Fine!"

Mizuki patted Iruka on the shoulder.

"Although it's a little troublesome, if you insist on declining, I can still put in a word for you. If you're too embarrassed to say it, I'll help you..."

"Really?"

"Of course. But first, you have to think this through. Do you really want to disappoint Naruto?"

It really would not be difficult to find a few socially polished people to say a few polished words. If Umino Iruka did not want to do it, they could have Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen Shop, go instead. Naruto might not even mind.

"Then... can I know who you want to replace me with?"

"You're getting a little greedy, Iruka!"

Mizuki shook his head.

"You don't want to do it yourself, but you still want to interfere with the choice of replacement?"

"That's not what I mean. I'm just worried whether Naruto would be satisfied with the new candidate..."

"Naruto already invited you. Don't you understand? You fool! You're special to him. Everyone else is the same—hell, even if you dragged a dog up there to put on a show, it might make things livelier."

"That's too harsh, isn't it? It's not that exaggerated."

Umino Iruka laughed as