Transforming Nature, Fostering Deceit

Walking over to the swing at a leisurely pace, Mizuki comforted the sobbing Naruto Uzumaki, "Naruto, are you still angry at Iruka-sensei? I don't think he's targeting you; becoming an elite ninja is no simple matter, after all. Besides, you can always return to the academy and take the exam again next year."

Unfortunately, Mizuki's consolation had little effect.

Naruto hung his head, retorting with frustration, "I know what you mean, Mizuki-sensei, but why was I the only one who failed? Why me? I worked so hard." His tone was thick with resentment. For a boy starved of affection, who had always maintained his enthusiasm despite being shunned, this failure was a devastating blow to his desire for recognition.

Nearby, adults watched with cold eyes, their vicious taunts of "monster" and "serves him right, should've been kicked out long ago" drifting over, causing the once-optimistic boy to bow his head even lower.

This doesn't seem like the right place to talk. Mizuki patted Naruto's hunched shoulder and said kindly, "Naruto, why don't we go somewhere else? I have something I'd like to tell you later. The graduation exam isn't entirely hopeless; if you work hard, there might be a chance for a make-up test."

"Really, Mizuki-sensei? You're not lying to me, are you?" Hearing the unexpected good news, Naruto was overcome with excitement, looking at Mizuki with eyes full of hope.

"Of course I wouldn't lie to you. It'll be difficult, but you actually have a real talent for being a ninja. You might just earn Iruka-sensei's approval and become one. But let's find a quiet place to talk about it properly!"

"Okay, okay, Mizuki-sensei! Where are we going?"

"Let's go to the Hokage Rock; the weather is nice today. You head over first, and I'll be there in a moment."

"Alright, I'm going then! Mizuki-sensei, hurry up and come over!"

"I'll be there soon." Mizuki watched Naruto dash off in a flurry toward the Hokage Rock. It seemed that for a lonely, ostracized child, the desire to become a ninja and gain recognition was paramount—a point that might be useful later. However, at least for now, he wasn't yet someone Naruto looked to for validation. Mizuki couldn't help but mock himself; his status as a minor character hadn't improved, and even if today's events went perfectly, the road ahead remained long and arduous. In the coming years, the power levels in the ninja world would rise exponentially, turning early-game bosses into fodder. At his current level and potential, he didn't even have the chance to build a base or grind for levels. Without a "cheat" system, he could barely survive, let alone thrive. For now, he had to take it one step at a time.

As students were picked up by their parents, the Third Hokage also left the academy. After exchanging greetings with Iruka, Mizuki departed for the Hokage Rock.

On the way, Mizuki pondered his own position. The original Mizuki was a clever but mediocre ninja—outstanding among Chunin, perhaps, but limited by average physical prowess and mediocre ninjutsu and genjutsu. He knew a bit of half-baked puppetry and possessed a sharp tactical mind, making him a reliable mid-level asset for Konoha. If he could master a specialty, becoming a Special Jonin wouldn't be surprising. For a war orphan without a clan name, this was already an excellent outcome. Yet, his character flaws were glaring: intense jealousy and ambition that far outstripped his actual strength. He had pinned his hopes on Orochimaru's scraps, despite having no real leverage, and foolishly tried to steal the Scroll of Sealing as a tribute, only to be crushed by the Child of Prophecy. Or perhaps, it was the malice of the world itself—the powers-that-be watching as he served as the initial stepping stone, providing a final service by fueling the protagonist's growth and education. With Mizuki's ego, how could he respect Iruka, who was always weaker than him? And how could he believe that a "dead-last" failure who couldn't even perform a basic Clone Jutsu would suddenly master a high-level technique like the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu? For someone with Naruto's massive chakra reserves, it was the perfect weapon. It was no wonder he got beaten to a pulp under the weight of the world's malice. His own situation was similar: mediocre talent, an unwilling heart, and a desperate struggle against a reality where the odds were stacked against him. A tragic end seemed inevitable.

However, having transmigrated to this point in time, perhaps his knowledge of the future could carve out a sliver of opportunity. Besides, he had no way back.

So, where to start? A fundamental change in nature. Mizuki was a mediocre person, and so was he; their temperaments matched. Mizuki was also an unsuccessful villain—not necessarily evil in his actions, but certainly driven by malice. Xunzi's "Human Nature is Evil" suggests that goodness is a result of conscious effort, not an inherent trait. In this world where life is cheap, being a "gentleman" is a luxury, and spreading "love and justice" is the protagonist's privilege. He didn't qualify for that. He would have to settle for being a "fake gentleman" for now. "The sage transforms nature and creates artifice; artifice gives rise to ritual and righteousness." That was too grand for him; he was just a mortal struggling to survive.

With that thought, the path forward seemed a little clearer. Everything hinged on the progress and execution of tonight's plan.

Finally arriving at the Hokage Rock, an impatient Naruto called out from afar, "Mizuki-sensei? You're finally here! You're so slow, I'm starving! Over here, over here!"

"Sorry, Naruto, I'm late. But it's still early; there's still time."

"Hey, hey, Mizuki-sensei, what's the way to pass the exam? Tell me quickly!" Naruto asked, unable to contain his eagerness.

Mizuki smiled slightly. "Don't be so impatient. Before we talk about that, there's something else I need to tell you." He looked at the hopeful boy and said slowly, "Naruto, first of all, I don't want you to resent Iruka-sensei. He's the one who truly cares about you. Iruka-sensei is an orphan too; he understands loneliness. He doesn't hold any malice toward you—you have to believe that. I've known him for many years, and I know his character well."

Naruto puffed out his cheeks, looking unconvinced. "I know that, but I just don't understand why he won't let me be a ninja. I've decided to become the best ninja ever, to become Hokage, and make everyone acknowledge me! If I can't even become a ninja, what am I supposed to do?"

"Becoming a qualified ninja isn't that simple, Naruto. It's not like playing ninja games. Besides skill and strength, a ninja must have the resolve to make sacrifices."

"I know!" Naruto clenched his fists, his expression resolute. "I will become a ninja. That is my ninja way!"

"Is that so? I understand." Mizuki spoke with the tone of someone who had expected as much. "That's impressive, Naruto. But there was a big mistake in what you just said, and I have to correct it."

"What mistake?"

"Your wish to become Hokage so that everyone will acknowledge you is noble, but you have the cause and effect backward," Mizuki said, looking at Naruto earnestly. "It's not that you become Hokage and then everyone acknowledges you; it's that only those who are acknowledged by everyone can become Hokage!"

"Cause... and effect? Order?" Naruto didn't quite grasp it.

Looks like I said too much. Mizuki felt a wave of disappointment; he had overestimated the kid's comprehension.

"Hey, Mizuki-sensei, I don't really get what you mean, but I know one thing: I will become Hokage and I will be acknowledged! Please, teach me how to pass the exam and become a ninja!"

"You're such a good kid, Naruto. I believe you'll succeed." Mizuki sighed inwardly. As expected. "The reason you failed is that your Clone Jutsu isn't up to par. High-level ninjutsu is essential for a ninja. I believe that if you learn a powerful, advanced technique, Iruka-sensei will have no choice but to let you pass."

"Really? Where can I learn advanced ninjutsu?" Naruto asked, eyes wide with excitement. "Are you going to teach me, Mizuki-sensei? That's great!"

"Not exactly, Naruto. I'm only a Chunin, so I don't know any truly powerful techniques. But I do know where you can find one—a technique even more powerful than anything Iruka-sensei knows. Once you learn it, he won't have any objections to making you a ninja."

"Really? Where is it? Tell me, Mizuki-sensei!" Naruto was already bursting with anticipation.

"Konoha has a legendary Scroll of Sealing. Learning the advanced techniques inside should be more than enough, Naruto."

Everything was going according to plan. Mizuki watched as Naruto left, satisfied.

"Good. Step one is complete. The hero has embarked on his path of leveling up, fighting monsters, and unlocking skills. Now, I need to prepare myself."

Legends say the hero is the embodiment of love and justice, always surrounded by like-minded allies. The other eleven genin were likely those characters. What was his current status? A "supplementary pill" meant to be sacrificed to trigger the hero's ultimate move and boost his power. Iruka was barely qualified for that role, but he would have to do.

"Next, follow the plan and wait for the judgment. Having inherited the will of the original Mizuki and a mediocre white-collar worker, my luck should have improved. After all, one plus one should at least be greater than one, right?"