In the Hokage Office, there was no one present besides the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Mizuki.
After hearing the two men's reports, the Third Hokage found it quite astonishing as well.
"Are you confident, Mizuki?"
"There's a very good chance of saving his life, but I can't say whether there'll be other complications. After all, I've never performed human experiments before, so I don't know for sure."
"Hmm." The Third nodded, thought for a while, then asked, "What help do you need?"
Hearing the Third's question, Mizuki was relieved. Life and death were indeed difficult choices for the Third, but as long as the person remained alive, given the unpredictable nature of the ninja world, they would always find a way to cure him completely. Even if they had to wait for Tsunade to return, most of their problems would be easily resolved.
Night had fully fallen, and Konoha Hospital was no longer as bustling as it had been during the day. In a quiet lounge, Mizuki and Inoichi Yamanaka were making their final preparations.
Mizuki checked the sealing array and materials he had prepared over and over, carefully making sure nothing had been overlooked.
Inoichi Yamanaka, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them and asked, "Nervous?"
"Yeah." Mizuki gave a bitter smile. "When you realize that someone's life or death rests entirely in your hands, it really doesn't feel good."
"You're an outstanding ninja who's seen plenty of battlefields. You still haven't gotten used to this sort of thing?"
"You're right, sir, but this feels quite different from facing an enemy." Perhaps the original Mizuki had not feared the current situation. Someone capable of killing his own teammates during a mission hardly seemed like the sort to get nervous over this.