Danger Arrives Unexpectedly

The sun was well up when Mizuki walked toward the Hokage's office. Passing the Ninja Academy, he saw students trickling through the gates. Iruka was busy organizing the graduates, looking as though his injuries had mostly healed.

I wonder if that fated kiss between Sasuke and Naruto will still happen, Mizuki couldn't help but think. If the butterfly effect prevents it, that would be a real shame.

Should I slow down? The Hokage might be busy assigning squads to the genin right now. It wouldn't be great to arrive too early. Still, it might be worth a look.

By the time Mizuki reached the office, the meeting had long since concluded. The other jonin squad leaders had already departed, and Mizuki bumped into Hatake Kakashi, who was the last to leave.

"Yo, Mizuki. New haircut? You actually look like a decent guy for once," Kakashi greeted him with his usual lack of manners.

"What do you mean 'look like'? I am a decent guy. Besides, my hair looks great, doesn't it? Very recognizable. No one will ever mistake me for someone else again."

"Fair point. But no matter how you spruce yourself up, it's too late—you've already got a fiancée."

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Shouldn't you be off to meet your adorable new students?"

"Eh, it won't hurt to let them wait a little longer. I'm going to grab a bite and then head home for a nap. Thanks to a certain bastard, I haven't slept properly in two days."

"Being your student must be exhausting."

Mizuki parted ways with Kakashi and entered the Hokage's office. Only a few chunin and special jonin remained. Anko Mitarashi? Ibiki Morino? Is this about the Chunin Exams? They're starting preparations months in advance? Ninja efficiency is truly something else.

Mizuki walked to the side and waited unobtrusively.

Seeing Mizuki enter, the Third Hokage gave a light cough to signal the start. "Everyone is here. Let us begin the mission briefing."

"The upcoming Chunin Exams will be held in Konoha three months from now. Several allied villages, including Sunagakure, will be participating. The Kazekage and various daimyo will also be in attendance. This is a matter of great importance, so we must prepare early. I have distributed the specific arrangements for you to review. We can discuss any concerns later."

They're actually letting me participate? What about my punishment? Mizuki skeptically took the plan and flipped through it.

It's mostly the same as the original plot, except I've been added to monitor the first stage and handle a few cleanup and patrol tasks. And Anko Mitarashi is the team leader? Are they suspicious and testing me? Unlikely. Must be a coincidence.

Mizuki tuned out the rest of the briefing, focusing instead on the risks and potential opportunities to gain an advantage. Once everything was settled, the Third Hokage commanded, "If there are no objections, you may begin your preparations. Mizuki and Anko, stay behind. Everyone else is dismissed."

The office emptied quickly, leaving only the Third, Mizuki, and Anko Mitarashi.

The Third Hokage spoke again. "Anko, as the proctor for the second stage, you must be cautious. The casualty rate must be controlled, or it could lead to disputes and dissatisfaction among our allies. I need a complete plan from you as soon as possible. The Forest of Death must be thoroughly inspected to prevent outsiders from sabotaging the exam and damaging Konoha's reputation. It also needs to be cleared out; the forest hasn't been managed properly, and there are creatures inside that far exceed the strength of a genin. Mizuki, you will be responsible for the execution of this cleanup, and Anko will inspect and verify it. The barrier for the Forest of Death will be opened for ten days starting tomorrow. You must finish within that timeframe."

"Understood," Mizuki and Anko replied.

"Mizuki," the Third added, looking at him. "I expect you to carry out this mission diligently. I do not want to see a repeat of the things I've already seen. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand, Lord Third."

"Regarding your punishment: Konoha has decided to deduct your pay for the next three months. You are forbidden from leaving the village without a permit signed by me personally. Furthermore, you are not to approach Naruto Uzumaki for the next month. These restrictions will be lifted once the Chunin Exams conclude."

"Yes."

"Mizuki, I hope you understand that given your actions, you do not deserve such leniency. However, the village is in need of capable hands, so I have decided to give you a chance to redeem yourself."

"That will be all. You may go." Before Mizuki could respond, the Third dismissed him. "Complete the mission well. If anything comes up, have Anko report it to me."

"Yes, Lord Third." Mizuki had no choice but to turn and leave.

Only two people remained in the room. The Third took a few puffs of his pipe, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and instructed Anko: "Monitor Mizuki. If you discover anything suspicious, apprehend him on the spot. If he resists," the Third said in a low, heavy voice, "kill him." The man who had held the position of Hokage for decades revealed the ruthless side of a warlord.

"How could you?" Anko was stunned. "I've heard about Mizuki's crimes over the last two days, but surely it doesn't warrant an execution order?"

"I know," the Third said gravely. "On the surface, it does seem too harsh, but I have a bad premonition." Even without concrete evidence, something felt wrong.

"I hope I am just being paranoid. This is merely a precaution. Anko, keep a close watch on the Forest of Death. Don't let anyone tamper with it. You may go."

"Yes." Anko turned and left.

The Third remained alone in the office, puffing on his pipe, lost in thought.

Exiting the Hokage's office, Mizuki sprinted home, skipping lunch and ignoring the surprised looks he drew along the way.

Once inside, he quickly locked the doors and windows and drew the curtains, plunging the room into darkness. Mizuki stripped off his shirt, pressed his hand against the curse mark on his right arm, and collapsed onto his bed.

I didn't expect the danger to arrive so quickly. I was just thinking this thing might be a major headache, and now this.

Mizuki touched the still-feverish mark, observing it closely. The entire seal seemed to be emitting a faint red glow.

I knew this thing wasn't reliable. As a prototype, its stability is bound to be poor, but I didn't expect it to react so easily.

Mizuki had noticed the anomaly the moment he entered the Hokage's office. At its peak, his entire arm had felt searing hot, and he had barely managed to keep his composure. Furthermore, the closer he got to Anko Mitarashi, the more violent the curse mark became.

The reason for the activity is likely related to the curse mark on Anko.

The prototype curse mark on Mizuki's body didn't actually exist in the original manga; it was an anime-original addition. Throughout his life, Mizuki had never been near anyone else bearing a curse mark. It seemed the item resonated with similar energy.

No, it shouldn't be the mark itself. To be precise, it's likely natural energy or, more simply, senjutsu chakra.

Curse marks were developed by Orochimaru through research into Jugo's kekkei genkai, the origins of which traced back to the mysterious Ryuchi Cave.

After Orochimaru failed to master Sage Mode, his research into Jugo's bloodline made significant progress. The enzymes—or hormones—extracted from Jugo's body were the origin of all curse marks. While originally intended as a precursor to his Living Corpse Reincarnation, the technique held astonishing potential. Though it couldn't be relied upon as a standard source of power, it was truly incredible. Look at the second stage of the curse mark: immense power, physical transformation, and the growth of auxiliary organs. If you ignore the aesthetics and logic, isn't it very similar to Sage Mode? In truth, the curse mark was just a degraded version of Sage Mode; otherwise, Kabuto Yakushi wouldn't have been able to master snake-style senjutsu so easily using Orochimaru's research.

Orochimaru had taken it a step further, infusing his own original spiritual essence—the basis of his immortality technique—into this mutated, degraded senjutsu chakra. It was remarkably similar to the reincarnation of Asura and Indra's chakra, though Orochimaru lacked their immense power and Yin-Yang Release to complete the cycle. He was forced to rely on the flawed method of stealing bodies to escape the limitations of his lifespan. If given more time, it was terrifying to imagine what kind of world-shaking things Orochimaru might have researched.

This is a danger, but also a rare opportunity to get a glimpse of natural energy and senjutsu chakra.

As a prototype, the curse mark had difficult, unresolved flaws, but it didn't contain a backup of Orochimaru's consciousness. Surely, Orochimaru wouldn't pin his hopes on a body as insignificant as Mizuki's. This prototype was likely just a whim, a way to explore further possibilities—nothing unusual for a researcher. The key was to find a way to control it autonomously. The Konoha higher-ups could do it, but Mizuki couldn't count on them. Hatake Kakashi's Evil Sealing Method was an option—he had used it on Sasuke during the Chunin Exams—but Mizuki wasn't close enough to Kakashi to ask, and there was no guarantee Kakashi wouldn't report it to the Third. The risk was too high. Even if the form differed from the Heaven Curse Mark, anyone with half a brain would realize he was connected to Orochimaru the moment it activated.

What should I do? Ask Kakashi? No, that's a last-resort survival tactic if I lose control. It seems I'll have to stay as far away as possible from anyone carrying a curse mark or practicing Sage Mode.

It's a shame I have to work with Anko Mitarashi. It looks like I'll just have to endure it for now and try not to slip up. Mizuki couldn't help but smile bitterly. There's never a moment of peace.

As a warmth spread across his arm, Mizuki hurriedly put on his clothes. Immediately after, a figure barged in without a shred of courtesy. It was none other than Anko Mitarashi.

"It seems this thing even has an early warning capability; that's a pleasant surprise."

"Why keep it so dark in here? Acting all mysterious—are you hiding a mistress?"

"Don't talk nonsense, I have a fiancée."

"A fiancée? I never would have guessed a guy like you could have a fiancée. This world must be blind."

"Don't say that, the world will curse you~" Mizuki surrendered. "Didn't we just see each other? What do you want with me so soon?"

"Go investigate the Forest of Death alone tomorrow. I need to discuss the details of the Chunin Exams with Ibiki and prepare a report for the Third Hokage, so I don't have time for the forest right now. I'm just here to let you know."

"I understand."

"So, who is this fiancée of yours? I'm dying to know which blind girl actually took a liking to you."

"Calling her blind is quite rude. My fiancée's name is Tsubaki Chie."

"Oh, that ponytail from the Sealing Team who has zero presence and can't even hold her liquor? Figures, she sounds like the type who lacks judgment and is easily deceived."

"Her presence certainly can't compare to Lady Anko Mitarashi, but her essential feminine charm far exceeds our presence-overflowing Lady Anko by a long shot."

"Forget it, enough talk. I'm leaving; I have to go grab a drink with some friends later. See you." With that, she flashed away and vanished.

"Finally gone." Mizuki clutched his right arm, lost in thought. It's a case of being blinded by the light, I suppose. I never noticed it before, but since Tsubaki is in the Sealing Team, she might know a thing or two about sealing jutsu. She might be able to find some clues. I don't need a complete solution, just something to suppress it for now. Should I find time to ask her? No, I need to act fast. I'll go today; it'd be good to see Tsubaki anyway.