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Chapter 185 - Chapter 185: The Path of Choice

Upon hearing Kakashi Hatake's words, Mizuki paused for a moment before replying, "In terms of absolute value, this technique indeed possesses immeasurable potential—its praise cannot be overstated. However, Kakashi, have you considered that the value of every ninjutsu is tied directly to its difficulty? Tell me, how many people in Konoha village do you think could actually master it?"

"There probably aren't many," Kakashi answered helplessly after some thought. "Even for me, completing this technique wouldn't be easy."

Coming from Kakashi, known as the 'Copy Ninja of Konoha,' admitting difficulty meant others would find it nearly impossible.

"Also, Kakashi, this technique isn't irreplaceable. Its most notable feature—the massive chakra reserves—isn't unique. There are plenty of ways to replenish chakra throughout the ninja world. I'm sure you can name quite a few yourself, right?"

The Yin Seal, which shares certain similarities with the [Breath-Sealing Art]; various secret techniques and Kekkei Genkai capable of absorbing chakra; not to mention countless pills designed to restore stamina and chakra, were all relatively common. In the hands of shinobi like Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, and Mizuki himself, [Breath-Sealing Art] reached unparalleled usefulness. But for someone else, it's not just a matter of if they could learn it—it's what they'd do with so much chakra once they did. Cast more [Great Fireball] Jutsu? What would be the point? Only those whose techniques required massive chakra would bother to learn the [Breath-Sealing Art].

Mizuki's rebuttal caught Kakashi completely off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless.

"I may not have an immediate counterargument for you, but your reasoning still doesn't hold up completely," Kakashi admitted.

Indeed, Kakashi wasn't someone easily deceived. Earlier, Mizuki realized he had been changing the subject and making unreasonable arguments. Long ago, he had become aware that these cognitive differences stemmed from his past life—he still hadn't fully adapted to the values of the ninja world yet. Growing up under different circumstances and educational backgrounds, Mizuki had never truly recognized until reaching a certain level himself—when others began looking up to him—that the worth of Mizuki's knowledge and skills was truly astounding. If fully realized, these accomplishments alone could support an entire small ninja village.

But back then, sharing something crucial like the [Breath-Sealing Art] with Sakura Haruno seemed nothing more than a long-term investment mixed with academic discussion. Looking back now, that act appeared clearly out of place—not necessarily wrong, but undoubtedly a violation of traditional ninja world norms, essentially challenging the system itself.

Only later did Mizuki come to understand that there were three eternal themes governing this world: bloodline, the continuation of tradition, and heroes.

Throughout the history of the ninja world, no matter how complex things seemed, everything always came back to these three themes. The ninja world certainly had its share of chaos, which made it feel complicated. But in truth, it was actually quite simple. Everything began with the Otsutsuki bloodline—the foundation upon which the ninja world was built. The transmission of knowledge and power drove progress forward, while legends of heroes composed the world's history itself.

Mizuki's actions, right or wrong, and how people viewed them didn't really matter. Regardless of intent—deliberate or accidental—actions that violated the rules were generally inappropriate. Even if Mizuki himself believed teaching was harmless, others would still find it disagreeable.

"Though I understand this now, even if I had another chance to choose, the outcome probably wouldn't change much."

Everyone has their own sense of values. Mizuki wouldn't go against his nature just for something so trivial. Besides, even if some people disliked him, after two or three years when the order collapses, who would care so much? As long as he had enough strength to withstand pressure from others, indulging himself a time or two wouldn't matter.

Seeing Mizuki remain indifferent as usual, Kakashi Hatake wasn't particularly surprised.

"Mizuki, although we haven't known each other very long, I do understand your methods. You might not take this seriously, and Sakura may still be naïve now, but what about the future?"

Since Kakashi had brought it up directly, Mizuki couldn't just ignore it. Truthfully, he personally wasn't afraid, but it could indeed affect Haruno Sakura. Would she really earn Tsunade's approval while carrying Mizuki's secret techniques? "Bringing outside techniques into a new apprenticeship" wasn't all that different from being an unwanted stepchild.

"You must understand, Kakashi," Mizuki said. "I can teach Sakura—that part isn't a problem. I have both the ability and confidence, and I won't hinder her growth or prospects. However, doing so would waste her remarkable talent in medical ninjutsu. I can fool others, but surely you know better—when it comes to medicine, I'm completely clueless."

Mizuki paused briefly before continuing earnestly, "Also, we must consider Sakura's own wishes. You can offer suggestions and opportunities, but I believe everything shouldn't be predetermined. A ninja's path should ultimately be chosen by themselves."

Whether Sakura decided to learn from Mizuki and become a combat ninja specializing in sealing techniques, or became Tsunade's disciple and pursued the path of a violent medical ninja, first needed Sakura's decision before further plans could proceed appropriately.

Seeing Kakashi remain silent for quite some time after hearing Mizuki's words, Mizuki realized he had temporarily convinced him.

"Sigh, your persuasive skills are wasted on being just a ninja," Kakashi finally replied with a bitter smile after a while. "I suppose I was rushing things a bit."

"What happened recently that made you hurry so much?"

"It's Sasuke," Kakashi said, troubled. "Recently, he's been away from the village too often on missions. Team 7 hasn't been disciplined enough, and there have barely been any team missions. Although Naruto has Lord Jiraiya's guidance and doesn't need much concern, I've now focused most of my attention on Sasuke. Therefore, I naturally needed to make proper arrangements for Sakura to avoid seeming overly biased."

"Didn't we talk about something similar more than two months ago?" Mizuki had once complained to Kakashi before the Chunin Exams. That was over two months ago—you actually remembered?

"Well, you have a point. I guess I didn't think it through thoroughly, never considering Sakura's own will."

"You're just too concerned about her and the others. Don't underestimate your students—they'll find their own paths."

"After being a squad leader for so long, I never thought you'd be the one with more insight."

"How long did I teach her? Even counting the time she spent at the Ninja Academy with you, you can't even compare, Kakashi."

"That's true. Honestly, if the Third Hokage hadn't insisted so strongly, I wouldn't have taken on this troublesome task in the first place."

"Do you really think complaining now will help?" In Mizuki's eyes, Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto were the most important reasons why Hatake Kakashi had decided to train Team 7. The last descendant of his former comrade and friend, Obito Uchiha, and the son of his teacher, the Fourth Hokage—those reasons alone were more than enough.

"Hey, Mizuki, what do you think I should do about Sasuke?" Kakashi asked somewhat uncertainly.

"'Do about him'? You're taking on too much responsibility yourself, Kakashi. He'll naturally find his own path. All we can do now is try our best to guide him."

"It's just that...I'm worried. Hatred is a fierce beast gnawing at the heart. If you're not careful, it could easily turn someone into a person consumed by vengeance."

Mizuki couldn't answer that question—he had no desire to get drawn into such an unsolvable topic with Kakashi.

"Yeah...I should head back soon. I want to rest early."

They had walked together until it was time to part ways. Mizuki wanted to go home and relax already.

"Yeah, thanks for the advice tonight."

"That's just what I should do. After all, I'm a teacher too!"

...

A bit of cool summer night breeze sobered up Mizuki significantly after having been drinking; by the time he reached home, he noticed the lights were still on inside.

"Lady Tsubaki must've come already," Mizuki thought to himself.

Pushing open the door, sure enough, he saw his fiancée waiting for him.

"You're back?" Tsubaki approached and tried to help support him. "You drank alcohol again? But you don't like it—I can smell you had quite a lot?"

"Don't worry, it wasn't that much." Mizuki waved off her helping hand and took off his coat, handing it over for her to hang. There was no need to be formal when they were at home alone together.

"Tsubaki, did you eat dinner yet?"

He asked as he headed to the bathroom. He wanted to splash some water on his face and fully wake himself up.

"I already ate."

"Good. You should've gone out with me today—it would've been a perfect chance to get familiar with my friends."

"I already know them, and isn't that gathering to celebrate your promotion to Jonin? Just enjoy yourself there."

"What a shame then. I invited everyone to our wedding, and your presence would've been the best gift."

"Well, it's fine." Smiling kindly, Tsubaki responded, "We're different people. And besides, I prepared something here especially to celebrate your promotion."

"So that's what you were busy doing at home? Let me see what it is!"

"Just wait a second," she said before pulling out a full-finger glove shimmering with a metallic red-and-black luster.

"This is the gift? Hmm...?!"

"That sensation again—"

The gloves felt oddly familiar yet completely foreign at the same time. They looked metallic, and though the texture seemed recognizable, it was impossible to pinpoint.

Without delay, Mizuki put them on to test. The chakra conduction was excellent, and they were highly flexible, not interfering with hand movements in the least.

"What kind of material is this?" Mizuki asked with genuine curiosity. "It's impressive."

If someone asked which part of Mizuki's body had suffered the most injuries in recent months, the answer would definitely be his hands.

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