Mizuki also felt somewhat helpless about these unexpected situations. "Specifically, what do you mean? There shouldn't be any missions requiring participation from Genin now. Why would there still be issues preventing missions from starting?"
"One is Kiba Inuzuka from Team 8—his Ninja Hounds Ninken are sick and need recovery time. As for me, Sasuke had some issues. He overtrained two days ago, doing extra training on his own, so he's experiencing some physical problems..."
"I see..." Mizuki sighed. "What do you think of Sasuke?"
"How should I put it... Progress isn't great. Although Sasuke's fighting style is quite similar to mine, there's still some difference. Plus, my fighting techniques are currently too advanced for Sasuke to learn much from them—his physical limitations are just too significant."
A thirteen-year-old boy throwing himself into training like that was bound to end up injured.
Although this issue had long been predicted, solutions remained elusive. These physical limits during childhood actually act as protection—too much chakra use will always come back to hurt you. Unfortunately, what good would explaining all this do for Sasuke Uchiha right now? The immediate priority was finding a method that could let Sasuke immediately feel a noticeable improvement in strength. But even more than that...
"Kakashi," Mizuki seriously asked Kakashi Hatake, "can I ask you one question? Can you guarantee Sasuke's safety?"
Before Kakashi could respond, Mizuki quickly continued, "I'm not asking for big promises about laying down your life for him—I just want a clear answer: yes or no?"
Sasuke Uchiha's value is laid bare for all to see. Eyes hungry for the Sharingan won't ever stop watching. How many things did Itachi Uchiha do years ago merely to ensure Sasuke's safety? During that night of the Uchiha massacre mission, arranging deals with Konoha's upper echelons already required painstaking effort. Now that the Third Hokage—who was one of the more reliable parties responsible for those agreements—had just died in battle, Itachi instantly appeared at Konoha alongside Kisame Hoshigaki, recklessly using [Amaterasu] and [Tsukuyomi], ultimately clashing with Jiraiya while manifesting [Susanoo]. In short, everything he did was meant to show strength—to make Danzo Shimura, the untrustworthy enforcer of their deal, hesitate before moving against Sasuke Uchiha.
Strictly speaking, unless Sasuke Uchiha became a ninja at Kakashi Hatake's level—a strong independent fighter with considerable self-defense capabilities—and built up his reputation and contributions properly, he might eventually be safe. But how long would that even take?
Staying in Konoha itself might actually prove even more dangerous for Sasuke. Though Tsunade above could offer support, the actual protective responsibility undeniably fell upon Kakashi Hatake. However, was fulfilling this really so easy?
Once Mizuki posed the question, Kakashi wasn't dumb—he knew exactly what Mizuki meant. After pondering deeply for a long time, Kakashi looked up at Mizuki and said, "Yes."
"But I'm stretched thin and need help..."
"It's good that you have the resolve and confidence..." Mizuki also nodded. It seemed he needed to lend a hand himself. Since he had already gotten involved, passing the burden to Root and watching from the sidelines felt inappropriate. Moreover, uniting against Root aligned with Mizuki's interests. After all, Tsunade was Hokage—she set overarching directions from above without getting bogged down in details. Self-preservation always relied on one's own efforts.
Seeing Mizuki nod, Kakashi also relaxed slightly. While he didn't know the Uchiha Clan's inner workings, at their level, they still had some understanding. Everyone kept their doubts hidden—who could really believe Itachi Uchiha alone could destroy the entire Uchiha Clan? It was simply too absurd. Not that such people didn't exist in the ninja world, but Itachi certainly wasn't one of them yet—he wasn't strong enough for that. As someone who had served in Anbu for years, Kakashi Hatake had his suspicions about where the dangers threatening Sasuke Uchiha might come from.
"To be honest, Mizuki, your extensive knowledge truly amazes me. It took me many years of accumulated experience to notice even this much. I never expected that you might actually know even more than me."
"Hmm, it can't be helped. Would you like to know even deeper secrets?"
Those who could hide everything perfectly had nothing to fear. But like fruit with a broken skin—even a small tear quickly led to rotting and decay. Secrets worked similarly. No matter how many secrets one had, revealing even one would draw the attention of those watching, gradually exposing more and more flaws. Ever since he'd accidentally revealed something under threat to his life, Mizuki had felt things spiraling increasingly out of control.
Regarding Mizuki's teasing, Kakashi politely declined: "Forget it—I'm better off not knowing."
Kakashi understood quite well that what Mizuki joked about were surely hot potatoes indeed. Not being in that position meant he didn't need to meddle; knowing too much only disturbed the mind.
"Aww, you're far too sharp, Kakashi. I just feel pressured because I seem to carry too many secrets myself."
In addition to personal ambitions, every ninja focused on improving their survival skills. Ninja varied by aptitude, but clever ones consistently did two things: hide their own secrets while appearing to have none. Mizuki hadn't fully mastered the latter—partly because of his circumstances, and partly due to his nature. People perceived as having too many secrets or excessive scheming minds always invited suspicion.
Hearing Mizuki's self-mockery, Kakashi replied, "If you've already realized that, then it couldn't be better. I've wanted to tell you this for a long time, but I never found a good opportunity. If things continue like this, troubles will never cease for you."
"Thanks, Kakashi," Mizuki expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"You're welcome. If you get the chance, please keep an eye on Sasuke for me."
"Sure."
Though he agreed readily, Mizuki struggled inwardly. There wasn't much thinking needed—he needed immediate results, and advanced techniques offered the quickest path. Yet among the Five Elements advanced techniques, he only specialized in Fire Release. However, the Uchiha Clan's inherited Fire Release meant that Sasuke's experience might not lag behind Mizuki's own. The advantage Mizuki had—Sage Mode enhancements—couldn't be taught to others.
The Chidori Current, with its immense growth potential, was something even Mizuki hadn't mastered. Without actual results to show for it, he couldn't offer much guidance.
[Strength doesn't grow overnight.]
Just look at all the hardship and danger Mizuki had gone through just to reach his current level—nearly draining his chakra completely in the process.
If physical limits were holding back Sasuke's training, there were drugs capable of stimulating the body, but dealing with their side effects was difficult. Mizuki didn't really have a solid solution either…
[Wait, no—I do have an idea...]
Suddenly, Mizuki remembered Karin, the girl under his guardianship. Wasn't she currently in Konoha? Maybe she could help. But was this really a good idea?
Mizuki hesitated. Hurting a young girl to help Sasuke seemed out of character for him. She had come all the way to Konoha seeking his help. If he treated her the same as those who hurt her before, maybe she would still agree to assist—just like in the original storyline. But for now, she hadn't said yes yet.
[When did I become such a selfishly pragmatic person?]
"How are you doing, Mizuki?" Kakashi Hatake asked when he noticed his companion suddenly fall silent.
"Nothing much. Just thinking about some things."
"About Sasuke?"
"Somewhat…"
"Found any leads?" Kakashi asked curiously.
Mizuki shook his head without explaining further.
Kakashi patted Mizuki's shoulder with a sigh. "Do your best."
Kakashi knew all too well that solving such a complex problem required someone with deep expertise. Otherwise, there would be no way to find a real solution.
...
After parting ways with Kakashi, Mizuki glanced at the sky and felt it was still early. Thinking for a moment, he set off toward the main gates of the Hyuga clan. After announcing his arrival, he entered through the gate.
Making his way to the front courtyard, which doubled as the clan's training ground, Mizuki saw Hiashi Hyuga seated to one side watching Hinata and Neji spar nearby. He didn't want to interrupt, so he quietly walked over, gave a slight nod, and sat beside Hiashi to observe the match.
Battles using the Gentle Fist weren't flashy—their rhythm lacked the dazzling spectacle of Ninjutsu or the raw intensity of styles like the Iron Fist technique. Yet beyond their graceful and fluid movements, only those within the fight could truly feel the Gentle Fist's hidden power.
After a long match, even though Neji Hyuga had clearly been holding back, an exhausted Hinata still ended up on the losing end. Panting heavily, the two accepted towels and cups of water from attendants and began resting briefly.
"How did it look, Teacher Mizuki?"
"I'll accept 'teacher' today as a compliment from the clan head."
A Jonin leading a Genin team is considered quite an honor. Usually, only those who are highly promising and exceptionally skilled would be chosen for such a role. Another unwritten rule is that the candidate must be a direct loyalist to the Hokage. Mizuki, however, still falls slightly short. He rose to prominence rather late, and his reputation remains unremarkable. Logically speaking, he wouldn't have much of a chance. Now, though, he's landed himself a decent opportunity. Most importantly, these three Genin won't require too much personal effort from him. Being Team 8's squad leader was actually a cushy post—one that let you polish your reputation and build ties with the Hyuga, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans without much effort. For an average Jonin, getting this post would be something to secretly smile about. As for Mizuki, it wasn't a bad pick either, considering that being a Jonin usually meant having barely any free time for a long while. Leading Team 8 might truly have been a rather solid choice.
Hiashi Hyuga smiled slightly. "Teacher Mizuki is certainly up to the task; I feel reassured entrusting this duty to you."
"I am honored and humbled—I will not betray this trust."
"You're being too modest," Hiashi replied. "Teacher Mizuki's insight is indeed remarkable. Neji has shown rapid improvement in his abilities lately—perhaps his failure in the Chunin Exams turned out to be a good thing after all. More importantly, my eldest daughter Hinata's transformation has also been pleasantly surprising."
"The Hyuga clan has a long tradition of producing outstanding talents—it truly commands admiration."
With the Uchiha gone, the Hyuga have become unrivaled—undoubtedly formidable. Despite maintaining their usual low profile, their underlying strength remains awe-inspiring.
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