Chapter 3: Mizuki the Traitor's Deception
"First, head home and figure out how to use this other half of the Nine-Tails' chakra properly."
That was Naruto's plan.
For one thing, he had no money on him.
For another, it was already night.
Wandering around aimlessly would only make the ANBU ninjas suspicious.
In a remote, rundown single-room apartment—
From a distance, Naruto spotted a figure standing at his doorstep.
He raised an eyebrow, puzzled, and walked over.
The moment the person saw Naruto, their face lit up with joy.
"Naruto, you're finally back! Actually, failing the graduation exam wasn't your fault at all."
Mizuki tried hard to keep his expression gentle, speaking in a kind, elder-like tone.
It gave Naruto the creeps.
Is this guy gay or something?
Wait… hold on!
Wasn't this the early-game minor villain, the helpful little experience booster—Mizuki?
Yes, exactly this guy.
He was the one who tricked him into stealing the Scroll of Seals.
And that act kicked off Naruto's path as a ninja.
In a twisted way, without Mizuki, there might never have been the future Naruto.
After Mizuki… there was no more Hokage…
Cough cough… just some dumb internet joke.
Not to be taken seriously.
No kindness without an ulterior motive—either adultery or theft.
Naruto wasn't fond of this two-faced traitor at all.
"Mizuki-sensei, it's so late. Is something the matter?"
Naruto smiled politely.
Damn it, just get lost already so I can go inside and sleep.
Huh? Why does Naruto seem so different tonight?
Is it because the whisker marks are gone?
Mizuki was confused, but he still remembered why he came here!
"Naruto, failing today's graduation exam wasn't your fault. It's because you lack a proper inheritance."
Mizuki spoke earnestly, full of concern.
A proper inheritance??
So he's trying to trick me into stealing the Scroll of Seals?
Naruto laughed inwardly but decided to watch Mizuki's performance continue.
"Oh? Mizuki-sensei, please tell me—how can I get one?!"
Huh???
This kid is so gullible?
Damn it!
I wasted a whole day preparing my speech!
Mizuki's smile bloomed like a chrysanthemum—bright and fake. He leaned in mysteriously:
"This is something I'll only tell you. Don't tell anyone else."
"Actually, getting stronger is simple."
"In Lord Third Hokage's room, there's a huge scroll engraved with all kinds of ultra-powerful ninjutsu."
"As long as you can get that scroll out, you'll become absolutely invincible from then on!"
Naruto deliberately put on a worried expression.
"Mizuki-sensei… you're asking me to steal it? If Lord Third finds out, he'll beat me to death!"
"Nonsense! This is borrowing—how can borrowing be called stealing?"
"Just think about it: in the class, you're one of the few without parents at home. The other kids? Their moms and dads are around, plus they have clan inheritances—they progress way faster. That's the reason."
"That's the gap!"
Mizuki got more and more excited, spit flying as he spoke.
Back in the day, he had been left behind exactly like this.
He felt a deep sense of being born in the wrong era!
Naruto's mouth twitched.
This traitor must be insane.
Or does he have a grudge against Hiruzen Sarutobi—like a blood feud?
Naruto was about to find an excuse to send Mizuki away.
Then the system's cold mechanical voice rang in his ear.
Ding!
Option 1: Steal the Scroll of Seals hidden in Hiruzen Sarutobi's room.Reward: Mutated Enhanced Rinnegan (host can choose blue, purple, or gold color)
Option 2: Refuse Mizuki's request.Reward: Ninjutsu: Chidori
Option 3: Refuse Mizuki's request and report the matter to Hiruzen Sarutobi.Reward: Ninjutsu: Rasengan
What the hell—do I even need to choose?
This is borrowing, not stealing.
That old man Hiruzen made me eat instant ramen for so many days and didn't even give me a decent place to live.
Time to collect some interest from him.
Uzumaki Naruto isn't someone you mess with!
"I choose Option 1!"
Choice successful.
Naruto said eagerly: "Mizuki-sensei, hurry—tell me where exactly that scroll is hidden! I want to get stronger!!"
Mizuki looked at Naruto with moved eyes.
He felt his words hadn't been wasted!
The boy can be taught!
"Great! Listen carefully: when you enter the Third Hokage's office, first do this…"
After explaining everything,
Mizuki added: "You go in and get it. I'll stand guard outside and cover you. There are some annoying guys out there—I need to draw them away first."
"Mizuki-sensei, who are these annoying guys?"
Naruto asked on purpose.
"You don't need to worry about that. Kids shouldn't know too much yet. Just focus on doing your part well."
It's just the ANBU ninjas, right?
If it weren't for me being the one going in, anyone else would already be dead.
Acting all secretive and shady.
Naruto felt speechless. If not for the system's Rinnegan reward,
he'd have killed this traitor on the spot.
"Oh, got it."
Mizuki felt a bit guilty—mostly worried Naruto might mess up halfway.
He added: "Knowing less right now is better for you. Don't blame your teacher for not telling you everything."
"When you're old enough, you'll understand these things naturally."
"Uh… then I'm off."
Naruto said.
"Good! We'll split up—you go ahead, I'll follow behind. Meet me later in that big forest to the east! You know the place, right?"
"Yeah."
"No time to waste—let's move!"