Chapter 206: Birds of a Feather
Faced with these unexpected setbacks, Mizuki could only sigh.
"What exactly happened? There shouldn't be any combat missions involving genin right now, so how come we still can't depart?"
Kakashi explained calmly,
"Kiba's ninken is sick and needs rest. On my side, Sasuke ran into some issues. He overexerted himself two days ago—added too much secret training and pushed his body too far…"
"I see…" Mizuki exhaled and asked, "What's your honest opinion of Sasuke?"
"Well, progress is limited. His fighting style is similar to mine, but ultimately different. Besides, my own methods aren't something he can learn yet—his body isn't ready."
At just over twelve years old, Sasuke was still a kid. Pushing too hard would only lead to injuries.
Though this problem had long been anticipated, no clear solution had yet emerged. The limits of an immature body served as both a restraint and a form of protection. If pushed too far, the toll would eventually come due.
The real challenge was this: Sasuke needed a method that would let him feel his growth—tangible, fast results. And that wasn't all…
"Kakashi," Mizuki suddenly said, tone turning serious, "Can you answer me honestly—can you protect Sasuke's safety?"
Before Kakashi could reply, Mizuki pressed further,
"I'm not asking for a noble speech. I need a clear yes or no. Can you do it, or not?"
The value of Uchiha Sasuke was crystal clear—everyone knew it.
Whether openly or in the shadows, the desire for the Sharingan would never cease.
Itachi Uchiha had done everything to ensure Sasuke's safety:
—Negotiating with the village higher-ups.
—Staging the Uchiha massacre.
—Fighting Jiraiya while unleashing Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and even Susanoo—
All to send a message: Don't touch Sasuke.
Now, with the Third Hokage dead, one of the few who upheld that pact was gone.
The person replacing him—Danzo—was anything but trustworthy.
And if Danzo moved against Sasuke… the burden of actual protection would fall on Kakashi.
But was that really possible?
Mizuki's direct questioning left no room for evasion.
Kakashi wasn't foolish—he understood what Mizuki was truly asking.
After a long moment of silence, Kakashi looked Mizuki in the eyes and said,
"I can. But I can't do it alone. I'll need help."
"Good. As long as you're prepared, and confident."
Mizuki nodded slowly.
Since he'd already gotten involved, he couldn't just wash his hands of the matter.
This wasn't about morals or duty—it aligned with Mizuki's own interests, too.
If they were going to resist the pressures from Root and the elders, they'd need allies.
Tsunade might be Hokage, but she couldn't handle everything.
In the end, self-preservation was always a ninja's personal responsibility.
Seeing Mizuki's reaction, Kakashi visibly relaxed.
He didn't know the full truth behind the Uchiha massacre,
—but he knew enough.
The idea that one man, even Itachi, could annihilate the whole clan? Impossible.
And if Sasuke ever became a target, the danger wouldn't come from outsiders—it would come from within.
"Honestly, Mizuki," Kakashi said, "Your ability to grasp sensitive intel is scary. It took me years to piece this together. You seem to already know more than I do."
Mizuki offered a cryptic smile.
"Well, that's just how it is. Want to know more of my secrets?"
Flawlessly concealed secrets were safe.
But once even a crack appeared—
—they rotted like fruit.
Ever since Mizuki had started leaking bits of knowledge to ensure his survival,
he could feel more and more things spiraling beyond his control.
Kakashi raised a hand, declining with a chuckle.
"No thanks. I'd rather not know."
He wasn't fooled by Mizuki's playful tone.
Every "secret" he possessed was probably a loaded trap.
"You're too smart for your own good, Kakashi."
Mizuki gave a wry laugh. "That's what I hate. I've got too many secrets floating around me. It's suffocating."
Ninjas had always pursued survival.
Those with talent did two things:
—Hide their secrets.
—Make themselves seem like they had no secrets.
Mizuki had done well with the former, but not the latter.
Whether due to circumstance or personality, he'd drawn attention.
And people feared those who seemed too cunning or mysterious.
"You understand that much, then I don't need to say more," Kakashi replied.
"I've been meaning to warn you—but I never had a good chance.
Keep going like this, and you'll be neck-deep in trouble."
"Thanks, Kakashi. Really."
Mizuki said it sincerely.
"No need for that. If you've got time, help me look after Sasuke."
"Of course."
It was an easy promise to make…
But inside, Mizuki was struggling.
If you wanted instant results, elemental jutsu was the fastest way—
—but Sasuke already had his clan's fire techniques.
Mizuki's edge lay in Sage Mode… and that couldn't be taught.
As for Kakashi's signature—Chidori and the Lightning style—
Mizuki didn't know those at all.
"Strength doesn't grow overnight…"
Mizuki had clawed his way to this level by risking his life,
—squeezing every last drop of potential from his body.
If Sasuke's body was the bottleneck,
then there were ways to stimulate growth—
—but most had brutal side effects.
Still, there was one idea…
"Wait… I do have something…"
Mizuki suddenly remembered—
Karin.
She was here in Konoha.
As her guardian, Mizuki could ask her for help.
Her Uzumaki lineage granted powerful life-force.
Her healing bites, her sensing ability… all invaluable.
But was that right?
Using a little girl's power to fuel Sasuke's growth…
—especially after all she'd gone through?
She'd come all this way for him, seeking his help.
And if Mizuki turned around and used her like the people who'd hurt her before—
how was he any better?
Maybe Karin would be willing, like in the original story.
But right now… she hadn't said anything.
She was still vulnerable, still healing.
"When did I become this kind of selfish bastard?"
"What's wrong, Mizuki?"
Kakashi's voice broke through his thoughts.
"You went quiet all of a sudden."
"It's nothing," Mizuki replied. "Just… remembered something."
"Related to Sasuke?"
"…Sort of."
"Got an idea?"
Mizuki shook his head, choosing not to answer.
Kakashi clapped him on the shoulder with a sigh.
"Do what you can. That's all anyone can ask."
…
After parting ways with Kakashi, Mizuki glanced at the sky—
Still early.
He thought for a moment, then turned toward the Hyuga compound.
Once inside, after announcing himself, he was led through to the familiar front courtyard.
Hiashi Hyuga sat quietly off to the side, observing as Hinata and Neji sparred.
Mizuki didn't interrupt.
He gave a polite nod, then quietly sat beside the clan head to watch.
The Gentle Fist wasn't flashy.
It lacked the explosive power and speed of other taijutsu styles.
But in rhythm, flow, and grace, it held a deep aesthetic beauty.
Only those who experienced it firsthand knew how devastating it truly was.
Eventually, an exhausted Hinata lost to a slightly-holding-back Neji.
The two of them paused for a breather, accepting towels and drinks from attendants.
"What do you think, Mizuki-sensei?"
"That's quite the title. I appreciate it, Clan Head."
Being named an instructor for a genin team was no small thing.
It implied both trust and potential—only excellent jōnin got considered.
And unspoken tradition dictated that such leaders came from the Hokage's inner circle.
Mizuki was neither a pure loyalist nor long-tenured.
His rise had been too fast. His reputation, mixed at best.
By all rights, he shouldn't have been eligible.
Yet here he was.
All things considered, Team 8 was a plum assignment.
Its genin didn't require much hand-holding, and the families involved—Hyuga, Inuzuka, Aburame—were major clans.
It was a shortcut to influence and status.
Any jōnin would be grateful for the chance.
For Mizuki… it was manageable.
Hiashi gave a small smile.
"You're more than qualified. I feel at ease."
"Grateful for the trust," Mizuki replied humbly.
"You're too modest," Hiashi said.
"Your insight has been proven correct.
Neji has grown tremendously since the Chūnin Exams.
But more importantly… Hinata's transformation has exceeded expectations."
Mizuki offered a respectful compliment.
"The Hyuga truly produce exceptional talent."
With the Uchiha clan gone, the Hyuga now stood alone at the top.
They didn't flaunt it—but their power was clear.
Hiashi waved off the flattery.
"Hinata's potential was always there, hidden beneath her nature.
All she needed was the right push.
Thanks to you, she's begun to bloom.
That's why I made the request to Lady Hokage."
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