Mizuki had always found the customs of the ninja world rather strange. In this world where technology had taken odd directions, modern trends often clashed with ancient traditions. Yet against the backdrop of constant warfare, practicality had somehow blended these contradictions into a functional whole.
Though the current technological standards hadn't yet reached the level of high-tech seen over a decade later, many modern conveniences had already appeared. Take cameras, for example. While older models still required black cloth to prevent light exposure during registration at ninja villages, portable versions had also emerged. These small and lightweight devices were quite popular. Though their image quality might not yet match that of traditional formal cameras, they clearly signaled the coming of a technological revolution.
Yet when it came to traditional customs and ceremonial etiquette, people remained stubbornly rigid—an attitude Mizuki found unsettling. Having never experienced marriage in two lifetimes, Mizuki felt deep anxiety rising within him.
Although he had long awaited this moment, he hadn't realized how quickly time had passed until it suddenly loomed before him. That calm self-assurance he'd maintained previously had vanished completely.
"Mizuki, are you even listening?" Tsubaki interrupted his wandering thoughts by waving a hand in front of his eyes to regain his attention.
"Ah, sorry about that, Tsubaki," he replied apologetically, returning to reality.
Tsubaki shook her head dismissively.
"Are you too tired? Should you rest for a bit?"
"No, I'm fine..." Truthfully, Mizuki hadn't had a moment to breathe these past few days. Claiming exhaustion would be impossible.
"What do you think about the plans for the day after tomorrow?"
Most of the wedding preparations had been handled entirely by Tsubaki. This capable fiancée who effortlessly managed every detail truly surpassed him in efficiency. Though he had helped where he could, being pulled into other duties kept him from focusing fully. Many tasks that should have fallen to him ended up being completed by Tsubaki instead—which left Mizuki feeling deeply ashamed.
Fortunately, neither Mizuki nor Tsubaki came from large families. Both were war orphans. While Tsubaki at least had a family name, Mizuki had lived over twenty years with only a first name. Given their difficult pasts, inviting just a handful of close friends to witness their union would suffice. There was no need for grand arrangements beyond that.
In the ninja world, change was inevitable. Unexpected upheavals could strike at any moment, making simplicity the only sensible approach. Certain rituals handed down through generations endured, but meaningless extravagance simply couldn't take root in such circumstances. Most people disliked overly complicated processes that wasted too much time anyway.
Of course, exceptions existed. Take Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga's wedding, for instance. Even the Five Great Ninja Villages sent gifts, with Kage representatives in attendance and designated staff collecting red envelopes. A wedding on that scale wasn't something Mizuki could manage. Even if he scaled things down repeatedly, he still wouldn't be able to gather nearly enough guests.
Mizuki wasn't really into having an overly flashy wedding. After all, the main point of a wedding is to let friends and family witness the formation of a new family. The other parts are simply the setting where blessings can be received. Sharing the happy moment with friends is kind of what makes it real—those moments are essential.
Still, looking at the arrangement plan handed over by Tsubaki, Mizuki couldn't help but frown slightly.
"Tsubaki, don't your friends seem to be coming in too small a number?"
For two people who carried no burdens and held no major influence, everyone they could invite consisted purely of colleagues and friends they normally interacted with. Originally, it was already impossible for everyone to attend due to various reasons. Many people had to decline because of unexpected changes or other obligations. Within the guest list provided by Tsubaki, among the few names listed, besides some [Sealing Team] members whom Mizuki had only met briefly and barely remembered, the rest were all people who only got to know Tsubaki through their interactions with Mizuki—such as Anko Mitarashi and Yugao Uzuki.
Regarding Mizuki's question, Tsubaki responded with a somewhat hesitant tone, "Recently, the [Sealing Team]'s missions have been extremely heavy; many people simply can't get away. That's the maximum number we could actually gather."
"I see," Mizuki murmured thoughtfully. [Sealing Team] mission? Well, regardless of how urgent those missions supposedly were, if there were any real emergencies, it would be strange not to come looking for him—the so-called [Sealing Technique Master] whose reputation spread far and wide. Ultimately, this just reflected a limit in one's social network.
"Perhaps this is just the typical range of connections that a regular Chunin could maintain. Guess I've overthought things."
Looking around at the ninja who usually drifted in and out of his life—Hiashi Hyuga, someone he dealt with more out of practicality, Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi who might return, Guy Might—who knows if he could make it back—and members of the elder generation such as [Ino–Shika–Cho], Aoba Yamashiro, Raijin Butoh, and others. Then there was Iruka Umino and some familiar faces from the Ninja Academy. If not for the variable of Mizuki being an isekai traveler, maybe only Iruka and a few former acquaintances would have shown up.
Even though Tsubaki possessed a talent for manipulating chakra nature transformation that even Mizuki envied, unknown to most, she was just another ninja quietly contributing her efforts without recognition.
Facing these minor concerns, Mizuki quickly pushed them aside. Fame? Popularity? Respect? Flaunting his status? None of these truly mattered to him. As long as Tsunade's upper echelons of Konoha accepted him and Danzo Shimura acknowledged his strength and influence enough to stop opposing him, frankly speaking, outside of this being his own wedding—which made the occasion particularly special—he wouldn't necessarily have opportunities to interact with these people under normal circumstances.
Seeing Mizuki somewhat quiet and unhappy, Tsubaki asked, "What's wrong? Are you dissatisfied?"
"How could that be?" With growing power, Mizuki's heart had become quite expansive—whether seen as confidence or arrogance, he had already learned not to care too much about many things. "I really don't mind. I'm just worried you might feel upset."
Tsubaki smiled slightly and shook her head.
"It's fine. As long as you're around, those things don't matter."
Hearing this, Mizuki felt a little ashamed. Indeed, thinking too much about certain matters was unnecessary. Being too focused on practicality wasn't always a good thing.
『However, I can't just let this humiliation slide. I guess I'll have to play a little dirty trick.』
Mizuki closed the plan book after making up his mind, then said to Tsubaki, "That's settled then. Leave the rest to me. Some things are better handled by me."
Since Mizuki had taken full responsibility, Tsubaki nodded and said, "Alright, then I'll leave it to you. Everything will change after tomorrow."
"Yeah, although there've been some twists, the result isn't bad at all."
...
The next morning, Mizuki visited Karin early. For this young girl, having a place to settle down now was already pretty good. Although it was only a temporary shelter, it was still a rare good place.
Living in a shop actually didn't feel cramped at all—it was quite spacious. Originally, there had been a small room used both as a temporary warehouse and break room, so converting it into a bedroom wasn't a problem. Plus, giving her a job might actually be beneficial. Just thinking about how this strong-willed, violent girl three years from now was currently such a shy and gentle young girl felt somewhat surreal. A self-sufficient job essentially rooted her within Konoha. Being a florist and flower seller actually suited this girl's age group fairly well.
As for the other issue—why Karin had foolishly come knocking on his door—Mizuki had thoroughly asked about it. Yet the truth practically forced Mizuki to smile bitterly. This girl who had nothing managed to lose the Scroll he had entrusted to her. When she got expelled, the only thing on her that seemed to have any value was that Scroll. She hadn't even had time to use it before it was confiscated by a bunch of clueless idiots. With no choice, she came alone to Konoha village, seeking out this possible place of refuge.
Indeed, this world wasn't like a story-driven single-player game. Without reaching the appropriate level, you didn't even have an inventory bag or a backpack. What kind of precious item could such a young girl really keep safe? His carefully laid plans—all ruined by a tiny unexpected incident, bringing unforeseen changes. It was honestly giving him a headache.
"Teacher Mizuki? Thank you."
Receiving help in times of urgent need isn't something everyone experiences. Coming here uninvited, knowing how much trouble she had brought, Karin understood everything clearly.
Waving his hand dismissively, Mizuki said, "Forget about it. Stay here until you find a new place. You know the arrangements already. Don't go into unfamiliar places, and don't do anything suspicious. After all, you're new here—you won't gain trust so easily."
"I understand. I'll be careful."
"Then that's it. When I'm not around, follow Tsubaki's instructions. Tsubaki will tell you what needs doing."
...
After settling some matters, Mizuki left.
Not far into the walk, Mizuki suddenly stopped and asked, "Are you here to ask me something?"
Right after he spoke, a figure appeared around the corner—it was Sasuke Uchiha, who hadn't been around for days.
"Mizuki Teacher, got a minute? I'd like to talk to you about something."
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