"A few years ago?" Kakashi found the timeline hard to believe. Uchiha Itachi was indeed powerful, but if it really happened just a few years back, it was difficult to imagine. Thinking about it, that time probably wasn't far from when he defected from the village. Just how old was Itachi then? Not much older than Sasuke, surely. The possibility of him defeating Orochimaru seemed very slim. If that were actually true, it would be nearly unbelievable.
"Hmm, I don't know the exact time, but it shouldn't have been too long ago..."
"It seems your information isn't all that reliable either."
Kakashi, already unwilling to accept this at face value, remained neutral toward such surprising news. He'd fought against Uchiha Itachi himself and understood roughly his level of strength. Without having experienced the damage of [Tsukuyomi] firsthand, Kakashi still believed Orochimaru was stronger. At least, he'd dare to go all-out against Itachi, but fighting Orochimaru felt like suicide.
"Perhaps. Still, while not many people know about this, some rumors exist."
At the very least, Mizuki knew. Tsunade and Jiraiya definitely had knowledge as well. Before carrying out the previous bait mission, Tsunade had provided intelligence on possible enemies, including Orochimaru's name among them. Though the chances were small, she did give Mizuki a basic overview. After completing the mission, additional intelligence regarding Uchiha Itachi and Orochimaru also reached Mizuki. Although most of it concerned natural energy, [Sage Mode], and other theoretical materials, the implications were significant. From these records, Mizuki could roughly guess that Orochimaru had indeed attempted [Sage Mode] but failed at the first and most basic step—unable even to balance chakra with natural energy. His spiritually weakened state made maintaining yin-yang equilibrium within his body impossible, let alone achieving Sage Chakra. This situation made it only natural for Orochimaru, who already doubted natural energy deeply, to abandon [Snake Sage Art] altogether. Later, he developed the cursed seal instead—a much weaker form of [Sage Transformation] that he could control.
"Well, although your sources seem extremely odd, today's situation with Sasuke truly required your help."
"Don't mention it. But you should seriously consider how best to guide Sasuke in the future."
Kakashi wasn't a bad teacher by any stretch. Yet he'd already passed on his signature technique, Chidori, to Sasuke—and Sasuke had even gone so far as the pupil surpassing the master. Without something substantial to offer, how could he satisfy Sasuke's growing appetite for power? That was no small issue. Perhaps the only ones suitable for training Uchiha Sasuke would be Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Ninja Technique Master, or alternatively, Orochimaru himself.
"That's true. Still, I won't stop trying to dispel Sasuke's desire for vengeance." Though somewhat naïve, Mizuki admired Kakashi's determination—he'd certainly spared no effort in supporting his student.
"What are your chances?"
"I don't know. I'm not confident. But I believe in Naruto and Sakura. The bond between comrades is precious—I truly believe in them!"
"You haven't forgotten our greatest strength. You're finally getting it, for a teacher." Mizuki nodded with a smile. "I've always seen you worrying about your students' education. Now you finally have some confidence as a squad leader."
Kakashi had come to understand the power of bonds between comrades through his past experiences—and especially after witnessing the deaths of Rin Nohara and Obito Uchiha. After all, this was an imperfect world, which made love and light even more valuable. Perhaps Naruto's persistence seemed foolish—being hurt repeatedly yet never abandoning his beliefs. The light radiating from him truly surpassed those simply drifting through life. How can mere words ever capture the struggle when you don't even have a personality worth believing in?
"So it turns out I've always been unsuitable in your eyes," Kakashi said bitterly.
"I never said that," Mizuki waved his hand dismissively. "That's just how you see yourself."
Being a squad leader wasn't easy. Talented students are great, but they usually come with strong wills—or even quirks. Just like Kurenai Yuhi failed to recognize Hinata Hyuga's quiet exterior hiding her inner strength, and Asuma Sarutobi underestimated Choji Akimichi's full potential. Compared to others, Kakashi Hatake had done the best job—but maybe that's because Jiraiya and Mizuki backed him up.
Teaching students as a Jonin required ability on one level, but cultivating their character mattered even more. In this aspect, Kakashi admittedly had fallen short—especially regarding Sasuke, whose firm determination for revenge had been greatly underestimated.
"Let's not sugarcoat it—I know exactly how badly I did."
Walking while talking, the two gradually returned onto the bustling streets filled with activity.
"Oh, by the way... I met your rumored girl."
Seeming to recall something amusing after Mizuki's teasing, Kakashi suddenly brought up another topic.
"You're bringing that up too? You actually believe what others are saying?"
"Who knows?" Kakashi shrugged. "I really admire your audacity—you actually pulled it off! Who'd imagine that behind that righteous face of yours lies such persuasive charm? I'm starting to wonder if I've been fooled by you before."
"You're not funny today, Kakashi," Mizuki chuckled lightly. "You met her already? What did you think?"
"She reminded me of Naruto's mother..."
"There's still quite a difference. For now, only her hair color matches."
Three years later, maybe their personalities might grow more alike, but for now, they're only similar in appearance.
"Mm," Kakashi nodded.
"Come to think of it, I forgot to ask earlier," Mizuki casually added, "Considering Naruto Uzumaki inherited the Uzumaki Clan's powerful physique, it makes sense he has massive chakra inside. But why doesn't he have their signature red hair?"
"Huh? Why are you interested in this?"
"Kakashi said in confusion, 'Isn't having blond hair inherited from my teacher perfectly normal?'
Mizuki shrugged. 'Is that so?'
Apparently, even Kakashi Hatake didn't fully understand this matter. In a world where chakra manifested physically, many bodily traits turned out quite differently from what Mizuki had imagined. Take the vivid red hair symbolizing the Uzumaki clan's massive chakra reserves. The Hatake clan consistently inherited a physical constitution marked by scarce chakra, while the Uchiha clan clearly displayed fire-attribute chakra traits—those were pretty clear-cut cases. Of course, exceptions existed, but what puzzled Mizuki greatly was how Naruto Uzumaki clearly exhibited the Uzumaki clan's physical constitution yet abandoned the signature red hair, representative of vast chakra reserves.
'It looks like I need to have a serious talk with Jiraiya,' Mizuki thought. 'The Fourth Hokage could also use Sage Mode, right? If it's related, then whoever arranged things so early for this so-called "chosen one"...'
Recalling the only prophetic ability ever revealed in this world, Mizuki inwardly sneered. Such ridiculous prophecies—maybe someone deliberately twisted their cause and effect.
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