"Can't you just let me eat in peace for once?" Asuma Sarutobi was already used to Mizuki's sharpness—getting his thoughts called out felt almost normal by now.
"That'd be perfect. Eating's the most fun, especially when someone else pays."
Expenses have been piling up lately. Income can't keep up with spending, and I even hired a temp—responsible for food, lodging, the whole nine yards. What a pain.
"Boss, another platter of grilled meat." Asuma Sarutobi added generously, ordering more dishes. As a clan heir and former Hokage's son, he wasn't short on small change.
"Thanks," Mizuki said without hesitation. "Since you're being so generous, this matter must not be easy, huh? What's going on?"
Asuma Sarutobi picked up his small cup, took a sip of sake, then answered, "Some things are difficult to handle—they involve Kurenai Yuhi."
"Your 'secret' girlfriend?"
"If it weren't for that big mouth of yours, people might actually think you're decent," Asuma teased with a grin. "I just saw Lady Tsunade earlier. She was furious—seems like she's in a terrible mood. What did you say to her?"
"How do you know it was me?" Mizuki remembered not having crossed paths with Asuma recently.
"Shizune told me. And how did you manage to piss off even someone as mild-mannered as Shizune anyway?"
"Hmm... Maybe jealousy?" Mizuki thought for a while but couldn't find a better word. "And you didn't face any difficulties when you met them—Shizune and Lady Tsunade?"
Asuma Sarutobi really seemed to have it all these days.
"No, why would I?" Still confused about what Mizuki meant, Asuma didn't pay much attention.
"Oh well, let's talk about your underground lover instead."
"Underground lover? I'm an unmarried ninja still flying solo—I don't have any secret lovers," Asuma replied, nearly spitting out his drink. "You're making it sound worse than it is."
"And besides, none of this would've come out if you hadn't gone around spilling the beans."
"Hiding it? You're still too young, Asuma." Without Mizuki interfering, Asuma wouldn't have kept anything hidden for long either—he would've been found out eventually. Yet again, Mizuki had simply decided to expose everything straightaway. Truth is, Asuma should really thank him for it. Otherwise, who knows how long that bearded idiot would've continued pretending ignorance?
"So today's visit to Lady Tsunade was also because of this?"
"Mm," Asuma admitted. "Looks like you guessed correctly."
"Just figured something was up." Regarding Kurenai Yuhi, aside from her injuries, the main issue lies in her duties as a Jonin and Squad Leader. When it comes to healing wounds, Tsunade's skill dwarfed Mizuki's own amateurish attempts—there was absolutely no reason for Mizuki himself to get involved. The problem must therefore relate to Kurenai's responsibilities becoming temporarily impossible to carry out.
"As it is, you already understand the situation," Asuma continued. "You know how it is—Team 8's three Genin haven't had a Jonin Squad Leader leading them on missions for quite some time now. This situation can't continue forever."
However, Kurenai's current condition makes it unsuitable for her to continue leading Team 8. Moreover, Konoha's Genin need sufficient mission experience to improve their abilities, so...
Though somewhat prepared, he hadn't expected it to happen so suddenly. Besides, Mizuki wasn't really interested in getting involved in such matters.
Actually, it was quite rare for a newly promoted Jonin to immediately lead a Genin team. The reason why Yuhi Kurenai could take charge of a Genin team shortly after promotion wasn't only because she was excellent and hardworking, but more importantly due to Team 8's uniqueness.
Whether it was Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, or Shino Aburame, they were all clearly standout Bloodline Limit ninja, or inheritors of secret techniques from their respective clans. Because of that, the requirements for the strength level of their Jonin instructor were slightly lower. Conversely, the demands regarding spirit, willpower, identity, and loyalty training were extremely high. Next generations from ninja clans needed someone who could properly cultivate their sense of belonging to the village and temper their personalities—these aspects were even more important than teaching them Ninjutsu. As a kunoichi, Yuhi Kurenai was indeed very suitable.
However, with Kurenai's critical injuries, this positive momentum came to an abrupt halt. Although she was much better now, physical problems couldn't be resolved in just a day or two. The three Genin of Team 8 couldn't afford to wait for Kurenai to recover completely. Plus, being a newly promoted Jonin with relatively modest overall strength might have worked well during a time of peace, but in today's era where dangers lurked beneath the surface of the ninja world, whether he could effectively protect his students while on missions remained questionable. Doubts already existed about him even without injuries, and now, physical weakness would cause his abilities to remain in a low state for quite some time, making people even less confident in him. Therefore, whether as a permanent replacement or temporary substitute, someone else must take over this role.
Unfortunately, Mizuki wasn't particularly patient and dealing with kids was troublesome enough. Not to mention he already had more than enough on his plate.
"Tsunade probably wouldn't have agreed, right?"
"She didn't outright refuse," Asuma replied with a bitter smile.
"That's just like her. You're doing this because Red asked you to, aren't you, Asuma?"
"No, I just saw how distressed Kurenai was and wanted to help out."
"Well, it's pretty much the same." Mizuki smiled. Being considered by Asuma as qualified to lead a team of young clan heirs meant that his abilities were currently held in high regard.
Unfortunately, being a squad leader called for more than just raw ability—experience and leadership mattered too.
As Konoha's future, it was only natural for talented Genin to be cultivated into supporters of the Hokage lineage. Logically speaking, Mizuki should have no problem temporarily serving as an instructor. Though not especially favored under The Third, he'd gained fame after The Fifth took office, carrying obvious marks of The Fifth's backing. Regarding faction alignment, he'd already aligned himself properly. Some minor matters, Tsunade could tolerate this first Jonin recognized since her return.
Being openly part of the Hokage's forces made his position perfectly acceptable.
The sole problem was Mizuki's reputation. Being labeled a kidnapper could be overlooked—those who knew the truth would dismiss the rumors with a chuckle. But having a notorious ninja guide a promising genin squad would inevitably raise some concerns.
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