Naruto: Mizuki The Savior

Chapter 228: Successors

"Huh?" Mizuki looked at Inuzuka Kiba, who was clearly curious, and smiled. "What's this? Even you're interested?"

"Of course," Kiba said. "We're ninja, and not knowing about something called a 'ninja tradition' just feels… wrong."

"This so-called 'ninja tradition' is actually quite simple…" Mizuki thought for a moment and then said, "Do you remember what the Third Hokage said to you all before the one-on-one matchups in the third round of the Chūnin Exams, after the second stage ended?"

"Oh yeah, I remember. Something about how it's a way for the villages to size each other up."

"Exactly," Mizuki explained patiently. "The Chūnin Exams are more than just a test. They're a chance for each village to assess the current generation's strength. For the major Hidden Villages, the power level of their genin can represent their potential in future wars. Many strategic decisions are made based on the results."

"Wait… does that mean…" Aburame Shino, quick-witted as always, was the first to catch on.

"That's right," Mizuki confirmed with a nod. "That 'ninja tradition' we mentioned? It means the terms of the alliance treaty will be based on the results of the upcoming Chūnin Exams."

Using the Chūnin Exams as a metric to adjust a treaty was rare, even if the exams themselves were always taken seriously. In this case, Kirigakure, clearly displeased with having its strength underestimated, had proposed tying treaty revisions to the exam results. And Konoha had agreed.

The implication was now clear. All the genin realized the responsibility resting on their shoulders.

"But… can we really win?" Hinata asked nervously. "That Chōjūrō guy is so strong." The next Chūnin Exams were only a few months away. At most, they'd be held early next year—and now it was late summer.

"Don't worry," Mizuki reassured her. "If we agreed to these terms, it's because we believe in you. Of course… once we're back, things won't be so relaxed anymore. If you lose…"

He ruffled Kiba's hair and teased, "Well, you'll have to eat ramen with fewer slices of pork, and Kiba—Akamaru will have to share his bone treats. Ha!"

Jiraiya and Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle at Mizuki's light-hearted tone.

In Mizuki's view, the odds were still in Konoha's favor. These so-called "Champions of Justice" just needed time to grow. Three or four months—plenty of time to prepare. Even if they lost, it wasn't the end of the world. The only real cost would be conceding a bit more to the Mist in the treaty—and that might not be so bad either. Giving Kirigakure some face could strengthen the alliance.

…

When they returned to their lodging, the Konoha team was surprised to find someone already waiting at the door.

"Huh? Chōjūrō? What are you doing here?" Naruto, still holding a grudge, was the first to speak up.

Unlike his intimidating demeanor from earlier, Chōjūrō now looked awkward and sheepish. "I'm here to apologize. I was too impulsive earlier. It was wrong of me to attack you. After thinking it over, I felt I needed to come and make amends."

He bowed deeply. "If there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask…"

His sincere attitude left Naruto speechless.

"Well… I guess I'll let it go," Naruto said after a moment. "But next time we fight, I'm not gonna lose to you!"

"I appreciate your forgiveness. I'll continue serving as your guide while you're here. It's getting late, so I won't disturb you any longer. I'll come by in the morning for instructions."

"Fine, whatever," Naruto replied, waving him off with an annoyingly smug expression.

As Chōjūrō left, the Konoha genin gradually returned to their rooms for the night. Jiraiya, frowning slightly, muttered, "The genin from Konoha are getting a bit full of themselves… especially Naruto. He's still got that drive, but he's losing the humility he used to have."

Kakashi explained, "As their strength grows, so does their arrogance. A few days ago, Naruto and Sasuke even got into a fight. I had to step in before things got serious."

"How did it go?" Mizuki asked.

Kakashi sighed. "Naruto didn't lose."

"I see."

Even though Sasuke had a slight edge in raw power, a fight between them could easily end in a stalemate. But the problem was that Naruto's growing ego might lead him down a reckless path.

"Don't worry too much, Kakashi," Jiraiya said. "Leave Naruto's training to me."

And rightly so—Jiraiya was the perfect person to handle someone like Naruto.

"Then I'll leave it to you."

…

The next morning, when Mizuki woke up, Kakashi had already gone off to continue negotiations with the Mist. Jiraiya was nowhere to be seen—off doing who-knew-what the night before and likely still asleep. As for the genin, they'd gone off early to explore more of Kirigakure, fascinated by all the unfamiliar sights.

So everyone's out, huh? A rare moment of peace for me.

Strolling alone through the distinctly different streets, Mizuki finally had time to really look around. He'd been too exhausted from the journey yesterday to take it all in.

To Mizuki's eyes, Kirigakure was far less densely populated than Konoha—maybe even less than half. And unlike Konoha's wooden buildings, Mist Village was full of stone and brick structures. There were even quite a few tall buildings, lending it a more modern vibe. The streets were wide and open, far less cluttered than Konoha's bustling layout.

If it weren't for the threat of war, this place would be a great place to live. Aside from the humidity, it's really not bad.

Though signs of discord remained, the oppressive atmosphere of the "Village Hidden in the Bloody Mist" was long gone. Ninja now walked the streets freely, and no one gave them a second glance.

Hmm? What's that?

Something ahead caught Mizuki's attention, and he couldn't help but walk closer.

In a very rudimentary training area, a group of children were practicing shuriken throws under the supervision of several instructors.

So this is Kirigakure's ninja academy?

The grounds were extremely basic, and the instructors didn't strike Mizuki as particularly capable—but at least the village had implemented organized, standardized ninja education.

Another village following in Konoha's footsteps—just like Sunagakure. Quite ambitious, aren't they?

A ninja academy might not produce many elite jōnin, but it could churn out countless reliable chūnin like Iruka, and even some special jōnin like Hayate Gekkō. These were the vital backbone of any hidden village.

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