Naruto: Mizuki The Savior

Chapter 238: Tactics

In the Hidden Mist Village, among the younger generation, aside from the missing Hozuki Suigetsu, the only one with real name recognition was Chojuro. The fact that Chojuro had been granted the Hiramekarei, one of the Seven Ninja Swords, at this stage was a clear sign that the village acknowledged his potential and strength. If Uchiha Sasuke were to find out that Chojuro had gained this recognition by defeating him, it was hard to imagine what kind of face he'd make.

Mizuki glanced at Sasuke casually. His expression was still composed, seemingly unaware of the implications.

"He probably doesn't realize the significance of the sword Chojuro is carrying—might just think it's a regular weapon swap."

Mizukage Terumi Mei's visit wasn't a surprise event—it had been planned as a public appearance. With Kakashi present, Mizuki, as vice captain, didn't have much to do in this type of ceremonial occasion.

As the Mizukage arrived, the young students trained with renewed vigor.

"At last, they're starting to look the part," Mei said with satisfaction. "Before, they looked so dead-eyed. It didn't even resemble a ninja school—more like a training camp for Boy Scouts."

Kakashi glanced at the properly ordered training session and then at Mizuki. He said to Mei with a wry smile, "You're too kind, Mizukage-dono. This isn't the Warring States era—there are no child soldiers here."

"True enough. I'm just surprised by how efficient Konoha's training methods are. We Mist ninja are still too used to killing and fighting. We've got a long way to go."

"You're flattering us. It's a team effort."

…

While Mei and Kakashi chatted politely—possibly flirting, possibly just exchanging compliments—Mizuki quietly stepped back and joined the Konoha genin.

He had no interest in participating in the weird tension between the two leaders. As a married man, he wisely decided to act like he didn't notice.

"Huh? Mizuki-sensei, why'd you come over here?" Naruto blinked, then peeked at Kakashi, who was awkwardly smiling as Mei talked to him. "Doesn't look like they're having an easy time over there—don't you need to help?"

"Believe in your teacher. Kakashi can handle it."

As he spoke, Mizuki pulled out a small camera from nowhere, pointed it toward Mei and Kakashi, and snapped a few shots.

"Mizuki-sensei, what are you doing?" asked Kiba, who was closest to him.

"Oh, this?" Mizuki waved the camera. "It's a memento. A token of friendship between Konoha and the Hidden Mist. Can't leave without taking something back, right? Want me to snap a few for you too?"

"We can take pictures too?" Kiba's eyes lit up. "Hey, this thing looks top-of-the-line! Must've cost a fortune!"

"Don't touch that lens with your grubby, dog-hair-covered hands," Mizuki swatted Kiba's reaching fingers away. "Dirty it and you're paying for the cleaning."

"Tch, so stingy."

"Less whining, more posing. If you look terrible in the photo, don't blame me."

"Fine, fine." Kiba finally settled down and posed with Akamaru, trying his best to look cool.

…

As time passed, more Mist shinobi arrived to show support for their Mizukage. The training field got increasingly crowded. Mizuki, not wanting to deal with the noise, found a shady spot under a tree, plopped down on a stone bench, and started reviewing the pictures he'd taken.

There was Aburame Shino, whose face was almost always obscured; Hinata, blushing as she secretly glanced at Naruto; the boisterous Kiba; innocent Sakura; serious-faced Sasuke; and of course, Naruto, always eager to be in the spotlight. As Mizuki looked at them, he wondered if, three years from now, he might get a chance to take another picture—just to see how they had changed.

"What's so amusing?" came a voice from behind.

"Kakashi? Why aren't you keeping the Mizukage company? Sneaking off like this is pretty bold."

"You're one to talk," Kakashi replied, giving Mizuki a side-eye. "She wanted to give a speech to the students. I figured I'd use the time to check in."

Mizuki immediately understood. It was just like the Third Hokage showing up for academy openings—standard top-down morale boosting. Whether foreign students listened or not didn't really matter.

"What's up?" Mizuki asked.

"We're set to head home the day after tomorrow."

"Oh? That's good to hear." Mizuki wasn't sad to see this somewhat dull mission coming to an end.

"Mm." Kakashi hesitated, then asked, "Still upset about our argument?"

"Huh? That night?" Mizuki raised an eyebrow. "Not at all. Disagreements between ninja are normal. Look at me and Iruka—been friends for years, but when I couldn't stand him, I punched him in the face. Didn't ruin our friendship."

He was referring to the incident when Naruto stole the Scroll of Seals.

"Although…" Mizuki chuckled, "punching you would be a bit harder."

"Good. I was worried you took it personally."

"You really think I'm that petty?"

"Aren't you?" Kakashi smirked. "You got fed up with Iruka and punched him. That is pretty petty."

"Wow, clever comeback, Kakashi."

"You taught me well."

Then, leaning in slightly, Kakashi said in a lower voice, "About Sasuke… what should I do?"

"…Hmm." Mizuki considered. "Talking to him probably won't work anymore. Give him power."

"Power?"

Mizuki nodded. "There are many ways to gain power. Some are better than others. Some are riskier. Present him with choices."

Kakashi fell into thought. Mizuki added:

"People grow at different paces and heights. The key is to make him understand what he's willing to sacrifice to get stronger. Power doesn't come free."

"Sacrifice, huh? So you want to strip away his last bit of innocence? That's pretty harsh."

Kakashi shook his head bitterly. "But what if… the power I give him still isn't enough?"

"Then give him more," Mizuki replied firmly. "No offense, Kakashi, but Sasuke doesn't know the first thing about what true high-level ninja power looks like. You can easily bluff him. You don't have to give him everything—just a taste, and then a little more, and more after that, bit by bit."

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