Chapter 205: Appealing to Preferences
There were countless secrets hidden in the depths of the ninja world. Years of war and ceaseless flames had buried countless stories beneath the dust of history. Over time, they faded into legend and myth. With each passing generation, most were forgotten—only fragments of fantastical tales remained, subtly shaping people's habits and beliefs.
The idea that a single person could change the entire ninja world was, after all, unrealistic.
The disruptions caused by Mizuki's actions had more to do with his location—Konohagakure—serving as a vital pivot point, like a small force moving great weight. As for the deeper foundations of the world, they remained untouched. Tsunade still became the Fifth Hokage as fate intended, and Jiraiya still took Naruto as his disciple. The only major shift was the early death of Sasori of the Red Sand. Other than that, Mizuki's so-called "butterfly effect" flapped its wings but didn't blow over any mountains. Time changed things slowly—people's hearts more than the events themselves. The details hadn't yet grown powerful enough to reshape outcomes.
Naturally, Mizuki's primary concern was not how others' fates changed, but how his own wishes and path evolved. From a "troubled" chunin with a blemished record to a powerful, "insubordinate" jōnin with a bad habit of stirring up trouble, Mizuki had, for better or worse, become someone recognizable. Whether his fame was good or bad didn't matter—being known was better than remaining a nameless cog in the system.
These days, Mizuki's chances of being recognized on the street were much higher. He'd graduated from background extra to elite "passerby," and wasn't far off from being a proper named character—albeit one with a controversial resume.
Still, the fast-paced life of a ninja made it easy to dive into the next mission. The events of a few days ago had given the village a taste of how even "watching from the sidelines" could be elevated into spectacle. In this period of post-war recovery, where emotional wounds still festered, joyful experiences were the best medicine.
Unfortunately, entertaining the masses was not Mizuki's interest. Managing the village was the Hokage's job. Right now, Mizuki had more immediate frustrations—like the mission Tsunade had just assigned him.
"I mean seriously, Lady Hokage—first day after my leave, and you give me something this troublesome? And so far away? Isn't that a bit much?"
"There's no room for negotiation." Tsunade flatly rejected Mizuki's complaints. "Every ninja above a certain rank has responsibilities. This mission is important."
Mizuki had reviewed the briefing: a mission involving the Land of Water. While technically ranked S-level, it didn't seem particularly dangerous—at least not compared to his past life-and-death assignments. Still, there was a risk of confrontation with foreign ninja. Most of the intel had come piecemeal from Jiraiya over the past few weeks.
"I get the situation, but why hasn't Jiraiya come back to report in person?"
At Mizuki's question, Tsunade's forehead immediately throbbed with visible veins.
"That idiot! He's far too easy to manipulate. Looks like Kirigakure knows how to play to his weaknesses—turns out they're quite good at more than just Water Release and assassination techniques."
"Manipulate?" Mizuki blinked, then realized, "Ah... probably with women again, huh?"
It wasn't the first time Jiraiya had been lured off-mission this way. His notoriety had its perks—and its pitfalls. His personality flaws were common knowledge and easily exploited.
"The one pulling the strings must be the new Mizukage," Mizuki muttered. "Who would've thought that a place like Kirigakure—famous for bloodshed—would produce such a cunning leader."
"There's no such thing as a simple Kage," Tsunade replied. "And to rise from the Bloody Mist to become Mizukage, that woman must be something special."
"Alright. So I just need to go flash some strength and sign a treaty, right?" Mizuki asked with a shrug.
"Don't put it so crudely," Tsunade snapped, slapping her desk. "It's a diplomatic mission with an exchange of strength and mutual evaluation. It helps clarify each village's standing in the alliance."
"Sounds the same to me," Mizuki said flatly.
In truth, it was much like the biannual Chūnin Exams—meant to test and promote genin, yes, but also to gauge each village's rising talent and evolving tactics. It was a means to shape strategic planning through controlled interactions. This mission served the same purpose—just on a grander scale, and between two villages with little prior contact. And this time, the participants weren't just genin.
"Call it what you like," Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples. "Just do the job properly. Assessing Kirigakure's strength is crucial—but remember to keep it in check."
"In check?" Mizuki raised an eyebrow. "Are they going to keep it in check too?"
He didn't want a friendly spar turning into a real fight if Kirigakure's ninja didn't know when to stop. If the other side took it too seriously, it could be disastrous.
"That woman, Mei Terumī, didn't become Mizukage by being an idiot," Tsunade said. "Jiraiya is still being wined and dined there—I doubt she'll pull anything rash."
"Understood." Though Mizuki couldn't help but feel there was a hint of jealousy in Tsunade's tone. "By the way, it says in the mission brief that I'm the vice captain. So who's the main captain?"
"That would be me." A familiar chakra presence surged as a voice rang out.
"Kakashi? You again?" Mizuki said in disbelief. "Don't tell me Konoha is really running that low on jōnin."
Kakashi gave his usual lazy smile. "Sorry to be a bother. But the mission file designated me as team leader."
Tsunade folded her arms. "The actual number of jōnin is confidential. Let's just say… you two are the best choices right now. One is a long-established elite, the other a rising star. Perfect for making an impression."
"Sure, sure." Mizuki waved a hand. "Though I did notice something odd in the wording. It says 'senior jōnin.' Pretty sure I'm older than Kakashi."
"Age isn't the issue here," Tsunade said coldly. "Kakashi became a jōnin at age twelve. You only became a chūnin at twenty-four. Care to try again?"
"Yikes…" Mizuki couldn't argue with that. In terms of seniority, his record was thin. And even now, his reputation wasn't exactly pristine.
Seeing Mizuki's silence, Tsunade nodded in satisfaction. "Any other questions?"
"Yeah. Are we seriously the only two on this mission? No other team members?"
"Of course not," Tsunade said. "You'll each lead a separate squad. Departure is tomorrow."
"Squad?" Mizuki frowned. "Genin?"
The phrasing made it clear—these weren't random backup personnel. These were full, pre-existing genin teams.
"That's right," Tsunade confirmed.
"So you've made your decision," Mizuki said with a wry smile. "Why me?"
Kakashi already had Team 7. That left only one free squad—Team 8, formerly under Kurenai. The answer was obvious.
"No need for details," Tsunade said, waving it off. "You're qualified. Strong, experienced, and with a teaching background. You weren't the first choice—but you're a solid second. Most importantly, some parents specifically requested you."
"Parents?" Mizuki blinked, then realized, "Ah… I get it."
It had to be Hiashi Hyuga. The Hyuga clan wouldn't usually interfere, but if they made a direct request about Hinata's team leader—even Tsunade would consider it seriously. Mizuki had no real objections either, which made things convenient.
Seeing his understanding, Tsunade offered no further explanation.
"Once you arrive, talk to Jiraiya for intel," she said, voice lowering. "This mission is critical. Kirigakure's strength and intentions must be assessed. And finally…"
Tsunade grew serious. "Protect our young leaves. Bring every one of them back safe."
"Yes," Mizuki and Kakashi replied in unison, bowing.
Once a mission was confirmed, it wasn't going to change. Hopefully, this one would be more diplomatic than deadly.
…
As they left the Hokage's office, Mizuki and Kakashi walked together in silence—until Mizuki suddenly remembered something.
"Hey Kakashi, one thing… Why are we departing tomorrow? Can't we leave today? I thought punctuality was a ninja virtue."
"Oh, that?" Kakashi chuckled. "Nothing major… One of the genin had a bit of an incident. Nothing serious, but we're not leaving today."
A genin causing problems? Figures. Mizuki sighed.
Babysitting duty again. Just great.
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