Naruto: Mizuki The Savior

Chapter 255: A Word of Advice

In Orochimaru's eyes, beyond his insatiable curiosity about the world and his longing for immortality, most people and events held only one value—utility.

Jiraiya, on the other hand, carried deep feelings for the world and especially for Konoha. He was compassionate to his comrades, even forgiving to those who had strayed. Not long ago, he had resolutely given up the title of Hokage that was within his grasp—a decision that reflected his inner truth. He wasn't the type to handle trivial matters in exhausting detail.

Guided by the Toad Sages of Mount Myōboku since youth, Jiraiya had developed some doubts about "prophecies" over the years. Still, his ideal of a peaceful world kept him from giving up on any possibility. As long as the result could be achieved, Jiraiya believed in his strength to correct any deviations in the process.

As for Mizuki, a few months ago he'd shown some interest in the Sound Four. Now, only Sakon and Ukon's Summoning: Rashomon held a bit of worth. Ukon's Kekkei Genkai, Parasitic Demonic Disintegration Technique, was at least intriguing. But that was all.

Rashomon had originated in Konoha, and even higher forms like the Triple and Fivefold Rashomon were not unattainable. Ukon's bloodline technique was worth research, but not actual use—Mizuki's chakra control was already precise to the cellular level. Anyone who dared enter his body would find no way back out. He had more than one method to counter that ability. After all, if kids like Kiba and Kankuro could defeat him, then Ukon's potential was nothing impressive.

In the end, Mizuki simply extracted some blood samples from each of the three Sound ninja and handed them over to Kakashi for processing. When it came to handling captives, Kakashi had far more experience.

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The mission completed without incident, the Konoha ninja smoothly made their way into the Land of Fire. The ANBU captain who had been accompanying them departed, leaving eight Leaf ninjas and two Mist ninja to return home after a two-day journey—bringing this mission to a clean conclusion.

If Mizuki had to say what affected him most during the mission, he couldn't point to anything specific. His conversation with Jiraiya was the most rewarding part—especially the acquisition of that A-rank Fire Release technique, which alone made the journey worthwhile.

As for the two Mist ninja and their post-mission arrangements, that had nothing to do with Mizuki or Kakashi. That would be Tsunade's responsibility.

Returning to Konoha, Mizuki had no further obligations. Task reports and mission summaries? All delegated to Kakashi.

He gave a casual farewell to his captain and slipped away to go home.

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They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. But Mizuki's situation was slightly different.

He had only just married Kozue, so it wasn't just reunion—it was still the honeymoon phase.

The biggest change in his post-mission mood? Now there was someone waiting for him at home.

That silent sense of responsibility… made him feel strangely cautious.

He realized he wasn't the same man who would once rush headlong into battle with Deidara or Sasori, armed only with a windmill shuriken and a plan.

But upon returning home, disappointment awaited—Kozue wasn't there.

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The house had changed. Living alone and living with someone truly were two different things.

The strange jars and vials Mizuki once used for experiments had vanished.

The large water tank in the main room, once filled with grotesque aquatic creatures, now held nothing but elegant ornamental fish.

Gone were the piles of experimental material. In their place stood proper furniture and decorative items.

Even the disguise plants he had used on the windowsill had been replaced with vibrant flower pots.

It no longer felt like a mad scientist's lab—it actually resembled a home.

The light even seemed brighter.

"So this is what a home is supposed to feel like…"

But then Mizuki noticed… something was off.

"Where are my fashion magazines? And the stash of cash in the bedside drawer—gone!?"

An ominous premonition crept up on him.

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Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office, Tsunade massaged her temple with one hand while flipping through the mission report Kakashi had submitted.

"Hm? These glowing comments on the Mist Village and the Fifth Mizukage… this elaborate description must be Mizuki's doing, right?"

"Yes," Kakashi confirmed beside her. "Jiraiya and I shared a similar assessment."

"Fine. But let's see here: 'Stunningly beautiful, generous and dignified, young and capable, virtuous and talented, admired by all'—what is this? Are you sure you weren't all just mesmerized by her?"

Tsunade shot Kakashi a sharp glare as he awkwardly scratched his head.

"Well, I didn't want to write it like that, but Lord Jiraiya insisted, so…"

"Jiraiya again? Figures."

Tsunade flipped the page. "What's this? 'Nearing thirty, multiple failed matchmaking attempts, emotionally delicate, anxious about marriage?'—What does this have to do with the mission? Did I send you to investigate her private life or chase tabloid gossip?"

"Mizuki insisted it was important intel…" Kakashi mumbled.

"Mizuki again? That newlywed rascal still has energy to scheme? And this last line—'If necessary, suggest deploying a handsome shinobi for a seduction plan'—ARE YOU SERIOUS?"

She slammed the report onto the desk.

"Konoha ninja have really sunk low!"

Kakashi nervously scratched his neck.

"Uh… that last line was something Mizuki said casually. I just thought it might come in handy, so I included it…"

"Hmm?"

Shizune, who had been silently standing nearby, suddenly spoke with a cold tone.

"Kakashi-sensei… are you suggesting that unmarried women around thirty are desperate enough to fall for a pretty face?"

"No, no! Of course not!" Kakashi flailed defensively.

"Ugh… Mizuki, you bastard. Did you know this would happen and left me here on purpose? You really sold me out!"

To be continued...

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