Naruto: Mizuki The Savior

Chapter 257: One-Sided Devotion

After returning from a long and distant mission, it was standard in Konoha to grant a two-day break—a rather humane policy. While shinobi were nominally detached from secular concerns and politics, in truth, they stood at the pinnacle of this world's hierarchy. The power they held translated directly into status, and unless there was an emergency, Konoha rarely imposed harsh treatment on its elite.

The next morning, Mizuki felt refreshed and full after breakfast. He watched as Kozue headed off to work. In Konoha, ninja who specialized in technical skills—medical ninjutsu, sealing, barrier work, cryptography, etc.—were more like office workers in his previous life, albeit ones who worked with chakra and jutsu.

Even many mid-ranked chūnin fell into this category. Take Iruka Umino, for example—a full-time academy teacher with almost no combat assignments.

Now, in the analogy of his past life, Mizuki and Kozue's household would have her as a proper white-collar employee, while Mizuki himself was more like a highly-paid freelancer. He rarely took missions, but when he did, the rewards—especially for a jōnin or special missions—were lucrative. Of course, elite ninjas also had high expenditures. Not everyone was lucky enough to have a capable wife like Kozue who managed finances well and even ran a profitable side business.

Just look at Asuma Sarutobi—his twin chakra blades, the Flying Swallow, weren't cheap. Had it not been for his lineage and Hokage father, his rebellious youth filled with smoking, drinking, and recklessness wouldn't have afforded such gear.

"So, where should I go today?"

It was late summer, early autumn. The morning was crisp and pleasant. If Mizuki had still been single, he might've taken a nap after appreciating the weather. But with a full stomach, the urge to sleep again had faded.

He didn't have anything urgent to do, but that didn't mean he was idle either. After some thought, he decided to check in on Karin. After all, she was the first person whose destiny he had actively tried to change. Even though the results with Hayate Gekkō had taken effect earlier, this situation had left a deeper impression on him. Back then, still weak and untested, Mizuki had even risked his life to fight Orochimaru for her sake.

"Might as well check in. It's not right to leave her completely on her own."

Originally, he had hoped to recruit her as a helper. But now, under public scrutiny, most of his plans were no longer viable. He'd let go of any grand schemes involving her.

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The Four Seasons Flower Shop was his and Kozue's first venture together and carried a lot of sentimental weight. Mizuki had personally set up many of its arrangements. Apart from his home, this shop was the place where he had spent the most time—more than even the hospital.

Here, he had quietly accumulated his knowledge of ninjutsu, especially sealing arts. He had also interacted with various people, including Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka, who had both trained here. Most importantly, it held many memories of him and Kozue.

He glanced at the signboard he had carved with his own hands. Months had passed, and no one had discovered the subtle tricks he had embedded in it. Perhaps only Sakura had sensed something strange about it, but fully unraveling the mystery was still far beyond her capabilities.

Mizuki chuckled at his own mischief. He casually dispelled the harmless illusions and traps he'd set, then pushed open the shop door and stepped inside.

It was still early. The store was empty, aside from the gentle fragrance of flowers. The peaceful atmosphere gave it a slightly chilly feel.

To his surprise, the shy red-haired girl was nowhere to be seen. Mizuki waited, but no one greeted him.

"The door's open—where is she?"

Puzzled, he walked past a display of colorful flowers and finally spotted Karin behind the counter, head resting on her arms and fast asleep.

Honestly, being a shop clerk could be pretty dull. With no customers around, it was easy for a teenager like her to doze off. Mizuki understood—it was perhaps a poor fit for someone her age. But even so, slacking off this early in the morning?

"What if someone came in and stole something?" he thought, shaking his head.

He opened the drawer where the shop's petty cash was kept. Seeing a decent amount of change and notes scattered inside, he felt relieved—at least pocket money wouldn't be a problem for now.

Unfortunately, the slight noise woke the half-sleeping Karin.

"Ah! A thief!" she cried, instinctively grabbing his wrist and swinging a fist toward his face.

"Relax—it's me," Mizuki calmly caught her hand mid-air. "Awake now?"

Karin blinked groggily. Recognizing the familiar voice, her face turned red with embarrassment.

"M-Mizuki-sensei—no, Boss! I-I wasn't trying to hit you! I thought… I thought you were a thief! And I wasn't slacking—I was just resting my eyes!" she blurted out, wiping a bit of drool from the corner of her mouth.

"I know, I know. No need to panic." Mizuki gave a reassuring smile. "I just came by to look around. If you're tired, go ahead and rest."

"I'm fine! Really!"

"Alright, if you say so."

He could tell she was still uneasy. After finally settling into a stable life, she wasn't ready to lose it over a small mistake.

"Anyway," he continued, glancing around, "the place looks tidy. You've done well organizing it. No sign of slacking off."

Then he asked casually, "That lady—Shizune—came to see you the other day, right? About joining the medical ninja program? What do you think? Interested?"

Unexpectedly, Karin refused outright.

"I don't want to. I'm no good as a ninja. I've always been a burden—never useful. I'm more comfortable here."

She looked up at Mizuki with teary eyes and asked in a trembling voice:

"Sensei… are you trying to get rid of me? Do you not want me anymore?"

To be continued...

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