Mizuki and Anko rushed to their seats just as the teacher appeared, but within ten minutes, Anko had already dozed off, her head resting on the desk in an adorable display. Mizuki, not wanting to be caught, cleverly used his textbook to shield his drowsy state from the teacher's view.
At lunch, Anko spirited Mizuki away to a table where her closest friends, Kurenai and Asuma, gathered. When the final bell rang, Mizuki kept his promise and treated Anko to dango skewers before heading to Duy's place for taijutsu practice.
Arriving at a secluded spot in the forest, Mizuki found Might Guy and Might Duy waiting for him.
Might Guy: "Right on time, Mizuki! Let's unleash the power of youth!"
Mizuki trained tirelessly with the duo for hours, focusing on chakra control, scaling the tallest trees with chakra-infused feet as part of his routine.
Four months later...
Mizuki was nearly drifting off when suddenly cold water splashed over his face, jolting him awake in a panic. It was only Anko, grinning mischievously.
Anko: "Wake up, Mizuki! Do you know what time it is?"
Mizuki: "Huh?" (glances at the clock; 7:57)
Quickly grabbing his things, changing clothes, and using the body flicker technique, Mizuki made it to class just in time.
During class, Anko teased him with a playful smirk.
Anko: "Do you know what day it is?"
Mizuki: "October 24th, your birthday, right?" (sighs)
Anko: "Yay, you remembered! So, where are my presents?" (extends her hand expectantly)
Mizuki: "I forgot..." (sweating nervously)
Anko: "Is that so?" (feigns disappointment)
Mizuki: "I'll treat you to dango skewers after class, okay? Don't be sad."
Anko's eyes lit up instantly as she nodded eagerly.
Over the past few months of training with Might Duy, Mizuki had mastered the Eight Gates technique, reaching the second gate but still grappling with its aftermath. His taijutsu, ninjutsu, and chakra control had improved significantly, now at an intermediate genin level after sparring with Obito, Might Guy, and Anko during training.
Mizuki had also borrowed basic Earth Release and Shadow Clone techniques from Kakashi to practice, aiming for early graduation by year's end, before his free access to Kakashi's teachings expired.
After class, Anko leaped onto Mizuki's back, and they headed to the dango shop to celebrate her birthday with Kurenai and Asuma joining in. Mizuki winced at his wallet but couldn't resist Anko's infectious happiness.
Mizuki: "So, did you enjoy it, Anko?"
Anko: "I'm so happy! By the way, Mizuki, when's your birthday?"
Mizuki: "It was three days ago. It's okay, you don't have to..." (blushes)
Anko: "Oh, what a shame. I'll make it up to you next year, okay?"
Mizuki: "Are you sure about that?"
Anko: "Absolutely."
Mizuki: "Thanks again. I have to go now."
Anko: "Mizuki, it might be late, but... Happy Birthday."
Mizuki was deeply moved by Anko's words. They shared a meaningful look before parting ways, and he hurried to the forest for another training session with Might Duy.
Might Duy: "Ah, Mizuki! Ready to ignite the flames of youth?"
Mizuki: "Haha, yes, Bushy Stache Sensei!"
Their intense training lasted for hours before Might Duy treated Mizuki to a barbecue dinner. Afterward, master and student left the restaurant, ready to head home.