Walking unhurriedly to the edge of the swing, Mizuki comforted Naruto Uzumaki, who was crying softly: "Naruto, are you still upset with Mr. Iruka? I don't think he's singling you out. Becoming a great ninja isn't easy, after all. Besides, you can always retake the exam next year."
Unfortunately, Mizuki's words seemed to have no effect. Naruto lowered his head, a mix of anger and frustration in his voice: "I know what you mean, Mizuki-sensei, but why am I the only one who failed? Why is it always me? I've been working so hard!" There was a bitter resentment in his tone. For a lonely teenager who has always felt rejected, but still maintains enthusiasm and yearns for recognition, failing the exam was a painful blow.
The adults nearby watched with cold eyes, occasionally muttering harsh words like "monster," "deserves it," and "should've been driven out." These cruel remarks only served to drive Naruto's head lower.
Realizing that this wasn't the best place to have this conversation, Mizuki gently patted Naruto's curled shoulder and said softly, "Naruto, do you want to change the location? I have something important to tell you. The exam isn't hopeless. If you work hard, you may even get a chance to retake it."
"Really, Mizuki-sensei? You're not lying to me, are you?" Naruto's voice brightened, a hopeful spark in his eyes.
"Of course not," Mizuki reassured him with a smile. "Though it's difficult, you actually have a lot of potential as a ninja. Maybe if you keep working hard, Iruka-sensei will approve you to become a ninja. But let's go somewhere quiet to talk about it."
"Okay! Okay! Where are we going?" Naruto asked, his excitement palpable.
"Let's go to Hokage Rock. The weather's nice today. You go ahead, and I'll catch up."
"Okay! I'll go ahead! Hurry up and follow me, Mizuki-sensei!" Naruto said, practically sprinting toward Hokage Rock.
Mizuki watched Naruto dash off, feeling a twinge of understanding. For a child who has been neglected and ostracized, the idea of being recognized as a ninja is incredibly important. That desire for recognition would certainly play a part in the future. However, for now, Naruto wasn't seeking validation from Mizuki—he was seeking it from someone else. Mizuki couldn't help but laugh bitterly at his own situation. Despite his scheming and planning, he was still just a small pawn in a world where the real players were much more powerful. In a few years, the ninja world's power dynamics would change drastically, and those who were once powerful would fall behind. Mizuki himself, with his lack of true strength and no real advantages, felt like a mere stepping stone in the larger game. With no special abilities or "golden fingers" to propel him, he could only move cautiously forward, one step at a time.
As parents began picking up their children, the Third Hokage left the school as well. Mizuki exchanged a few words with Iruka before departing to meet Naruto at Hokage Rock.
While walking toward the Rock, Mizuki pondered his situation. His predecessor, also named Mizuki, had been a relatively average Konoha ninja, just above average for a Chunin. His ninjutsu and genjutsu skills were unremarkable, but his physical abilities were strong. Still, he lacked the imposing strength to be truly exceptional. While he knew how to use puppetry and was tactical, he could never break out of mediocrity. His weaknesses were also apparent—jealousy, a strong desire for power without the necessary skill or presence, and a reliance on Orochimaru for potential advancement. Ultimately, his desperation led to his downfall when he tried to steal the Forbidden Scroll, only to be stopped by Naruto, the so-called "child of destiny." Mizuki was just another casualty of the world's malice, an obstacle that needed to be cleared to make way for Naruto's rise.
But now Mizuki found himself in a different position, in a different time. He had intelligence on his side, and if he played his cards right, he might just have a chance. However, his first priority was to rethink his approach. He realized that changing his nature was key. Mizuki was not inherently evil, but he had grown to accept the harshness of the world. He recognized that in this brutal, war-torn environment, ideals of "goodness" and "justice" were luxuries that heroes could afford, not someone like him, who was just trying to survive. It was all about playing the role, pretending to follow the rules, until it was time to make a move.
As he reached Hokage Rock, he saw Naruto waiting eagerly, waving him over.
"Mizuki-sensei, you're finally here! I've been waiting forever! I'm starving!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Sorry, Naruto, I'm late, but there's still plenty of time," Mizuki said, walking over.
"So, how do I pass the exam? Tell me quickly!" Naruto practically begged.
Mizuki smiled gently and said, "Don't rush, Naruto. I have something important to discuss first," then, seeing the hope in Naruto's eyes, continued, "First, don't be upset with Iruka. He really does care about you. He's an orphan, too, and I know he understands what you're going through. He's not trying to hurt you. I've known Iruka for years, and I can tell you, his heart is in the right place."
Naruto puffed out his cheeks, still upset, but tried to understand. "I know, but I don't get it. Why can't I become a ninja? I've worked so hard. I'll be the best ninja, and one day, I'll be Hokage! But if I can't even become a ninja, what should I do?"
Mizuki's voice softened as he responded, "Becoming a ninja isn't as simple as you think, Naruto. It's not just about strength or skill—it's about sacrifice too."
"I know!" Naruto clenched his fists, determination in his voice. "I'll definitely become a ninja, and I'll follow my own path as a ninja!"
"That's great, Naruto," Mizuki said with a knowing smile. "But there's one thing you need to understand. You said you wanted to be Hokage to get people to recognize you. But the truth is, it's not about becoming Hokage first—it's about earning the recognition of others so that you can become Hokage."
"Cause and effect? Sequence?" Naruto repeated, though he didn't really understand.
Mizuki sighed inwardly, realizing he might be overestimating Naruto's ability to grasp such concepts, but he pressed on. "In time, you'll understand, Naruto. But right now, what's more important is how to become a ninja. You failed because you didn't master the clone technique. Iruka wouldn't let you become a ninja without that basic skill. But if you learn advanced techniques, things will be different."
"Advanced ninjutsu?!" Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "Where can I learn that? Does Mizuki-sensei want to teach me?"
"No," Mizuki answered, shaking his head. "I'm just a Chunin, and I don't know advanced ninjutsu. But I know where you can find powerful techniques. There's a legendary book in Konoha—the Forbidden Scroll. It contains powerful techniques that even Iruka-sensei doesn't know. If you learn them, I'm sure Iruka will have no choice but to let you become a ninja."
Naruto, brimming with excitement, practically bounced on his feet. "Where is it? Tell me, Mizuki-sensei!"
Mizuki smiled inwardly. Step one is complete. "The scroll is hidden in Konoha, Naruto. It's your chance to prove yourself."
...
Mizuki watched as Naruto eagerly ran off, satisfied with the progress he had made. "Alright, the path to unlocking Naruto's potential is set. Now I need to prepare for the next step."
In stories like these, the hero's journey is filled with moments of growth and sacrifice. The brave heroes are always surrounded by allies, ready to help them rise to the occasion. But Mizuki's role, for now, is far less glamorous. He would have to play the part of the supportive, if misguided, mentor, guiding the hero toward greatness while ultimately becoming just another stepping stone on the path to destiny. As for Mizuki himself, he was no saint, nor was he a villain—just a man struggling to find his place in a world that often seemed indifferent to his existence. The road ahead was long, and every step would require careful planning.