Chapter 185: The Path of Decision
Hearing Kakashi's words, Mizuki paused for a moment before replying, "In terms of raw potential, yes, this technique is practically invaluable. It deserves all the praise it gets. But Kakashi, have you ever considered that the true value of a jutsu is always linked to how difficult it is to learn? How many people in Konoha do you think could actually master it?"
"Not many, I suppose," Kakashi admitted reluctantly after thinking it over. "Even for me, it wouldn't be easy to learn."
If someone like Kakashi—Konoha's number one technician—admitted difficulty, then for others, it would be nearly impossible.
"Besides," Mizuki continued, "the Clarity Breathing Technique isn't irreplaceable. Its main selling point is the massive chakra reserve it allows. But the ninja world has many ways to replenish chakra. You can probably list quite a few yourself, right?"
Indeed, there were countless substitutes: Yin Seal, chakra-absorbing techniques, Kekkei Genkai, and even various pills that restored stamina and chakra. Sure, Clarity Breathing was a game-changer for people like Sakura, Kakashi, and Mizuki—but for others? Even if they could learn it, what would they use the extra chakra for? More Fireballs?
The technique only shined for those whose talents required massive chakra. Without such needs, the return on investment was dubious.
Kakashi didn't have a rebuttal.
"I know I didn't really convince you," Mizuki said, "but you can't deny my point either."
Kakashi wasn't someone easily brushed off. And Mizuki knew that. In truth, his argument was a bit of a smokescreen. It wasn't wrong—but it wasn't the whole truth either.
It took him a long time to realize that his old worldview—the one from his past life—didn't fully align with the shinobi world's values. Here, a person's knowledge, techniques, and secrets were worth entire villages. And Mizuki? He'd taught Sakura a technique that could support an entire minor village… without a second thought.
Only now did he understand how much value was packed into the Clarity Breathing Technique. He didn't regret his decision, but he saw it more clearly.
This world was built on three eternal themes: bloodlines, legacies, and heroes.
These three concepts had always guided the shinobi world—its chaos, its simplicity, and its history. From the Otsutsuki bloodline, to the transmission of knowledge and strength, to the heroic legends that shaped the nations… everything boiled down to those three.
Mizuki's decision to teach Sakura wasn't wrong. But in doing so, he had unknowingly challenged one of the world's foundational systems. Even if he didn't care, others might not see it the same way.
'Even knowing all that,' Mizuki thought, 'I wouldn't make a different choice.'
Some differences in values were inevitable. And Mizuki wasn't the kind of person to betray his beliefs just to fit in. He could handle the criticism. Besides, with the world on the brink of collapse in a few years, who would care about the rules?
Kakashi, noticing Mizuki's nonchalant expression, wasn't surprised.
"Mizuki, we haven't known each other that long," he said, "but I think I understand your temperament. Maybe you don't care, and maybe Sakura doesn't realize what she's carrying now… but what about in the future?"
That made Mizuki pause. He wasn't worried for himself—but Kakashi was right. Sakura could suffer for it. Would Tsunade ever truly accept a student who came in already carrying a different master's secret jutsu? In this world, having two masters was like being a child with a stepmother.
"I can train Sakura," Mizuki said calmly. "I have the skills and confidence to help her grow. But I can't fully guide her in medical ninjutsu. I'm an outsider in that field. You know that."
He looked at Kakashi and added, "And besides, shouldn't we respect Sakura's own choice? We can advise her, give her options… but she should choose her own path."
Whether Sakura wanted to become a sealing expert under Mizuki, or a brutal healer under Tsunade, that was her decision.
Kakashi fell silent.
Eventually, he sighed. "Your eloquence is wasted on a ninja."
"Are you admitting I'm right?"
"This time, maybe. I was being too impatient."
"What brought this on?"
"Sasuke," Kakashi admitted, rubbing his temples. "I've been out of the village too often. Team 7's been left unattended. Naruto's with Jiraiya, so I don't worry much. But Sasuke… I've been focused on him lately. That's why I wanted to make sure Sakura had guidance too. Otherwise, it feels like I'm favoring one over the other."
"That's something you've been brooding over for two months?" Mizuki chuckled. "I didn't think you'd remember."
"You made a good point back then," Kakashi said. "I didn't think about what Sakura herself might want."
"Don't underestimate your students," Mizuki replied. "They'll find their own way."
"I've been a jonin-sensei for years, and yet you see it more clearly than I do."
"Well, I have been teaching Sakura for a while—since before the academy. You've got a lot of catching up to do."
"Fair. Honestly, if the Third Hokage hadn't pressured me, I wouldn't have accepted the team in the first place."
"No use complaining now. You made your choice."
"The truth is, I was interested in Naruto and Sasuke," Kakashi admitted. "Obito's legacy, and my teacher's son… That was enough."
"So what will you do about Sasuke?" Mizuki asked.
"I don't know," Kakashi said. "That's what's driving me crazy. Hatred is like a beast that devours the soul. If I'm not careful, he could fall completely."
Mizuki didn't have an answer for that. He didn't want to speculate on questions that had no clear solution.
"Well," he said, "I'm almost home. I'll head off here."
"Thanks for the talk tonight."
"Don't mention it. Teacher duties and all."
…
The night breeze helped clear his head. By the time Mizuki got home, most of the alcohol had worn off. He was surprised to find the lights on.
'Chihiro's here?'
He opened the door and, sure enough, his fiancée met him at the entrance.
"You're back," Chihiro said, reaching out to steady him. "Drinking again? You don't even like it. Why so much?"
"Don't worry," he said, waving her off. "It wasn't much."
He handed her his coat and stepped inside, at ease in the privacy of their home.
"Did you eat already?"
"I did."
"Good. If you'd come with me tonight, you could've met everyone. It would've been a good chance to connect."
"I already know them. Besides, wasn't this to celebrate your promotion? You should enjoy it."
"Still a shame," Mizuki said. "I invited them all to the wedding, you know. You being there would've helped."
"It's fine." She smiled warmly. "Unlike them, I've prepared a gift."
"Oh? Let's see it."
She produced a pair of full-finger gloves, gleaming with a red-black metallic sheen.
"These?" Mizuki blinked. "This material…"
He slipped them on. The chakra conduction was excellent, and the flexibility was perfect. They didn't hinder his hand movements at all.
"What are they made of?" he asked, intrigued. "They're fantastic."
If there was one part of Mizuki's body that got injured the most lately, it was his hands. For a fire-style user, getting burned—by your own technique—was a rite of passage.
These gloves were more than just thoughtful. They were perfect.
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