For Haruno Sakura, Mizuki felt the biggest gain was the experience of the battle itself. Victory or defeat was actually secondary. After all, the final rounds of the Chunin Exams would be cut short, and even qualifying for promotion to Chunin wasn't necessarily the ultimate goal.
Ninjas weren't actors, and public fights weren't the true way ninja strength was proven. The purpose was more to display power to the higher-ups, gaining political leverage and recognition.
In every village, the results of the Chunin Exams were only one factor among many in deciding rank and assignments. For example, Naruto Uzumaki defeated Hyuga Neji—who was considered one of the strongest genin—yet Naruto didn't get promoted immediately. Meanwhile, Shikamaru Nara, who lost to Temari, advanced to Chunin because of his strategic skills and overall performance.
Honestly, Sakura was among the least qualified from a family or experience standpoint. Unlike Sasuke Uchiha or Naruto Uzumaki, who had many high-stakes encounters, Sakura rarely faced enemies alone after graduating the Academy. Kakashi Hatake served as her pillar of support, and though she was slightly shaken during the Forest of Death, it was nothing serious. Orochimaru didn't mention her because the gap in strength was so large, the fight barely registered as a threat.
In the original story, the battles involving the Sound ninja and the three protagonists were cut short, influenced by Mizuki's behind-the-scenes interventions. Similarly, Ino Yamanaka's trials were interrupted by her accidental injury. Luckily, Sakura stepped up and faced a strong opponent on her own for the first time. Her duel with Dosu Kinuta was likely her true initiation into facing real danger.
Victory or defeat in actual combat could mean the difference between life and death. Dosu's reckless, all-or-nothing fighting style was a harsh lesson for Sakura. Being a ninja was no game—there was no room for naivety. If you didn't work hard, you could really die.
Watching Dosu carried off the stage, Sakura calmed herself and glanced at the applauding crowd, unsure what to feel.
Suddenly, a roar erupted from the stands. Sasuke Uchiha, who hadn't appeared for his match yet, arrived. The crowd grew restless. Many had come hoping to see the genius orphan of the Uchiha clan, only to be disappointed. Murmurs of dissatisfaction filled the arena.
As a last resort, Shiranui Genma sought guidance from the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. After deliberation, it was decided to postpone the match between Gaara and Sasuke and proceed with Shino Aburame versus Kankuro instead. As Mizuki had suspected, Sasuke was unwilling to reveal his strength prematurely. Kankuro also readily agreed to delay.
The crowd's frustration grew at this farce. Under pressure, Temari reluctantly ended her match early.
Both sides tacitly delayed, but the protagonists—Sasuke Uchiha and Kakashi Hatake—were still absent.
"Shino won without fighting—is that luck or bad luck?" Mizuki muttered.
In the Chunin Exams, victory was good, but winning without a fight didn't guarantee promotion. Advancement depended on overall performance and how much you demonstrated your abilities. A lucky win often only earned the label "lucky," not respect.
With Shino's insect techniques and an upcoming match against Kankuro, Mizuki wasn't sure if Shikamaru's brilliant tactics would keep him at the top, but Shikamaru still had a strong chance of advancing.
Hong Yuhi replied, "I don't know if it's luck, but Shino definitely didn't want to win without a real fight."
Shino's quiet presence meant he needed opportunities to showcase his skills or he'd remain unnoticed.
The next match had begun, but Shikamaru's slow, thoughtful style made the waiting dull.
"Asuma, you just said you had confidence in Shikamaru. Why do you seem nervous now?" Mizuki asked, chatting with some others.
"Because the female ninja he's facing isn't weak. She's exactly the kind of opponent Shikamaru struggles against," Asuma said, smoking his cigarette.
At that moment, Sakura, having just been treated, appeared backstage.
"Mr. Mizuki, your treatment was very effective. Thank you," she said.
"You earned it yourself," Mizuki said sincerely. "Rest up—there are more battles ahead."
Sakura nodded. She mistakenly thought her next match would be against Naruto, but Mizuki was actually referring to a Sand Village shinobi.
"Consider this an early investment. Naruto and Sasuke can't get involved yet. In theory, the first heroine is still a bargaining chip."
Naruto and Ino, who had heard the commotion, approached Sakura to chat.
Just as everyone was watching Nara Shikamaru's performance, Kakashi finally arrived with Sasuke.
"Yo, everyone's here. What's the status?" Kakashi greeted.
Sasuke was quickly pulled away by Naruto, eager to show off his accomplishments.
"Sasuke's match was delayed; he should be up next."
Kakashi was relieved Sasuke hadn't been disqualified for lateness.
Mizuki exhaled in relief. After all, the strongest fighters were finally on stage.
"Everyone stay alert. Don't make a move yet," Mizuki said quietly.
"Huh?" The sudden seriousness surprised everyone.
"Focus on the dark corner behind the stands on the left—that's not one of ours."
Kakashi asked quietly, "Are you sure?"
The combatants in the stands weren't enough to explain it—there were enemies hidden even among the ANBU.
"I've been watching carefully. That person wasn't in the original plan but used some method to sneak in."
Kakashi nodded knowingly, then focused on security arrangements and vigilance.
"Don't act rashly. Let's see if any spies reveal themselves first," Kakashi ordered.
"Breaking through heavy security and sneaking past ANBU isn't easy. No need to strike first," Asuma insisted.
"Don't act for now. We don't know the enemy's goal. Too much movement might alert the snake," Mizuki advised.
"The Third Hokage's security is the weakest here. Should we ask him directly?" Mizuki suggested. He knew the stakes—losing Hiruzen Sarutobi would be Konoha's greatest loss in this conflict. Naruto's influence was strong among the people, and the Third Hokage's legacy as the "Professor of Ninjutsu" was deeply respected. But many overlooked that this "Third Generation" wasn't as powerful as his predecessors. The older generation was the real target for the enemy.
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