"Mm?"
Kakashi paused, slightly surprised by Mizuki's comment.
"…Didn't expect you to be so optimistic about Sakura. But for now, I can't think of anyone more suitable."
Mizuki shrugged. "Seems like everyone's going to be pretty busy after the Chūnin Exams. If I have time, I'll lend a hand."
The truth was, Konoha was on the verge of major change. Until Tsunade returned and officially became the Fifth Hokage, the village would be entering its most chaotic period since the Kyūbi attack. There wasn't much room for personal promises. Still, once Tsunade arrived, Sakura would have a powerful mentor — and wouldn't need to hang herself from the crooked tree of doubt anymore.
Seeing that Mizuki hadn't refused outright, Kakashi relaxed a little.
"…I appreciate it."
"No problem. Let's go see how far your favorite Uchiha has come."
Kakashi smirked confidently. "If that Sand ninja's still fighting at the level he showed during prelims, I'm not too worried."
He turned to glance at Sasuke, who stood ready at the edge of the arena, eager to jump in.
"Kakashi, you're being too optimistic," Mizuki warned. "Maybe you missed it since you arrived late, but Kankurō withdrew. And the Sand trio… they've been acting strange."
Kakashi's eye narrowed. "Strange how?"
"That Gaara kid — he's dangerous. It's not just a feeling. His teammates are terrified of him. Terrified in a way even our Genin aren't. You get what I'm saying, right? They're not here just to participate. Those three are hiding something."
Mizuki's tone grew darker. "This isn't a regular mission. It's a smoke screen. Something bigger is coming."
"What kind of danger?" Kakashi asked seriously.
"You missed Naruto's match. The Kyūbi's chakra leaked out again."
Kakashi blinked. "…So that's why he won—wait, that's not the point, is it?" His voice grew sharp.
Mizuki didn't answer directly. His eyes flicked toward Gaara, who now stood at the edge of the arena, trembling with anticipation.
"You understand why they delayed this match so long instead of declaring Sasuke forfeit?" Mizuki murmured. "If our guess is right… we're in serious trouble."
Kakashi's voice dropped. "If Gaara really is a jinchūriki…"
"Too late to call in the sealing team now." Mizuki sighed. "Let's just hope I'm wrong."
"At least Jiraiya-sama's still in the village," Kakashi said. "If worst comes to worst, he won't stand by."
He looked down at Sasuke. "Sasuke—be careful."
Sasuke glanced back over his shoulder and smirked. "Don't worry. I'm going to win." He jumped down into the arena.
Mizuki watched him go, shaking his head.
"He just picked up how to stimulate his body with lightning chakra — thinks he's invincible now. Even after being humiliated by Rock Lee, he still underestimates the Chūnin Exams."
Kakashi sighed. "I was actually going to tell him to pull back if things went south… but he's not listening now."
Mizuki crossed his arms. "It might not be that bad. Jinchūriki are difficult, but that's usually when the tailed beast is fully awakened. Gaara… clearly doesn't have full control."
"I hope you're right," Kakashi replied quietly.
Just then, Might Guy appeared beside them in a blur of green and energy.
"KAKASHI! My eternal rival, have you been here all this time, ignoring me on purpose?! Is this a psychological tactic before our next duel!?"
Mizuki groaned. "I'll leave you two to it…" He turned and started heading toward the back corridors.
As he walked, he spotted Hyūga Hiashi exiting quietly.
"Neji should be inside," he muttered. "Might as well check in."
At the door of the lounge, Mizuki knocked.
Inside, Neji turned toward him. "Mizuki-sensei?"
"You look deep in thought." Mizuki stepped in casually, smiling. "Still brooding?"
Neji stood up, embarrassed. "Sorry… I didn't hear you."
"How's the injury?"
"I've already been treated by the med-nin. I'll be fine."
"That's good." Mizuki nodded. "This year's exams have been more chaotic than usual. Too bad you're out."
Neji looked down. "I let a lot of people down."
"Not really," Mizuki said. "Naruto isn't weak. It's just a shame, that's all."
"…Mizuki-sensei," Neji began hesitantly, "do you think I'm a genius?"
Mizuki chuckled. "If you're not a genius, I'm not sure who qualifies."
"Among all current Genin in Konoha, you're probably unmatched — at least until they reach Jōnin level."
Neji frowned. "Then why did I lose to Naruto Uzumaki?"
"That's… another matter entirely," Mizuki said with a sigh. "Naruto is special. What you saw in the arena was just the surface. If it were a real life-and-death battle, I doubt he would've had the same chance to 'awaken' like that."
Neji said nothing, lost in thought.
Mizuki studied him. His attitude had shifted since the Forest of Death. Maybe hearing the truth about his clan had changed something inside him. Though Mizuki didn't agree with the Hyūga system — or the elders — he also knew it wasn't his battle to fight.
"Still," Mizuki said, "you've already grown past that fate nonsense. Even if the caged bird seal remains, you're not the kind of guy who'll sit around and mope about destiny anymore."
"I'll take my leave," he added. "Get some rest."
As Mizuki exited, Neji watched him curiously. Mizuki's flak jacket was filled with gear, including visible windmill shuriken. He didn't look like a proctor. He looked like someone preparing for war.
A bad feeling prickled in Neji's gut.
Outside the lounge, Mizuki nearly bumped into Hinata, who was standing nervously with a small container of medicine in her hands.
"Mizuki-sensei!" Hinata bowed quickly.
Mizuki smiled. "Don't worry. Go on in. Neji's waiting."
He left her at the door, then turned a corner and suddenly whispered,
"Is everything ready?"
A figure emerged from the shadows.
"Of course."
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