Cherreads

Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Blackmailing Mizuki

(I don't exactly remember where the location was for the scroll and what happens except the fact Naruto uses sexy jutsu so this chapter might be slightly different)

After reaching a desolate area, Mizuki finally came to a stop. His expression was that of a scheming fox, one luring a child into mischief.

"I brought you here because what I'm about to tell you is top secret. No one else can know." Mizuki's tone was low and coaxing.

"Naruto, I don't know how you've suddenly improved so much lately, but even this level of strength is not enough." He shook his head, feigning concern. "If you truly want to stand at the top of the ninja world, you'll need something more."

"In the Hokage Residence there's a forbidden Scroll of Seals —an all-powerful scroll that holds countless forbidden jutsu, passed down from the past Hokage." His voice dripped with temptation. "If you can get your hands on it, you'll become as strong as they once were. No one will ever look down on you again. In fact, you might even be able to become Hokage on the spot!"

Mizuki continued his enticing speech, believing that Naruto would be completely captivated by his words.

"Scroll of Seals?" Naruto's eyes widened in apparent excitement before he hesitated. "But... I heard stealing Konoha's confidential documents is a serious crime."

[Mizuki's anger value +12]

Mizuki forced a smile, waving dismissively. "That's nothing you need to worry about. Just sneak in, copy the ninjutsu inside, and I'll return the book before anyone even notices it's gone. No one will suspect a thing."

He was growing impatient, his fingers unconsciously tapping against his ninja pouch. Why was Naruto asking so many questions? Why wasn't he taking the bait as easily as expected? He carefully replayed his words in his mind—had he slipped up somewhere?

Naruto, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the act. Pacing back and forth with a conflicted expression, he finally stopped and turned to Mizuki as if he had reached a difficult decision.

"Mizuki-sensei, to be honest, I don't have any grand ambitions. That Scroll of Seals doesn't really interest me." He gave a small shrug before flashing a sly grin. "But... if you want it so badly, I can help you steal it. Of course, you'll have to pay me for my services."

Mizuki's eyes widened in shock.

"What?"

His fingers twitched toward his pouch as he stared at Naruto suspiciously. Did this brat figure out his true intentions? No… that was impossible. But why did it feel like Naruto was playing him instead?

Seeing Mizuki's hesitation, Naruto innocently pointed at his wallet. "So? How much are you willing to pay?"

Mizuki exhaled in relief. He was just overthinking things. This was still the same foolish Naruto, just a bit greedier than expected.

"Fine," Mizuki muttered. "Name your price."

Naruto grinned and raised his right hand, spreading his fingers.

"This much."

Mizuki scoffed. "500 ryo? Hah! That's nothing!" He reached for his wallet, already relieved at how cheap the deal was.

"No, no, no," Naruto corrected, shaking his head. "I meant 5000 ryo."

[Mizuki's anger value +99]

"WHAT?!" Mizuki nearly exploded. "Naruto! You little—you're robbing me blind!"

Naruto tilted his head innocently. "Mizuki-sensei, why the scary face? If it's too much trouble, I can just head home and forget about it."

Mizuki's nostrils flared. He gritted his teeth, staring at Naruto for a long moment before finally sighing in defeat. He reached into his pouch and pulled out his black leather wallet.

"Fine! Take it!" he spat, shoving it at Naruto.

Naruto took the wallet with both hands, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he quickly secured his prize.

"Thanks a lot, Mizuki-sensei! Well, it's getting late. We should head home and rest. Tomorrow, I'll definitely help you get that Scroll of Seals." He beamed before turning to leave.

[Mizuki's anger value +99]

"Hold it!" Mizuki snapped, his patience hanging by a thread. His face darkened, and his fingers twitched like he was about to strangle a small woodland creature.

"You're stealing it NOW. Immediately. Or else, give me my money back! And don't think I won't beat you into next week!"

Naruto took a nervous step back, eyes wide with Academy Student™ Fear. "O-okay, Mizuki-sensei. Whatever you say..."

But inside, he was grinning ear to ear.

'Oh, Mizuki… you sweet summer idiot. You really thought money had a return policy?'

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat with his pipe, Peeping into his crystal ball. His old eyes carefully observed the conversation between Naruto and Mizuki.

"Come in."

A masked ANBU agent materialized in the room, kneeling before the Third Hokage.

"Orders, Lord Hokage?"

Hiruzen took a slow drag from his pipe before speaking. "Remove all visible guards and barriers around the Hokage Residence."

The ANBU hesitated. "But Lord Hokage, the Hokage Residence is one of Konoha's most important locations. If we remove its security, what if a real traitor sneaks in?"

Hiruzen exhaled a plume of smoke, his gaze sharp yet unreadable. "Do as I say. The visible guards will withdraw, but those stationed in the shadows will remain."

He tapped his pipe against the edge of his desk before looking back at the crystal ball, a weary yet knowing smile playing on his lips.

"If Naruto does go for the Scroll of Seals... let him take it. I'll take responsibility for whatever happens."

"Understood, Lord Hokage." The ANBU bowed before disappearing into the night.

Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, staring at the swirling smoke from his pipe.

"Naruto… what choice will you make?" He murmured to himself. "You've endured so much, yet you don't act like a child your age. Still... I can only hope you don't allow darkness to consume your heart."

(End of Chapter)

More Chapters