Scene: A Quiet Street in Konoha, After the Incident
After leaving Konoha Hospital, Mizuki and Tsubaki strolled along a quiet street where villagers bustled about, unaware of the storm that had just passed.
"Hey, Mizuki," Tsubaki spoke hesitantly. "Do you really intend to cut ties with Iruka?"
"Don't worry, Tsubaki," Mizuki said without looking at her.
"But... you two grew up together. You always looked out for him, didn't you?"
Mizuki paused, then replied flatly, "You heard what I said to him. Those words weren't just for Iruka. They were for myself, too."
Tsubaki frowned. "I still don't get it. Why does it matter so much?"
"You still don't understand, huh? Iruka and I were never truly friends. Back then, he was an orphan—quiet, ostracized. The rest of us, we just pitied him. That's all. Now, look at him. A Chūnin. A respected instructor at the Ninja Academy. He doesn't need my help or anyone else's."
"But that doesn't change the fact that you were close. Isn't that what friendship is?"
Mizuki smirked. "It's alright. You'll understand eventually."
He motioned toward a boy in the distance. "See that kid with the messy blond hair and the orange jumpsuit?"
"You mean that loudmouth? I've seen him before. That's Uzumaki Naruto, right? The one people whisper about—Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails. Failed the graduation exam three times. Why bring him up?"
"You caught on quick." Mizuki chuckled. "Yeah. I used him."
Tsubaki's eyes widened. "You didn't… instigate him to attack Iruka, did you?"
Mizuki nodded without shame. "Don't be fooled by his idiocy. He's got potential. If underestimated, he'll surprise you. Just ask Iruka."
"You're insane!" she hissed. "If the Hokage finds out—"
"If? The Hokage already knows. I've been punished, haven't I? But no one died. No real harm done—so the punishment wasn't severe."
"Why don't you just apologize to Iruka?"
Mizuki's gaze darkened. "Best not to get too close to the Jinchūriki while suspicion still lingers. Just act like we didn't see him."
Naruto passed by them, unaware.
Just as Mizuki relaxed, a shout came from behind.
"Hey! You with the silver hair! Wait up!"
Naruto skid to a stop, blocking Mizuki's path.
"I knew it! You're the bastard who hurt Iruka-sensei!"
"Naruto-kun, long time no see. Still as spirited as ever," Mizuki said with a mocking smile.
"Shut up! Why did you hurt Iruka-sensei?"
"I didn't hurt him. You did. You were there. You took him to the hospital yourself."
"You—!" Naruto clenched his fists. "Iruka-sensei got hurt protecting me! It's your fault!"
"I only visited him. He said he was lonely. None of his students came by. Such ungrateful little brats. Makes me worry about the future of Konoha."
"Stop lying! Iruka-sensei isn't like that!" Naruto turned to Tsubaki. "Big sis, are you with this jerk?"
"I'm Tsubaki. Mizuki's fiancée."
"Fiancée? Don't marry him! He's a terrible person. He'll only hurt you."
Tsubaki smiled gently but said nothing.
Mizuki narrowed his eyes. This brat dares…
"Oh yeah," Mizuki added with a smirk, "when we left the hospital, we saw Sakura Haruno heading in. She's a good student—unlike some people."
"Sakura? Really?"
"And Uchiha Sasuke was with her. They make a great pair. Sakura even said she can't stand blond-haired dead-last losers."
Naruto's expression crumbled.
"No way… Sasuke, that bastard!" He spun on his heel. "I'll talk to Sakura right now!"
As Naruto stormed off, Mizuki muttered, "You see, Tsubaki? Iruka and that brat... they're both idiots."
Tsubaki sighed. "Iruka's really unfortunate… having you as a friend."
"Friend? No, this is just the beginning. After all the years he 'looked after me,' he still can't beat me. Not unless he gets serious. Next time, I'll make sure he does."
"But Iruka's a Chūnin. And Naruto's got power too. You won't beat both."
Mizuki shrugged. "Iruka's always been more popular than me. If I land in the hospital, I doubt anyone'll visit."
"I will."
"The hospital food sucks, though. Let's avoid it."
Tsubaki smiled. "Where to next?"
Mizuki pointed across the street. "There."
"A barbershop?"
Inside, the familiar over-the-top energy of the place greeted them. Posters of flamboyant haircuts filled the walls.
"Every world has its loud hairdressers," Mizuki muttered. "I bet one of them fell into the ninja world."
A stylist approached. "Welcome! What look are you going for, sir?"
Mizuki stared at a ridiculous poster. "What's that one?"
"That's the Moondai Head! Worn by the lead samurai in the latest film. It's bold, powerful—perfect for a shinobi like you!"
Tsubaki tugged his sleeve. "No. Don't do it."
"How about the spiked look?"
"No."
"The wavy perm?"
"Still no."
"Fine, just straighten it and cut short bangs in front. Something more... Kato Dan-ish."
He turned to Tsubaki. "Want the Princess Ji style?"
"I'm good, thanks."
"You're no fun."
…
Later, as the sun dipped low, Mizuki and Tsubaki walked toward the edge of town.
"I've got something to handle. Go on home."
"Alright… be careful."
After she left, Mizuki spotted a figure waiting.
"You've been standing there awhile, Hatake Kakashi."
"I want a word. Follow me."
They climbed to a nearby rooftop, overlooking the village.
"You jōnin love rooftops. Could've just used the hot springs instead."
"You're still cynical, I see."
"What's this about?"
"I've been assigned to lead a Genin team. Fresh graduates. One of them… is Naruto."
Mizuki arched a brow. "You're in for a headache."
Kakashi ignored the jab. "Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke are the others."
"Even better."
Kakashi paused, then asked, "How did it feel… when you killed your teammates?"
Mizuki's face darkened. "Picking at old wounds, are we? I've forgotten."
"Really?" Kakashi's voice was quiet. "You swore to the Sandaime you'd change."
"You of all people should understand. You've lost comrades too, haven't you?"
Kakashi didn't answer.
"You hiding it too? That's called being clever."
"Still playing games, Mizuki?"
"I used to hate people like you. Now I just don't care."
"That makes two of us."
"Look, I've got a fiancée. I'm not interested in guys."
"She has my condolences."
"I'll take my leave now, unless there's more?"
"When it happens again—what will you do?"
"I'll figure it out when I get there. You?"
"Same."
"Then why ask? That's the shinobi way."
Mizuki leapt off the roof. "Oh, and Kakashi—quit lurking near the women's bathhouse. Word is, Ayame from Ichiraku's looking for a husband. She's got a thing for cyclops."
He vanished before Kakashi could respond.