Chapter 3: A Slightly Altered Beginning
As night fell, the once-bustling streets of Konoha gradually quieted. However, for a village that had enjoyed long-lasting peace, nighttime did not signal the end of the day. The prosperous night market still bustled with activity, and patrol ninjas could be seen moving through the alleys and streets at regular intervals.
After a long day, Mizuki walked toward his home, occasionally greeting familiar fellow ninjas he passed along the way.
"The village's security measures appear unchanged on the surface, but there are significantly more unfamiliar faces than usual. It looks like they're ready."
Indeed, if he had truly intended to steal the Forbidden Scroll and defect, his chances would have been almost nonexistent. Keeping his observations discreet, Mizuki continued walking toward his residence.
"Where did I slip up? Kabuto knows about my connection to Orochimaru, but he shouldn't be aware of my plan to steal the Forbidden Scroll. Besides, the original Mizuki never realized Kabuto's true strength—he only saw him as Orochimaru's spy and informant. Why would a competent Chūnin disclose something that could decide his fate to a mere Genin who repeatedly failed the Chūnin Exams?"
"Could it be Danzo?"
Unlikely. It was no secret that Orochimaru and Danzo had dealings with each other. The sheer number of experimental subjects and forbidden jutsu Orochimaru acquired before defecting was impossible without high-level support. Aside from the Hokage, the only other person with that level of influence was Shimura Danzo, the leader of the clandestine Root division.
However, Orochimaru and Danzo's relationship had always been one of mutual exploitation rather than trust. It was doubtful that Orochimaru would have exposed Mizuki's involvement to Danzo. In fact, Orochimaru likely never even remembered Mizuki's existence. The so-called "curse mark" he had given Mizuki was an incomplete version—barely functional and requiring dangerous activation drugs. That alone proved Mizuki had never been important to him.
"Could I have been put under surveillance due to my previous secret mission? Or was it my interaction with the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki that drew unwanted attention?"
Mizuki considered these possibilities but found them unlikely. He was not a member of the ANBU, nor had he displayed any confirmed signs of betrayal that warranted such close scrutiny. From what he remembered, after the Nine-Tails Attack, Danzo had attempted to take control of the Jinchūriki but was ultimately denied by the Third Hokage. This meant that Naruto was under the direct watch of Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.
If that was the case, then Mizuki's approach to Naruto had undoubtedly drawn the Hokage's attention. The most likely scenario was that the Hokage had already anticipated this event and was using it to test Mizuki while simultaneously ensuring Naruto obtained the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.
"The Telescope Jutsu, huh? What a shameless spying technique."
Mizuki had been careful during his conversation with Naruto at Hokage Rock, avoiding any words that would raise suspicion. He should have been fine. But there was no denying that the Third Hokage had orchestrated everything flawlessly.
"All this effort just to let Naruto get the Forbidden Scroll? You're really pulling out all the stops, aren't you, Lord Hokage? Haha… if that thing is even the real Forbidden Scroll."
Mizuki had debated for a long time whether to try and take something extra for himself during tonight's events.
The Forbidden Scroll was an unparalleled opportunity. Just by learning the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, Naruto would go from a failure to a prodigy overnight. The scroll contained numerous high-level forbidden techniques created by the Second Hokage, such as Flying Thunder God, Summoning: Rashomon, and even Edo Tensei and Reaper Death Seal—jutsu that blurred the line between life and death. Even if those were out of reach, the other techniques within were leagues beyond the standard elemental ninjutsu.
But was it really worth it?
Would the Third Hokage truly use the genuine Forbidden Scroll for something as minor as this?
Most people had never seen the actual scroll before. It wouldn't be difficult for the Hokage to prepare a fake while keeping all risks under control.
The more Mizuki weighed the risks against the potential rewards, the more he realized it wasn't worth it. Even if he obtained the real Forbidden Scroll, he lacked Orochimaru's abilities to decipher and master its contents. It would be a waste.
Despite deciding against stealing the scroll, Mizuki had still made some preparations. The final outcome remained uncertain, but at the very least, he could control the process.
Thinking about this, Mizuki recalled an issue that had been nagging at him. His connection to Orochimaru was something he absolutely did not want to be exposed. However, at least one person in Konoha knew about it—his fiancée, Tsubaki Chihiro.
"The original Mizuki must have truly loved this woman… He even told her about something that could cost him his life. Should I call them a perfect match?"
---
Returning Home
Pushing open the door, Mizuki surveyed his home. It was unexpectedly clean and well-organized.
"Tsubaki must have come by to tidy up. She's really caring… In a way, the original Mizuki was kind of a winner in life."
Compared to his previous life, where he had reached thirty without even having a girlfriend, this version of himself had a gentle, beautiful fiancée. If it were him, he would have been satisfied.
"People always envy what they don't have."
After tidying up briefly, Mizuki lay on his bed to rest. The day had taken a significant mental toll on him. He closed his eyes, pretending to sleep while waiting for the night's events to unfold.
"Soon, I'll have to give the best performance of both my lifetimes. In my previous life, even without effort, I could still live an unremarkable life. But in this world… if I don't fight for my survival, I'll be crushed by fate."
"So I have to fight."
---
The Night Begins
Deep into the night, a noise outside startled Mizuki awake.
"It's starting."
A shadow appeared outside his window.
"Iruka? What's he doing here this late?"
Outside stood Iruka, looking anxious.
"Mizuki! We have a problem! Naruto stole the Forbidden Scroll and ran away. The Hokage has issued an order for all available ninjas to search for him!"
Mizuki put on a surprised expression and responded, "I see. Understood. Let's split up to cover more ground. I'll head out now."
As Iruka hurried away, Mizuki pondered the slight deviation from the original events.
"Iruka found out before I did? Is it because I abandoned the idea of stealing the scroll myself? Did I lose track of time?"
It didn't matter.
The plan hadn't fallen apart.
After confirming there were no signs of immediate surveillance, Mizuki armed himself with ninja tools and dashed into the night.
---
The Chase Begins
Reaching the designated area, Mizuki concealed himself and waited.
Not far ahead, near a small cabin, Naruto was practicing the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu with surprising progress.
"Determined, resilient, with an exceptional chakra pool. He's a born ninja—if only he had a higher IQ."
Moments later, a figure rushed forward without any attempt at stealth—Iruka, who had just found Naruto.
"Naruto! What the hell are you doing?!"
Naruto grinned sheepishly. "I just learned an awesome jutsu from the scroll! Haha!"
"You idiot! Why would you steal the Forbidden Scroll?!"
Naruto pouted. "Well, I failed the exam, so I figured I'd learn a super powerful jutsu and surprise you. Then you'd have to acknowledge me as a ninja!"
Iruka's expression darkened. "Who told you about the scroll?"
"Mizuki-sensei did! He said that if I learned a jutsu even stronger than yours, you'd have to let me pass the exam."
Iruka's eyes widened in realization. "Mizuki?! Damn it—Naruto, get back!"
At that moment, Mizuki emerged from the shadows, flinging a shuriken toward Iruka.
"Yo, we meet again, Naruto! How's your training going?" Mizuki smirked. "And Iruka… you look a little tired. Maybe you've been worrying too much about your adorable student?"
The Third Hokage was undoubtedly watching.
The stage was set.
It was time for the performance of a lifetime.