Flashback – Four Weeks Earlier
Every morning, Mizuki woke before sunrise, forcing down a modest breakfast tainted with just enough toxin to cause stomach cramps—part of his self-made resistance training. Then it was off to the Academy, where classes felt like rest compared to what came after.
Each afternoon, he slipped away to the forest, to a secluded training ground known only to him and Old Man Kosuke.
Kosuke's training was brutal. Grueling basics came first—push-ups, squats, laps until Mizuki's muscles burned. Then, without warning, Kosuke would draw his short sword and launch into relentless sparring. No holding back. Mizuki had to fight as if his life depended on it—because it did.
Kosuke didn't praise him. He didn't coddle him. But every cut, every defeat, taught Mizuki something—about timing, control, survival.
By the end of the month, Mizuki had become sharper, faster, and more focused. Kosuke had even taught him two new techniques:
Earth Style: Underground Move Jutsu (C-Rank)Leaf Ninja Art: Yanagi (Yin Release, Kenjutsu-based)
But then, Kosuke was summoned back to active duty. Mizuki was on his own again.
Present Day
Now, Mizuki sat in class, staring at the chalkboard. The teacher's words faded into the background as his mind drifted to those punishing weeks. Though Kosuke was gone, the training continued—alone.
His growth was undeniable:
Chakra control? Sharper than ever.Ninjutsu? Faster, more efficient.Taijutsu and kenjutsu? Sharpened by desperation.Even his Total Concentration Breathing had deepened from constant strain.
He smirked slightly to himself.
Mizuki (inner monologue):
"People really do improve under pressure. The toxins don't even bother me anymore... might be time to up the dose."
The bell rang. Mizuki blinked, jolted from his thoughts. In a flash of chakra, he used Body Flicker Technique to reach the cafeteria, grabbing his tray and slipping into an empty seat.
Before he could take a bite, two figures joined him.
Obito and Rin.
"Yo, Obito," Mizuki said casually. "Long time no see."
Obito blinked. "Where the heck have you been the last few weeks?"
Mizuki grinned. "Training. And who's this? Your girlfriend?"
Obito turned red. "No! She's just my childhood friend!"
Rin smiled. "Nice to meet you. I'm Rin."
"Mizuki," he said with a nod. "Guess you're his only friend, huh?"
She chuckled. "Looks like you're one of them now too."
The three laughed lightly and ate together, the air around them surprisingly easy.
As lunch wrapped up, Mizuki leaned in.
"Hey, Obito. Want to train with me after class?"
Obito hesitated, then grinned. "Yeah. Let's go."
Later That Day – Forest Training Ground
They arrived at Mizuki's forest training ground, now filled with the echoes of past battles.
"So, what do we start with?" Mizuki asked.
"Fireball Jutsu," Obito replied. He performed the hand signs, sending a flame out—small, but controlled.
For two hours, they practiced, refining form, chakra output, and accuracy. As their chakra wore thin, Mizuki clapped his hands.
"Taijutsu time."
Obito groaned, but followed him through push-ups, squats, and laps until both collapsed, finishing under the freezing waterfall. Their muscles screamed, but neither complained.
Seven Days Later
Their training had become ritual. Each day, Mizuki and Obito pushed themselves—ninjutsu, taijutsu, conditioning. Obito, to Mizuki's surprise, improved rapidly. Maybe it was his Uchiha bloodline. Mizuki's own progress had slowed, perhaps due to familiarity with the grind.
Back in class, Mizuki's mind wandered.
Mizuki (inner monologue):
"Obito's catching up fast. I need a new challenge..."
That afternoon, Mizuki approached his teacher.
"I want to join the advanced class," he said plainly.
"Pass the written test and show us what you've got," the teacher replied.
He did.
His knowledge was solid. His Substitution and Body Flicker Jutsu execution flawless.
He passed.
Mizuki was officially in the Advanced Class.