Mizuki strolled into the classroom just as the bell rang, earning a few glances from classmates. A puff of smoke exploded at the front of the room—of course—as their teacher made his usual dramatic entrance.
Teacher: "Alright, class. Today we begin our lesson on the history of the Ninja World."
A collective groan rippled through the students. History wasn't exactly a fan favorite.
From behind, Anko leaned forward, resting her chin lazily on her palm.
Anko: "Think he ever gets tired of doing that smoke trick?"
Mizuki: "Maybe he uses it to hide how late he is."
Anko (grinning): "Says the guy who snuck in right as it rang."
Mizuki: "Fair enough. Still want to tell me how you always slip in unnoticed?"
She pressed a finger to her lips with a wink.
Anko: "That's classified information."
Mizuki: "Figures. Must be nice, getting to nap in peace while the rest of us dodge chalk."
They exchanged a soft laugh, trying not to draw the teacher's attention as he began his lecture on the Warring States Period.
Mizuki, with Anko occasionally nudging him awake, coasted through the class in a half-doze. When the bell rang, she flicked his forehead.
Anko: "Time to move, sleepyhead. I need sugar before I collapse."
She grabbed his sleeve and tugged him along to the dango shop—her favorite spot. They sat by the window, the late afternoon sun casting golden light across the table as they dug into their dumplings.
Mizuki leaned back, savoring the moment.
"So this is the place all those legendary shinobi hung out… kind of surreal."
He popped the last dumpling into his mouth—then nearly choked when a voice spoke behind him.
Obito: "Ooh, so Anko's the one you've got your eye on, huh? Not a bad choice."
Mizuki turned to see Obito with a smug grin.
Mizuki: "You can talk once you stop staring holes into Rin's back during class."
Obito's face turned crimson.
Obito: "I-I do not!"
Mizuki: "You really do. You probably dream about her more than you train."
Obito scratched his head, sheepish.
Obito: "Yeah… you're not wrong."
Mizuki: "Don't worry, man. You'll get there. Eventually."
He stood and dusted off his pants.
Mizuki: "Anyway, I've got to run. Taijutsu training today."
Obito: "With Guy again?"
Mizuki: "Not just Guy. His dad too."
Obito blinked.
Obito: "You mean the 'Eternal Genin' guy with the mustache?"
Mizuki: "That's the one."
At the edge of the forest, Might Guy stood waiting, arms crossed and eyes ablaze.
Guy: "You're late! But worry not—youth is forgiving! Let's go, Mizuki! My father awaits!"
Mizuki grinned, his energy returning.
Mizuki: "I still can't believe I'm training with the Might Duy. The Mustache Legend himself."
They jogged deep into the woods until they reached a hidden training ground. In the clearing, a man was doing push-ups—on his pinkies—with a boulder strapped to his back.
Might Duy: "998… 999… 1000!"
He exhaled deeply, lowered the rock, and stood tall as they approached.
Might Duy: "Guy! You brought him, huh?"
Guy nodded with his trademark enthusiasm.
Duy turned to Mizuki, his gaze sharp but kind.
Might Duy: "So… you want to become stronger?"
Mizuki: "Yes, sir!"
Might Duy: "Why?"
Mizuki: "To protect my friends. And survive whatever the world throws at me."
There was a pause. Then Duy's mustache twitched—and he let out a hearty laugh.
Might Duy: "Ha! You sure? I'm just a genin, you know."
Mizuki: "So was Old Man Kosuke. And he could have taken down half the village if he wanted to."
That made Duy pause, then nod in approval.
Might Duy: "Good answer. You've got heart. Let's see if your body can keep up with it!"
As the sun dipped low and cast long shadows across the clearing, Mizuki stepped forward. His journey toward true strength had just begun—and he was ready.