Chapter 131: The Seed
When the three genin from Team 8 entered, Mizuki and Sarutobi Asuma had just about finished their conversation. Of course, it could have also been that the three had waited outside until they sensed the discussion was over before knocking. Either way, it didn't matter—these were matters that genin couldn't be involved in, and even if they overheard, they likely wouldn't understand.
"Sorry to interrupt." The three genin greeted politely. "We came to visit Kurenai-sensei. We heard she was injured during the mission…"
"We've already put the flowers in the vase," Hinata said gently—these kinds of small gestures were where she excelled.
"Do you know how she's doing? It looks like she hasn't woken up yet…" Kiba, ever direct, asked the question on all their minds.
"There's no danger to her life, don't worry." Asuma reassured the trio.
For a team of genin, having their jonin sensei gravely injured and unconscious was a huge blow. Even if they were assigned a new temporary jonin, the rapport and trust built since graduation couldn't be replaced. At the very least, during Kurenai's recovery, Team 8 wouldn't be under her guidance, and depending on her condition, there might be lasting changes.
Still, hearing that she was out of immediate danger brought some relief. The recent chaos had been the first time the three had witnessed large-scale conflict. The number of dead and injured they'd seen these past few days surpassed everything in their prior experience. Coming from ninja clans, they weren't ignorant of the reality of war, but that didn't make it any easier.
"Well then, I won't stay any longer."
Having paid his visit, Mizuki turned to leave. Compared to Hayate, Kurenai's condition was much better, and with Tsunade's return, she'd likely make a full recovery.
Among everyone present, Mizuki was technically the least involved—were it not for the mission they had shared, he probably wouldn't have come at all. He and Kurenai had barely interacted otherwise.
"I'll head out too…" Asuma added. His mission was urgent, and delay could mean catastrophe, even war.
"Wait." The two were stopped by a timid Hinata. "My father asked me to deliver this to you and Asuma-sensei."
Mizuki raised an eyebrow and took the envelope. To his surprise, it was a very formal invitation.
"This afternoon?" Asuma read his own copy and frowned. "I won't be able to make it. I have to leave the village soon…"
"That's okay," Hinata quickly explained. "Father said just delivering it was enough, and I'm to report back whether you received it. That's all."
"In that case, my apologies. I won't be able to attend…" Asuma said, polite but firm. "Time is short—I have to go."
He gave a brief nod and left the room.
Mizuki looked down at the invitation, then turned to Hinata. "Anyone else invited?"
"Might Guy-sensei as well."
"…Alright, I'll attend. Please tell your father I'll be there on time."
Mizuki had been expecting this. A conversation with the Hyuga clan was something he needed. Given their deep heritage, it was unlikely Hyuga Hiashi didn't recognize the Rinnegan. Even the relatively young Jiraiya had been able to identify it at a glance. As for the Chibaku Tensei (Planetary Devastation) jutsu, there was no way that technique had never been recorded.
And Hyuga Hiashi was showing proper decorum—although both sides knew Guy and Asuma were likely only invited as cover, the invitation still came with full ceremony. If Mizuki had been the only one invited, it might have seemed suspicious and possibly dangerous. The added presence of former comrades made the meeting feel more legitimate.
"This works well. Now… just what is it that Hyuga Hiashi wants?"
It was still preferable to deal with the cautious but forthright Hyuga clan rather than Shimura Danzo's scheming. At least the Byakugan couldn't use genjutsu—and definitely not Kotoamatsukami.
…
Returning home from the hospital, Mizuki carefully reviewed all the current threats and his potential responses—even going so far as to prepare for the worst.
A staged death and secret escape… I really don't want it to come to that.
Even with a faked death, under Root's constant surveillance, Mizuki wouldn't last long—especially not with the Akatsuki out there. The only person who might offer him shelter was Orochimaru. Given Mizuki's value, Orochimaru might see him as a worthwhile investment and preserve his life. But to hide like a rat in the shadows for survival? That wasn't the life Mizuki wanted.
Konoha… I've worked so hard to build my foundation here. And then there's Tsubaki—I can't just walk away from this.
From the moment he transmigrated, Mizuki had never had much choice. Each decision had been forced by circumstance. It might have seemed like he was acting of his own will, but in truth, he had simply been reacting to pressure.
Just a little longer… Soon, the time to reap the rewards will come…
Now that he had succeeded in separating curse mark chakra, and was closing in on capturing natural energy—the last major hurdle—Mizuki was confident. With his chakra control, mastering Sage Mode would be far easier than it had been for Naruto. Add in Silent Breath to cover his chakra deficiency, and Mizuki's path forward was clear.
Everything he had done—alliances, negotiations, schemes—had all been to buy himself time. Whether it was building connections or striking a deal with the Hyuga, the goal was always the same: to keep Shimura Danzo's hands off him until Tsunade returned.
…
As noon approached, Mizuki dressed carefully and left his house. When dealing with a prestigious clan like the Hyuga, etiquette mattered. One small misstep and he could find himself publicly shamed. Such prideful families were notorious for making examples.
At the Hyuga compound's gate, Mizuki saw a familiar face: Hyuga Ko.
"You're waiting outside for me?" Mizuki asked, a little awkward. "I'm not late, am I?"
Ko shook his head. "This way. The clan head is waiting."
Mizuki followed through the large courtyard and down a long corridor, eventually arriving at a refined, traditional room that strongly resembled Japanese architecture from his previous life.
A compound like this, right in the middle of Konoha… As expected of the top noble clan.
The layout was elegant, not gaudy like the homes of nouveau riche families.
Ko stopped in front of a room. "The clan head is inside."
"Thanks." Mizuki nodded. Ko had fought alongside him not long ago, and now he was back to formal pleasantries—it felt a bit awkward.
Mizuki knocked on the door.
"Come in."
He stepped inside. Hyuga Hiashi was seated on a cushion, clearly waiting for him. Mizuki glanced around.
Where's Might Guy?
With a hint of suspicion, Mizuki stepped forward and bowed.
"Pardon the intrusion."
Then, he knelt across from Hiashi in formal seiza style. It was uncomfortable, but if Hiashi intended to speak as equals, Mizuki could at least return the gesture.
"Mizuki-kun," Hiashi began, "thank you for accepting our invitation."
Mizuki's lips twitched at the honorific. No one had called him "-kun" since transmigrating. It felt... weird.
"You're too kind," Mizuki replied politely. "But where is Guy-sensei? Couldn't make it? Running late? Or perhaps..."
He didn't finish. Hiashi would understand.
"I invited all three of you," Hiashi replied evenly. "Asuma had a mission. Guy did arrive—he's being entertained elsewhere. Today's gathering is to thank both of them for their aid and to express my admiration for your courage, Mizuki-kun."
...Courage, huh? If not for the Rinnegan, no one would be 'admiring' me. Mizuki thought cynically.
"You flatter me." Mizuki had no patience for empty flattery. "Let's get to the point—what exactly does the clan head wish to discuss?"
Hiashi smiled slightly. "So it was true after all. I thought I might be imagining things. Seems you're as perceptive as I hoped."
"You can call me just 'Mizuki,' clan head."
Hiashi nodded, not making an issue of it. With no one around to eavesdrop, they could speak freely.
Ko returned with tea and served them both before leaving again.
Sipping from his cup, Hiashi said, "That blood-clone you used—at the end, that powerful jutsu... that was the Rinnegan, wasn't it?"
"It was," Mizuki admitted without hesitation. If Hiashi wasn't an idiot, he'd figure it out eventually.
"I thought so," Hiashi's eyes lit up. "To create something so legendary… you really are a genius, Mizuki-kun. Most people don't even know the Rinnegan exists."
So he figured it out. What else does he want?
Hiashi continued, "So then, what is it that you seek?"
"Protection," Mizuki said plainly. "Safety. That's all."
"Not an unreasonable request." Hiashi understood. Possessing power far beyond one's position invited trouble. Without status or backing, it was a recipe for disaster.
"And what does the Hyuga clan want in return?" Mizuki asked.
"You have something we want," Hiashi said. "You've proven your worth. But we'd like to know: what else can you offer?"
Ah, so they want the Tenseigan.
It wasn't enough to know about the Rinnegan. The Hyuga would surely be interested in the Tenseigan—the Byakugan's legendary evolution.
"I can show you the Tenseigan," Mizuki replied calmly. "We'll see how you feel after that."
Knowledge and information were his most valuable currency. They couldn't be stolen—and they were Mizuki's greatest asset.
…
It wasn't until dinner that Mizuki finally returned home. The meeting had been exhausting, but reaching an initial agreement with Hiashi lifted a huge weight off his shoulders. With the Hyuga as a temporary shield, he could breathe a little easier.
Not long after, his fiancée Tsubaki returned from work.
"What do you want for dinner, Mizuki?"
"Braised pork and… hmm?" Mizuki paused. "…And curry."
"Got it."
As she turned to the kitchen, Mizuki's faint smile vanished. His expression darkened.
For Tsubaki, with her level of chakra control, to fall into genjutsu without noticing… that's terrifying. It wasn't Kotoamatsukami—but it was definitely a Sharingan. Danzo, was this your doing already?
But Danzo had underestimated Mizuki. Trying to manipulate him through standard genjutsu—even indirectly—was laughable.
Still… to target Tsubaki? This won't go unanswered.
How one judges others depends not on whether they are good or bad—but whether they bring goodwill or malice. Resentment, like a seed, takes root quietly… then begins to grow.
Mizuki loosened his clenched fists, unaware until now that his nails had dug so deep into his palms that blood had begun to trickle out.
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