As the bustle of the medical-nin swirled around him, Mizuki finally exhaled, feeling the weight lift from his chest. He stood up, pushed open the door, and stepped outside. To his surprise, it wasn't just Yamanaka Inoichi waiting for him—standing beside him was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"You're here, Lord Hokage?" Mizuki quickly straightened and gave a respectful bow.
Hiruzen returned the gesture with a calm nod. "No need to be so formal—you've done well. What's the status inside?"
"The patient is out of immediate danger," Mizuki reported. "The sealing technique was successful. Judging by the chakra depletion, I doubt he'll wake for a few days. Once that period passes... well, it's up to fate."
"You've done a commendable job," Hiruzen said with a rare hint of warmth. Then, turning to Inoichi, he added, "This isn't the place for a full report. Come to my office later. For now—just tell me—how bad is it?"
By the time Mizuki stepped out of the hospital, the night had deepened into silence. Lately, it seemed he was always walking home at midnight.
But tonight, two familiar silhouettes stood under the dim streetlamp: Uzuki Yugao and Tsubaki. They were quietly talking, their eyes flickering toward the hospital doors, waiting—hoping.
"You're both still here?" Mizuki called out, surprised.
Yugao turned quickly, her face tense. "Mizuki! Do you know how Moonlight Gale is doing?"
As an ANBU operative, Yugao was likely more informed than most. She had surely sensed the political pressure mounting on Hiruzen in recent days. Mizuki's efforts might have been a risky gambit—but if Gale pulled through, then it was a gamble worth taking.
"He's stable for now," Mizuki said with a reassuring smile. "He's not out of the woods, but… it's looking hopeful."
Yugao visibly relaxed, her shoulders sagging. "I knew it. I told myself he'd make it."
Tsubaki smiled, relief washing over her. "That's great news."
"They're probably doing further checks now. You should be able to see him soon," Mizuki added.
"Thank you," Yugao said, bowing deeply.
"You don't need to thank me. We're comrades—this is what we do," Mizuki replied gently. "Go on, go see him."
Yugao nodded, wiping away tears. "Then I'll go now."
As she hurried toward the doors, Tsubaki quietly took Mizuki's arm.
"Let's go home."
"Sure," Mizuki said. "But why'd you wait up? I told you to go back and rest."
"You've been so busy these days," she said softly. "I couldn't help with the medical side, but I could wait. I didn't want you walking home alone again."
Mizuki gave a tired laugh. "You're sweet. I'm starving though. I haven't eaten since noon…"
"I'll make you your favorite—assorted sushi," Tsubaki said proudly. She far outshone Mizuki in the kitchen, where his skills stopped at boiling instant noodles.
"That sounds amazing… but I don't think I can wait! Let's find someplace open."
"At this hour?" she chuckled. "Everything's probably closed."
"True," Mizuki sighed. "What were you and Yugao talking about, anyway? You two close?"
"Not really," Tsubaki said. "But when I saw the way she waited outside… it reminded me of myself, a month ago. I just wanted to comfort her."
Mizuki nodded. "Yeah… It's a good feeling, being alive."
Moonlight Gale wasn't just another comrade. He was the first person Mizuki had truly saved—a real change in a timeline that had otherwise resisted his every attempt to rewrite it. Even after fighting Orochimaru in the Forest of Death… Sasuke still bore the Curse Mark.
But Gale… Gale had lived.
That meant something.
For a man like Mizuki—who had glimpsed the future and failed again and again to alter it—saving even one life felt monumental. Proof that his existence had weight. That he wasn't just a background extra in history.
"At last… I feel like I exist in this world. Like I'm more than just a prop on someone else's stage."
"Hey," Tsubaki said suddenly, breaking the quiet. "Should we postpone the wedding? The village isn't exactly at peace right now…"
Mizuki looked at her and shook his head. "No way. Don't worry. Things are messy, yeah, but the storm will pass."
Even if Orochimaru returned with Sunagakure's support—just as in the original timeline—even if Hiruzen Sarutobi were to fall… Konoha would endure. Its strength didn't rest on any one man.
What truly hurt Konoha wasn't the invasion—it was the erosion of trust. The truth that one of its legendary Sannin had turned traitor, that the allies it once trusted now whispered behind closed doors. That its greatest heroes had either died… or vanished.
Tsunade was gone. Jiraiya wandered. The Fourth was dead. The Uchiha were no more. The Third grew older every day, and the next generation was still untested.
It wasn't power that was lacking—it was faith.
But that, Mizuki believed, could be restored.
"You decide what's best," Tsubaki said softly.
Mizuki was about to respond when a warm glow lit up the street ahead.
"Is that… Ichiraku Ramen?" he blinked. "Still open at this hour?"
"Let's eat there then," Tsubaki smiled.
They stepped inside—and found it wasn't empty.
"Wait—Naruto-kun?"
"Whoa! Big bad sensei?" Naruto blinked, mid-bite, clearly surprised to see him.
Mizuki smiled awkwardly. "It's been a while."
Seated next to Naruto was a tall man with wild white hair, a red-lined cloak, and a presence that filled the small shop like a thundercloud.
"Lord Jiraiya," Mizuki said respectfully. "It's been a while since you returned to the village."
Tsubaki bowed beside him, recognizing one of the Legendary Sannin.
Jiraiya glanced at Mizuki, his brow furrowed. "Do I… know you?"
"I'm Mizuki," he replied. "I was a teacher at the Academy."
"Yeah!" Naruto chimed in cheerfully. "He bullied Iruka-sensei!"
Mizuki chuckled dryly. "Kids say the funniest things."
"Hmm… Mizuki…" Jiraiya muttered. "I've heard that name recently…"
Elsewhere, in the Hokage's office, Sarutobi stood alone, the shadows drawn long by the dim lamplight. He held a report from Yamanaka Inoichi in one hand, his expression darkening with every line he read.
"You're sure this is accurate?" he asked without turning.
Inoichi bowed solemnly. "There's no doubt, Lord Third. Kabuto Yakushi colluded with a messenger from Sunagakure. According to Moonlight Gale, it was Baki—one of their elite jōnin. Gale was nearly killed by him."
The evidence was damning. The wounds on Gale's body bore Baki's distinctive wind-style cuts. Still, the thought that Suna—long-standing ally—would betray them, was bitter.
"I see," Sarutobi said quietly. "Submit a written report by noon. You've done enough for tonight."
"Yes, Lord Third."
As Inoichi left, Sarutobi lingered at the window, staring into the village below. Finally, he gave a grim order.
"Summon the advisors tomorrow. And… call for Danzo."
His voice was heavy, final—like the toll of a bell before war.