Ever since that day Mizuki visited Moonlight Gale in the hospital, he'd spent over ten days wandering the village whenever he had free time. Part of it was to ease his nerves—studying, teaching, and mentoring students was no small burden—but part of it was strategic: to familiarize himself with Konoha's terrain and quietly set up some detection points and seals.
During this period, Mizuki clearly sensed that the village's vigilance had increased. Outsiders might not notice the shift, but to someone attentive, the difference in how strangers were screened and how alert patrols moved was obvious. It was a quiet but unmistakable sign—Konoha was preparing for possible conflict. Although the public reason given was to protect the daimyo and other VIPs during the Chūnin Exams, the village's calm confidence showed they had no intention of canceling the exams even knowing danger loomed. That was the Hidden Leaf's way: face threats head-on.
As for Moonlight Gale, it was unfortunate—although his life wasn't in danger for now, he still hadn't regained consciousness.
That's how it often went with shinobi. Even a routine mission could turn into life-or-death. In peacetime, risks still abounded, and during war, the value of a ninja's life could feel painfully low. One skirmish between genin and an elite force could mean dozens of casualties.
Around noon, Mizuki brought Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino to a well-known dessert shop. He treated them to a large meal, not out of pure generosity, but as compensation. After all, they'd discovered the illusion seal he had secretly placed on the flower shop's signboard to attract customers.
It wasn't a major transgression, but if word got out, it wouldn't reflect well on him.
"These brown sugar dumplings don't taste that good. The red bean ones are better," Ino commented while chewing.
"Mmm," Sakura agreed with a nod.
Mizuki sighed. You say they're not good, but you already finished them? This is extortion, plain and simple...
With no choice, he ordered two more plates.
"You two do realize this is a prestigious, high-end shop, right?" Mizuki said flatly. "Maybe it's time to head back now that you're full?"
"We're not done eating yet!" Ino shot back, mouth still full.
Sakura leaned in and asked, "Mizuki-sensei, how did you do that illusion anyway?"
She'd noticed something odd the first time she passed the flower shop but lacked the knowledge to identify it. Now, after weeks of studying genjutsu and sealing techniques—and especially after hearing Ino constantly wonder how business at the Four Seasons Flower Shop was booming—the two of them finally cracked the secret behind the illusion-enhanced signboard.
"Keep your voices down," Mizuki said, glancing around warily. "That sort of ninjutsu is far beyond your current level. You wouldn't grasp it fully yet—but I can teach you something related."
It might have looked like a simple bamboo sign, but there was layered technique behind it. The illusion itself wasn't the real marvel—it was that the structure was entirely self-sustaining. If developed further, it could have enormous practical applications.
"What kind of jutsu?" Sakura asked eagerly. With the third stage of the Chūnin Exams approaching, she wasn't about to waste a single opportunity to improve.
"Relax, you'll be satisfied," Mizuki said with a smirk. "But in exchange..."
"We'll keep it secret!" Ino and Sakura said in unison.
"Good."
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage was listening to a report from the Anbu.
Putting down the scroll, Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, "It says here the barrier was less effective than when Mizuki applied it himself. Why?"
"We believe it's due to his deeper understanding of sealing techniques," the Anbu reported. "None of the test users had Mizuki's level of expertise. After all, he's the creator."
"I see..." the Hokage murmured.
The village had tested Mizuki's Soul Gathering Formation several times since he used it to stabilize Moonlight Gale's condition. The results had been consistent—it worked, but its potency depended on the user's chakra control and sealing knowledge.
"Archive the formation as A-rank ninjutsu," Hiruzen instructed. "Adjust Mizuki's clearance level accordingly. Once the Chūnin Exams conclude, consider him for promotion."
The Soul Gathering Formation was remarkably effective against mental interference and genjutsu. It had great potential if properly deployed. Moonlight Gale's survival was proof of that.
Beyond that, Mizuki's overall ability as a Chūnin was exceptional. He had no glaring weaknesses, his performance was consistent, and his versatility was uncommon. In recent months, he'd also shown considerable progress in pharmacology and medical ninjutsu. Techniques like the Chakra Scalpel and Mystical Palm Technique, both advanced even for experienced med-nin, had drawn attention from the Medical Corps.
Despite Mizuki's past misconduct, he had been disciplined. His recent conduct more than justified reintegration and promotion.
Unaware of the quiet discussions happening in the Hokage's office, Mizuki continued struggling to train Sakura and Ino.
Sakura was progressing steadily. After two weeks of dedicated instruction, she'd built a solid foundation. Learning new techniques was no longer difficult.
Ino, however, was a different matter. It wasn't a lack of intelligence—Ino was sharp. But their ninja styles didn't align, and without the right foundation, Mizuki wasn't sure where to begin with her.
"What's this, Mizuki-sensei?" Sakura asked, squinting at a scroll. "This seal... it looks familiar."
It should look familiar—she'd seen it during the Forest of Death. But the level of complexity in this version far exceeded her current ability. Even with her studies in sealing arts, it was only her first month.
"This seal is designed to compensate for your biggest flaw," Mizuki explained.
"My... biggest flaw?" Sakura blinked, surprised. "What is it?"
"Your physical endurance and chakra reserves are both too low. This limits your combat capacity."