As the days passed, the chill of early spring faded, replaced by warm, sunny winds that swept across Konohagakure. The village buzzed with life, preparing for the upcoming Chūnin Exams. In this era of relative peace, deeply rooted in the hearts of its people, few noticed the danger lurking just beyond the horizon. Konoha's shinobi had always stood as a barrier against external threats. Ever since the Nine-Tails attacked the village over a decade ago, there hadn't been a major invasion — or at least, none that the general public remembered.
As the Chūnin Exams drew closer, Mizuki increased his training intensity. Crisis, after all, was a coin with two faces: danger and opportunity. While Mizuki appreciated the tranquility of peaceful days, he knew that in times of chaos, survival often favored those willing to bend the rules. Fishing in troubled waters wasn't noble, but it was sometimes necessary.
Mizuki had expected to wait until Orochimaru's inevitable strike, but instead, he received an urgent summons. He reluctantly set aside his cushy role as a task desk coordinator.
When he arrived at the Hokage's office, the others were already there — Ibiki Morino, Aoba Yamashiro, Izumo Kamizuki, Kotetsu Hagane, and Hayate Gekkō. Mizuki was last.
"Ibiki, Aoba, Izumo, Kotetsu, Hayate… and me? This lineup screams S-rank mission," Mizuki muttered under his breath. "Are we storming the gates or what?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, looked up as Mizuki entered. "Good. Now that everyone's here, I'll explain. This mission is serious, and it demands utmost discretion and urgency."
He paused, his expression grim. "The C-rank mission led by Hatake Kakashi to the Land of Waves has escalated. It's now S-rank. Zabuza Momochi, the Demon of the Hidden Mist and one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, has appeared."
A murmur rippled through the room.
"Though Kakashi managed to fend him off," the Hokage continued, "he's in no condition to pursue. His chakra is nearly depleted, and the team is vulnerable. He's requested immediate backup."
Yamashiro Aoba frowned. "Wasn't the mission classified properly? That's a massive oversight."
"The fault lies with me," Hiruzen admitted heavily. "Mizuki had already raised concerns during the mission's initial review, and we did investigate the client's background. Unfortunately, we underestimated the scale. We believed it was a local tyrant hiring rogue ninja. With Kakashi leading the team, we thought it would be manageable. But then Zabuza appeared. This is no longer a routine mission — it's a strategic threat."
Senai Ibiki stepped forward. "Then we move immediately?"
"Yes. Ibiki, you'll lead this six-man team. Your primary objective is to ensure the safety of Kakashi and his Genin squad. If you encounter other parties attempting to interfere, do what you must to prevent escalation."
Mizuki, eyes narrowed, asked, "Why didn't Kakashi abort the mission? The client lied about the danger level. That's grounds for withdrawal."
"There's more to it," Hiruzen said. "This mission has strategic value. Though poor, the Land of Waves borders both the Land of Fire and the Land of Water. Gaining their favor could shift regional power dynamics in our favor. Kakashi understands this. Your team's secondary objective is to quietly assist in completing the mission without revealing Konoha's extended involvement."
"Understood."
"Good. Dismissed. Leave immediately."
After the briefing, Ibiki instructed, "Fifteen minutes. Gear up and rendezvous at the village gate."
Mizuki rushed home, grabbed essential ninja tools and a few chakra-recovery potions. "Small doses won't kill me," he muttered. "Better safe than dead."
He dropped by to ask Miss Shizune to feed his animals and water his plants — a small act of normalcy before plunging into chaos.
At the gate, he was once again the last to arrive.
"Seriously?" Mizuki said, panting. "I'm not late, am I?"
Ibiki's scarred face didn't soften. "No. Move out."
The team sped through the forest, barely exchanging words. Yamashiro Aoba, a mind-reader skilled in genjutsu. Ibiki Morino, Konoha's top interrogator. Kotetsu and Izumo, always in sync. Hayate Gekkō, cough and all. Mizuki couldn't stand the silence.
"Hey, Captain," Mizuki said, jogging beside Ibiki. "Is it just me, or is this team composition a little... strange?"
"What's strange?"
"You've got you and Aoba — interrogation specialists. Izumo and Kotetsu — solid frontliners. Hayate's sick, but capable. Then there's me. What am I here for?"
Mizuki knew the answer. His punishment was nearly over. This mission was likely a test — or a final act of penance.
Kotetsu snorted. "Guess even slackers get redemption arcs now."
"I haven't slacked off once in the past two months!" Mizuki snapped.
"Enough," Hayate coughed. "If we reach Kakashi before Zabuza strikes again, we'll be in time to change the outcome."
Mizuki looked at him, pitying. "You really need rest. You make me look like a workaholic."
Ibiki actually chuckled. "We're not meant to fight head-on. We protect the Genin and the client — silently. Let Kakashi handle Zabuza."
"Please don't laugh," Mizuki groaned. "It's terrifying when you do."
He sighed. "Hey, after this mission, can I request an easy assignment during the Chūnin Exams? I've been overworked. Even Anko feels sorry for me."
"No promises," Ibiki replied. "You'll get your notice soon."
"Man… I worked my tail off in the Forest of Death. I deserve a break!"
"Complain to Anko."
"Next I'm talking to the Hokage about my paycheck…"
"Shut up, Mizuki," Hayate coughed again. "Trade places with me during the preliminaries."
"Forgive me. I'll pass. I'm not dealing with Gaara."
After three grueling days of travel, they reached the Land of Waves.
Kakashi greeted them with a tired eye-smile. "Yo. I heard you guys were coming. Took your time."
"Didn't expect you to get wrecked so bad," Mizuki teased.
"Zabuza's no joke," Kakashi said simply. "But I'm still standing."
Ibiki stepped up. "Rest. We'll cover you. Our goal is quiet support — no direct confrontation unless necessary."
"Appreciated," Kakashi replied. "I'll take care of Zabuza. You handle the Genin."
Later that night, Mizuki, Aoba, and Hayate shared a cramped tent. Ibiki and the others stood watch in shifts.
Mizuki stared at the ceiling. "Something's off. If this battle is as intense as I remember, Naruto and Sasuke nearly died. If Haku hadn't held back…"
He couldn't shake the feeling that their arrival might be too late — or that something else had delayed Konoha's response.
"This isn't some sparring match with Iruka and Naruto," he muttered. "This is the real thing."