Ninja Academy.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Akihara Kagura stood high above.
The Third Hokage and the young Hokage assistant scrutinized a group of graduating Genin, noticing the absence of Mizuki, Umino Iruka, and Naruto Uzumaki.
"Are you ready?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen softly inquired of Akihara Kagura.
"Yes."
Akihara Kagura nodded and continued, "If nothing goes wrong, they should be on their way to steal the Sealing Book. This time, I strictly followed the guidance of the Hokage, ensuring that neither the process nor the outcome will have any errors…"
"???"
Sarutobi Hiruzen furrowed his brows.
What do you mean by no errors will occur!
Seems like unexpected troubles have already arisen!
According to the plan, isn't Mizuki supposed to lure Naruto into stealing the Sealing Book, with Umino Iruka intercepting Mizuki and Naruto?
Why is Umino Iruka also taking part in stealing the Sealing Book?
However.
More accurately speaking…
Umino Iruka, Mizuki, and Naruto Uzumaki aren't really stealing the Sealing Book, as they don't need to sneak in or snatch it away from anyone.
Perhaps this action should be called taking.
The group headed to the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen's residence, with Umino Iruka still hesitating over whether he should participate, but a single statement from Mizuki forced him to comply.
"This is a direct order from the higher-ups."
Mizuki looked at Umino Iruka, smiling, "The village's higher-ups ordered us to take Naruto to learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu from the Sealing Book, assessing Naruto's learning outcome to determine if he can become a ninja…"
"..."
Umino Iruka's mind was a jumble.
Because he indeed received such an order, yet that jutsu is a forbidden technique, with risks that can endanger Naruto Uzumaki's life.
However…
Umino Iruka was unable to refuse.
Along the way, the two of them effortlessly took Naruto Uzumaki to Sarutobi Hiruzen's residence, where a Root Ninja was guarding the Sealing Book. Upon seeing Umino Iruka and Mizuki arrive together, he proactively handed the Sealing Book to them.
"Chunin Iruka, are you here to fetch the Sealing Book as ordered? Lord Kagura instructed to hand over the Sealing Book to you."
"Yes."
Umino Iruka unsuspectingly took the Sealing Book.
"We'll be off then."
Mizuki cheerfully greeted them, leading Umino Iruka and Naruto Uzumaki away, "Let's first find a place for Naruto to learn the jutsu recorded in the Sealing Book…"
In a training ground in Konoha Village.
Umino Iruka held the Sealing Book, still feeling uneasy, "Shouldn't we wait a bit, letting a child like Naruto learn a forbidden technique doesn't seem safe, considering the dangerous jutsu recorded in the Sealing Book, shouldn't we…"
"It's okay, I can do it, Iruka-sensei!"
Naruto Uzumaki adjusted the goggles on his head, eager to learn the jutsu from the Sealing Book and replace his goggles with a Ninja Headband.
"Get on with it."
Mizuki took the Sealing Book from Umino Iruka's hand, spread it out on the ground, and cheerfully commented, "The Sealing Book is one of the village's secrets, and acquiring it wasn't easy, I've worked hard to get it…"
"..."
Umino Iruka suddenly felt something was amiss.
Yet Naruto Uzumaki seemed oblivious and continued staring at the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu recorded in the Sealing Book, lamenting, "I've always been bad at Clone Jutsu, how could I possibly master such a difficult technique…"
"It's okay."
Mizuki patted Naruto's head, smiling, "If you can't learn it, we just won't. You've already tried your best…"
"Huh?"
Naruto Uzumaki looked at Mizuki, puzzled, "But if I don't learn this jutsu, I won't be able to graduate…"
"Such an innocent, lovely little guy!"
Mizuki laughed softly and said lightly, "After today, you'll become a criminal of the village, no need to worry about graduation…"
"Criminal?"
Naruto Uzumaki's face scrunched up, "What do you mean?"
"Naruto!"
Umino Iruka grabbed Naruto Uzumaki fiercely.
At this moment, Umino Iruka wasn't sure what Mizuki's intentions were, but there was definitely something off about Mizuki, and he couldn't let Naruto be in jeopardy!
But Umino Iruka's actions were intercepted, Mizuki clutched Umino Iruka's wrist, while Iruka refused to give in, wanting to fight him!
Mizuki's taijutsu was unknowingly superb, easily overcoming Iruka's resistance, and sent Umino Iruka flying with a kick!
"Criminal… just a criminal…"
Mizuki then turned his gaze onto the stunned Naruto Uzumaki, his smile turning sinister, "Twelve years ago, you committed the same crime, Naruto Uzumaki…"
"Shut up!"
Umino Iruka charged at Mizuki in a fury!
Mizuki's hands flipped, throwing several shuriken, brutally injuring Iruka!
"Let's continue where we left off…"
"Twelve years ago, the Nine-tailed demon fox inside you caused the Nine-tails chaos in Konoha, inflicting major losses to the village, and killed Iruka's parents…"
Mizuki crouched beside Naruto Uzumaki, speaking mercilessly with a smile, "I've always been curious about what Iruka is thinking when dealing with you, why does he care for you like this? Does he believe the Nine-tails inside you won't go berserk?"