As the night gradually opened, the number of people on the streets of Konoha also began to decrease, and it was no longer lively like during the day. But for Konoha, which has been in peace for a long time, the night is not the end of the day. Many people continue to come and go in the long-prosperous night market. From time to time, patrolling ninja figures appear in the streets and alleys, much like Gotham City's vigilant protectors keeping watch over the shadows.
After a busy day, Mizuki was walking home, occasionally greeting the familiar ninjas he met, much like the passing heroes in the Marvel universe who nod in acknowledgment of their comrades.
"The vigilance is still pretending to be the same as before, but there are obviously more faces than usual. It seems they are ready for something," Mizuki thought to himself, as he compared the heightened security to the quiet prelude before an impending battle between superheroes and villains.
Sure enough, if he really wanted to seize the sealed book and defect, the chances were slim. Mizuki, calm and observant, walked straight to his residence. "Where did the leak happen? Yaoshidou knew that he had a connection with Orochimaru, but he didn't necessarily know his plan to seize the sealed book. Besides, Mizuki's predecessor didn't understand the true strength of Yakushidou at all. He only sent him as Orochimaru's spy to Konoha. How could a Chunin with good strength reveal such a significant secret to someone with his rank? What if he failed the exam?" he mused, as Batman would contemplate the weaknesses in his adversaries' plans.
"So is it Danzo? This possibility seems unlikely," Mizuki continued to ponder. It's certain that Orochimaru had a connection with Danzo. Before Orochimaru defected, there were so many experimental materials and various forbidden techniques. It's impossible without high-level support. Except for Hokage, only Hokage Shimura Danzo, who controlled the "root" of the Anbu, could provide such resources. However, between Orochimaru and Danzo, their relationship was one of mutual use. Neither trusted the other, much like the uneasy alliances between characters like Lex Luthor and Joker in the DC Universe.
Then, could it be that he was being monitored due to his concealment of the secret document recovery mission? Or was his attention toward the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki causing suspicion? After thinking about it, Mizuki dismissed the possibility. He wasn't part of Anbu, he hadn't committed any confirmed betrayal, and he hadn't yet caught the Hokage's attention. Even so, the connection to the Nine-Tails could be seen as a link to something much bigger, akin to how Spider-Man's actions are constantly under the watchful eyes of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Mizuki then recalled the Book of Seals, an artifact of immense power. It could change everything, offering forbidden techniques invented by the Second Hokage, much like how ancient artifacts in Marvel comics hold enormous power, from the Infinity Gauntlet to the Book of Vishanti. However, even if the opportunity was there, Mizuki hesitated. Was it worth the risk? The Third Hokage, like Marvel's Nick Fury, knew how to control and manipulate the situation, making it almost impossible to gain anything significant.
Even so, Mizuki made some preparations. The outcome was uncertain, but he'd try to guide events as much as possible. "I will dedicate my best acting skills from both lives," he thought, much like how Tony Stark would prepare for a battle, knowing the stakes and the risks involved.
When a sudden noise outside startled Mizuki, he woke up abruptly. "Has it started yet?" he muttered, much like Bruce Wayne tracking down a villain in Gotham.
A figure appeared at his window. "Iruka? What are you doing so late?" Mizuki asked.
"Iruka, looking like a distressed superhero in a moment of crisis, said anxiously, "The worst has happened. Naruto stole the sealed book and escaped. Hokage-sama has issued an order to send all free ninjas to search for him."
"Understood," Mizuki replied coolly, "You go first. It's more efficient if we split up. I'll follow soon."
As Iruka left, Mizuki reflected on the situation. Was he being monitored? Had someone like the Watcher been observing him? "It's better this way," Mizuki thought, like a character in Marvel who thrives in the shadows, aware of his enemies but not afraid.
Soon, Mizuki arrived at the planned location. Adjusting his breathing, he concealed himself and waited for Iruka. There, he saw Naruto practicing ninjutsu beneath a wooden hut. Naruto's persistence and natural talent reminded Mizuki of Marvel's younger heroes, like Peter Parker, learning to harness his powers through trial and error.
A moment later, Iruka appeared, hurrying toward Naruto. Seeing Iruka find Naruto, Mizuki silently moved into position, much like the silent approach of characters like Black Widow in Marvel when she's gathering intelligence.
"Naruto, what are you doing here with the Book of Seals?" Iruka yelled, angry like Captain America confronting a misguided ally.
Naruto, caught off guard, hesitated but quickly replied, "I just wanted to prove myself to you, Iruka-sensei. I learned advanced ninjutsu that even you don't know, so I can pass the make-up exam."
Iruka's concern deepened, "Who told you about the sealed book?" His voice trembling with doubt.
"Mizuki-sensei told me," Naruto admitted.
At that moment, Mizuki revealed himself, stepping out of the shadows like a villain unveiling his plot. "Naruto, you've been misled. You really think you can pass the exam like this?" Mizuki taunted.
The confrontation escalated quickly, with Mizuki throwing shurikens and engaging in a hand-to-hand battle with Iruka, reminiscent of the intense showdowns in DC comics between Batman and his foes.
"Close combat tests the ninja's basic abilities," Mizuki thought, like how Batman always tests his skills against opponents like the Joker. "Even though I have the advantage, it's difficult to completely overpower Iruka."
After a few exchanges, Mizuki reached the conclusion: "It's better to hold back a bit. Let's see what the Third Hokage does next." And with that, Mizuki's actions would begin to align with the unpredictable forces shaping his fate, much like the inevitable interventions that occur in the comic worlds of Marvel and DC.
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