Inside the Hokage's Office at the Hidden Leaf Village...
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, listened attentively as Ibiki Morino and Mitarashi Anko delivered their reports.
"That concludes the preliminary arrangements," Ibiki said. "The next step involves notifying the daimyō of the participating nations and confirming the entries from each major shinobi village. The Intelligence Division must cross-check the identities of every team's leader and members. We cannot afford to let unidentified or potentially dangerous individuals slip through."
Hiruzen nodded gravely, his voice stern. "Agreed. No matter what, we cannot allow unknown elements to infiltrate the Chūnin Exams. Ensure that background checks are conducted thoroughly."
Anko stepped forward. "Regarding Mizuki's request for reinforcement, I suggest we dispatch Chūnin Umino Iruka to assist in clearing the Forest of Death. Since Iruka's team has no active mission at the moment, they're currently idle."
Hiruzen stroked his beard. "Very well. Assign Iruka to the mission. Also, in his absence, reassign his Genin team to support the clearing operation. Tenten, Hyūga Neji, and Rock Lee will accompany the squad. Anko, you will serve as the mission captain."
"Understood," Anko replied, but then hesitated. "However, Lord Hokage, the Genin from Might Guy's team are expected to participate in this year's Chūnin Exams. Wouldn't granting them early access to the examination site give them an unfair advantage? We may face criticism."
Hiruzen closed his eyes in thought. "This year's fresh graduates are still inexperienced. Guy's students from last year are more competent, and we lack sufficient personnel. Proceed with the plan."
"Yes, Lord Hokage."
Later... in the Forest of Death
The dreamlike crimson and obsidian haze shimmered again. The once-pristine mental landscape was now infected with malevolent chakra. Mizuki stood in the illusion, his face half-shadowed by the eerie red glow. He glanced at his arms, watching the curse mark's sinister mist creep further along his veins.
"This isn't good... The curse seal's side effects are accelerating. There's no time to stabilize it, and if this continues, the risk of mental collapse will rise."
The grip of Orochimaru's experimental curse seal was growing stronger. Mizuki's body and mind—both fraying. He knew he couldn't afford to act rashly. Not while the seal continued to erode his will from the inside.
Early the Next Morning…
Mizuki arrived outside the Forest of Death. Iruka was already waiting, along with three familiar Genin—Tenten, Hyūga Neji, and Rock Lee.
"Iruka... didn't expect to see you here," Mizuki said.
"Good morning, Mizuki-sensei," Tenten greeted politely, with Neji offering a respectful nod.
"They're good kids," Mizuki remarked. "Unlike some brash Chūnin who think they're too good to do real work."
"Sorry I'm not perfect," Iruka muttered. "It's not like I ran crying to the Hokage asking for backup."
"Right, right," Mizuki smirked. "Blaming others for your incompetence is always the mature route."
Suddenly, Anko appeared atop a tree branch, arms crossed. "Good to see everyone's getting along so well. Since you're all so full of energy, let's begin."
With more hands on deck, the clearing operation went smoothly. The combined strength of Iruka, Mizuki, and Anko, backed by the Genin, made short work of even the more aggressive chakra beasts and traps left behind by the Forest's volatile nature.
By noon, the team found a dry clearing and paused for a quick lunch.
"Iruka," Mizuki began, between bites, "that sealing technique you used earlier—it's rough around the edges. I counted at least three times where it almost failed."
"It's an older binding formation," Iruka admitted. "I haven't used it in a long time. I mostly focus on teaching these days."
"Some things never change," Mizuki teased. "Still half-baked as always."
"At least I'm still useful enough for someone to ask for my help," Iruka shot back.
"You should stick to the academy, Iruka," Mizuki sighed. "No offense, but you're not exactly cut out for frontline work. Let the kids handle the high-level jutsu."
"Don't count me out just yet. I still have dreams, you know. Maybe one day I'll become Hokage."
Mizuki laughed. "If that ever happens, Konoha's doomed."
Rock Lee, watching from the side, clapped his hands. "You two have such a strong bond! I admire your friendship!"
Tenten groaned. "Friendship? Are you serious, Lee?"
"You just don't understand the fiery bond between men!" Lee declared passionately.
"Right on, Lee!" Mizuki gave him a thumbs-up.
Anko smirked. "Alright, alright. This mission was a rush job, so we had to call in whoever was available. But you three are doing great—I'll make sure to leave a strong recommendation."
"You kids are pretty solid," Iruka added. "If more Genin were like you, maybe I could retire early."
"Oh, come on," Anko said. "You're too young to play the old man card."
Mizuki laughed. "Besides, no one else has your patience with crying academy brats. You're the perfect fit."
He turned to the Genin. "Lee, your taijutsu's impressive. Keep it up and you might even catch up to Guy-sensei someday."
"YES!" Lee shouted, eyes sparkling.
"Neji," Mizuki continued, "I don't know much about the Hyūga Clan's Gentle Fist, but at your level, I'd say you're already above many Chūnin."
Then he turned to Tenten.
"What about me?" she asked, eyes expectant.
Mizuki took a sip of water and smirked. "Honestly? You seem like you'd make a great wife."
Everyone froze.
"Excuse me!?" Tenten yelped.
"You throw weapons like they're free," Mizuki said. "You've got style, you're cute, and clearly come from money. Marrying you would mean living comfortably for life."
"That's wildly inappropriate!" Iruka barked.
"Son-in-law talk already!?" Tenten turned red, glancing sideways at Neji.
Anko added with a smirk, "Mizuki, better hope your fiancée doesn't hear this."
"It's not harassment!" Mizuki defended. "Just being honest. Besides, Shizune's not the jealous type."
"You're engaged?" Lee asked.
"Yep. Childhood sweetheart," Mizuki replied. "Honestly, there was a time I thought I had no future as a ninja. No talent, no fame, just endless missions and barely enough pay. Thought about quitting."
He looked wistful. "Maybe I should become a movie star. Heard the daimyo loves that new film. Imagine—Mizuki the celebrity, with you all as my elite bodyguards!"
Lee blinked. "The adult world is complicated…"
"Alright, enough daydreaming, movie star," Anko said, standing. "Break's over. Let's finish the mission."