Naruto: Mizuki The Savior

Chapter 43: Clash

There's a saying: A year's plan starts in spring, and a day's plan starts in the morning.

Unfortunately for Mizuki, his morning started with an unexpected hassle. Playing babysitter was definitely not something a man in his twenties should be doing. Despite his tall frame and the lingering effects of his injuries making him appear somewhat frail, he was still in high spirits.

Having decided to take a rare moment of relaxation, Mizuki ventured to the Hokage Rock early in the morning before the heat of the day set in. Ever since he had arrived in this world, this was the first time he had taken the opportunity to appreciate the grand view of Konoha from above.

From this vantage point, the sheer scale of the village was astonishing—it was far beyond what one would expect from a mere village. It resembled a sprawling metropolis, brimming with life. Buildings spread out in a fan-shaped pattern from the Hokage Rock, their well-organized structure reflecting a unique aesthetic. Unlike his previous world, there were no signs of pollution, and the greenery was abundant. Living in such a garden-like city was undoubtedly a pleasant experience.

Based on its current state, the village seemed to be transitioning from a steampunk era to an early electrical age. Various anachronistic elements coexisted in a surprisingly harmonious blend, adding a unique cultural flavor to the scenery.

As Mizuki soaked in the view—perhaps the last time he would see Konoha in such peaceful splendor before looming chaos descended—a familiar yet unsettling presence approached.

"Kabuto Yakushi? What's he doing here? Is he looking for me?"

Though an unexpected encounter, Mizuki wasn't afraid.

"If it comes down to a one-on-one fight, I might not win. Facing Kabuto without preparation is unwise… but if I can't beat him, I can still escape."

At this stage, Kabuto was already strong, but he had yet to reach the level where he could stand against the world alone. Mizuki, on the other hand, had no fear of Orochimaru's right-hand man. He couldn't challenge Orochimaru himself, but Kabuto? He wasn't worried. In fact, a fight with Kabuto—so long as he suffered only minor injuries—might even serve as a way to prove his loyalty to Konoha.

Even so, Mizuki remained on high alert as Kabuto approached. "I can't afford to be careless. I worked too hard to clean my reputation. I won't let myself be killed here before I can enjoy being the righteous mentor type."

Kabuto stopped a short distance away, adjusted his glasses with a polite smile, and spoke:

"Mizuki-senpai, you've been hard to find lately. I heard you were gravely injured, so I'm relieved to see you well."

"Cut the crap, Kabuto," Mizuki retorted bluntly. "No one ever told you? Your smile is way too fake."

Kabuto's expression didn't change. He had always regarded Mizuki as a loud but incompetent fool.

"I still don't understand why Orochimaru-sama ever saw value in this guy."

Despite his thoughts, Kabuto maintained his usual facade. "You wound me, Senpai. I've gone through so much trouble to find you."

"Enough nonsense. Get to the point."

"It's nothing major," Kabuto replied smoothly. "Orochimaru-sama has issued a mission—to eliminate Sasuke Uchiha. I hope you'll assist me. All I need is for you to cause a little distraction at Konoha Hospital to keep the Anbu occupied."

Mizuki scoffed. "And why would I help you?"

"Don't be so quick to refuse, Senpai. If we succeed, you might gain Orochimaru-sama's favor. Perhaps even receive a reward. After all, haven't you already been granted some of his gifts?"

"If you're looking for a scapegoat to take the heat, don't come to me," Mizuki shot back. "As for so-called gifts—I have no interest in receiving 'blessings' that only lead to death."

Raising his voice, he continued, "I know exactly where I stand with Orochimaru. Don't try to deceive me. If you really want my help, show me something real. No empty promises, no half-baked deals. And don't offer me power that'll kill me after a few uses."

His gaze sharpened. "That goes for you, too. If you think it's worth it, pass that message along to Orochimaru himself."

For the first time, Kabuto realized something was off.

His smile faded. "Are you betraying Orochimaru-sama?" His respectful tone was gone.

Mizuki sneered. "Don't act like I was ever with you people."

"Orochimaru doesn't give a damn about me—you of all people should know that. I merely discussed the possibility of working with him, but I never actually pledged loyalty. And I doubt he ever seriously considered me as part of his ranks. So where's the betrayal? I was never on your side to begin with."

His voice turned mocking. "If Orochimaru wants my allegiance, he should put a proper price on it. Everything in this world is negotiable—if you can pay the cost."

Kabuto's expression turned calculating.

"Senpai, you're full of surprises," he admitted. "It seems being bedridden has given you time to think. You're far sharper than before."

"When you're stuck in a hospital bed, you tend to overthink things," Mizuki said casually. "All the dots start connecting."

Kabuto sighed. "Then I suppose we have no choice. Can't let you walk away with this information, Senpai. What a shame."

He reached into his coat and pulled out a scalpel.

Mizuki didn't flinch. "Go ahead and try. This place is too exposed—I'd love to see how you plan to silence me here without attracting attention."

Despite his confident words, he knew this encounter was not in his favor. The terrain of the Hokage Rock was not suited to his fighting style. If this had been a dense forest, where he could utilize genjutsu, sealing techniques, barriers, and summons, a fight with Kabuto would have been worth attempting.

For now, his best bet was to stall. If Kabuto couldn't take him down quickly, he would have to retreat before attracting too much suspicion.

Both Mizuki and Kabuto preferred subtle combat. Neither of them would create an obvious spectacle.

Kabuto attacked swiftly, wielding his scalpel with precise, surgical strikes. His relentless offense forced Mizuki into a defensive retreat. Mizuki, in contrast, used a large Fūma Shuriken, keeping his distance and refusing to engage directly.

He knew that Kabuto's chakra scalpel was devastating in close combat—one wrong move, and his muscles or tendons could be severed instantly. There was no room for recklessness.

Their fight became a battle of patience. Kabuto pressed forward, Mizuki evaded, constantly creating space. If he could drag this out long enough, Kabuto might be forced to withdraw.

For now, it was a dangerous dance—one that neither of them could afford to lose.

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*