Chapter 194: Cause and Effect
"A few years ago?" Kakashi found it hard to believe. He knew Itachi was powerful—but that powerful, that early? That would place the event around the time Itachi had just defected, and he couldn't have been much older than Sasuke is now. The idea of him defeating Orochimaru at that age was just too much to believe.
"Yeah… I'm not sure of the exact timeline, but it couldn't have been too long ago."
"Sounds like your intel isn't very reliable either," Kakashi said with a skeptical shrug. He'd fought Itachi before and knew his capabilities. While Kakashi had never been subjected to Tsukuyomi, he still believed Orochimaru to be stronger. Facing Itachi, Kakashi felt he could give it his all. Facing Orochimaru? That felt like suicide.
"Maybe. Still, while not many know, this isn't a completely unheard-of rumor."
Mizuki was sure of one thing—both Tsunade and Jiraiya definitely knew. Before their last mission where Mizuki served as bait, Tsunade had given him a dossier that included potential threats. Orochimaru's name was on the list, albeit as a low-probability encounter, but the included intel was valuable. It covered details on natural energy, Sage Mode, and various obscure theoretical techniques. The records confirmed that Orochimaru had once attempted Sage Mode himself—but he failed at the very first step: balancing chakra and natural energy. His mentally unstable condition prevented the necessary internal yin-yang harmony. Abandoning Snake Sage techniques, he instead developed the Cursed Seal, a diluted but controllable version of pseudo-Sage power.
"…Alright," Kakashi conceded. "Still sounds sketchy, but I'll take your word for it. Either way, thanks for helping with Sasuke today."
"No need. Just think carefully about how to continue guiding him."
Kakashi's teaching wasn't poor—but after giving Sasuke Chidori, even witnessing the kid possibly surpass him in its usage, he now needed something new to meet Sasuke's growing expectations. That wouldn't be easy.
In truth, perhaps only Hiruzen Sarutobi or Orochimaru himself had the capacity to truly teach someone like Sasuke.
"I won't give up trying to dissuade Sasuke from his path of revenge," Kakashi said firmly.
It was naïve, but Mizuki found it admirable. Kakashi truly gave his all for his students.
"How confident are you?"
"I don't know. But I trust in Naruto and Sakura. The bonds of friendship are powerful. I believe in them!"
"At least you're holding onto your best bet." Mizuki chuckled. "You finally sound like a proper team leader. For once, you're showing the confidence of a jonin sensei."
Kakashi's past—the deaths of Obito and Rin—had taught him the value of bonds. In this imperfect world, the light of love and hope shone even brighter. Naruto's relentless belief in people, even after being hurt again and again, was foolish—but noble. That warmth made the rest of them pale in comparison.
"Seems you always thought I was unqualified as a teacher," Kakashi said with a wry smile.
"I never said that," Mizuki replied, waving a hand. "That's your own interpretation."
Being a sensei wasn't easy. Talented students often had strong personalities—and quirks. Asuma misread Chōji's potential. Kurenai failed to grasp Hinata's quiet strength. Kakashi, at least, had support—from Jiraiya and Mizuki both.
Being a good teacher wasn't just about strength. It was about emotional guidance. And in that regard, Kakashi had misjudged Sasuke's hatred.
"Still, I know where I've fallen short."
As the two walked, they made their way back into Konoha's bustling streets.
"Oh, by the way…" Kakashi smirked suddenly. "I met your rumored girl."
"Not you too!" Mizuki groaned. "Are you buying into that gossip?"
"Who knows?" Kakashi shrugged. "Honestly, I admire your audacity. I can't believe you actually pulled it off. For someone who acts so righteous, you sure have a talent for manipulating hearts. Makes me wonder if you've fooled me too."
"You're terrible at telling jokes, Kakashi," Mizuki replied dryly. "So? What did you think of her?"
"She reminded me of Naruto's mother…"
"There's a difference. Right now, it's just the hair color."
Though Mizuki suspected their personalities might align more in a few years.
"…Yeah." Kakashi nodded thoughtfully.
"Oh, that reminds me," Mizuki added casually. "Naruto inherited the Uzumaki clan's incredible chakra reserves. But why doesn't he have their trademark red hair?"
"Huh?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "He inherited his father's blonde hair, didn't he? Seems normal."
"Is that so…"
Mizuki didn't press further. Clearly, Kakashi hadn't looked into it deeply. But in a world where chakra influenced physiology, hereditary traits often aligned with specific chakra types. The vivid red hair of the Uzumaki was linked with their immense chakra. The Hatake clan, in contrast, was known for low chakra reserves. The Uchiha clan's fire-type chakra affinity was similarly distinctive.
So for Naruto, a clear Uzumaki physically, to have blonde hair was odd.
I'll have to talk with Jiraiya. The Fourth Hokage had Sage Mode, didn't he?
If Naruto's hair—and more—were altered as part of some grand plan, it could only mean one thing: even before his birth, someone was setting the stage.
Mizuki's thoughts turned cold.
Prophecies… What a joke. Cause and effect—twisted by manipulation and deceit.
First predict, then guide the prediction to come true. Truly, masterful puppeteers…
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