Chapter 4: Might Guy and Uchiha Obito

The Next Day

Mizuki awoke early, his body still weary from yesterday's intense study and practice of hand seals. He chuckled to himself, shaking off the fatigue, and swiftly changed clothes before grabbing a quick breakfast of cup noodles, rushing out the door.

Arriving at the Academy Training Grounds, Mizuki considered his options. While the Academy hadn't yet taught jutsu, the textbooks outlined basic E-rank techniques.

Mizuki thought to himself, "The Clone Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, and Substitution Jutsu... which should I focus on first?"

Deciding that the Substitution Jutsu would be most practical for his current needs, Mizuki began weaving hand signs—Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, Snake—at a quick pace. After several attempts, he finally succeeded: his body vanished in a puff of smoke, replaced by a log.

Sitting down to catch his breath, Mizuki reflected, "Maybe mastering jutsu is like leveling up in a game—practice increases proficiency over time."

As he practiced, Mizuki noticed his chakra draining rapidly, nearing dangerous levels. Taking a break, he replenished himself with water and a biscuit, mindful of his limits.

Afterward, Mizuki set up targets and practiced throwing Kunai and Shuriken, well aware of his less-than-ideal accuracy. He spent forty minutes repeating the process of throw, collect, and repeat until the gathering students signaled the start of classes.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted him. "Why do you work so hard?"

Mizuki turned to see Might Guy, a renowned figure in the Academy, standing before him.

"To survive and become the strongest," Mizuki replied confidently.

"And if everyone else has the same goal?" Guy questioned.

Mizuki smirked. "Then I'll prove I'm the strongest by outworking them."

Guy nodded approvingly. "Hard work and determination can indeed overcome talent."

After a brief exchange, Mizuki hurried back to class, where he diligently practiced taijutsu techniques to build his strength.

During class, Mizuki's thoughts wandered. "If I'm to train with Might Guy and his father, I'll need techniques outside the norm of the Naruto world. What about Total Concentration Breathing from Demon Slayer? It could enhance my physical abilities and resilience."

He mused about the technique's benefits—increased strength, stamina, and mental clarity—as well as the need to build resistance to poisons, a potential hazard in future conflicts.

Class ended, and Mizuki headed to taijutsu practice, taking advantage of his youthful body to push his physical limits. After two hours of rigorous training, he welcomed the lunch bell.

Rushing to the cafeteria, Mizuki was about to grab his lunch when someone collided into him, sending them both tumbling.

<<<CRASH! >>>

Obito apologized profusely, visibly nervous.

"It's fine," Mizuki reassured him, picking up his lunch. "Hey Obito, want to join me for lunch?"

Obito hesitated before nodding gratefully, and they found a seat together.

Over lunch, Mizuki learned that Obito was an orphan, his only friend being Rin—who was sick today. Mizuki couldn't help but wonder if he'd become some kind of caretaker.

As the lunch period ended, Mizuki bid Obito goodbye and headed to his next class. Glancing at the clock, he decided to practice chakra control, using the leaf concentration technique to refine his skills unnoticed.

By the end of the period, Mizuki's concentration had noticeably improved, even if he could only sustain the technique for a short time. He felt satisfied with his progress as he prepared for the next challenge ahead.