Chapter 187: Reach Out and Get Caught
The issue of the White Zetsu clone was actually quite troublesome. As a replication of Hashirama Senju's cells, there were many mysteries worth exploring. The most baffling thing was that despite Hashirama having died long ago and been buried for years, his cells somehow retained vitality. That defied all common biological logic.
Even if one argued that Uchiha Madara, being a contemporary of Hashirama, might've had access to living tissue samples, how did Shimura Danzo or Orochimaru extract living cells from a long-dead corpse? Those very cells not only birthed Yamato—a miracle in itself—but even Danzo himself successfully implanted them. These cells healed Danzo's chronic injuries, and in fact, were so potent they had to be suppressed with a mass of Sharingan to keep his body stable.
Of course Mizuki coveted that kind of overwhelming vitality. But the danger was undeniable. Uchiha Madara created White Zetsu from those cells, and then Black Zetsu—the will of Kaguya Otsutsuki—emerged. Mizuki wouldn't dare tamper with them lightly. One misstep and he'd unleash something uncontrollable. For now, the White Zetsu clone was just in the early research stage. Progress had been mediocre.
That said, using White Zetsu's cells wasn't the only way to solve his problem. Without a stable method of controlling Hashirama's cells, they were just flashy but unusable. Every experiment so far had ended in failure—none of the test subjects had survived.
So instead, Mizuki focused on a new goal: the sealing technique Adamantine Sealing Chains.
The Uzumaki Clan's technique for manipulating chakra and life force contained within that seal was exceptional. If Mizuki wanted, he could probably create a "Mizuki-style Yin Seal," but the explosive release of chakra from a Yin Seal was too wild for his usage. He needed large but controllable reserves of chakra—not volatile bursts.
"So, what I need now is to improve the Clarity Breathing technique?"
That would take time. Mizuki had the foundation to do it quickly, but not instantly. Fortunately, the shinobi world was heading into a period of relative peace. While he'd still have missions to handle, they'd be better than soloing S-class rogues from the Akatsuki. That time should be enough for Mizuki.
To most, Adamantine Sealing Chains was a waste—an unusable relic. But for Mizuki, it was a treasure. If he could extract its essence and rework it, it might lead to great advancements.
Unfortunately, Mizuki's plan to spend the day studying this unique Uzumaki sealing technique was interrupted.
Early in the morning, someone knocked on his door.
Seeing Shizune standing there, Mizuki sighed in resignation.
"I'm on vacation. Why are you here?"
"I'm sorry," Shizune said with an awkward smile. "But something has come up. Tsunade-sama needs to see you."
Being summoned like this before his wedding, so early in the morning, felt especially rude. Still, Mizuki stepped aside and gestured for her to enter.
"Do I need to prepare anything? Ninja tools?" he asked, wondering if this was a mission.
"No, nothing like that. But… brace yourself."
"Brace myself?" Mizuki narrowed his eyes.
Shizune hesitated. "I can't explain it well. You'll know when you get there. But… Tsunade-sama is angry. Watch yourself."
"Great. Angry because I asked for time off? She approved it!"
…
When Mizuki arrived at the Hokage's office, he immediately understood what was going on.
Standing inside was a girl with striking red hair and a delicate figure.
"Trouble's come knocking. So much for a peaceful day…"
"Mizuki, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Tsunade asked, face stern.
Shizune stood quietly nearby, watching Tsunade scold Mizuki.
"No," Mizuki replied flatly. "I didn't lie about anything."
"Not lying doesn't mean you didn't hide things!" Tsunade slammed her palm on the desk. "Why would a rogue ninja from another village seek you out unless you were involved?"
The girl—Karin—puffed up in indignation. "I'm not a rogue! I was expelled!"
Great. Mizuki winced. That's even worse. Not even rogue material—just a stray mutt of the shinobi world.
Tsunade sighed. She couldn't really scold a child.
"Mizuki, I hope you understand—we're in a sensitive time. Even a low-ranking ninja from another village can't be allowed in without vetting."
She handed Mizuki a file.
A former Grass Village kunoichi, expelled under unclear circumstances, arriving in Konoha to seek him out? It all looked extremely suspicious.
Mizuki skimmed the interrogation transcript.
"She sure confessed a lot. Too much, really."
Looking at the nervous Karin, Mizuki sighed and said, "Well, since you already know everything, I won't repeat it."
"So it's true?" Tsunade said in disbelief. "You lured a teenage girl here? What are you playing at?"
Even Shizune gave him a skeptical look. A soon-to-be-married man, and this scandal?
Mizuki raised a hand, pointed to his forehead protector, and then at Karin's flaming red hair.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Tsunade asked.
"The sealing technique you gave me the other day…"
"The sealing technique? Oh, you mean that… Wait a second…"
She glanced from Mizuki's headband to Karin and suddenly stood up, eyes wide.
"You're not serious… Can you confirm this?"
"It's not hard to verify. I wouldn't mistake something like this."
"I can't believe it. A surviving Uzumaki…"
Tsunade stepped forward and scrutinized Karin, who was trembling under the pressure.
"Tsunade-sama, you're scaring her," Shizune gently intervened.
"Ah, right." Tsunade backed off and returned to her chair. "Mizuki, I'm still not happy about how you handled this. But if this girl truly is an Uzumaki survivor, we'll discuss your actions later."
The value of an Uzumaki survivor was incalculable. Just considering their natural aptitude as jinchūriki vessels, every major village would want her.
Moreover, Konoha had always felt guilt over not being able to protect the Uzumaki Clan during its destruction. They'd searched for survivors ever since, but found nothing—until now.
"Come on," Mizuki said, pointing again. "Look at her hair. That vibrant red only appears with massive chakra reserves. You don't see that every day."
"A real Uzumaki?" Shizune blinked, stunned. She rushed over and started touching Karin's hair and arms like she'd found a mythical creature.
Mizuki could only roll his eyes. They've seen Kushina, haven't they? And Tsunade even knew Mito… what's with the overreaction?
"Shizune…" Tsunade called her back to order. She then picked up the file and threw it in the trash.
"We're done here. Mizuki, prepare a full report. Be detailed."
"Understood."
"Oh, and this girl? I've got some paperwork to process. She'll come to you later."
"Can't the village arrange something?"
"You brought this mess—you deal with it."
"…Fine."
On the way home, Mizuki sighed. This is such a pain. All I wanted was for her to stay quiet, then I'd help discreetly. But no, she had to march into Konoha and declare she was here for me.
He had no choice but to pull the Uzumaki card to divert suspicion.
"Great. Now I'm a full-fledged Forest of Death kidnapper, with witnesses and paperwork. What a reputation. And I still have to explain this to Chihiro… sigh…"
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