Mondays were pure torture for Mizuki.
He woke before dawn, as always, the dim orange light of sunrise spilling through the cracks in his small apartment. The air was cool, the faint chirping of birds outside oddly soothing—but the calm didn't last. He stared at the bowl of breakfast before him: rice, pickled vegetables, and a few dried strips of salted fish. He sighed deeply.
"Alright… time for my morning poison," he muttered dryly.
He took a bite of the rice, then carefully unwrapped a small vial of liquid toxin he'd mixed himself the night before—a mixture faint enough not to kill, but strong enough to build resistance over time. He poured two drops into his tea and downed it in one gulp. His stomach churned almost instantly, but he'd grown used to the discomfort. If I want to survive the future of this world, I can't afford to be soft.
After forcing down the last bite, he grabbed his headband and tied it lazily around his forehead, staring into the mirror. His reflection stared back—short silver hair, calm gray eyes that carried the weight of determination and something sharper, colder. He smirked faintly. "Let's get this day over with."
He left his apartment, jogging through the bustling streets of Konoha. Vendors were setting up for the day, the aroma of grilled meat and fresh bread filling the air. Children ran past, laughing, while shinobi patrolled the rooftops above. The village felt alive—peaceful. But Mizuki knew better. He knew what this peace was built on and how fragile it truly was.
By the time he arrived at the Academy, the halls were buzzing with chatter. He trudged into class, eyes half-lidded, and dropped into his usual seat by the back window. The sunlight hit his face, warm but irritating. He slouched deeper into his chair.
"Another day of pretending to be normal…" he murmured.
The door slid open sharply. Their instructor, a tall, stern man with a flak jacket and a bandaged arm, stepped in, slapping a stack of papers on the desk.
"Listen up, class! Before we begin, we have a new student joining today. Mizuki, you'll handle the introductions."
Mizuki blinked, sitting up lazily. "Huh? Me? Why me?"
The instructor raised an eyebrow. "Because you're sitting closest to the front. Now, get up."
Mizuki sighed, standing to face the classroom. But the moment his gaze swept over the room, his casual expression cracked.
No way… Obito, Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, even Might Guy? He felt his heart skip a beat. This class is loaded with future legends! What kind of monster batch is this!?
Trying not to look too stunned, he raised a hand half-heartedly. "Yo, I'm Mizuki. Let's all get along, I guess."
The teacher nodded. "Good. Take your seat."
Mizuki flopped back into his chair, shaking his head internally. So this is the generation right before Naruto's era. Obito and Kakashi are still kids. Damn… if I play this smart, I can learn a lot from them.
He leaned back, staring at the empty seat beside him. "Maybe the new seatmate's a cute girl," he muttered under his breath. "Please don't let it be another loud guy."
He glanced toward Obito, who was busy sneaking glances at Rin. Rin, of course, was watching Kakashi with soft eyes. Mizuki couldn't help but smirk. "Real-life love triangle. This is gold."
The door slid open again, interrupting his thoughts.
"Anko, you're late," the instructor barked.
A girl with messy purple hair and tired-looking eyes stumbled in, holding a half-eaten dango stick. She blinked once, then scanned the room before her gaze landed on Mizuki. Her lips curled into a grin.
"You must be the new guy. I'm Anko."
Mizuki's smirk returned immediately. "Nice to meet you, Anko. Let's get along."
Their grins mirrored each other—two sparks of mischief meeting for the first time.
The Morning Lessons
The first half of the day passed in a blur of theory lectures—chakra flow, elemental balance, historical battles. Mizuki paid only half attention, his mind busy analyzing the people around him.
Kakashi sat quietly at the front, focused as ever. Obito kept fidgeting and stealing glances at Rin. Asuma, sitting in the middle row, was chatting casually with Kurenai, who blushed every few seconds. And Guy—oh, Guy was doing push-ups under his desk.
Mizuki couldn't help but chuckle. He's just like his future self already.
Beside him, Anko leaned over and whispered, "You look like you're plotting something."
Mizuki smirked. "Always. What about you?"
"I'm bored," she replied with a grin. "Wanna ditch the boring notes and make things interesting?"
"What'd you have in mind?"
She smirked and held up a folded paper kunai. Before Mizuki could reply, she flicked it expertly across the room—it nailed Obito's head perfectly. Obito flinched, spinning around in confusion.
Mizuki tried and failed to stifle a laugh. "You're evil," he whispered.
Anko giggled. "Takes one to know one."
The teacher turned sharply. "Anko! Mizuki! No distractions!"
They both stood at attention instantly. "Yes, sensei!"
The class erupted in laughter, even Kakashi letting out a small smirk. Rin giggled softly. Mizuki slumped back into his seat, whispering, "Totally worth it."
By mid-morning, everyone was herded to the outdoor training field. The wide ring of packed dirt shimmered under the sun, and a light breeze rustled the leaves of the surrounding trees. Students gathered in circles, buzzing with anticipation.
"Today," the instructor announced, "we're practicing taijutsu sparring. No ninjutsu. You win by either knocking your opponent down or pushing them out of the ring."
Mizuki stretched his arms, rolling his shoulders. The training with Kosuke had hardened his body, and his muscles responded with a comfortable ache. Around him, the other students whispered.
"First match—Mizuki versus Obito Uchiha."
Obito blinked. "Me? Against him?"
Anko perked up, cheering instantly. "Kick his butt, Mizuki!"
Rin clapped her hands nervously. "You can do it, Obito!"
Obito blushed and stepped into the ring. Mizuki followed, calm and confident. He gave Obito a small nod. "Let's make it interesting, yeah?"
Obito smirked. "Don't underestimate me."
"Begin!" the instructor shouted.
Obito charged forward, fists swinging in quick succession. His form was decent—raw, but filled with spirit. Mizuki sidestepped smoothly, ducking under a punch and countering with a clean jab to the stomach. Obito staggered, gasping, but didn't give up. He rushed again, this time throwing a feint before pivoting into a low kick.
"Nice try," Mizuki said—and caught Obito's leg, twisting just enough to unbalance him. Obito hit the dirt but rolled back up immediately. He was persistent, Mizuki had to admit that.
They exchanged blows for nearly a minute—Obito fighting with heart, Mizuki with precision. Then, Mizuki saw his opening. He shifted his stance, baited Obito into a forward punch, and slipped past it.
"Sorry, pal."
He drove his elbow gently—but firmly—into Obito's jaw, then pivoted, grabbing his uniform and using his momentum to toss him over his shoulder.
Obito hit the ground with a thud.
"Winner: Mizuki!"
The crowd gasped. Obito groaned but accepted Mizuki's outstretched hand. "Man… you're strong."
Mizuki smiled faintly. "You'll catch up, trust me. You've got that Uchiha fire in you."
Rin ran up, checking on Obito, while Anko sauntered over, grinning ear to ear.
"Nice job, partner! I knew you'd win."
Mizuki sighed dramatically. "Thanks, but I think you're more excited than me."
Anko winked. "Of course I am. You're my new rival in mischief."
He groaned. "I'm doomed."
"Next match!" the instructor's voice boomed. "Hatake Kakashi versus Asuma Sarutobi!"
The class instantly turned their attention to the ring. Kakashi and Asuma stepped in, both looking serious. The air crackled with tension.
Asuma charged first, his punches heavy and fast. Kakashi barely moved, his body flowing like water. He dodged effortlessly, countered with precise strikes, and swept Asuma's legs in one motion. The match ended in less than ten seconds.
"Winner: Kakashi."
The class erupted in murmurs of awe. Even Mizuki whistled softly. "That kid's dangerous already."
Anko nodded. "Yeah. He's got that quiet killer vibe."
Rin clapped, clearly impressed, while Obito sulked in the background.
When the bell rang for lunch, Mizuki grabbed his tray—rice, pork slices, and soup—and found an empty table. Before long, Obito dropped into the seat across from him, groaning.
"Man, that match earlier… I can't believe I lost."
Mizuki smirked. "You did fine. At least you didn't cry."
"I didn't—hey!" Obito's protest was interrupted by Rin sitting down beside them, offering her usual gentle smile.
"You both fought well," she said warmly. "Mizuki, that throw was really good."
"Thanks," he said with a small nod, then noticed her lunch tray. "Dango, huh?"
She smiled. "Yeah. Anko gave me one earlier."
Mizuki glanced across the cafeteria. Anko was sitting with Kurenai, swinging her legs while eating dango and chatting animatedly. Kurenai seemed shy, always listening more than talking. The two made an odd but balanced pair—mischief and modesty.
Then, with the force of a hurricane, another presence joined them.
"MIZUKI!" boomed a voice.
Guy appeared out of nowhere, his grin blinding. "That was youthful energy out there! You must meet my father, the Sublime Might Duy! He will show you the true Power of Youth!"
Mizuki blinked. "...The what now?"
Obito leaned closer. "Don't. He's contagious."
Guy laughed heartily, slapping Mizuki's back so hard it almost knocked him forward. "Together, we'll become the flames that light Konoha's future!"
Mizuki chuckled. "You know what? Sure. Count me in. Sounds fun."
Guy's eyes sparkled like stars. "Yes! A new rival in youth!"
Obito groaned into his tray. "Why is everyone around me insane?"
The rest of the day passed in waves of lectures, training, and exhaustion. But Mizuki felt oddly energized. Between Anko's playful chaos, Obito's determination, and Guy's relentless optimism, the classroom felt alive.
During shuriken practice, Mizuki nailed every target. His precision earned him a rare nod from the instructor. Even Kakashi glanced sideways, acknowledging his skill. Anko, not to be outdone, threw hers backward over her shoulder—and actually hit the bullseye.
Mizuki clapped once. "Okay, that was impressive."
"Told you," she grinned. "I'm awesome."
By the time the final bell rang, the sun was beginning to set, bathing the village in soft orange light. Students packed up their bags, chatting about the day. Mizuki lingered by the window, watching the light fade over the rooftops.
Anko appeared beside him, holding two dango sticks. "Here," she said, tossing one his way. "For my victory tomorrow."
He caught it mid-air, smirking. "Confident, huh?"
"Always."
They stood there for a moment, watching the sky burn with color. Somewhere in the distance, the Hokage Mountain loomed—four faces carved in stone, watching over them silently.
Mizuki took a slow bite of his dango and smiled faintly. "Not bad for a Monday."
Anko grinned. "Not bad at all."