37 Third Hokage

* knock knock *

" Come in. "

An aged voice said from inside the room, a voice one would usually associate with a kind old man next door, that was the Third Hokage of Konoha, and the one knocking on the door was Mizuki.

Opening the door with just enough strength, Mizuki followed etiquette and closed the door just as smoothly.

Walking upto the Hokage, Mizuki kneeled down on one knee, as he lowered his head with a warm smile, even though not visible due to his head being down, his magnetic voice would sooner or later betray him all the same.

" Mizuki, I was quite surprised as to when you had asked for an attendance! What is the matter child, please do not hesitate to speak! "

Mizuki had to praise the third Hokage in one thing, he was experienced dealing with people, changing his talking style with reference to the person infront of him, Hokage will appear to always understand you and connect with you, no matter the person, Hokage was always someone who understands you, like a friend, heh. Scary.

" Hokage sama, I have come to submit my Jonin promotion request. "

Nodding like a grandfather with a smile on his face, The third asked Mizuki with a slight questioning voice.

" Are you sure you would want to give one now? I can set it up tomorrow, or would you like to give one later on? If you want a little time, don't hesitate to tell me. "

That got Mizuki's mind spinning, it might seem like a caring grandfather looking out for him, but that couldn't be further from the truth. This was the Third we are talking about after all.

' What? Tomorrow...? Now that's not normal, it's not normal at all. Jonin exams are not held that quickly, I just submitted the application, it should take around a month.. Something is going on here, something I don't know. '

Mizuki knew, it might seem like Third gave him the option to choose, but it was an illusion of choice.

' The third knows I am Jonin capable very clearly right now, me saying I want more time than he allocated is not something a person as capable as me would do, unless he is either an indecisive coward or has planned something right this moment, both of which are not good showing for anyone, I am all but forced to choose tomorrow, even if I know something is clearly up with this.. shit. '

Mizuki needed some information on this if he was to understand how to properly proceed, giving a warm smile Mizuki bowed his head once more as he said in a clear and concise tone.

" Hokage sama, I am prepared to give my assessment tomorrow, I was simply caught a little off guard that the exam is being held so soon.. "

Mizuki looked on with focus towards the Third, he needed to see every little detail right now, even mirco expressions are useful, any information was good, but Mizuki needed something, urgently.

But Mizuki was disappointed, all that was on Third's face was his grandfather's smile, from his tone to micro expressions, everything was showing only one thing. He is kind.

" Fantastic! Hahaha, I expected nothing less from you, Mizuki, you are Konoha's future after all, all the people of this village are konoha's future, I am happy you are progressing Mizuki, you have used your free time in academy well. "

Shit. Nothing at all, He is really looking like a kind old man with nothing in his mind. Mizuki was almost gritting his teeth but stopped.

' Neither did he show anything on his face, nor did he tell me why he kept it tomorrow, as if it's not important at all, and now if I am to bring it up once again, that would simply show I need the answers, this would be a total giveaway I am not as simple or warm as I look, and that I am on guard from a decision taken by Hokage as well. Just one sentence and he managed to put me in an unbreakable situation. All the while seeming just as kind. Damn. he is good, I will give him that '

Resisting the urge to snap, Mizuki himself maintained his well made image, he too showed neither tone changes nor expressions showing anything other than his warm persona, he wasn't getting answers from the Hokage, all he could do is cut the losses and not give himself up in the process.

" Thank you, Hokage sama. I will try my best to pass the assessment, as to not let your faith in me down..! "

Nodding warmly Hokage took Mizuki's application and stamped it with approved sign, right infront of him, as if mocking him for his loss at not being able to delay the inevitable that he set up. That's how Mizuki was taking this anyway, as for what the Hokage was thinking, nothing could be seen but a kind grandfather, but that couldn't be further from the truth, right..?

Mizuki was disappointed as he left the Hokage's office.

He had somewhat lost the confrontation against the Thrid, though he didn't give himself away, and all his planning did indeed succeed , he was left with another problem even after all that effort.

' Sigh. He managed to stay the Hokage this long among Ninja's for a reason after all... He is not something I can afford to just mess around with.. '

As he made his way towards the forest of death, to cool himself down, Mizuki was rubbing his eyebrows form frustration. He let out a sigh as he shook his head.

' This will get me nowhere, I simply lack the information needed to make an accurate judgement. Neither orginal Mizuki nor me actually know the inner workings of Konoha upper level, all I can do is make speculations based on my broad knowledge. '

Mizuki let out a wry smile as he was now almost at the entrance of forest of death.

' Well, it matters not, I knew things couldn't be that simple, that is why I went through the trouble of setting up multiple information sources and fetters with important people, all of my class are future clan leaders and Naruto is even more important, they wouldn't want anything to happen to their kind sensei after all. '

Just because Mizuki had the foresight to make himself as secure as possible, and almost untouchable for the most part, Mizuki could at least not worry for his life right now, even though he didn't know what was in store for him at the assessment, he was sure he at least wouldn't die.

' Sigh. You really put me in a pinch there, Hokage sama. '