Naruto: From Extra to Savior

This mission, though supposedly important, was really nothing more than a matter of face. The team composition clearly showed that Konoha wasn't making a big deal out of it.

『It's a way to help Suna save face.』

Konoha had truly gone through great lengths to appease its often unruly junior partner. They'd swallowed an enormous loss without retaliation. Still, one couldn't really blame Konoha and Suna for quickly seeking peace. Two of the Five Great Ninja Villages were completely tricked and humiliated, suffering heavy losses and becoming laughingstocks across the entire ninja world. For Suna, maybe—it wasn't such a big deal; they'd always struggled to stand on their own feet anyway. There's an old saying—'the barefoot have nothing to fear from the shoed.' Not many people cared about Suna getting severely punished after rebelling against Konoha. The massive size difference alone crushed any hope Suna had of victory, not to mention being betrayed by their ill-intentioned ally Orochimaru.

Mizuki looked at this group of people. Although he'd expected the journey to be boring, he hadn't imagined it would turn out this dull. Hiashi Hyuga himself was a serious man. While traveling, he still needed to maintain his clan's dignity. There was such a significant gap in status between him and Mizuki that there was practically no room for conversation. At best, he gave instructions to Ko Hyuga, otherwise treating everyone else strictly in an official capacity.

As for Kurenai Yuhi, Mizuki didn't really know her well either. They rarely interacted before. Occasionally they talked when together with Asuma, but just the two of them? They simply couldn't think of anything to say. Another major reason Mizuki hesitated to get close to Kurenai was because she specialized in Genjutsu. Though Mizuki excelled most in Sealing Techniques and prided himself on superior Chakra Control, his Genjutsu abilities were also highly developed thanks to that refined control. Because of this understanding, he deeply realized how dangerous illusionary-style ninjas could be—especially when caught off guard by someone familiar using Genjutsu right under one's nose. It was almost impossible to defend against.

『You could say this is a case of professionals being each other's worst enemies.』

All Genjutsu users tended to develop unconscious habitual gestures, creating very noticeable patterns. Perhaps less experienced ninja wouldn't notice, but true Genjutsu experts found it hard to hide completely from others at similar levels.

As for the two captured Suna ninja, they had even less desire to talk. Although the two villages had already made peace, it hadn't even been a full day since the conflict ended. One couldn't expect them to suddenly forget yesterday's hostility and become carefree friends overnight. Plus, both were kids more than ten years younger than Mizuki—with little common ground.

Besides, seeing Gaara constantly surrounded by all that sand significantly lowered Mizuki's interest in interacting with him.

『Seriously, carrying all that sand around all day? Sometimes even wrapping himself in it? Doesn't that gross him out?』

Mizuki, who was slightly particular about cleanliness, had no intention of socializing with a kid covered in dirt. Never sleeping and always covered in sand—he clearly wasn't someone who bathed frequently.

Although Mizuki couldn't smell anything off about Gaara, he still wasn't eager to get too close—even though this guy was set to become the Kazekage soon enough.

As for Temari, she was about fifteen—a young girl with a decent look and figure. To Mizuki, however, her fashion sense definitely needed work. Her hairstyle looked terrible, and her clothes were seriously outdated. Being the daughter of a Kage, she really should've known better than to waste such a pretty face without paying attention to her appearance.

With practically zero conversation going on, Mizuki could only sigh internally.

"This is such a total waste of time. I should've brought some documents or even a couple of those unique novels from the ninja world to pass the time. Having to endure several days like this? Absolutely unbearable."

The six traveled in near silence for most of the day before finally stopping as dusk fell. After setting up three tents beside a picturesque mountain stream, they had their first real group activity—sitting around the campfire in a circle for dinner.

It wasn't until now that Mizuki finally managed to loosen up a bit. Though he wasn't overly into food, eating still lightened his mood—especially when it came to his favorite dishes.

Out in the wild, there was no need to worry about table manners. Mizuki pulled out the boxed lunch carefully prepared by Tsubaki, ignoring the strange looks from others, and took out steaming seafood sushi from an unusually large bento box, then started digging in.

"It's not very appropriate for a ninja on a mission to carry such an inconveniently big lunch box, don't you think?" Kurenai Yuhi, who had been annoyed since lunchtime by the exaggerated size of Mizuki's bento container, finally voiced her thoughts. "Considering we're on a mission, wouldn't it affect your battle power?"

"Uh…" Taken aback by Kurenai's sudden question, Mizuki hesitated slightly. "Battle power? Isn't keeping an eye on these two enough for me?" As he spoke, he pointed his chopsticks toward Temari and Gaara, who sat nearby chewing dry rations, never forgetting to swallow the food in his mouth.

Honestly, there was no good reason for Mizuki to be here at all. At official events, Chunin just weren't considered important enough—who else would need the presence of the esteemed Hyuga clan head?

Still, everyone already knew that Kurenai possessed a fierce personality completely different from her delicate appearance, taking every task seriously and strictly. That's probably why she'd become a Jonin—particularly a female one known for her exceptional Genjutsu skills. Understanding how difficult mastering Genjutsu could be, Mizuki fully respected Kurenai's abilities—at least in direct combat right now, his chances of beating her remained slim. And of course, Kurenai wasn't just straightforward—she could hold her liquor, too, which explained why she got along so well with Anko Mitarashi.

"You can't just say that," Kurenai replied sharply. "Even though this mission probably won't involve much danger, we must remain vigilant. What if those two Sand ninjas decide to escape? They're strategic assets for our village."

"Do either of you plan to run away?" Upon hearing Kurenai, Mizuki turned directly toward Temari and Gaara to ask.

At his question, Temari awkwardly shook her head, while Gaara gave no indication he had even heard anything at all.

"Look, they said they wouldn't run..."

They were about to ally with each other again. Both ninja villages were eager to resolve conflicts and focus on recovery. Why would they create unnecessary conflicts at such a critical moment? These two probably had already received instructions from Suna not to make any moves that might cause misunderstandings.

Besides, it had only been one day since Orochimaru's Konoha Destruction Plan, and already Konoha and Suna had called a truce. Other ninja villages and factions couldn't possibly have reacted so quickly. Many probably hadn't even processed the situation fully yet. As for wandering ninja, bandits, or highway robbers along the way—at least for now, no idiot had dared show their face.

Kurenai Yuhi found herself speechless facing Mizuki's words. Although she held a higher rank than him, she wasn't the mission leader. If Hiashi Hyuga wasn't saying anything, how could she go against protocol by commenting on what another teammate ate?

"Plus, this lunchbox was made personally by little Tsubaki—with love! Don't you prepare lunches for Asuma?"

At Mizuki's casual question, Kurenai's face flushed slightly as she stammered defensively, "Why would I cook for Asuma? And this is a mission—we're here to work, not mix things up personally..."

"Hmm? Still pretending there's nothing going on? It's been this long—I thought everyone else noticed too..."

"Asuma bought flowers from my shop several times? Not for you? That's strange..." Mizuki pretended to ponder aloud.

"This awkward romance must be torture for outsiders to witness…"

Still, since Kurenai mentioned Suna, Mizuki had one lingering question.

"How did your brother Kankuro manage to escape?" Mizuki asked Temari: "He seemed seriously injured back then, right?"

Considering the chaotic conditions at the time, Sunagakure—already at a disadvantage—had no means of rescuing three low-ranking genin. Even the Kazekage's children weren't exceptions, unless they were Jinchuriki like Gaara.

"It was our mentor Baki," Temari answered. "He happened to come across us while retreating and took Kankuro along."

"Baki..." Mizuki murmured softly, then dropped the topic. Suna's elite-focused policy meant every combatant was invaluable. People like Kankuro, who represented Suna's unique puppet master tradition, were essential for its future.

"I wonder how Hayate's holding up..." With each passing day, Hayate's chances of waking up grew slimmer. With this much time having passed, both his physical and mental injuries should've healed by now. The fact he hadn't woken up meant his chakra had completely faded.

"If Lady Tsunade were here, she'd probably be able to save Hayate." Many in Konoha's upper echelons knew about Hayate's condition. Most jounin who participated in the mission understood it too. And since Kurenai was close with Asuma Sarutobi, it wasn't surprising she knew the details.

"Asuma seemed badly hurt yesterday—hope his arm is okay?" After handling Anko Mitarashi's issue yesterday, she had originally planned to check on Asuma's injuries but found he'd already left when she went looking.

"He's mostly fine now," Kurenai replied. "Just external wounds. Once properly treated, he should recover in a few days."

This time, Kurenai Yuhi didn't hide anything and readily answered Mizuki's question.

"That's good..." Mizuki ate the last piece of sushi in his bento box.

'Finally got them distracted with all my random rambling. Good thing I finished eating...'

After satisfying his hunger, Mizuki quickly packed his things and casually leaned back against the tree trunk, waiting calmly for everyone else to finish their meal.

'They're all eating dry rations. Even Hiashi Hyuga is munching on some flatbread. No wonder Kurenai looks at me disapprovingly—it definitely seems too extravagant. But whatever, it's not a big deal anyway...'

This was the ninja world after all—plenty of eccentrics around. If Sasori and Deidara could go nuts over art, what was so weird about appreciating good food? Mizuki wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary.

Not long after, the other five had finished eating.

"Ahem."

A deliberate cough echoed over.

'Huh? Is that Hiashi Hyuga?'

The clan head usually carried himself with immense authority, yet here he was initiating conversation.

"I have been remiss in communicating with both teachers previously. Hinata has received much care from you both, and I offer my heartfelt gratitude..."

'Worried about Hinata, huh? Yeah, Kurenai being her squad leader makes sense as a mentor. But why drag me into it? If it's about academy days, shouldn't he be thanking Iruka instead? Man, formal talk like this feels so off…'

The formal way Hiashi spoke made Mizuki feel slightly uneasy. If Hiashi referred to himself as "this humble one," then what did that make everyone else?

Still, these pleasantries from an influential figure needed proper handling. Both Kurenai and Mizuki exchanged some polite words accordingly.

"Do you know Neji well, Teacher Mizuki?" Hiashi asked.

"Not particularly. We've only worked together briefly during missions and chatted occasionally otherwise." Mizuki replied.

"Oh? What do you think of Neji then?"

"Totally." Mizuki replied instantly.

"He's one of the village's top-tier talents, a future pillar."

Mizuki kept his answer light while secretly groaning inside. After just a few encounters with this noble clan's genius, someone still noticed. Even though it happened around a critical period for Neji emotionally.

'It isn't surprising that Byakugan detected my movements or approach toward Neji. After all, those Byakugan reconnaissance skills are no joke. Still, the noble clans do go overboard with their suspicions—good thing I never really counted on these clan prodigies anyway...'

Next followed a discussion between Hiashi and Kurenai concerning Hinata. Though Mizuki considered himself more familiar with Hinata's potential than Kurenai did, he couldn't get a word in edgewise, so he stayed quiet obediently.

'Of course, concern for the main house's eldest daughter never stops. They just don't normally show it. These noble clans...'

Mizuki could even sympathize with Hiashi's inner struggle and difficulties. There often existed a gap between personal expectations and family obligations. Hiashi wasn't just a clan head, but also a father.

After walking such an exhausting distance, the group turned in early when night fell.

Hiashi Hyuga had a tent to himself. Ko Hyuga, Mizuki, and Gaara shared one tent, while the last tent was given to Kurenai Yuhi and Temari.

Even with someone using the Byakugan on watch, the cautious Mizuki still took time to set up several warning lines and traps around the campsite. He always believed in playing it safe.

...

In the dead of night, only the howls of wolves, the frogs croaking, and strange insect noises echoed through the darkness.

Suddenly, Mizuki was jolted awake by movement nearby. He sat upright quickly. The sudden movement caught the attention of Gaara, who had been awake nearby.

"What happened?" Ko asked as he woke up shortly after.

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