Shuimu was excited as he watched the paper ashes slipping through the cracks in his palms, drifting away in the breeze and disappearing without a trace.

"There are so many smart people in this world."

The well-known figures active in the high-end of the ninja world, those who can stand out, are definitely very powerful and intelligent. Among them, the most widely circulated legendary figure in the ninja world, the first generation, is definitely standing at the top of this world, and the scenery he has seen is definitely much more than Mizuki has seen. Even without Mizuki's transcendent perspective and intelligence, he can still discover a lot of things.

Hashirama Senju is able to control the tailed beasts and play with them in the palm of his hand. As the reincarnation of Ashura, he can detect abnormalities in natural energy and he also has the ability to enter Sage Mode. It is very likely that Hashirama Senju has also experienced what Mizuki has experienced.

"Well, there is no need to be too cautious about some things, at least don't worry too much about the little details."

After opening the door to the Sage Mode, the higher levels finally began to acknowledge that he was one of them. A group of people with a common goal, with a tacit understanding that was vaguely present, at least made Shuimu less worried.

After thinking clearly about what he was going to do next, Shuimu looked at his companions who were gradually moving away in front of him, put his thoughts aside for the time being, quickened his pace and caught up with them.

…

After returning to the village, Shuimu actually wanted to go back and have a rest. However, as the team leader, it was Shuimu's unshirkable responsibility to be the first to report the mission.

When Mizuki arrived at the Hokage's office and knocked on the door, there was no one inside except Tsunade waiting for him.

"Jounin Mizuki, come and submit your mission report."

"Yeah." Tsunade raised her head, then looked at Mizuki and said, "Are you eager to announce that you are a jonin?"

"Well..." Shuimu smiled, walked forward, and put the prepared report on the table, "I think I did a good job."

"It's really good." Tsunade picked up the report casually, but didn't bother to read it. "It's a pity that Deidara escaped, but it's not your fault."

"Things are never perfect, but I feel like I've gained a lot this time."

Mizuki didn't feel any regrets. Facing three S-rank rebel ninjas, he managed to escape unscathed this time, which was already a pretty good result. If there hadn't been some accidents, maybe more than just one or two would have died.

"Well, you've had a hard time this time. It was actually my fault for not considering it carefully." Tsunade admitted her mistake. "I underestimated the difficulty and determination of my opponent and almost caused irreparable damage. Fortunately, there is an unexpected guy like you."

"I was also surprised. I didn't expect this result." Not only did he explode, but he was also forced to take a shot of cardiotonic. He braved the side effects at all costs and finally saved his own life and the life of his companions.

"Have you seen what I gave you?" Tsunade suddenly changed the subject and asked.

“I saw it and was quite surprised.”

"Anything you want to say?"

"There are too many people who don't care about their lives. They keep dying one after another."

Hearing Mizuki's words, Tsunade chuckled: "This is the first time I've heard you say that, but the three words 'not caring about your life' are very accurate."

"I can't think of anything else except this word."

"Jiraiya is not here right now. Wait until he comes back and have a good conversation with him, okay?"

"Okay." Having a good talk with Jiraiya is what Mizuki has always wanted to do. He didn't have the opportunity before, nor was he qualified to talk to Jiraiya on an equal footing. Of course, he is still a little short of that now, but at least it is much better than his original role as a supporting role.

"Let's stop here for today. I'll take the report. I've read your intelligence, but I don't have anything to ask for now."

"Then I'll go back first." Shuimu bowed and prepared to leave.

"Wait, and also, I don't have time to deal with your injury right now, come to me in a few days so I can take a closer look."

"Understood. Thank you very much."

Although Mizuki is also a good medical ninja, he is still far inferior to Tsunade, so it would be good to let her take a look.

…

In the small flower garden on the back mountain of Konoha, Mizuki was facing his fake Jinchūriki clone with an extremely ugly expression.

"You mean, my mental problems have become so serious?"

"Yes, this subtle influence has caused you to deviate from your original intention. Do you still remember why you practiced the Sage Mode in the first place?"

"Solve the problem of insufficient cell vitality and save your life."

"So what are you pursuing so tirelessly now?"

"Strive for strength, because you need strength to save your life."

"Look, the cause and the result are not too far off, but now you've put the cart before the horse. With Sage Mode, how long has it been since you started to solve the problem of longevity?"

The question about the fake Jinchūriki clone made Mizuki speechless.

After returning to the village, Mizuki found the fake Jinchuriki clone as quickly as possible, not to exchange memories, but to take a good look at whether the problem he was worried about had actually happened.

The will and thinking of the two are exactly the same, and the results they come up with after facing the problem should not be much different. Before exchanging memories, Shuimu specially used language and text to exchange information, just to let the self before practicing Sage Mode see what changes have taken place in himself during this period of time.

Unfortunately, the result was just as Shuimu worried, and some slight deviations occurred in the original spirit.

"Originally, we have already planned the next steps, but you slacked off without realizing it. If you continue like this, an accident will kill you, and now you are even a little obsessed with the vanity of killing Scorpion. You know, in the near future, our opponent will not be Scorpion, but Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Madara and others who are much stronger than him. The road ahead is long and arduous."

"Well, you're really not polite." Shuimu smiled bitterly. "Is there no good news at all?"

"The good news is that it's not too late." The fake Jinchuriki replied, "You may be deliberately ignoring it. In fact, we have already anticipated this kind of trouble and have methods to deal with it. Why don't you consider implementing it? Anyway, the village should not restrict us too much now."

"Okay, you have a point. I can't wait any longer, so let's do this."

"I have already told you all the questions. Are you sure you have no doubts? After exchanging memories, such objective evaluation and suggestions will no longer exist."

"Let's exchange. I want to know how great that great discovery you mentioned is."