Another weekend arrived, and on Saturday afternoon, Mokutsuki brought his intern plan to Asuma’s house. He wasn’t surprised not to see Hiruzen Sarutobi; it was customary for the Third Hokage to be absent at this hour, as he usually appeared later in the day.
“Lady Biwako, I’m taking Asuma for training,” Mokutsuki informed.
“Thank you, Mokutsuki-sensei,” Biwako Sarutobi replied with a smile.
Though Biwako hadn’t spoken much with Mokutsuki, she occasionally heard about him from Hiruzen and Asuma, knowing he was a good teacher.
“Mokutsuki-sensei, are we training elemental transformations and the Great Dragon Fire Technique again today?” Asuma asked.
“Yes, elemental transformation training is essential. I’ll teach you other techniques once you’re proficient,” Mokutsuki answered, having a training plan for Asuma.
Mokutsuki understood that one reason Hiruzen Sarutobi pulled him from the Root was likely due to Asuma. Asuma served as a bridge between him and the Third Hokage. As long as he taught Asuma well, Mokutsuki’s position in Konoha would be secure.
While his goal wasn’t merely to stay safe in Konoha, he needed time to grow and Hiruzen’s support to secure that time. Therefore, he treated Asuma almost like a disciple, teaching him everything except the techniques he couldn’t reveal.
“If only you knew Wind Release, Mokutsuki-sensei. After mastering Fire Release, I’d like to learn Wind Release,” Asuma said, a bit regretful.
He remembered Mokutsuki knew Water Release and Fire Release, assuming Mokutsuki specialised in these elements.
“Wind Release, huh? Well, if I learn it before teaching you, that’s fine,” Mokutsuki replied with a chuckle.
“That’s so cool, Mokutsuki-sensei!” Asuma said, touched by the idea of a teacher learning new techniques just to teach a student.
“Maybe it’s just big talk; I haven’t had much experience with Wind Release, so I’m not sure if I can learn it,” Mokutsuki didn’t want to make empty promises.
“Maybe you’re a Wind Release genius, Mokutsuki-sensei,” Asuma laughed, genuinely hoping for it.
Asuma thought his current Jounin instructor paled compared to Mokutsuki. If Mokutsuki weren’t busy teaching at the ninja academy, Asuma would wish for the Third Hokage to hire him full-time.
After training Asuma for the afternoon, Mokutsuki escorted him home and found Hiruzen Sarutobi just returning.
“Lord Third, here’s the detailed plan for the ninja internship,” Mokutsuki said, handing over the documents.
Hiruzen took the documents and scanned them while holding his pipe.
“The top fifteen in practical scores will form five groups for the internship, each led by strong and excellent teachers. The internship will be limited to D and C-rank missions…” Hiruzen muttered as he read.
After contemplating, Hiruzen spoke, “Mokutsuki, your plan is too conservative. Over three hundred students are in the fourth grade; many more are excellent, not just the top fifteen. Doubling that number still leaves many out.”
“Also, the internship period can be extended. Besides the second semester break, the third semester should be included too. A month is too short for substantial training.”
As Mokutsuki had anticipated, the Third Hokage even suggested more students participate. However, including the third semester was unexpected.
This so-called internship would mean early graduation if the third semester were included.
“I’ll revise it and show you again,” Mokutsuki replied humbly.
Whether more students participated or the third semester was included, Mokutsuki saw no issues. It could benefit the students significantly.
Frankly, the top thirty students wouldn’t gain much from the last semester at the academy; they would be better off familiarizing themselves with missions and learning new techniques from experienced Chuunin teachers.
Of course, this was based on the assumption that they wouldn’t be sent on war-related missions. Even logistics missions in a war zone were risky.
Mokutsuki believed it would come to something other than that for these interns. If it did, it would involve all fourth-year students, not just the top thirty. If the situation worsened, the school might issue headbands and graduation certificates directly, a straightforward task for Konoha’s leadership.
On Sunday evening, Obito and Shisui had their last phase-one combat session.
“Starting tomorrow, you can use chakra to enhance your breathing techniques, but no ninjutsu,” Mokutsuki announced.
“The last session… I wish I could win at least once,” Obito said, determined.
They had sparred countless times over the week, and Obito’s win count was zero.
Obito finally understood why Mokutsuki said he couldn’t beat Kakashi now. According to Mokutsuki, Shisui would struggle against Kakashi even without his Sharingan. Shisui was stronger than Kakashi with the Sharingan, and Obito struggled against a Sharingan-less Shisui without using ninjutsu.
For the last session, Obito displayed incredible tenacity, engaging in prolonged taijutsu exchanges before resorting to Full Concentration Breathing to counterattack.
Shisui chose to clash head-on using the breathing technique. Obito’s superior breathing technique compensated for other deficiencies but couldn’t turn the tide before his Full Concentration Breathing ended, merely alleviating his disadvantage.
Both used full concentration breathing, equalising their states, so Obito avoided falling into a more profound disadvantage.
As he was about to lose, Obito’s unwillingness erupted. He pushed his limits with almost no stamina left and re-entered Full Concentration Breathing.
“This is my last breath!” Obito felt an explosive power surge as if a fierce flame burned within him.
Enhanced by Full Concentration Breathing, Obito forced Shisui into retreat.
Watching Mokutsuki, Shisui clenched his fist, adjusted his breathing rhythm, and re-entered Full Concentration Breathing, catching Obito’s incoming punch.
“Obito, though you want to win, I won’t lose,” Shisui began his counterattack.
With his superior overall skills, Shisui ultimately maintained his undefeated record, and Obito couldn’t achieve a single victory.
Seeing their improved proficiency, Mokutsuki nodded in satisfaction. Combat breakthroughs indeed had their merits.
(End of Chapter)
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