“Teacher Hanyu, please, don’t tell Teacher Ikeda,” Obito pleaded, not giving up on begging Mokutsuki.
“That depends on your performance,” Mokutsuki said with a smile, giving no concrete answer.
“Teacher, is there something you need?” Might Guy scratched his head, not understanding why he was called out since he hadn’t done anything wrong.
Mokutsuki looked at Guy, who would later be known as the strongest taijutsu user, praised by Madara. Now, he was still very young.
Though he had already donned his iconic green spandex suit, his strength and conviction still needed to be fully developed.
At this point, Guy believed his daily training would make him a taijutsu master, but he hadn’t fully grasped his father’s teachings on youth and self-discipline. He needed time to grow, and Mokutsuki was happy to help him along the way.
“Your theoretical grades have been a real headache for Teacher Ikeda,” Mokutsuki began.
Hearing this, even the usually carefree Obito looked embarrassed and lowered his head.
“It’s not that I don’t want to learn, but the questions are too hard to understand. Why do they have to ask how many animals are in the pens?” Obito tried to defend himself.
Seeing Obito like this, Mokutsuki was reminded of his own struggles with math in high school. He was just grateful his major didn’t require advanced math.
But Mokutsuki knew the real issue was with Obito since the ninja academy’s math was very basic and had fewer classes compared to history.
“Your problems aren’t limited to math. You’re also struggling with history and ninjutsu theory,” Mokutsuki pointed out.
“What’s the point of learning history? It’s all in the past,” Obito argued, thinking the history class should be canceled. At least maths might come in handy for shopping, but history seemed useless.
“I feel the same way,” Guy nodded earnestly. He really couldn’t memorize all those historical facts.
“You’ll have to take that up with the Third Hokage; he’s the headmaster of the ninja academy,” Mokutsuki said, indicating that he couldn’t change the curriculum.
“But continuing like this isn’t good for you or Teacher Ikeda.”
“Do you have any exam secrets, Teacher Hanyu?” Obito asked, looking hopeful.
Guy also looked excitedly at Mokutsuki. No one wanted to be at the bottom of the class if they could help it.
“There is a secret to passing exams, and it’s called practice tests. Keep practicing!” Mokutsuki revealed his secret.
Given the difficulty level of ninja academy exams, he could easily pass using his experience from previous world exams. The academy’s exams required only half the class average to pass.
“Practice tests?” The two looked confused.
“Think of it as special training for exams. If you pass, there will be rewards,” Mokutsuki smiled.
“What kind of rewards? Dango?” Obito asked curiously.
“I can teach you ninjutsu or taijutsu and give you guidance in your training,” Mokutsuki answered.
“Really?” The two couldn’t believe such good fortune had fallen into their laps.
“As long as you pass the exam in a month,” Mokutsuki reminded them.
“Is this what youth feels like? I’m fired up!” Guy said excitedly.
“I’m definitely going to pass this time,” Obito promised.
Seeing the two motivated students, Mokutsuki nodded inwardly. A skilled hunter often appears as prey.
The two felt they had struck gold, getting exam secrets and the promise of training rewards.
Mokutsuki, on the other hand, only needed to guide them through the special training and naturally become their teacher, making a significant gain.
Even if they didn’t pass, Mokutsuki could still say he saw their hard work and offer rewards, further building goodwill.
Unlike with Shisui, he couldn’t directly take them as disciples due to different circumstances. He was just a temporary substitute teacher and couldn’t maintain regular contact. If he were their homeroom teacher, it would be easier.
After agreeing on the special training, Mokutsuki took them back to the classroom.
“Obito, why did Teacher Hanyu call you out? He didn’t punish you, did he?” Rin Nohara asked with concern.
“No way! Teacher Hanyu is great. He taught me exam secrets,” Obito defended Mokutsuki immediately.
As long as Mokutsuki could help him shed the title of class dunce, Obito would be his biggest fan.
“Rin, you better study hard, too, or I’ll surpass you in the next exam,” Obito teased with a grin.
“I’d be happy if you actually did,” Rin said with a helpless smile. She was often near the top of the class.
After the bell rang, Obito displayed unprecedented seriousness. He was determined to pass and had already started thinking about which jutsu to learn.
Rin was surprised to see this and thought Obito might be serious this time.
Three minutes later, seeing Obito slumped over his desk, Rin could only think that he was still the same old Obito she knew.
At that moment, a chalk eraser flew in a graceful arc and hit Obito on the head.
Obito looked around in confusion, seeing Mokutsuki’s face, then Rin’s, and then Might Guy diligently taking notes. Remembering his earlier words, Obito blushed and lost all sleepiness.
Aside from this brief incident, the rest of the class went smoothly.
[Class completed]
[Evaluation: A]
[Reward: Leaf Whirlwind]
This time, the reward wasn’t a ninjutsu but a taijutsu, one that Might Guy would develop in the future.
The Leaf Whirlwind seemed simple, just a kick, but having just learned it, Mokutsuki realized it wasn’t as straightforward as it looked. The technique required precision in the kick, muscle exertion, and chakra control.
Mokutsuki was pleased with this reward, as he had been wondering what to teach Guy.
After school, Mokutsuki wandered in the forest south of Konoha, looking for a suitable training spot.
He still had his Root affiliation, and Danzo knew where he lived.
Given Danzo’s dislike for the Uchiha, if he found out Mokutsuki was teaching Shisui without reporting it, he’d likely suspect Mokutsuki of treason.
Although Mokutsuki had Sensory Ninjutsu, he couldn’t keep it active all the time due to chakra limitations.
So, Mokutsuki planned to train Shisui outside.
Eventually, Mokutsuki found a nice spot by a small river that was remote and suitable for training.
Noting the location, Mokutsuki headed home.
His caution proved worthwhile when he entered his yard and found a ninja wearing an animal mask standing inside.
(End of Chapter)
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