Saturday Morning
Because Hanyu Mokutsuki had promised Minato and Kushina a detailed lesson on making Squirrel Fish, Mokutsuki sent a shadow clone to guide the disciples while the real Mokutsuki stayed in Konoha’s main district to teach Minato and Kushina how to cook.
The reason for not switching roles and letting the shadow clone teach cooking while guiding the disciples was that the clone needed to have the chef skill buff.
Mokutsuki placed a fish on the cutting board and had Minato and Kushina watch as he explained each step while cutting the fish:
“To handle the fish, first make a diagonal cut behind the gills to break the spine.”
After cutting off the fish head, Mokutsuki reminded them, “Clean the cut fish head a bit, removing the gills to ensure it maintains a good shape when frying. This will make it look more appealing.”
“No wonder mine didn’t look good. I missed this step,” Kushina said, her face showing sudden realization.
While handling the fish meat, Mokutsuki stressed the importance of controlling the strength. “Cut to four-fifths of the depth, but don’t cut through the skin, or the appearance will be ruined.”
At this point, Mokutsuki handed the prepared fish to Kushina and Minato to try. Minato’s cuts were a bit shallow, likely from fear of cutting too deep. Kushina, on the other hand, cut through the skin.
“Haha, this fish is too tender. It cut right through. Do you have any tougher fish?” Kushina joked, trying to blame the fish.
“Would you eat it if it were too tough?” Mokutsuki smiled helplessly.
Thankfully, Mokutsuki was well-prepared. He handed Kushina another fish to try. She improved, cutting through the skin only after three cuts.
“Minato, you should handle the cutting from now on,” Kushina said seriously, deciding not to battle with the fish any longer.
The lesson continued, with Mokutsuki explaining each step in detail and having them practice immediately. This slow teaching method took until about 2 PM before both had completed their own Squirrel Fish.
Although finished, their dishes varied significantly in appearance.
“How come it still looks so different even though we followed every step?” Kushina wondered.
“We’re beginners. With more practice, it should look better,” Minato reassured her, satisfied that he had managed such a complex dish.
He mentally added it to the menu for Jiraiya’s return.
Teaching Completion Notification
Just as Mokutsuki was about to say something, a system notification appeared:
Teaching completed.
Rating: B
Reward: Mapo Tofu Recipe
“Does teaching cooking count as teaching? Does teaching two people also yield teaching rewards?” Mokutsuki wondered, puzzled.
Upon reflection, Mokutsuki realized it might be related to the students’ power levels. While teaching Minato and Kushina, they were both powerful ninjas.
Previously, Mokutsuki needed to spend more time or depth in his teachings. This unexpected teaching reward surprised him. The reward, a recipe from the anime “Cooking Master Boy,” was also unusual.
Minato and Kushina tasted their dishes, both pleased despite the appearance.
“Thank you, Mokutsuki. You spent most of the day teaching us,” Minato said warmly.
“It’s no trouble at all. You’ve helped me with sealing techniques many times,” Mokutsuki responded with a smile, dismissing their gratitude.
“Speaking of sealing techniques, how is your progress with the Three-Finger Seal?” Kushina asked.
“I’ve made some progress,” Mokutsuki said, sharing his insights from the first three days of practice.
“That’s a good pace. You should complete it within the expected time,” Kushina nodded, approving.
In terms of cooking, Kushina considered Mokutsuki the best. But when it came to sealing techniques, she believed she was unmatched.
“I’ll write down my insights from my own training and give them to you,” Kushina offered.
“Thank you,” Mokutsuki replied sincerely.
“Don’t mention it. It’s no trouble at all,” Kushina laughed heartily.
Sunday’s Challenge
That evening, Obito informed Mokutsuki he would attempt the physical challenge again on Sunday.
“Are you prepared?” Mokutsuki asked with a smile, taking out three test papers.
Seeing the test papers, Obito’s face fell. He didn’t want to do more tests.
But recalling his conversation with Gai and Shisui the day before, Obito’s resolve strengthened. “I’m ready this time, Mokutsuki-sensei. I will succeed!”
Seeing his determination, Mokutsuki handed him the test papers as his entry fee and began setting up the course.
Early Sunday Morning
Obito arrived early, even before Shisui. After warming up, Mokutsuki led him to the challenge area.
“Same as before, head east, and you’ll see the endpoint,” Mokutsuki reminded him.
Obito nodded and sprinted in the indicated direction, more cautious this time to avoid traps.
Thanks to his careful approach, he reached the swinging logs that had previously thwarted him. Obito dashed through unscathed, feeling light and agile without his weights.
Clearing the previous failure spot, Obito smiled confidently.
“Just be careful, and this challenge isn’t so hard.”
However, his confidence was short-lived as he fell into a pit Mokutsuki had dug.
“Minus one point,” Mokutsuki said warmly.
Obito quickly climbed out and resumed his cautious run, determined not to lose more points. Soon, he saw a kunai with a flag marking the endpoint.
Smiling again, Obito approached confidently, only to be caught in another trap near the finish line.
“Minus one point,” Mokutsuki repeated.
After freeing himself, Obito crossed the finish line.
“Though you have one point left, you succeeded,” Mokutsuki confirmed.
“Yes! Finally, I can learn Shunshin no Jutsu like Gai and Shisui!”
“Who said you could learn it now?” Mokutsuki asked, confused.
“Didn’t you say completing the challenge would let me learn it?” Obito asked, perplexed.
“Yes, but you’ve only completed the first stage. There’s still the second stage,” Mokutsuki explained.
Obito recalled this and asked, “What’s the second stage?”
“The second stage is River Sprint. You need to cross the river without falling within the time limit,” Mokutsuki explained.
“That sounds easy,” Obito said, relieved.
“I’ll be interfering with water-style jutsu,” Mokutsuki added, smiling.
“Water Dragon Jutsu?” Obito asked.
Mokutsuki nodded, confirming the challenge.
Relaxed, Obito prepared for the second stage.
“I want to start the second stage,” Obito said eagerly.
Since Mokutsuki had no stockpile, he wrote all five chapters through the night. If there are any mistakes, please leave a comment, and he’ll review them.
(End of Chapter)
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