Chapter 98: Chapter 100: A New Perspective on Muketsu
After a few days of training in the Southern Forest Squad, Nohara Rin developed a deeper understanding of her new mentor, Muketsu.
For instance, she gained new insights into Muketsu's strength.
Although Rin had always regarded Muketsu as an excellent teacher, she had assumed his ninja abilities were about the same as any other average chunin instructor. Now, she realized she was wrong.
Just observing Muketsu teaching Shisui fire-style techniques was enough to change her mind. The terrifying power of those fire-style jutsu made it clear that Muketsu was no ordinary chunin.
While the academy's ninjutsu classes focused primarily on the three basic techniques, instructors occasionally demonstrated other jutsu at the students' request. However, Muketsu's abilities seemed to far surpass what was typical for chunin.
Rin had never seen a jonin in action, but she felt confident that Muketsu, if not quite at their level, was at least among the top-tier chunin. Furthermore, he appeared to be versatile, excelling in ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, and even medical techniques.
Beyond his strength, Rin noticed that Muketsu seemed more relaxed in the forest than in the training grounds. She also finally understood why Obito had been so studious the previous semester. Seeing him miserably tackling yet another batch of practice problems made it clear to her why Obito had been working so hard despite his evident dislike of studying.
Overall, Rin was delighted to have become Muketsu's disciple.
"Darn it, I almost made it!" Obito exclaimed in frustration, pounding the ground after narrowly losing a race against Might Guy.
"It's okay," Rin comforted him gently. "You came close this time. Just try a little harder, and you'll succeed next time."
Encouraged by Rin's kind words, Obito sprang to his feet, brushed off the dust, and declared boldly, "Guy, you better watch out! Tomorrow, I'll beat you for sure!"
Muketsu approached with a smile, holding out a stack of papers. "Obito, here are your thirty-five practice problems."
The sight of the problems drained Obito's enthusiasm as if he had been handed a death sentence. He reluctantly took the papers, looking as though they were a cup of poison.
"Obito, didn't you say you love studying?" Rin teased with a chuckle, noticing his exaggerated reaction.
"Yes, I love it so much that I feel restless if I don't solve at least a dozen problems a day," Obito replied, his face betraying the truth behind his forced enthusiasm.
"Should I add a few more?" Muketsu asked with a sly smile.
"No, no, that won't be necessary. While studying is great, overindulgence isn't wise," Obito quickly declined, fearing additional work.
"Back to training," Muketsu said, tapping Obito lightly on the head to refocus him.
In addition to teaching Rin medical ninjutsu theory, Muketsu also trained her in taijutsu.
Medical ninjutsu wasn't just for healing; it could be incredibly deadly when used offensively. Paired with strong taijutsu, a medical ninja could become a formidable combatant—just like Tsunade.
Because it was Saturday, Muketsu spent the afternoon training Asuma Sarutobi at the Sarutobi clan compound. When Muketsu arrived, he found Hiruzen Sarutobi sitting in the living room, looking through some documents.
"Lord Third," Muketsu greeted politely.
Hiruzen nodded in acknowledgment, setting down the papers and smiling. "Muketsu, how's the summer training program going? It's already been three weeks—more than halfway through."
The academy's summer training program lasted five weeks, running from mid-July to early September. This gave students a chance to develop their skills without entirely forfeiting their summer break.
"The students are working hard and eager to learn. Overall, they've made good progress," Muketsu replied thoughtfully.
"I've been conducting weekly assessments to track their growth. I can bring the records now if you'd like," he offered.
"No need to trouble yourself today. Just bring them along tomorrow," Hiruzen said with a smile. "From the sound of it, the results are promising. Perhaps we'll have another Special Jonin in the village soon."
Hiruzen was considering observing the students himself during the final week. If Muketsu's program was truly effective, he planned to institutionalize this type of training. In the worst-case scenario of war reaching Konoha, he might even consider replacing the fourth-year curriculum with intensive training sessions led by Muketsu.
"Father, I think you're blind as a bat! Why not promote Muketsu-sensei to full Jonin already?" Asuma interjected as he walked in, unable to hold back his frustration. "Honestly, I think Muketsu-sensei is better than my current Jonin instructor!"
"Asuma, Jonin are the backbone of the village, not just combatants. They need to excel in all areas," Hiruzen explained patiently.
While Muketsu was exceptional in teaching and skilled as a ninja, his mission record fell far short of the required standard for a Jonin. The decision to promote him to Special Jonin was already an unusual one, granted due to his extraordinary teaching abilities and potential.
"I think Muketsu-sensei is great at everything. Why don't you retire and let him take over as academy headmaster?" Asuma suggested with a smirk.
Hiruzen, thoroughly exasperated, rubbed his temples and waved Muketsu off. "Please, take him to train before my blood pressure spikes."
Muketsu chuckled, nodding as he led Asuma out. "Let's get started."
As he watched his son leave, Hiruzen sighed. "I wonder how long it will take for that boy to mature."
Despite Asuma's remarks, Hiruzen wasn't ready to appoint Muketsu as the academy head. The position of headmaster carried significant symbolic weight in Konoha, having only ever been held by Tobirama Senju and Hiruzen himself. Unless a teacher made monumental contributions, Hiruzen believed the next headmaster should be the future Hokage.
He hoped Asuma would one day understand the weight of such responsibilities.
plz support me if you can
patreon.com/AZOFFICIAL1
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/AZofficial
This fanfiction is 30-chapter ahead and also this fanfic is 30 chapters ahead there