"In the morning during class today, I conducted a practical exam within the class," Mutsuki told Tanimura Toshihiro about what happened in class.
However, Mutsuki slightly embellished the students' complaints, as their criticisms were quite strong.
"I just wanted to motivate them to practice more seriously, and I didn't expect something like this to happen. I'm truly sorry," Mutsuki said apologetically.
"It's my fault for being too harsh in my evaluation. I should have been more lenient with them," Mutsuki shifted all the blame onto himself.
Although it was Tanimura Toshihiro's inadequate teaching that led to the students' dissatisfaction, Mutsuki merely ignited the situation. But Mutsuki didn't want any flaws in his own character, so he chose to directly inform Tanimura Toshihiro about everything, admitting fault and stating that he unintentionally did something with good intentions.
Even if the ins and outs of the matter are thoroughly explained, Mutsuki won't be considered a person with ulterior motives. After all, he informed Tanimura Toshihiro about everything right after it happened. Someone who cares so much about their colleague can't have any malicious intentions.
"Well..." Tanimura Toshihiro didn't know what to say for a moment. He knew the students were right; his teaching skills were indeed inferior to Mutsuki's, quite average in comparison.
But at the Academy, there was no one who could be compared to Mutsuki. A new sensei who, within one or two months, became well-known throughout the school, gained recognition from both staff and students and even received praise from Lord Third after being summoned.
Comparing himself, an ordinary sensei, to Mutsuki was simply uncomfortable.
"I've asked them not to criticize you anymore, but they are just kids. They might agree on the surface, but you never know what's in their hearts," Mutsuki sighed, expressing regret as he looked at Tanimura Toshihiro.
"It's okay, I won't mind. After all, they're just six-year-old kids," Tanimura Toshihiro said with a hearty laugh.
Even if criticized directly by the students, Tanimura Toshihiro would not give up the position of Taijutsu sensei for Class 1-1. This is because the class has excellent practical combat results, not only securing the top two positions in the grade-level practical combat but also leading in the average scores for class-level practical combat in the first year.
Although he knows these achievements have little to do with his teaching, these are tangible results. There is no need to worry about performance, and the bonus will only increase.
"Yumi-sensei, I know you. You're definitely thinking about the students," Tanimura Toshihiro expressed that he understood Mutsuki's good intentions.
Despite the unexpected incident, Tanimura Toshihiro still regarded Mutsuki as a good colleague. In the event of trouble, Mutsuki immediately came to apologize and inform him.
Originally, it was Tanimura Toshihiro's Taijutsu class in the morning, but he had something to attend to, so he switched with Mutsuki for the afternoon class. Mutsuki readily agreed at the time.
Tanimura Toshihiro had heard about Mutsuki helping other senseis with substitute teaching, but doing it himself would be challenging. Once or twice might be manageable, but having a sensei ask him to fill in every week would be difficult to endure.
High teaching proficiency, leading the class in academic performance across the entire grade, praised by Lord Third, handsome with a good temperament—Tanimura Toshihiro could only admit that the female senseis in the office had some valid points when they discussed Mutsuki every day.
Understanding his own situation, Tanimura Toshihiro knew the fundamental reason for this matter was that his teaching was indeed mediocre, a status quo that had persisted for many years.
However, Tanimura Toshihiro was not willing to voluntarily give up the position of Taijutsu sensei for Class 1-1. Teaching at the Academy was about earning money without danger, and this was a chance to effortlessly receive substantial bonuses.
"Tanimura-sensei, if you think like that, I can rest easy," Mutsuki said, appearing much more relaxed and showing a gentle smile.
"Haha, when you have time, let's go to an Izakaya for drinks together," Tanimura Toshihiro said with a laugh.
Mutsuki nodded with a smile, and after exchanging some trivial and unimportant topics with Tanimura Toshihiro, he found an excuse to leave.
Upon returning to the office, Tanimura Toshihiro's neighboring female sensei curiously asked:
"Tanimura-sensei, does Yumi-sensei have something to discuss with you?"
"Nothing serious, just some minor issues between students. But Yumi-sensei, there's really nothing bad one can say about that person," Tanimura Toshihiro said as he sat down.
Feeling embarrassed to reveal that students were criticizing his teaching skills, Tanimura Toshihiro found it convenient to use Mutsuki as a topic of conversation with the female sensei.
After the bell for the class rang, Tanimura Toshihiro headed towards Class 1-1.
Entering the classroom, Tanimura Toshihiro didn't sense any significant difference from before. Following the usual routine, he started with some theoretical knowledge of Taijutsu, then led the students in some running exercises.
After the run, Tanimura Toshihiro began teaching Taijutsu forms, demonstrating once before allowing the students to practice freely.
"Tanimura-sensei, can you go over it a few more times? I didn't quite understand just now," Anko asked.
"These are the basics; if you don't understand, it means you need more practice. Just keep practicing," Tanimura Toshihiro replied.
"But Yumi-sensei demonstrates many times each class, and the breakdown is very detailed," Anko retorted.
"Ninjutsu and Taijutsu can't be the same," Tanimura Toshihiro explained.
"But Taijutsu also has many practical techniques and details. Shouldn't those be explained in detail too?" Kotetsu asked.
Tanimura Toshihiro was at a loss; as a mediocre Chunin sensei, he didn't have a wealth of practical details and techniques. He casually brushed off the question.
Then, a multitude of students raised various questions and offered suggestions.
"Stop, stop, stop. Focus on your training now, and ask your questions in the next class," bombarded with questions from dozens of students, Tanimura Toshihiro felt like his head was about to explode.
"Tanimura-sensei, how about we all take a step back? We won't ask questions, and you don't have to teach us either," Izumo suggested.
Tanimura Toshihiro was puzzled, wondering why the students were suddenly taking this stance, directly asking him not to teach anymore.
But even more confrontations awaited him.
"Tanimura-sensei, I think it's better for you to retire early. Since learning your Shuriken throwing, I've never hit the bullseye once."
"Tanimura-sensei, ever since we took your Taijutsu class, the whole grade has been praising our class for excelling in Ninjutsu."
Listening to the students' aggressively worded comments, Tanimura Toshihiro was somewhat dumbfounded. He had been teaching for over three years, and this was the first time he encountered such a situation.
He pondered that the classes he taught before might not have been particularly fond of him, but it never reached this level.
Tanimura Toshihiro was grateful for Mutsuki's early warning; otherwise, he would have been completely bewildered about the situation.
"Cough, cough, everyone quiet down. Let me demonstrate a few more times," Tanimura Toshihiro said reluctantly.
Then, Tanimura Toshihiro noticed something interesting. Despite the students' dissatisfaction with him, the training did not stop. In fact, it seemed even more focused than before.
He was a bit puzzled. Logically, if they disliked him so much, why were they practicing with such enthusiasm?
Tanimura Toshihiro felt that Mutsuki's words had an impact, causing the students to be dissatisfied with him but still not daring to slack off in their training.
Tanimura Toshihiro was somewhat relieved and also envious of Mutsuki's control over the class.
"Let's just get through this year first," Tanimura Toshihiro didn't want to give up the position of Taijutsu sensei for Class 1-1. Perhaps he could still come across an outstanding teacher.
If this were an ordinary class and students spoke to him in such a manner, he would have immediately educated a few students to show them the strength of a Chunin.
However, this was Class 1-1, the best-performing class in the entire school.
The more Tanimura Toshihiro taught, the more the students realized that his skill level as a sensei was indeed lacking, solidifying their determination to change their sensei.
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