After joining the Southern Border Forest Training Team for a few days, Rin gained some new insights.
For example, Mutsuki's strength.
Although Mutsuki had left an impression on Rin as an excellent sensei, Rin had always thought that Mutsuki's teaching skills were outstanding, and his ninja abilities were similar to other Chunin sensei.
Now, Rin realized that her perception was wrong.
Just watching Mutsuki teach Shisui Fire Release, the terrifying power of that Fire Release made Rin feel that Mutsuki's strength was extraordinary.
Even though the Academy's Ninjutsu classes only covered the Three Basic Jutsu, students often requested Chunin sensei to demonstrate additional Ninjutsu. Occasionally, they would showcase other techniques for the students.
While Rin had not witnessed a Jonin releasing Ninjutsu or engaging in combat, she felt that even if Mutsuki wasn't on par with those Jonin, he was still quite formidable among the Chunin.
Moreover, Mutsuki seems to be very versatile; he is proficient not only in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu but also in Medical Ninjutsu.
In addition to Mutsuki's abilities, upon closer observation, Rin noticed that Mutsuki appears more relaxed here than on the training ground.
Then there's the matter of Obito diligently studying last semester. Seeing Obito's distressed expression after failing a running competition and receiving a stack of problems, Rin finally understood why she always saw Obito working on assignments last semester.
She found it quite peculiar before; if Obito suddenly loved studying, he wouldn't look bitter and unwilling when doing his assignments. However, if he didn't want to study, why was he studying every day? giving off a contradictory impression.
Overall, Rin is quite happy to be Mutsuki's disciple.
"Damn, I was so close!" Obito sits on the ground, angrily pounding the earth.
Just a moment ago, he was just a little short of successfully overtaking Guy and reaching the finish line first.
"It's okay, this time you were close. Put in a little more effort, and maybe you'll succeed next time," Rin comforted in a gentle tone.
Receiving comfort from Rin, Obito instantly revived with full spirit. He stood up, dusted off the dirt on his body, and declared with great enthusiasm, "Guy, just wait. Tomorrow, I will definitely surpass you!"
"Obito, your thirty-five questions," Mutsuki smiled as he handed the exam papers to Obito.
Seeing the questions on the paper, Obito's blood, which had just been replenished by Rin, began to stagnate again. He tremblingly took the paper, as if receiving a cup of poison.
"Obito, didn't you say you love studying?" Rin couldn't help but smile when she saw Obito accepting the exam paper with a forlorn and dramatic expression.
"Yeah, I love studying too much. I feel uncomfortable if I don't solve a dozen problems a day," Obito nodded, holding back the urge to burst into tears.
"Do you want me to add a few more?" Mutsuki asked with a smile.
"No, thanks. As much as I love doing problems, I shouldn't be too greedy," Obito decisively refused. Dealing with a few dozen extra problems every day was already challenging enough for him.
"Continue your training," Mutsuki tapped Obito, who was adding some theatrics, with his fingers.
In addition to teaching Rin Medical Ninjutsu, Mutsuki also instructed her in Taijutsu.
Medical Ninjutsu can be used in combat and possesses considerable destructive power. When combined with excellent Taijutsu, the overall combat strength can be formidable, similar to someone like Tsunade.
...
Due to it being Saturday afternoon, Mutsuki went to the Sarutobi Clan's residence to train with Asuma.
Today, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to have some free time. When Mutsuki arrived at Asuma's house, Sarutobi Hiruzen was sitting in the living room, looking at something.
"Lord Third" Mutsuki greeted.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in response, then set aside the documents in his hand and asked with a smile:
"Mutsuki, how's that summer special training going? It's been three weeks already, and more than half of the time has passed since the Academy vacation started."
The Academy vacation lasts from mid-July to early September, approximately a little over a month and a half.
It's not possible to let students have no break at all, seamlessly transitioning from regular school to summer special training and then back to school. That's why the scheduled time for summer special training is only five weeks
Mutsuki responded after giving it some thought.
"The students are very diligent in their training, and they are willing to learn. In general, there has been progress," Mutsuki continued. "I schedule tests every week to easily track their growth. I was planning to go get those records now."
"No need to trouble yourself. Mutsuki, just bring them when you come tomorrow," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile. "But since you've mentioned it like this, it seems like the results are quite promising. It looks like Konoha will have another Special Jonin in the future."
Sarutobi Hiruzen planned to personally check the students' progress in the fifth week. If the results were indeed effective, he might consider making this kind of special training a regular occurrence. If Konoha were to be affected by war, Sarutobi Hiruzen might even consider canceling the normal curriculum for fourth-year students and have Mutsuki directly train them until graduation.
"Old man, I think your eyesight is failing you. Why not just directly promote Yumi-sensei to Jonin? He's so outstanding," Asuma, who happened to be passing by, couldn't help expressing his dissatisfaction for his sensei.
"I feel like my Jonin mentor isn't as good as Yumi-sensei," he added.
"Jonin is a crucial force for the village, and they need to excel in various aspects, not just one" Hiruzen explained. "Apart from other considerations, Mutsuki's current task quantity and quality are subpar. The promotion to Special Jonin is mainly due to his exceptional teaching skills, combined with promising strength, making him a candidate for the future."
"I think Yumi-sensei is excellent in various aspects. Since you don't often go to the Academy, why not let Yumi-sensei take over?" Asuma suggested, feeling that Sarutobi Hiruzen should step down sooner rather than later.
Hearing Asuma's outspoken remarks, Sarutobi Hiruzen's blood pressure rose. He rubbed his forehead, gesturing for Mutsuki to quickly take Asuma away.
Understanding Hiruzen's silent intentions, he nodded and promptly took Asuma off for training.
"When will this kid ever grow up?" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.
Although, as the Hokage, he indeed had limited time to attend to Academy matters, and Mutsuki's teaching abilities were strong, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't consider making Mutsuki the principal. At least not at this moment – Mutsuki wasn't qualified enough.
Since its inception, the Academy had only had two principals: Senju Tobirama and Sarutobi Hiruzen. The establishment of the Academy held significant importance for Konoha. Even though, with the improvement of the system, the current principal of the Academy no longer held the same authority as in the past, the position still carried some special significance.
Unless a sensei truly made significant contributions, Sarutobi Hiruzen would only consider the next Hokage as the next principal.
Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that Asuma would understand his decision once he grew up.
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