As Mokuzuki executed the whirlwind kick with impressive speed and precision, Guy's eyes lit up. He felt like he had stumbled upon a dream technique that perfectly matched his fantasies about taijutsu—simple, swift, powerful, and stylish.
"I love it. Please make sure to teach me this!" Guy declared enthusiastically, clearly impressed with the Leaf Whirlwind.
"I'm glad you like it," Mokuzuki replied with a smile.
Mokuzuki had expected Guy's reaction. After all, this taijutsu would eventually be developed into a whole series by Guy himself, including variations like the Great Whirlwind and others. It was no surprise that Guy was excited.
With Mokuzuki's promise, both Obito and Guy were thrilled, and even the daunting test papers seemed less intimidating.
"I'm going all out this time. I'm going to get more than four correct!" Obito said eagerly, rolling up his sleeves as if preparing for a fight.
"I'll get at least three correct, or I'll run five hundred laps around Konoha tonight!" Guy was determined to learn the dream technique and had even imposed a personal punishment.
He planned to challenge Kakashi to a match once he mastered the taijutsu, hoping to measure his progress.
However, enthusiasm faded quickly. After working through a few more questions, Obito realized that no matter how hard he tried, there was no escaping the struggle with the test questions.
Frustrated, he rested his head on his hand and fiddled with his pen, unable to focus on anything, even the swaying leaves seemed to mock his inability to solve the problems.
Obito glanced over at Guy.
Though they had been classmates for over three years and shared Kakashi as a mutual friend, their relationship was quite ordinary. They weren't strangers, but neither were they close friends—just acquaintances who happened to be in the same class.
Obito had always thought of Guy as a bit of an underachiever. While he too was often seen as a weak link, Obito believed his skills in ninjutsu and shuriken throwing were decent, but his theoretical knowledge was lacking. In contrast, Guy struggled in both theory and ninjutsu, consistently placing at the bottom of his class.
But now, Guy was displaying more patience than Obito. Despite the difficulty, Guy was focused on solving the problems, showing a level of determination that Obito had not expected.
Obito recalled Guy's defiant words when he was mocked: "I believe that if I keep working hard, I will become the strongest taijutsu ninja!"
Obito had been skeptical at the time, doubting Guy's ability to become a top taijutsu practitioner. However, now he was beginning to reconsider. Whether Guy would become the strongest was uncertain, but he was likely to be much stronger than those who had mocked him.
"Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be friends with him," Obito thought, considering that together they could confront the annoying Kakashi.
Seeing Guy diligently working on his test, Obito also began to write furiously, straining his mind to come up with answers.
Mokuzuki observed the scene thoughtfully. He hadn't anticipated such chemistry between the two. The once-restless Obito was now influenced by Guy's perseverance and was able to focus on his work.
In the future, Mokuzuki could use similar methods to stimulate Obito's training.
Once they finished, Mokuzuki reviewed their answers.
Obito had gotten three correct, while Guy had two.
"Still not four correct. We've tried our best," Obito sighed, collapsing onto the desk as if exhausted.
"I'll add five hundred laps to my evening workout," Guy incorporated his punishment into his exercise routine.
Mokuzuki comforted them, "You're only five questions away from passing. You've improved by one question in just an hour. Doesn't that make you feel a lot better?"
Obito and Guy realized the truth in Mokuzuki's words. Passing and mastering ninjutsu seemed within reach.
Smiling, Mokuzuki pulled out two more test papers.
Obito stared at the fresh papers on the desk, thinking about the three weekends left before the exam, and felt a pang of dread.
Yet, he had no choice but to continue working on the test, knowing that giving up now would make all their previous efforts pointless.
Meanwhile, Shisui resumed practicing Fire Style techniques, drawing Obito's attention with the sight of fire dragons soaring through the sky.
"Sensei Yūki, if we learn your jutsu, will we become your disciples like Shisui?" Obito asked.
"If you want to see it that way, then yes," Mokuzuki replied ambiguously.
"Since we'll be your disciples anyway, why don't you teach us now?" Obito made a direct request.
Mokuzuki looked at him skeptically. Although this was a result of his careful planning, the approach seemed a bit short-sighted.
Obito assured him, "Sensei, this isn't about avoiding study. I believe we can do both at once."
He then nudged Guy and added, "Guy, don't you agree?"
"Yes, Sensei. I think Obito is right. I want to learn the Leaf Whirlwind as soon as possible to challenge Kakashi," Guy also expressed his eagerness.
"What if you don't pass the test?" Mokuzuki asked, not ready to agree immediately.
"We'll do whatever you say. I'm confident we'll pass," Obito responded with assurance.
"Me too," Guy nodded in agreement.
Mokuzuki appeared to be weighing his decision, showing a conflicted expression.
"Trust me, Sensei. I'll make sure to learn well and not disappoint you," Obito urged.
"I'll also work hard," Guy pledged.
"Alright," Mokuzuki said, seemingly persuaded. "If you finish this test, I'll teach you the Great Dragon Fire Jutsu and the Leaf Whirlwind."
"That's great! I knew you were the best, Sensei. I won't let you down," Obito said excitedly.
He felt that today was his lucky day—improving his theoretical knowledge and gaining a powerful teacher. He felt like he was getting a great deal.
"I'll put my all into practicing your taijutsu!" Guy vowed seriously.
He was also thrilled to have found someone willing to teach him taijutsu.
[Establish Master-Disciple Relationship with Uchiha Obito]
[Establish Master-Disciple Relationship with Guy]
Seeing the pop-up options, Mokuzuki smiled with satisfaction. "Yes, you're making a killing."