I Can Become Stronger Just By Teaching

A few days after joining the training team in the southern forest, Nohara Rin gained valuable insights.

For example, she gained a deeper understanding of Makoto's strength.

Although Nohara Rin had always considered Makoto an excellent teacher, she previously believed that his skills as a ninja were on par with other Chunin teachers. However, she now realized that she had underestimated him.

Watching Makoto teach Shisui Fire Release, the overwhelming power of the Fire Release technique made Nohara Rin truly appreciate Makoto's extraordinary strength.

In the ninja school, the curriculum primarily focuses on basic ninjutsu like the three fundamental techniques, but students often request to learn more advanced techniques.

Occasionally, Chunin teachers would demonstrate higher-level ninjutsu to the students.

Before, Nohara Rin had never seen Jounin-level ninja using their jutsu in battle. But now, witnessing Makoto's prowess, she understood that he was incredibly skilled, even if he was not as powerful as the elite Jounin.

Nohara Rin also noticed that Makoto was highly versatile, proficient in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, and even Medical Ninjutsu.

Moreover, while observing Makoto's teaching methods, Nohara Rin noticed that he appeared more relaxed in the southern forest compared to the training ground.

Nohara Rin also started to understand the reasons behind Obito's intense studying over the last semester.

Nohara Rin used to find Obito's approach to studying peculiar. When he started showing an interest in learning, he seemed unhappy and reluctant, creating a paradoxical impression.

In general, Nohara Rin was content with her decision to become Makoto's disciple.

"Darn it! I was so close!" Obito sat on the ground, venting his frustration by pounding it with his fists.

Moments earlier, he had come close to outpacing Might Gai and crossing the finish line first.

"It's alright. You were almost there this time. With more effort, you might succeed next time," Nohara Rin gently comforted him.

Obito's spirits lifted after her comforting words. He stood up, dusted himself off, and declared with renewed determination, "Gai, just you wait! I'll surpass you tomorrow!"

"Obito, here are your questions," Makoto announced with a grin, handing the questions paper to Obito.

Upon seeing the questions, Obito's hope plummeted. He accepted the paper as if it were a poison that would bring his demise.

"Didn't you say you loved studying so much?" Nohara Rin teased, amused by Obito's dejected expression.

"Yes, I love studying so much that I feel uncomfortable if I don't answer more than a dozen questions a day," Obito replied, suppressing the urge to burst into tears.

"Would you like some extra questions?" Makoto asked with a smile.

"Forget it. While more questions are good, it's best not to be too greedy," Obito firmly declined. A dozen additional questions per day were sufficient for him.

"Let's continue practicing," Makoto said, adding a touch of theatrical flair by lightly tapping Obito's shoulder.

In addition to teaching Nohara Rin medical ninjutsu knowledge, Makoto was also imparting his expertise in physical skills. Medical ninjutsu, when used in combat, could be lethal.

When combined with exceptional physical skills, it resulted in a formidable fighting capability.

As it was Saturday, Makoto headed to Asuma's residence in the Sarutobi Clan's compound for an afternoon practice session.

Surprisingly, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't appear to be busy that day. Upon Makoto's arrival at Asuma's home, Sarutobi Hiruzen was seated in the living room, engrossed in reading something.

"Lord Third," Makoto greeted.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded in response, then set aside the document he was reading and inquired with a smile, "Makoto, how is your summer special training going? It's been three weeks, since it started."

Ninja school holidays typically run from mid-July to early September, lasting about a month and a half.

However, due to the need for students to have a break and transition between school and summer training, the allocated time for summer training is limited to just five weeks.

"The students are dedicated to their training and eager to learn. They've made substantial progress," Makoto reflected before adding, "I've been conducting weekly tests to monitor their development. I'll bring those records right now."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, with a smile, responded, "No need to trouble yourself, Makoto. Just bring them along tomorrow."

Makoto seemed to have made a significant impact with his teaching methods. It appeared that Konoha might have another exceptional Jounin in the making. Sarutobi Hiruzen intended to assess the students' progress for himself during the fifth week.

If the results were positive, he might consider standardizing this special training program.

In fact, if Konoha faced prolonged challenges due to war, Sarutobi Hiruzen contemplated canceling the regular fourth-grade curriculum and having Makoto provide specialized training until graduation.

"Old man, it's clear you're not seeing Teacher Makoto's full potential. He's amazing; why don't you just make him a Jounin?" Asuma, passing by at that moment, couldn't help but voice his frustration.

"I feel that Teacher Makoto surpasses my current Jounin instructor," Asuma added.

Sarutobi Hiruzen explained, "A Jounin serves as a vital asset to the village. They must excel in various areas, not just one. Makoto has impressive teaching skills and considerable strength, which qualifies him for special Jounin status, but a Jounin should meet a broader set of criteria."

Asuma continued to express his admiration for Makoto. "I genuinely believe that Makoto-sensei excels in every aspect. You don't spend much time at the ninja school anyway; wouldn't it be better if Makoto-sensei were the head?"

However, Asuma's impassioned plea only led to a spike in Sarutobi Hiruzen's blood pressure. He rubbed his forehead and gestured for Makoto to whisk Asuma away. Understanding the signal, Makoto nodded and took Asuma for training.

"When will this child mature?" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

While he didn't have much time to manage the ninja school's affairs as Hokage, Makoto's exceptional teaching abilities were undebatable. However, making him the principal was not currently feasible.

Since the establishment of the Ninja School, only two individuals had served as principals: Senju Tobirama and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The role of principal carried significant importance in Konoha's history. Even with a modified system, the principal still held special significance.

Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that Asuma would come to understand his actions as he grew older. The future principal for the Ninja School would be the next Hokage, unless a certain teacher makes a truly substantial contribution.