Ninja School Teacher, I Can Become Stronger by Teaching - Chapter 115

“How do you all feel about Mokutsuki’s summer special training?” asked the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stroking his goatee with a smile after watching the tests.

“It’s incredible! The students’ improvement in this month and a bit of training is greater than what they would achieve in a whole semester of normal classes,” Ikeda Yu marveled.

His praise wasn’t just because he had a good relationship with Mokutsuki; he genuinely felt that Mokutsuki’s special training was extraordinary. As the homeroom teacher of Class 2, Grade 4, he had students in all three groups (A, B, and C). Reflecting on their abilities before the special training, he found it almost unbelievable how much they had improved. Students like Nakazaki Koichi, who had been very ordinary, had become good, while those who were already good had become excellent. Every single student had improved.

“This seems particularly suitable for fourth-year students who are about to graduate. If we conduct more such special training sessions, the quality of our Genin in Konoha will improve significantly,” mused Kimura Sanjin.

Improving the strength of Genin has significant implications. It allows them to take on higher-paying and more challenging missions sooner. Typically, fresh Genin are restricted to simple tasks like trash collection, cat catching, and weeding to ensure their safety as they develop. However, if the quality of Genin improves, these restrictions might be relaxed. More challenging tasks mean better training opportunities, creating a positive feedback loop that accelerates their overall growth.

Even the teacher who had taught Ayato Radome had changed his opinion of Mokutsuki, continuously praising his teaching abilities. The results were undeniable; the improvements were visible to anyone with eyes.

“I was just doing my best to teach. The students’ progress is largely due to their own hard work,” Mokutsuki said warmly.

“The special training is much more exhausting than regular classes, with eight hours of practice each day. The students’ perseverance is commendable,” he added, genuinely appreciative of their efforts.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, still smiling, nodded approvingly. “No matter what, Mokutsuki, you have given me a pleasant surprise today. The students’ progress is tangible, and I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Your summer special training has provided an excellent model and a new direction for enhancing the strength of our graduating Genin.”

“Due to Mokutsuki’s outstanding teaching abilities and exceptional work performance… I hereby promote you to Special Jonin!” Hiruzen Sarutobi announced with a smile.

He handed Mokutsuki a scroll and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Special Jonin Mokutsuki, I hope you continue to dedicate yourself to teaching and nurturing the next generation of Konoha. The future of the village depends on young talents like you.”

Hiruzen had promised Mokutsuki the promotion to Special Jonin from the beginning, provided he achieved significant results with the summer special training. With the successful completion of the training and the visible improvement in the students, Hiruzen prepared everything in advance and was ready to promote Mokutsuki as soon as there were no issues.

Promotion to Jonin or Special Jonin is typically challenging, requiring many completed missions, exceptional talent, or extraordinary strength. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi, having served as Hokage for decades, had the authority to promote anyone he deemed worthy. He wouldn’t abuse this power lightly, but Mokutsuki’s achievements warranted this promotion.

“Thank you, Lord Hokage, for your trust. I will dedicate all my energy to teaching and training our students, ensuring they become strong shinobi for Konoha,” Mokutsuki responded with genuine gratitude, accepting the scroll with both hands.

While Mokutsuki’s feelings were not particularly special, given the many people present, he expressed his gratitude earnestly.

“Jonin…” Ikeda Yu’s eyes widened with envy as he looked at Mokutsuki.

Even being a Special Jonin meant Mokutsuki was now among the higher echelons of shinobi, with the right to participate in Jonin meetings and discuss various important matters. There were only two Jonin among the ninja academy teachers: the head of the teacher’s office and the deputy head. Chunin filled all other positions, such as grade leaders and office heads.

Seeing Mokutsuki, who was younger and had been teaching for a shorter time, rise to Special Jonin status, Ikeda Yu couldn’t help but feel envious. If he were a Special Jonin, dating and socializing would be much easier, he thought.

“This promotion came quickly,” Ueda Aya was equally surprised. Although she knew Mokutsuki would be promoted eventually due to his exceptional teaching skills, she didn’t expect it to happen so soon. However, considering his achievements with Class 1 and the innovative summer special training, it made sense.

The other Chunin teachers looked at Mokutsuki with immense envy. They had to admit that his achievements were well-deserved, and none of them felt they could match his results.

Hiruzen Sarutobi noted Mokutsuki’s and Chunin’s reactions, feeling satisfied. By promoting Mokutsuki directly, he not only gained Mokutsuki’s deep gratitude but also demonstrated to the other Chunin that he recognized and rewarded talent, motivating them to work harder in their teaching roles and hoping for their promotions in the future. It was a win-win situation with minimal preparation.

“What are the students gathering for?” one teacher asked curiously.

“My shadow clone probably finished organizing the final scores and announced them. The final scores are compared with the initial group test scores to show the students their progress more clearly,” Mokutsuki explained with a smile.

Aside from the unique A group, the B and C groups were graded according to their respective grades.

“Let’s go see the students’ progress,” Hiruzen Sarutobi suggested, leading the teachers over.

Mokutsuki followed, maintaining a genuine smile. This time, his smile was heartfelt because he had received more than he had anticipated from the system’s rewards.

[Due to your teaching, students participating in the summer special training have shown progress in ninjutsu and taijutsu, enhancing their overall strength.]

[You have received: Chakra +800, Ninjutsu Proficiency Scroll, Combined Ninjutsu (Proficient Level)]

The rewards from the summer special training were all precious to Mokutsuki. The chakra boost was always welcome; the proficiency scroll could enhance advanced or complex jutsu, and the combined ninjutsu would further improve his combat capabilities.

But the rewards didn’t stop there. Mokutsuki continued reading the system notifications.

[Disciple Uchiha Shisui has worked hard and achieved perfect results in the summer special training. You have received: Chakra +200]

[Disciple Uchiha Obito has worked hard and achieved excellent results in the summer special training. You have received: Chakra +150]

[Disciple Might Guy has worked hard and achieved excellent results in the summer special training. You have received: Chakra +150]

Another 500 chakra points were added to his total. Reflecting on the test score calculations, Mokutsuki realized the system’s logic had some nuances he hadn’t fully grasped. His assumption was partly correct; his exams could trigger system rewards, but specific conditions like exam intervals or the students’ improvement during the tests played a role.

Regardless, he had received rewards, making exams worthwhile. Just that frequent tests to exploit the system’s rewards wouldn’t work.

With a total increase of 1,300 chakra points, Mokutsuki was genuinely pleased. He opened his status panel to check his latest attributes.

[Name: Mokutsuki]

[Chakra: 15,300]

Mokutsuki’s chakra level had now reached six small cards. Reflecting on the summer special training, he felt it had been incredibly beneficial. He had prepared for a potential slowdown in chakra growth after the holidays, but due to the special training, his chakra growth had exceeded expectations.

In just over a month, his chakra had increased by 3,250 points, without factoring in the rewards from teaching new jutsu. The increased chakra came from various sources, primarily the improvement and exam rewards, along with daily teaching rewards, disciple returns, and natural chakra growth.

Since mastering the advanced-level Rock Breathing technique, Mokutsuki’s physical condition has steadily improved, resulting in faster natural chakra growth.

He estimated that his chakra could break the 20,000 barrier before the end of the following semester.

“Your progress is impressive, from twelve points to twenty-three points.”

“Heh, yours isn’t bad either, from fifteen to twenty-five.”

When Mokutsuki and the others arrived, the students were happily discussing their improvements with their peers. The numerical comparisons made their progress very clear, eliciting more admiration from the teachers.

After seeing the scores, Mokutsuki gathered the students for a final address.

“Are you all satisfied with your progress?” Mokutsuki asked with a smile.

“Yes!”

“I never thought I could improve so much in just five weeks…”

“Mokutsuki-sensei, you’re amazing! I never imagined getting stronger could be this straightforward.”

The students responded enthusiastically, each expressing their satisfaction in different ways.

“It seems everyone is pleased with their improvement. But I want to emphasize that your progress is mainly due to your own efforts. Keep up this level of dedication, and you’ll all become outstanding ninja in the future,” Mokutsuki said earnestly.

This might be the most incredible kindness Mokutsuki had shown his students in over a month. It wasn’t about improving favorability to boost training efficiency or seeking rewards; he genuinely hoped these children would enhance their strength to survive the upcoming wars.

.

Despite not feeling a solid attachment to Konoha, having been here for less than five months, Mokutsuki still didn’t want to see young kids going off to battle.

He knew that anyone who had received a modern education wouldn’t want to see ten-year-old children fighting in wars. Unfortunately, Mokutsuki himself was still struggling, trying to increase his strength while worrying about being discovered by Danzo. Even if he felt compassion, there wasn’t much he could do.

With the Third Hokage present, Mokutsuki gracefully invited him to speak next.

“Actually, I was a bit worried before coming here today. But after seeing the progress you have made, I feel reassured,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a kind smile.

“Seeing the new generation of the village working so hard makes me very happy. It means the sacrifices and efforts of our predecessors were not in vain, and the village continues to grow strong.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi then delivered his famous Will of Fire speech.

“Wherever leaves dance, fire burns. The shadow of fire will illuminate the village, allowing new leaves to sprout.”

“You are the new leaves of Konoha. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you grow,” the Third Hokage said, holding his pipe in his right hand and smiling warmly.

Mokutsuki stood behind the Third Hokage, facing the students with a warm smile. He thought of a saying: “When I was eighteen, I stood like a lackey.”

After Hiruzen’s speech, it was time to end and disperse. However, the students didn’t immediately leave. Instead, they surrounded Mokutsuki, preventing him from leaving, and covered his eyes, saying they had a surprise for him.

Using his sensory jutsu to scan the surroundings, Mokutsuki allowed the students to guide him.

“Ta-da! A giant five-layer cake!”

With Anko’s energetic voice, Mokutsuki’s eyes were uncovered, revealing a giant cake nearly as tall as him, topped with eighteen kunai-shaped sweets and numerous small candles.

“Mokutsuki-sensei, thank you for your guidance over the past month!” the students said in unison.

Of the 300 students, more than half barely knew Mokutsuki before the special training. Some had only attended one of his substitute classes, and others had just heard of his reputation. However, during the past month, they had come to like this capable and gentle teacher.

When the groups were initially formed, many students were disappointed, thinking Mokutsuki was just another teacher who treated students based on their grades, grouping the weaker ones and leaving them to fend for themselves.

But they quickly realized they were wrong. The grouping was simply to facilitate more efficient teaching. While the A group was comprised mainly of top students, Mokutsuki didn’t show favoritism. He had a shadow clone for each group, with his main body rotating among them. No group received more attention than the others.

Every student received direct guidance from Mokutsuki, whether they sought help or not. He could accurately call out each of their names instead of saying, “Hey, you over there.”

Mokutsuki praised the students’ hard work and perseverance, acknowledging that his guidance alone wouldn’t have sufficed without their effort. The students realized that while Mokutsuki credited them, he had worked even harder, teaching tirelessly, even during their breaks.

Excellent students might not have felt this deeply, but ordinary and struggling students genuinely felt the warmth of Mokutsuki’s care.

They had found in Mokutsuki what they hadn’t in other teachers, making them strive not to disappoint him.

“Since I can now, I will do what I can,” Mokutsuki thought, feeling touched by the students’ pure-hearted gratitude. Despite the world’s harshness, there were still many kind-hearted people.

“I appreciate your gesture. It’s no trouble at all,” Mokutsuki said with a radiant smile.

“It would be no trouble at all if you agreed to become the homeroom teacher of Class 6, Year 4,” Genma Shiranui joked.

“Yes, Mokutsuki-sensei, become the homeroom teacher of Class 3, Year 4. We want your guidance.”

“Class 1, Year 4, too!”

The students of Class 2, Year 4, remained silent, confident that as long as Ikeda Yu was there, Mokutsuki would be their instructor.

“No way! Mokutsuki-sensei can only be the homeroom teacher of Class 1, Year 1,” Anko said, protectively standing in front of Mokutsuki.

“Let’s all share the cake. If you let me eat this cake alone, you might never see your Mokutsuki-sensei again,” Mokutsuki joked with a relaxed smile.

The students paused their debate over Mokutsuki’s class and began to line up for cake. Mokutsuki quickly created several shadow clones to help distribute it.

“The only thing the old man did right this year was to hire Mokutsuki-sensei as my tutor,” Asuma thought as he ate his cake.

Given the students’ different economic backgrounds, those who could afford more contributed more, while those who couldn’t contribute less or helped in other ways. Asuma had given up most of his allowance, making him the most significant contributor.

What followed was an enjoyable time of eating cake and sharing funny stories from their training.

“Ebisu-san, I have great news for you,” Tetsu Shizuka said excitedly.

“What news?” Ebisu asked, still feeling down about his scolding.

“Your genius reputation has reached the Hokage!” Shizuka said with pride.

“You should treat Tetsu to something, Ebisu-san. He was brave enough to spread the word among the teachers,” Kotsu Tsukumo added with a laugh.

“Genius reputation?” Ebisu felt uneasy, fearing he had found the reason for his scolding.

“It happened like this. I overheard Mokutsuki-sensei mention my name while the Hokage was nearby. So, I loudly proclaimed that the main contributor to the Enhanced Seduction Jutsu was none other than you, Ebisu-san,” Shizuka explained proudly.

“Don’t worry, Ebisu-san. This is our way of repaying your teaching,” Shizuka added generously.

“In front of the Hokage…” Ebisu turned pale, realizing his ninja career might be over before it began.

“Why aren’t you smiling, Ebisu-san?” Kotsu asked, noticing his friend’s unease.

Tetsu and Kotsu’s joy turned to surprise as Ebisu smeared cake on their faces in frustration.

Their cake fight quickly spread, leading to a playful cake battle, leaving everyone messy but happy.

“Don’t be too sad. I’ll still be teaching at the academy. You can always come to me with questions. I’ll always be your Mokutsuki-sensei,” Mokutsuki reassured the students with a heartfelt smile.

That day, Mokutsuki was genuinely happy. Not only had his chakra increased, but he had also received what he considered his second gift since arriving in this world.

On the way home, Asuma noticed his father waiting for him. Mokutsuki’s words from earlier came to mind, and Asuma felt a surge of emotion. “What did you think of my performance today?” he asked.

“Too many mistakes. If it were me, I could have thought of over a hundred ways to win,” Hiruzen replied, shaking his head.

Asuma’s face darkened, and he walked past his father, heading home.

(End of Chapter)

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