Ninja School Teacher, I Can Become Stronger by Teaching

After returning home, Mokutsuki opened the scroll given to him by the Third Hokage.

Upon reading it, Mokutsuki realized it was essentially a letter of appointment for the position of Special Jonin. It bore the signature of Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, making it more formal than the promotion to Chunin, which in the original host’s memory was just a piece of paper. This scroll, however, was more elaborate.

Mokutsuki casually placed the scroll in his study and began to review the sealing technique materials Kushina had given him.

The Five Elements Seal was much more complicated than he had anticipated. No wonder it was classified as a super high-level sealing technique. Despite having mastered the Five-Finger Seal, Mokutsuki found himself stuck at 80% proficiency in the Five Elements Seal, unable to advance.

Mokutsuki considered using the Ninjutsu Proficiency Scroll on the Five-Finger Seal, which might instantly allow him to master the Five Elements Seal. However, he decided against it, feeling it would be a waste to use such a valuable scroll on a technique with limited practical use, especially since he could eventually learn it on his own with his talent in sealing techniques.

These proficiency scrolls were better saved for high-difficulty ninjutsu. If he ever obtained the Flying Thunder God Technique and managed to get an initial grasp of it, these scrolls would be invaluable. According to the system’s rule that multiple scrolls can stack proficiency, he could push a technique to mastery.

After some time, Mokutsuki heard a knock on his door downstairs. Setting the sealing technique materials aside, he went to open the door.

“Mokutsuki-sensei, this is from the Third Hokage,” said a ninja, handing him three scrolls.

Mokutsuki thanked the ninja and invited him in for tea, but the ninja politely declined and left. Mokutsuki mused that the Third Hokage’s subordinates were indeed more courteous than Danzo’s, at least knowing to knock before entering.

Opening the scrolls one by one, Mokutsuki found that the first scroll contained two jutsu: Water Release: Water Shockwave and Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique.

Both jutsu were entirely practical. The Water Shockwave required few hand seals and was both offensive and defensive. It could turn water into a protective vortex or launch it like a waterfall at enemies. The Great Dragon Fire was a flexible fire technique.

However, Mokutsuki was already proficient in the Great Dragon Fire, and he had once gained the Water Shockwave through teaching. Nevertheless, it meant he could now openly use these jutsu.

The second scroll contained a straightforward sum of 300,000 ryo. Considering that a ninja academy teacher’s monthly salary was 100,000 ryo, this was effectively triple pay.

Mokutsuki accepted it with a clear conscience. This was his due reward for teaching not only the fourth-year students but also some top students from other grades and even some newly graduated Genin. Even if the Third Hokage gave him ten times the pay, it would be well-earned.

The third scroll outlined the Third Hokage’s plans for Mokutsuki’s future duties.

The ninja academy would reopen in nine days, with teachers returning a week before students. The Third Hokage intended to promote Mokutsuki to deputy head of the teachers’ office. However, since Mokutsuki had only been a regular teacher for a short time, this might cause some dissent. Therefore, Mokutsuki would first serve as a grade head for a semester before becoming the deputy head in the third semester.

This part of the scroll was what Mokutsuki valued most. He wasn’t concerned about the salary increase from a promotion but rather the opportunities the position’s authority would afford him.

From the summer special training, he knew that large-scale classes provided double the usual teaching rewards. Thus, he could propose a reform of the ninja academy curriculum to incorporate more large-scale classes and obtain more rewards.

Moreover, adding more large-scale classes could alleviate the teaching burden on ninja academy teachers. For instance, Ikeda Yu, who managed two classes, had a nearly full schedule.

Of course, not all classes could be large-scale. Mokutsuki was confident in managing large groups for ninjutsu and taijutsu classes, but regular Chunin teachers might struggle with such setups, leading to poor outcomes.

Mokutsuki planned to suggest large-scale lectures for theory classes, like ninja world history, Konoha history, and mathematics. Theory classes were relatively more straightforward to teach; whether the audience was large or small, the teacher’s role was primarily to deliver the content. As long as the students paid attention, the results wouldn’t differ much.

Through this scroll, Mokutsuki sensed the Third Hokage’s goodwill.

Hiruzen Sarutobi might tolerate a Root ninja working as a regular teacher, but he wouldn’t actively promote one to a high position within the ninja academy. Mokutsuki estimated that he would soon be able to leave the Root, possibly without needing to remove the curse seal himself—Danzo might have to do it for him.

In Konoha, Danzo couldn’t outmaneuver Hiruzen Sarutobi because the Hokage honestly had the power to act as he wished.

During dinner, Mokutsuki mentioned his promotion to Special Jonin to Kushina and Minato.

“Does that old man ever move this quickly?” Kushina was surprised, not expecting the Third Hokage to finalize Mokutsuki’s promotion to Special Jonin on the very day the training ended.

“Let’s attend meetings together from now on,” Minato said warmly, happy for Mokutsuki’s achievement.

The difference between a Chunin and a Jonin, even a Special Jonin, was significant, spanning two levels. While it might not be evident in peacetime, during the war, their authority and responsibilities differed significantly. A Jonin could lead teams on crucial missions.

“Previously, I thought Mokutsuki had a talent for sealing techniques and might become a Special Jonin through that. It seems I underestimated you, Special Jonin Mokutsuki,” Kushina remarked with a smile.

She had initially planned to help Mokutsuki advance through sealing techniques after testing his talent. Still, his exceptional teaching abilities had fast-tracked his promotion before he even fully mastered advanced sealing techniques.

“I’m still far behind compared to you and Minato. Becoming a full Jonin is my next goal,” Mokutsuki replied with a cheerful smile.

“With hard work, you’ll definitely achieve it,” Minato encouraged.

Since Kushina had brought up sealing techniques, Mokutsuki smoothly steered the conversation toward his current challenges with the Five Elements Seal, asking for their advice.

While he wouldn’t rely solely on others, seeking help for complex parts of his training was always wise. He intended to continue studying sealing techniques, knowing they would enhance his overall strength and possibly help him break free from the Root’s curse seal.

(End of Chapter)

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