Ninja School Teacher, I Can Become Stronger by Teaching - Chapter 21

“Please proceed to the principal’s office as soon as possible.”

“The principal?” Ayaka Ueda exclaimed softly.

There aren’t any remarkable teachers at the Ninja Academy; most of them are just ordinary chunin. But the principal of the Ninja Academy is different.

There have only been two principals at the Ninja Academy: the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and the current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Although he is the principal, it’s not easy for the teachers to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi. Aside from saying a few words at the start of the term, Hiruzen Sarutobi usually doesn’t come to school and handles his duties at the Hokage Tower.

This is precisely why Ayaka Ueda was surprised. Hiruzen Sarutobi was in the principal’s office, and he was summoning a teacher personally—such a rare occurrence.

“Alright, I’ll go right away.” Mokutsuki nodded, then apologized to the office teachers, saying:

“Sorry everyone, I need to go to the principal’s office. I’ll come back later to discuss the lesson plans.”

“It’s no problem at all, Habu-sensei. You should go quickly and not keep the Third Hokage waiting,” Isamu Ikeya said, his face showing uncontrolled envy, his eyes almost turning into lemons.

He had been teaching for years and never received such treatment. He had never even entered the principal’s office, let alone been summoned.

However, Isamu Ikeya felt less envious when he thought about Mokutsuki’s teaching skills and the quality of his students.

While the average score of other first-year classes was around fifty, Mokutsuki’s class had an average score of over seventy, leaving the other classes far behind.

Their practical scores were also generally higher, with the top two students in the grade from his class. Shisui Uchiha, the top student, was even recognized as a super-genius.

Isamu Ikeya asked himself if he could lead such a class. The answer was no.

After saying this, Mokutsuki turned and headed to the principal’s office.

The principal’s office was on the top floor of their teaching building, the fifth floor, while their small office was on the second floor.

Looking at the sign next to the door that read “Principal’s Office,” Mokutsuki knocked on the door.

“Come in.” A dignified middle-aged man’s voice came from inside.

Mokutsuki opened the door and walked into the office.

He glanced around casually. The office layout was very simple; the bookshelves and desk were near the window, and there was a set of table and chairs near the door.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t look as old as he did in the anime; his hair and beard were still black, his face not too wrinkled, and his eyes were full of authority, giving an impression of commanding respect without anger. Perhaps because he was at the Ninja Academy, he wasn’t wearing his Hokage hat.

“You must be Habu-sensei, please have a seat.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t put on airs, standing up and walking over to the table and chairs near the door, smiling and indicating for Mokutsuki to sit down.

“Third Hokage-sama,” Mokutsuki said respectfully, sitting down without hesitation.

In his previous life, the Third Hokage’s reputation could have been betterlent due to various reasons, and many things were considered part of his schemes.

He didn’t know what kind of person the Third Hokage in front of him really was, but as a teacher at the Ninja Academy, he had to maintain a respectful front; even if he was cursing internally, he had to smile outwardly.

“Habu, you are a teacher with a gift for teaching,” Hiruzen Sarutobi praised with a smile.

“I’ve heard about your class’s performance. The average theoretical score is twenty to thirty points higher than other classes, and in practical terms, your class has taken the top two positions in the grade.”

“The proctors have all said that the mastery of basic jutsu like the Transformation Jutsu and Clone Jutsu is better in your class compared to others.”

“It’s because the students are diligent. I just do my best to teach them, and the rest is up to their hard work,” Mokutsuki said thoughtfully.

He was being modest, but not completely.

First, he acknowledged the students’ efforts, then mentioned his own dedication to teaching, subtly pointing out his hard work.

“Doing your best to teach, well said.” Hiruzen Sarutobi was very satisfied with Mokutsuki’s answer, sighing:
“If the Ninja Academy had more teachers like you who give their all to educate the students, we wouldn’t have to worry about the next generation’s training.”

Mokutsuki didn’t respond to this, just showing a listening expression.

Agreeing would imply that other teachers were incompetent slackers while disagreeing would suggest that other teachers weren’t dedicated.

“Based on the performance of Class 1 this time, I’m going to decide on awarding you the Excellent Teacher Award for this term,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

Mokutsuki put on a surprised expression, then quickly showed a grateful look and thanked Hiruzen Sarutobi.

“However, Third Hokage-sama, isn’t it a bit premature to make such a decision? It’s only been a month, and I’m worried it might affect your reputation if word gets out,” Mokutsuki said with a worried look, concerned it might tarnish the Third Hokage’s good name.

“Excellent Teacher Awards are given to teachers who perform exceptionally. If other teachers can lead a class like this, I’d give them the same,” Hiruzen Sarutobi said assertively.

The Third Hokage then continued, promising:
“If you, Habu-sensei, can maintain this level of teaching quality for the rest of the year, I’ll promote you to Special Jounin and make you the deputy head of the Ninja Academy’s teachers.”

“Thank you for your support, Third Hokage-sama. As a teacher, my responsibility is to teach my students well, and I always keep that in mind,” Mokutsuki said sincerely.

He thought to himself that Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi were truly students of the same teacher, even their promises sounded similar, both aiming for a Special Jounin promotion.

However, what he truly cared about was his students’ progress, as it would allow him to earn more rewards.

Seeing Mokutsuki’s sincere expression, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had seen many people, believed that Mokutsuki was genuine and appreciated him even more.

“Habu-sensei, I want to discuss a personal matter with you. Would you be willing to listen?” Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked.

Mokutsuki nodded, wondering what Hiruzen Sarutobi was planning.

“I have a younger son named Asuma Sarutobi, who just graduated and became a Genin. He is still very immature and worries me a lot. I want to hire you as his tutor to guide him,” Hiruzen Sarutobi extended the invitation.

Given Mokutsuki’s current demonstrated teaching abilities, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt he was fully capable of teaching Asuma, who had just graduated.

This was also a test of Mokutsuki’s capabilities. If he performed well, it would be worth discussing his potential with Danzo.

Whether it was the Excellent Teacher Award or the promotion to Special Jounin, these were all ways for Hiruzen Sarutobi to gain Mokutsuki’s favor and set the stage for future opportunities.

These were simple matters for Hiruzen Sarutobi, so he was happy to make this move.

“Third Hokage-sama, I need to think this over carefully,” Mokutsuki thought for a moment, not agreeing immediately.

This surprised Hiruzen Sarutobi, who didn’t expect Mokutsuki to hesitate.

“Because I have classes to teach during the week, I definitely don’t have time from Monday to Friday. On weekends, I also need to plan the lessons for the following week.”

“I must ensure that both my and his teaching quality are maintained, so I need time to consider this,” Mokutsuki explained.

The Third Hokage paused, then smiled and praised Mokutsuki again for being an excellent teacher, indicating that there was nothing else and he could leave.

Before leaving, Mokutsuki gave Hiruzen Sarutobi an evaluation in his mind.

(End of Chapter)

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