Chapter 17: Might Guy's Reputation
At noon, inside the office, the teachers gathered to discuss what they had seen during the morning's practical exams.
"Hyuga Homura from Class 1, Grade 4—he's amazing," Ikeya Yu said with a hint of envy. "As expected of the Hyuga Clan. Almost no one in his class could last even a minute against him."
"Looks like he'll take the grade-level practical champion title again this year."
Ikeya Yu couldn't help but wish he was the homeroom teacher for Class 1, Grade 4 instead of Class 2. That way, the bonus would be practically guaranteed—and maybe he could finally afford to take his blind date to that high-end restaurant.
But that was impossible. With grades that good, switching teachers was out of the question.
"Not necessarily," Kimura Sugito said. "I think Uchiha Obito from your class is also quite strong. He might be able to compete."
Ikeya gave him a confused look.
"You must've misspoken. You mean Uchiha Tekka, right? He's the strong one."
"Wrong name? No chance." Kimura folded his arms. "I said Obito."
"Obito? That's impossible. What kind of strength could he have?" Ikeya Yu stared at him, clearly suspicious. It felt like a prank.
Obito was known as the Uchiha dead last. If he were strong, he wouldn't have that reputation.
"Why would I lie? His first opponent was Tekka. He won—and it wasn't even close," Sugito said calmly.
Seeing Ikeya still doubtful, Sugito gestured toward Mugetsu.
"Ask Mugetsu. We invigilated the match together."
Ikeya turned to Mugetsu, seeking confirmation.
Mugetsu nodded. "It's true. Obito defeated Tekka in the first round."
"Seriously? That's... that's really hard to believe." Ikeya scratched his head, thoroughly confused.
He trusted Mugetsu's word. After all, Mugetsu had earned the respect of all the teachers just a month into his position. He was about as reliable as they came.
"But how did Obito beat Tekka?" Ikeya couldn't wrap his head around it. It made no sense. What happened to the so-called dead last? Did a mysterious master descend from the heavens to teach him forbidden jutsu?
Mugetsu glanced at Ikeya's expression and chuckled inwardly.
You're this shocked over Obito? Wait until Might Guy shows his strength. You'll probably think you're trapped in a genjutsu.
Honestly, Ikeya had lucked out this time. Mugetsu figured his bonus was basically guaranteed.
Then again, it wasn't all luck. Ikeya had put in some effort too—often asking Mugetsu to sub for his classes, which helped him recruit disciples and earn system rewards. He also treated Mugetsu to meals fairly often. At least he was thoughtful.
"Teacher Mugetsu's class is really something," Ueda Aya finally spoke up. She had been invigilating Class 1, Grade 1—the class Mugetsu had taken over.
"The overall mastery of the Three Body Technique in that class feels like second grade level," she said, clearly impressed.
"Especially a genius named Uchiha Shisui—he reminded me of Kakashi from a few years ago. He's guaranteed to win the First Grade exam this year."
"Kakashi level? You're exaggerating, right?" Ikeya looked stunned.
Being grade champion was one thing—but comparing someone to Kakashi was on another level entirely.
Kakashi was the academy's golden boy in recent years. He was promoted to Chunin a year after graduation—everyone knew his name.
"I'm not exaggerating. He's simply on a different level from the rest of the first years," Aya said seriously.
"That's amazing, Teacher Mugetsu. You're so lucky. With a student like that, your performance review is in the bag!" Ikeya sighed with envy. Why didn't he ever get this kind of luck? He'd be happy just keeping his bonus.
"What luck?" Aya corrected him. "It's because of good teaching. You can't say all the talented kids just happened to end up in his class. There's a reason every class he substitutes for wants him back."
It wasn't a fluke. Every class Mugetsu taught gave him glowing feedback.
"Slip of the tongue, slip of the tongue," Ikeya said, waving his hands. "Of course I know Teacher Mugetsu is amazing. My students wish I were busier just so he'd come teach them more often."
He chuckled, but deep down he felt a little dejected.
He was the actual teacher, but his students clearly preferred Mugetsu.
"It's alright," Mugetsu said modestly. "The students themselves are just diligent."
After chatting for a while longer, Mugetsu returned to his desk and quietly practiced calligraphy until the afternoon session began.
---
The afternoon exam resumed at Training Ground Sixteen, but the number of students had noticeably decreased.
The rules didn't require those who had lost to stick around. They were free to leave if they didn't want to continue.
As time passed, one match followed another.
Rin, not particularly skilled in combat, was eliminated early in the afternoon round.
But Might Guy—who cleanly defeated every opponent he faced—finally began to attract attention.
"So his taijutsu is that strong? His speed's insane! He knocked out Daisuke with a single kick!" one student exclaimed.
"He's completely different now. Back in third grade, he was just 'decent.' Not like this."
A student who had known Guy for a while shook his head in disbelief.
"Maybe he trained like crazy over the break?"
It was the only explanation that made sense.
---
"Final battle: Number One, Uchiha Obito, versus Number Forty, Might Guy. Examinees, prepare for battle."
Mugetsu's voice echoed across the grounds.
Obito and Guy looked at each other, then walked into the exam area.
"Might Guy, I won't hand over first place," Obito said, glancing briefly at Rin. His fighting spirit burned even brighter.
In front of her, losing wasn't an option.
"I feel the same!" Guy responded enthusiastically. "If I'm going to be the strongest, I have to fight for every first place!"
"They actually made it to the finals…"
The students who had mocked them before suddenly fell silent.
They felt like they'd been slapped in the face.
Back in third grade, both of them were considered dead last. No one would've believed they'd rise this far in fourth grade.
Before the exam began, everyone thought Tekka would take the championship.
No one imagined these two had pushed themselves so hard over break—and again at the start of the new term.
After exchanging bold declarations, Obito and Guy said nothing more.
They stood opposite each other and formed the Confrontation Seal.
"Begin!"
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