Chapter 22: The Strength of the Peak Third Hokage
["Name: Hiruzen Sarutobi"]
["Chakra: 170,000"]
["Potential: S"]
["Evaluation: Highly talented in Ninjutsu, skilled in Combination Ninjutsu. While single-nature transformation techniques may not rival Bloodline Limits… how would you respond if I simultaneously used five high-level nature transformation Ninjutsu?"]
"The peak of the Third Hokage…" Mugetsu thought to himself, feeling both surprised and a little envious as he exited the office, eyes lingering on that absurd number.
A full 170,000 Chakra—130,000 more than what Minato had when Hayate last checked.
Then again, Minato was only eighteen now. Comparing someone in his prime to someone still in their growth phase made little sense.
"…How should I write the report to Danzo when I get back…" Mugetsu mused.
The excuse about needing time to think was just a convenient pretext. It wasn't like he was too busy to spare a few hours a week tutoring Asuma.
It was obvious to Hayate that the Third Hokage was trying to win him over. Otherwise, there would've been no talk of "Outstanding Teacher" or "Special Jonin."
But Hiruzen's sincerity felt thin—there were no tangible benefits, just empty promises.
If Hiruzen had openly acknowledged his Root identity the moment he walked through the door and directly asked him to join his faction, Mugetsu wouldn't have hesitated to kick Danzo aside and pledge loyalty.
But Hiruzen didn't even hint at it—he was still hesitating, acting like a cautious old fox.
Accepting too quickly would only make him lose leverage with Danzo. Better to delay with a polite excuse and throw the dilemma back in Danzo's lap.
As for the slim chance that Hiruzen genuinely didn't know his identity? Possible, but highly unlikely.
Root was an organization that operated in the shadows, but if the Hokage wasn't even aware of a Root agent teaching at the Academy, then his authority as Hokage and Principal would be laughable.
When Mugetsu returned to the office, the teachers swarmed around him curiously.
"Sensei, what did Lord Third Hokage want? Was it for an award?" Aya asked, unable to hide her curiosity.
"Probably, right? The class results this time were outstanding, and Sensei is new too. Truly impressive," Ikeya added, his tone full of admiration.
"He confirmed my teaching accomplishments, I suppose," Mugetsu said casually as he picked up paper and pen, already thinking about his report.
"When will I get recognized by Lord Third Hokage…" Sugito muttered bitterly. The gap between people was just too wide.
He clearly remembered when Mugetsu had first arrived—young and inexperienced. And now, in barely any time at all, Mugetsu had surpassed even veteran teachers in performance.
"Just focus on teaching the students well," Mugetsu said lightly as he practiced his calligraphy.
"Sensei, could I trouble you to cover my class this afternoon? I have something to deal with," Ikeya asked as he poured Mugetsu a glass of water.
"Sure, I'm free this afternoon," Mugetsu nodded, agreeing without hesitation.
"Ahh, Sensei, now I see why the students all adore you," Ikeya thanked him with a grin.
"Oh, Sugito, could I borrow some money? I'll pay it back after my salary comes in," Ikeya asked, quickly turning to Sugito.
He had originally intended to borrow from Mugetsu but felt too embarrassed after asking him to cover his class yet again.
"How much?" Sugito asked. They were old colleagues; lending some cash wasn't a big deal.
"Eighty thousand Ryo should be enough," Ikeya replied after thinking.
"Eighty thousand?" Sugito's hand, halfway to his wallet, froze.
Teachers only earned 100,000 Ryo per month, and Ikeya was asking for more than half. Lending that much warranted at least a question.
Mugetsu also raised a brow. Based on the Hokage's setting of one Ryo equaling ten yen, that was 800,000 yen. It wasn't much for an elite shinobi, but for a Chunin teacher, it was a decent chunk of change.
"A date, obviously. I can't take her to a ramen stand, can I?" Ikeya said proudly.
"You're blowing half your salary on a date?" Sugito looked at him like he was the village idiot.
"What do you mean 'blowing it'? Spending money on a date is spending on myself, isn't it? It's not like I don't eat," Ikeya defended himself.
"Cut it out. If you were alone, would you ever splurge on those restaurants?" Aya snapped.
She had warned Ikeya before, but it clearly fell on deaf ears.
"She doesn't like you at all—she's just using you as a meal ticket," Aya said flatly, trying to knock some sense into Ikeya.
"How could that be? Just the day before yesterday, she even called me 'Brother Ikegaya,'" Ikeya replied, a foolish grin spreading across his face.
"Eighty thousand Ryo for one evening? I'll call you 'Brother' too. In fact, I could call you into bankruptcy, believe it or not," Aya replied expressionlessly. Words were cheap, after all.
"You again…" Ikeya grumbled.
"Fine, I'll lend it to you," Sugito sighed. "But make sure you save enough for food."
Hearing Sugito agree, Ikeya didn't bother arguing with Aya anymore. He thanked Sugito quickly and left the office.
Mugetsu glanced at the door, thoughts swirling. If the Hokage world had short video platforms, filming Ikeya's office life as a series would definitely go viral. I wouldn't even have to worry about money anymore.
Amused, Mugetsu quickly settled down, focusing on his calligraphy until it was nearly time for class. Then, setting down his brush, he stood up and walked toward the classroom.
The moment Mugetsu stepped inside, the students lit up.
"Great! Mugetsu-sensei is teaching Ninjutsu today!"
"After his last class, my Transformation Technique improved so much. I hope we get to work on the Clone Technique this time!"
Mugetsu scanned the classroom—good, Obito wasn't there again.
Five minutes into class, Obito came crashing in, sprinting through the door.
Spotting Mugetsu at the podium, Obito froze, panic flashing across his face.
Why is it every time I'm late, it's Mugetsu-sensei covering class? Is fate just out to ruin my image in his eyes?
"Mugetsu-sensei, I…" Obito opened his mouth, trying to explain.
"Sit," Mugetsu said casually, motioning for Obito to take his seat. Then, based on the majority of student requests, he began teaching the Clone Technique.
"Damn you, Ikeya-sensei! Why didn't you tell me Mugetsu-sensei was covering the class?!" Obito muttered under his breath, clenching his fists.
During the break, Mugetsu called Obito and Guy out for a quick chat about their exam results.
"We passed!" both boys said in unison, puffing out their chests.
Mugetsu raised a brow. After pressing for details, he learned their scores had barely cleared the passing line.
With the average passing score set at sixty, they had just managed to scrape by with thirty.
"I don't get it… Why were the scores higher this time? Before, twenty-five points was enough to pass," Obito said, scratching his head in confusion.
"Maybe because Mugetsu-sensei covered our classes," Guy offered.
Even someone like him, who usually struggled to learn, could feel the difference between Hayate and the other teachers.
"Huh? Then… does that mean the passing line will get even higher next time?" Obito's face paled. If it gets any harder, I'm doomed.
"Passing is just my basic requirement," Mugetsu said with a gentle smile. "If you can't even manage that, I'll have to make special arrangements for you."
Obito and Guy looked at Mugetsu's smile… and suddenly felt cold all over. The memory of being buried under endless practice sheets resurfaced, sending a chill down their spines.
"Don't worry, Sensei! We'll definitely pass next time too!" they both blurted out.
Returning home, Mugetsu wrote his report and submitted it. Not long after, a reply arrived from Root.
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