Chapter 24: New Training Begins
The next day, after finishing his morning classes, Mugetsu headed to the Hokage Building.
After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Third Hokage; it wasn't possible for him to wait around in the Academy office for Mugetsu answer. Instead, he had told Mugetsu to come directly to the Hokage Building if he decided to accept the tutoring offer.
As expected, Mugetsu was stopped on the floor where the Hokage Office was located. However, after explaining that the Third Hokage had summoned him, he was quickly let through.
He knocked on the wooden door.
"Lord Third, I've thought it over," Mugetsu announced, stating his identity and purpose.
"Ah, Mugetsu, come in," Hiruzen's calm voice replied from inside.
Mugetsu pushed the door open and stepped in, only to find not just the Third Hokage but also Minato present.
Minato was equally surprised to see Mugetsu, not expecting to encounter his new neighbor again so soon, and here of all places.
"This is Teacher Mugetsu from the Academy," Hiruzen said with a warm smile, setting down his pipe. "His teaching ability is exceptional—even I was tempted to personally invite him to tutor Asuma."
Then, noticing the expressions on both men, Hiruzen asked,
"Minato, you two know each other?"
Minato nodded. "We're neighbors. Mugetsu's house is right next to mine."
"Ah, truly fate," Hiruzen smiled. "You two should interact more. Both of you are fine shinobi in your own right."
"Not at all, I simply do my best," Mugetsu replied modestly.
Minato gave a humble response as well before excusing himself. Though he had a good impression of Mugetsu, this wasn't the place for casual conversation.
Mugetsu thought the same. This wasn't the right environment, so he kept it brief.
"Lord Third," Mugetsu began after Minato left, "after some serious thought, I've decided that with proper time management, I can set aside a few hours on weekends to tutor Asuma."
"Excellent," Hiruzen said with a pleased chuckle. "With you guiding him, I'll have no worries about Asuma's progress."
"I'll do my best not to disappoint your expectations, Lord Third," Mugetsu responded respectfully, his expression sincere.
What followed was the customary discussion of compensation. The Third Hokage was quite generous—two thousand Ryo per hour, with eight hours total over the weekend, paid weekly.
They agreed on lessons running from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Since it was Friday and Mugetsu had no classes that afternoon, he went straight to his usual training spot by the river.
Shisui was already there, diligently practicing Fire Release under the guidance of Mugetsu's shadow clone.
Ever since easily securing first place in the exam, Shisui had been using a shadow clone to attend classes while training with Mugetsu during school hours.
When Mugetsu arrived, he dismissed the clone. Shisui, sensing the main body's presence, quickly stopped and greeted him, "Teacher Mugetsu."
Mugetsu nodded and handed him a square towel. "Take a break and wipe off your sweat."
"Thank you," Shisui said, taking the towel and wiping down his face and neck before leaning against a large tree to rest.
Mugetsu activated his appraisal.
[Name: Uchiha Shisui]
[Chakra: 580]
[Potential: SS-]
Compared to a month ago, his chakra reserves had grown considerably. Part of it was due to more intense training, and part was from natural physical development. His growth rate would only accelerate from here.
What mildly annoyed Mugetsu was how basic the panel still was—only showing chakra and potential.
After a brief rest, Mugetsu spoke,
"Shisui, starting today, we're adjusting your training plan. We'll focus on Body Flicker techniques and improving your chakra control."
Since Shisui would one day earn the title of "Shisui of the Body Flicker" during the Third Great Ninja War, Mugetsu felt it appropriate to introduce him to the Body Flicker style early.
"Understood," Shisui nodded without hesitation. After a month of training, his trust in Mugetsu's teaching was absolute.
The Body Flicker wasn't a single jutsu but rather a category of techniques. Any method that achieved a high-speed flicker movement was classified under it.
At higher levels, Space-Time Ninjutsu like the Flying Thunder God could also be considered a type of Body Flicker Technique, as could methods that enhanced the body's speed, like Lightning Release: Chakra Mode.
However, Mugetsu didn't know either of those techniques. The Body Flicker he had mastered was the most common kind.
It involved forming hand signs to gather chakra in the legs, then explosively releasing it to enhance the body and achieve high-speed movement. The drawback was overuse—it placed heavy strain on the legs, leading to muscle fatigue and potential injury.
Even so, while it was technically just a D-rank Taijutsu, it remained highly practical—useful for ambushes, quick retreats, and overall mobility in combat.
Shisui's talent didn't disappoint. Even without activating his Sharingan, he grasped the Body Flicker Technique after just one demonstration and explanation from Mugetsu.
Later, after classes ended at the Ninja Academy, Might Guy and Obito arrived at the training grounds.
"You two, don't start training just yet," Mugetsu called out as they were about to begin. "I've prepared a special two-month training plan for both of you."
Obito's eyes lit up. Hearing Mugetsu's calm voice, he thought there was a chance they'd be learning some powerful new Ninjutsu.
"Sensei, are you going to teach us a new, strong Ninjutsu?" Obito asked expectantly.
Mugetsu shook his head. "You haven't even mastered Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire and Great Fireball Technique. Why would I teach you more?"
Obito's enthusiasm instantly dimmed. "Then… what's the special training?" he asked, clearly disappointed.
"Training that will allow you to defeat Homura in the next final exam," Mugetsu said with a smile.
"Obito, your Taijutsu is far too weak. Forget Hyuga Homura—even against the current Guy, you wouldn't have a chance to use a single Ninjutsu. So, your first goal is to strengthen your Taijutsu."
Obito opened his mouth to protest, but couldn't find a valid excuse. His last battles with both Hyuga Homura and Guy had ended exactly like Mugetsu described—utter defeat.
Ninja battles might look like mage duels on the surface, but anyone who relied solely on flashy Ninjutsu without solid Taijutsu fundamentals was just asking to die early on the battlefield. The strongest shinobi always had a solid grasp of close combat.
"As for you, Guy, your task is to refine your strongest asset: your speed," Mugetsu continued. "I want you to move so fast that even if Homura's Byakugan tracks your movements, his body won't have enough time to react."
The Byakugan's perception might be exceptional, but Guy didn't need to exceed its visual tracking—he just had to surpass Homura's physical reaction time.
"Starting now, for every hour of training, you'll spend half an hour in actual combat drills. No Ninjutsu allowed—Taijutsu only."
"Huh? No Ninjutsu?" Obito was dumbfounded. He was already struggling to win, and now Mugetsu was banning Ninjutsu altogether? Wasn't this just setting him up for a beating?
"If you don't want to lose to Homura again, then leave Ninjutsu aside," Mugetsu said firmly.
Obito thought of the big boasts he'd made in front of Rin. Even though he could already imagine the misery that awaited him, he could only grit his teeth and nod, eyes glistening with frustration.
A new round of training officially began.
Mugetsu silently wondered if this special training would finally trigger the system's reward for strengthening his disciples. He hadn't seen it happen even once yet… and had no idea just how much progress they needed before it would.
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