Chapter 27: What to Do If the Teacher Is Too Cunning
After finishing his tutoring session, Mugetsu didn't return to the South Border Forest. Instead, he headed to his house in the Main District.
After quickly stir-frying two simple dishes for dinner, Mugetsu went out for a walk—after all, friendship wouldn't come knocking if he stayed indoors.
Strolling leisurely, Mugetsu soon encountered Minato and Kushina in a nearby park.
The two were sitting on a bench, enjoying the evening breeze and chatting.
"Mugetsu," Minato greeted upon seeing him.
"Out for a walk as well?" Minato asked.
Mugetsu nodded and took a seat on a nearby bench. "I just finished dinner. Walking a bit helps with digestion."
"Mugetsu, Minato told me you're a teacher at the Ninja Academy?" Kushina asked curiously. In her circle of friends, few ever became teachers at the Academy.
"Yes, I started this year," Mugetsu replied with a smile.
"You've only just started? Then you must have an outstanding class," Minato said in mild surprise.
Kushina glanced at Minato, puzzled.
"Yesterday, in the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage said Mugetsu's teaching ability is exceptional. He even personally invited him to tutor his own family," Minato explained.
"For the Third Hokage to offer such praise after just a few months of teaching… his teaching skills must be remarkable."
"Really? Even the Third Hokage praised you?" Kushina raised her brows in surprise. While she didn't have much personal admiration for Hiruzen Sarutobi, she respected his judgment.
"Not at all. It's mainly because the students work hard," Mugetsu replied modestly before adding with a smile, "Minato is even more impressive—becoming a Jonin at such a young age and now a key figure in the village."
"Hehe, that's right, my Minato is the strongest!" Kushina beamed proudly.
"But I'm also a Jonin, you know!" she laughed heartily.
Mugetsu's expression shifted to a surprised smile. "Then Kushina is equally impressive."
"Mugetsu, you really know how to talk," Kushina said, her impression of Mugetsu growing even more favorable.
If Mikoto hadn't already married Fugaku, I'd definitely introduce this guy. Handsome like Minato, capable enough to get praise from the Third Hokage—what a catch, Kushina mused.
After chatting for a while, Mugetsu politely excused himself. He was careful not to overstay his welcome—building connections took moderation, especially when the two lovebirds were enjoying their evening.
…
The next day, Mugetsu continued training Obito and Guy until noon, before heading to Hiruzen's residence in the afternoon to tutor Asuma.
Returning to the riverside, Asuma immediately flopped down against a tree. "I'm too tired today. I don't want to train."
He had made up his mind—no matter what Mugetsu said, he wasn't budging.
"Want to sleep?" Mugetsu smiled, looking down at Asuma.
Though Mugetsu's smile was gentler than his old man's, Asuma felt a bad premonition.
"Yeah, I didn't sleep well last night. What, is that not allowed?" Asuma replied stubbornly.
Unexpectedly, Mugetsu nodded. "That's fine. The sun is warm, the breeze is gentle… it's a perfect day for a nap."
Stretching lazily, Mugetsu leaned back against the tree. "Being a tutor really is nice. You lie down, rest, and just like that, you earn a hundred thousand Ryo."
Closing his eyes, Mugetsu looked completely relaxed.
"…Wait. What did you just say? A hundred thousand Ryo?" Asuma's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Why so noisy? Weren't you about to sleep?" Mugetsu asked without opening his eyes.
"Don't sleep yet! Tell me—what's this about a hundred thousand Ryo?!" Asuma shook Mugetsu urgently.
"What else? The payment for teaching you," Mugetsu said, not missing a beat. "You think I work for free? Even the Hokage has to pay me. My fee is twenty-five thousand Ryo per hour. Four hours a day—of course, it adds up to a hundred thousand."
"Your mouth is made of gold or something?! That's insane!" Asuma was in shock.
His monthly allowance as a student was only fifty thousand Ryo, and here Hayate earned twice that in two hours!
"Feel free to ask around the Academy. My name—Hayate Mugetsu—is well-known," Mugetsu said calmly.
"Then how come I've never heard of you?" Asuma pressed, suspicious.
"I joined after you graduated," Mugetsu replied, closing his eyes again.
Seeing Mugetsu about to nap again, Asuma's heart ached. This guy's making a hundred thousand Ryo just lying here!
"Don't sleep! Let's train!" Asuma shouted, snapping Mugetsu back to attention.
"Didn't you just say you didn't sleep well? Aren't you tired?" Mugetsu asked, smiling knowingly.
Asuma gritted his teeth. Completely scammed…
But with a tutor charging twenty-five thousand Ryo an hour, letting him nap was unthinkable.
"I'm fine now. Let's get started," Asuma said, face dark.
I'm definitely going to complain to Mom later, Asuma thought furiously. With so many Jonin around, why waste money on this guy?
"Alright, today we're still focusing on chakra control," Mugetsu said cheerfully. "Goal: stand on the water for fifteen minutes."
Once again, Asuma struggled on the water while Mugetsu stood leisurely on the bank, stirring up the river with Water Release.
This time, Asuma wasn't driven by rebellious pride—he was driven by the ridiculous tutoring fee.
…
That evening at dinner, Asuma immediately complained to Biwako, saying Hiruzen was wasting money hiring a tutor who charged twenty-five thousand Ryo an hour.
Biwako was stunned. "A hundred thousand for four hours?"
"That's what he said!" Asuma fumed.
"Hmm? Mugetsu?" Hiruzen paused, then smiled. "His fee is two thousand Ryo per hour."
"…Two thousand?!" Asuma blinked, dumbfounded.
"Of course, two thousand. Who told you it was twenty-five?" Hiruzen asked.
"Mugetsu" Asuma muttered in realization.
Looking at his father's smile, Asuma instantly knew he'd been tricked.
"Damn you, Mugetsu!" Asuma screamed internally, stuffing his mouth with food in frustration. Next week… I won't fall for it again…
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