Ikeya stood behind Sugito, smiling while kneading his shoulders and pounding his back. He spoke in an overly flattering tone,
"Sugito, can you lend me another 80,000 ryo? I'll pay you back once I get my salary."
Sugito sighed inwardly. As expected, an unprompted massage is either a trick… or a setup.
This "service" was about to cost him.
"Why are you borrowing again? Didn't you just borrow last month?" Sugito asked, helpless.
"I paid you back last month, didn't I?" Ikeya chuckled.
"So you borrow this month… pay it back… and then end up broke again, which means next month you'll borrow again? If this keeps up, I'll practically become your personal 80,000 ryo loan machine."
"Uh..." Ikeya was at a loss for words.
"It's not what you think, Sugito. It's just… we just started dating, so I've got to show effort. I swear, I won't borrow again next month," he explained weakly.
"You said it yourself. Don't forget."
Sugito still took out his wallet and handed over 80,000 ryo.
He didn't feel bad about the money. Despite being a bit of a fool in matters of love, Ikeya was reliable in other ways. He always repaid his debts.
Sugito's real concern was that lending him money only encouraged bad habits—digging himself deeper into a pit.
"Not borrowing next month? Sugito, you're way too optimistic," Aya cut in coldly. "I can already predict next month's excuse."
She then mimicked Ikeya's tone with exaggerated sarcasm,
"Sugito, just lend me one last time. I can feel it—this month, I'll definitely succeed in confessing!"
Ikeya: ...
"If it's a first date, sure, splurge a little to make a good impression. But you two have been dating for two months already. If she really cared about you, she wouldn't mind going out for ramen."
Aya tried to knock some sense into him.
"And why can't you pick a better time? You're always making Teacher Mugetsu cover for you," she added, glancing at Mugetsu who had just walked in.
"She said she's only free on this day. It's either this or wait until next time," Ikeya replied, clearly frustrated.
He genuinely felt bad for troubling Mugetsu every time. He had even offered to substitute for him in return, but Mugetsu always declined.
"It's fine. I've got free time anyway. Teaching more students helps improve my own skills too," Mugetsu said with a light smile as he walked to his desk.
"Teacher Mugetsu is just too kind... It's honestly a trait that's way too easy to take advantage of," Ikeya thought, feeling a little guilty.
Driven by that guilt, he quickly went to pour Mugetsu some tea and began complimenting him like crazy.
Once the time was right, Ikeya left the office, changed clothes, and headed off for his date.
---
If Ikeya became the Teacher Physical Prowess for Class 1, Grade 1, that would be perfect, Mugetsu thought.
That way, there'd be no need to officially change instructors. If Ikeya asked him to cover more often, it would practically be the same as taking over the role.
But directly applying to the Third Hokage to become the physical training teacher for Class 1, Grade 1? That would be too suspicious.
Who would go out of their way to ask for more classes? It would definitely raise eyebrows.
If someone requests your help and you agree, you're just being kind. But if you proactively ask to teach more—now that's a red flag.
I need to approach this from the angle of the students' dissatisfaction… and the current teacher's poor performance, Mugetsu concluded inwardly.
The most important thing at the Ninja School was strength.
If the students—and especially the higher-ups—realized that the appointment of the Physical training teacher directly affected the students' growth, then everything would be easier to manage.
With that thought in mind, Mugetsu continued practicing his calligraphy until it was nearly time for class.
When he entered the classroom of Class 2, Grade 4, the students were already used to seeing him.
Mugetsu taught them steadily once a week, and by now, most of the students already regarded him as their homeroom teacher.
---
"Teacher, I—"
Obito, as usual, arrived late. Mugetsu didn't say anything. He simply gave a nod, allowing him to take his seat and listen.
"That annoying Ikeya-sensei!" Obito muttered under his breath, clearly bitter. Why does he always ask for a substitute right when it messes up my schedule?
"Did you run into an old person who needed help again?" Rin asked.
"Not today. I lost track of time while picking out pens at the bookstore," Obito answered honestly.
"Why not do that after school? Lunchtime's too short. Don't tell me you skipped eating again?" Rin looked at him, puzzled.
"It's fine to miss one meal. I'll eat more later tonight. And besides, I've been to a lot of stores recently. The one I found today had the best selection," Obito replied.
"Seriously, what's more important than food? I've got some snacks—I'll give them to you after class," Rin said with a sigh.
Obito nodded, no longer chatting. He focused on listening to Mugetsu's lecture.
---
Forty minutes passed quickly. When the dismissal bell rang, Mugetsu wrapped up the lesson, and Rin handed the snacks to Obito as promised.
---
"Obito, how many—"
Before the classmate could finish teasing, Obito interrupted with a wide grin.
"How did you know I got first place in the Youth Ninjutsu Competition over the weekend?"
The classmate froze. The teasing words died in his throat. His expression soured like he had just eaten a lemon.
Eight thousand ryo prize money…
Not far away, Tekka also went quiet.
He still remembered the Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique Obito used in the competition. He had thought that with enough preparation, he could counter Obito's Great Dragon Fire Technique next time.
But now? After seeing Obito dominate the Youth Ninjutsu Competition, his confidence had taken a serious hit.
Watching everyone's reactions, Obito's smile grew brighter.
During every break that day, he made a point to stroll around the school and say to anyone who greeted him:
"How did you know I got first place?"
He was milking the moment for all it was worth.
---
[Lecture Completed]
[Rating: A]
[Reward: Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique]
---
Seeing the reward, Mugetsu gave a satisfied nod.
Though not a high-level technique, the Hidden Mist was extremely practical. The mist it created wasn't just ordinary fog—it could even blur the vision of the Sharingan. Mei Terumī's version was said to hinder even Madara's Rinnegan to a certain extent.
Before cheating-style ninja started popping up everywhere, this jutsu was considered top-tier utility.
---
After school, Mugetsu headed straight for the South Border Forest.
When he arrived, Shisui was already there, training as usual.
Per Mugetsu's guidance, Shisui now attended school using a shadow clone, while his main body stayed here, training with Mugetsu's clone.
Mugetsu hadn't waited long when Might Guy arrived.
But something was off.
Obito hadn't shown up yet—and Guy was already fifteen minutes late.
Even though they were in the same class, Obito often walked with Rin, so it wasn't unusual for them to arrive separately. But to be this late?
That wasn't normal.
Mugetsu frowned slightly. If this becomes a habit, I'll have to lecture him. Can't let lateness become routine—especially during training.
---
"Sorry, Teacher Mugetsu! I'm late!" Obito shouted as he came running over, holding a long box in his arms.
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