Shinji nodded matter-of-factly. "Consider it a test for you."
Although he would be there to deal with Mizuki, Shinji would not appear unless absolutely necessary.
He naturally understood Shikamaru's personality. He had peak intelligence and talent, but he was also lazy or perhaps that was a common flaw among geniuses?
Using this opportunity to let Shikamaru understand some things would be more beneficial for his growth. Moreover, if he wasn't pushed, Shikamaru's current training progress would likely fall far behind later on.
After all, among these few, Shikamaru was the only disciple he didn't restrict too much.
"This is really troublesome." Shikamaru said, covering his forehead helplessly.
"Shikamaru, your mind is your greatest advantage, but sometimes you also need a certain level of strength."
After leaving that confusing remark, Shinji got up to check on his other disciples.
Shikamaru, left standing there, pondered the words with a hint of confusion.
Elsewhere, Sasuke was currently squatting on the ground, panting heavily, drenched in sweat.
Shinji's Shadow Clone, seeing Shinji approach, shrugged helplessly and then dispelled itself.
"Sasuke, have some water and rest."
Shinji pulled Sasuke up, patted off the dust he'd accumulated during training, and handed him a bottle of water.
"Training should be about purposeful progress, not like you, recklessly expending stamina, yet achieving no results."
Sasuke took Shinji's water, gulped down a large mouthful, and then let out a sigh of relief.
"Sensei, is it because my talent isn't enough?"
Hearing Sasuke's words, Shinji felt a bit helpless.
Who would dare say Sasuke's talent was lacking?
"You don't believe in yourself that much?" Shinji didn't respond directly. Instead, he asked Sasuke.
Sasuke was speechless for a moment upon hearing this, as he was overly confident. Yet he was repeatedly defeated by Naruto.
"You only need a few days to learn Nature Transformation, while Naruto needs several months."
"Isn't this clear proof that you are a genius?"
Seeing that Sasuke was still so stubborn, Shinji could only give this example.
"But..."
Sasuke still hadn't emerged from his psychological shadow.
"Actually, Naruto's strength isn't in his power, but in his past environment, which forged his resilient personality."
"Plus, he just wants to work hard to live up to my expectations as a teacher."
Fortunately, Shinji's trustworthiness in Sasuke's heart was very high now, otherwise, he wouldn't have listened to such a speech from him.
"And, I need to remind you one more time about that saying. When you are making progress..."
"Naruto isn't standing still. Perhaps after you both go home to rest, Naruto is still training."
Saying this, Shinji patted Sasuke's shoulder and slowly said, "Instead of seeing Naruto as someone to surpass, Sasuke, why don't you think about becoming a companion who progresses together with Naruto?"
At this moment, Shinji wanted to retract his previous evaluation of Fugaku. Your family education...
His sons were each more stubborn than the last, and he, as their master, had to moonlight as a spiritual mentor.
[Due to your persuasion, Sasuke's perception has changed, and his trust level has increased to Advanced+. Reward: Lightning Release: Chidori (Master)]
Oh? An unexpected gain.
Shinji glanced at Sasuke beside him, not expecting to get such a Ninjutsu.
"Alright, stop staying by yourself all the time."
Shinji said, then got up, patted the dust off himself, and said to Sasuke before leaving, "Sasuke, if your performance later is good enough, I'll teach you a Ninjutsu. Its power is comparable to the Rasengan that Naruto is currently learning."
Sasuke was stunned when he heard this, then thought of the technique Naruto had been training recently. Although it hadn't succeeded yet, Sasuke could tell that its power wouldn't be too bad.
Now his teacher actually had a Ninjutsu comparable to the Rasengan?
"Yes, sensei."
Alright, worthy of our Sasuke, indeed, whoever offers benefits is like a mother.
Shinji chuckled softly and walked away slowly.
—
"Shinji, good morning."
"Hmm, Iruka, you're still so full of energy."
On Monday, after getting enough rest, Shinji's main body came to the Academy.
As soon as he arrived at the office, he saw Iruka already organizing documents.
"Hehe, after all, I'm the deputy head teacher now, so some things just have to be done."
Shinji was speechless. It seemed he had too many things to do, so most of the documents that needed to be handled by the teaching department were given to Iruka.
"By the way, it's almost mid-term exams soon, and the assessments for each grade have already been submitted." Iruka said, taking out a document and handing it to Shinji, speaking as he did so.
"But for the first-years, is it still just a written exam?"
Shinji took the document and saw that almost all grades were assessed through practical combat, mostly focusing on Taijutsu and Ninjutsu.
Shinji thought for a moment and rejected Iruka's suggestion, "No, since a semester has passed, the first-year students should also have practical combat tests."
"But I'm worried these children might get hurt." Iruka couldn't help but say with some concern upon hearing this.
Shinji handed the document back to Iruka, speaking as he did so, "Iruka, we are training ninjas. If we shield them too much, it will harm them in the future."
Iruka pondered for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "It seems I was too conservative, but Shinji, do you have any suggestions for the practical combat items?"
Shinji said, "Just regular ninja tool throwing and combat practice."
"Huh? Combat practice?"
Iruka was a bit surprised. For combat practice, it seemed unlikely that first-year new students would achieve any outstanding results. To put it bluntly, it would be a clash of weaklings.
Shinji said with a smile, nodding, "These little ones are at an age where they love to compete, and if there are a few outstanding individuals, it can prevent them from just playing around all the time."
The atmosphere at the Academy now was much better compared to wartime.
In the past, even children who had only simply learned the three basic techniques would have to go to the battlefield.
"Alright, you're the head teacher, you decide." Iruka shrugged, as he couldn't argue with the reasoning.
Moreover, Shinji was also the head teacher, and once he confirmed these exam contents, unless the Hokage changed his mind, it would simply be arranged this way.
"Alright, hurry up and deal with it, otherwise, class will start soon."
Shinji pushed Iruka into his chair, saying that he really didn't want to dwell on such matters too much.