"If you ask me what I think, I'd say I'm just happy for them. I haven't really thought about who might win, after all, they are all my students," Mokgetsu contemplated before answering.
He hadn't speculated who would come out on top because Kakashi and the others were all about the same strength; anyone could win depending on their performance. It was a situation Mokgetsu couldn't easily guess, as all were his disciples, he couldn't favor one over the other.
In the recent match between Might Guy and Kakashi, the moment Might Guy used the Konoha Dragon God, Mokgetsu immediately activated the Byakugan, and indeed saw Might Guy forcing through the Four Gates.
If it had been a normal Four Gates along with the Konoha Dragon God, Kakashi wouldn't stand a chance. The Transparent World also depends on the individual's strength; the stronger they are, the better the effect of the Transparent World.
However, Might Guy's forced breakthrough of the Four Gates caused significant damage to his body, so in the end, he would be the one to fall first. This was no longer a matter of willpower; his body couldn't withstand it, and to be able to speak was already extraordinary.
"Since they are all your students, it doesn't really matter who wins. Now that it's over, hurry and go buy some groceries," Tsunade expressed her anticipation for the night's dinner.
"Lady Tsunade, my students are all injured like this, do you think it's appropriate for me to go buy groceries now?" Mokgetsu subtly hinted to Tsunade.
If it weren't for Tsunade's treatments, Mokgetsu felt that Might Guy would have to lie in bed for at least a month.
Kakashi wasn't much better. While Might Guy got injured by forcing through the Four Gates, Kakashi, after being hit by the Konoha Dragon God, was seriously injured and then further overexerted his body.
"I can see they are indeed badly injured. Tsunade, you should help treat them first," Jiraiya supported the suggestion.
At this moment, both Kakashi and Might Guy looked extremely miserable, clearly having suffered severe injuries.
"I'll treat them first, alright? But you have to make more delicious food for dinner," Tsunade emphasized.
"Heh, what's the fun in just eating? I'll bring over a good bottle of sake, so we can drink while eating," Jiraiya chuckled.
"You just want to mooch off my meal!" Tsunade, folding her arms, raised an eyebrow, easily seeing through Jiraiya's true intentions.
"Haha, sharing good things is what makes it enjoyable," Jiraiya continued thick-skinned after being seen through.
Tsunade stated that the sake must be good; if he dared to bring ordinary sake to mooch off the meal, Jiraiya would definitely have to taste her fists, as this was a feast she earned through her work.
Jiraiya agreed with a cheeky smile, and then the group headed to the Konoha Hospital together.
After staying for a while, Shisui said goodbye to Mokgetsu. After seeing their battle, Shisui couldn't sit still even for a moment.
Forget about being the best in the team; now, the only person he's confident he can beat is Nohara Rin, and he wasn't sure about defeating either Obito or Kakashi.
The speed of their improvement baffled and greatly impressed Shisui, making him realize he must train even more diligently to catch up.
"Teacher Mokgetsu, I'm heading back too," said Obito, after Shisui left, also ready to slip away.
Was he to stay and wait for Kakashi to wake up and taunt him? Obito had no interest in being the target of Kakashi's ridicule.
Facing first-place Kakashi, he was at a loss for words; you can say whatever when you've won, but if you've lost, even breathing can be criticized.
At this moment, Obito had only one thought: to seize the time to cultivate, surpass Kakashi while he's recovering, and then defeat Kakashi, returning the taunts.
Obito had already thought of the lines: On the day of the Chunin Examination, he hadn't eaten breakfast from his regular shop, affecting his performance and so Kakashi managed to win by luck, whereas normally, he was always stronger.
Mokgetsu nodded. There were caretakers in the hospital, plus with both Might Guy and Kakashi in the same hospital room, Kakashi wouldn't feel lonely.
After some relaxation, Mokgetsu glanced at his system panel.
[Disciple Uchiha Obito has diligently cultivated under your guidance and gained a certain level of improvement, earning the reward — Fire Dragon Flame Bomb (Master Level)]
[Disciple Might Guy has diligently cultivated under your guidance and gained a certain level of improvement, earning the reward — Urarenge (Master Level)]
Both Obito and Might Guy had triggered improvement rewards.
The rewards were quite decent, but they weren't of much use to Mokgetsu now. The Master Level Fire Dragon Flame Bomb was quite powerful, but Mokgetsu wasn't really lacking in offensive Fire Release; the Master Level Great Fire Extinguishing Arrow was equally potent.
The Urarenge was slightly more practical since, although it wasn't useful for Mokgetsu, it was an excellent taijutsu for Might Guy, and he could pass it on to him.
Mokgetsu hadn't seen any rewards related to the Chunin Examination yet, hypothesizing that the system would settle these once the results were out.
Mokgetsu was somewhat looking forward to this because all three of his disciples had performed excellently, with Obito being the least placed yet still reaching the semifinals.
...
After the Third Exam concluded, the master summoned the Hidden Mist candidates who had entered the third exam.
Terumi Mei felt a bit uneasy, assuming the master would most likely criticize them, since this time, none had entered the finals, and only one reached the semifinals, while she, aiming for first, had fallen in the quarterfinals.
In the face of the master, a Hidden Mist village elder of high standing, even the usually brash Kurozawa behaved like an obedient child, head down, walking into the assigned room.
Zabuza, however, showed a nonchalant expression, embracing a rebellious demeanor.
Hoshigaki Kisame remained expressionless; he had already been the best-performing in the Hidden Mist, and even if there were penalties, they would be minimal.
Yet, contrary to Terumi Mei's expectations, the master did not criticize them, but instead, smiled and said, "You all worked hard this time, and the village will remember your contributions."
"Although the final results were somewhat inferior to Konoha's, this is, after all, a battle on Konoha's soil, where they have the advantage."
The master's actions caught the Hidden Mist ninjas by surprise, as he did not scold them for failing to achieve first but instead, comforted them by pointing out Konoha's home advantage, advising them not to be saddened by their loss.
This immediately left some of the Hidden Mist ninjas feeling pleasantly surprised; this was the master, second only to one person in the village.
In reality, even if the master had chastised them, no one would have objected, as they themselves were aware they had indeed messed up this time, being outmatched by Konoha ninjas in later stages.
"But this shouldn't make you forget your failures, remember them deeply, and use that as motivation to cultivate and improve," the master continued.
With his keen insight, he could see it wasn't that the Hidden Mist participants were inadequate but that Konoha ninja attending the Chunin Examination were exceedingly strong.
So he had no intention of blaming the Hidden Mist candidates, merely wanting to nurture a few talents and gain favor in passing.
The Hidden Mist ninjas nodded in agreement, acknowledging the master's high standing as a respectable elder.
With a round of encouragement and a bit of motivational talk, the master's image grew benevolent and towering in the hearts of many in the Hidden Mist.
After all, such affable figures are rare within the Blood Mist, where one should feel fortunate not to be killed if missions are poorly done.
Terumi Mei breathed a sigh of relief, believing no criticism meant her path to becoming Mizukage wouldn't be affected.
However, the master's subsequent words made Terumi Mei tense once again.
"Kisame, Terumi Mei, Zabuza, you three stay, the others may leave," the master stated when he felt the moment was about right.
Soon, only the master and Terumi Mei and the others remained in the room.
"You three are geniuses of the Hidden Mist," the master said with a smile.
Even though Obito was that strong, he was still suppressed by Terumi Mei for a while in the quarterfinals battle, showing her strength, and Kisame, needless to say, almost defeated Might Guy in the semifinals.
As for Zabuza, although his performance was far below Terumi Mei and Kisame, he was the best among the youngest.
Kurozawa's performance was about the same as Zabuza's, but Kurozawa was older than Zabuza.
"Kisame, your abilities are very strong. I suggest you train in the Anbu, and as for you two, if you have any incomprehensible doubts regarding Water Release, come to me," the master finally said.
Terumi Mei's face instantly lit up with joy as she nodded repeatedly, knowing that following the master would significantly increase her chance of becoming Mizukage.