Chapter 79: Do Not Underestimate the Academy Students
What is it like to teach a group of over 300 people?
Makoto found himself the focus of more than three hundred pairs of eyes, each filled with curiosity, expectation, and perhaps a touch of doubt.
Makoto had every reason to believe that, were he an introverted person, speaking under the collective gaze of so many would be a daunting task.
However, Makoto was no ordinary individual. The larger the audience, the more ecstatic and eager he became.
"Greetings, everyone. I am Hosakawa Makoto, your instructor for this summer's special training," Makoto introduced himself with a warm smile.
Despite his familiarity within the school and his history of substituting in many classes, Makoto didn't presume that everyone recognized him, hence the necessity for self-introduction.
"Teacher Makoto!" A chorus of enthusiastic greetings came from students who were already familiar with him.
Makoto responded with a nod and a continued smile, proceeding to address the group:
"I understand that many of you have questions in your minds. Why this special summer training during the holidays? What is its purpose?"
"Let me clarify. The sole purpose of this special training is to enhance the skills of those participating and help you become stronger ninjas."
Makoto avoided mentioning any dire scenarios like the possibility of war, as no official conflict had arisen. Even those with a heightened sense of vigilance couldn't yet envision Konoha as the epicenter of a war surrounded by the four major ninja villages.
"In what manner will this special training be conducted? We genin can't be subjected to the same training as the Academy students. The abilities of official ninjas and students aren't comparable," Namiashi inquired.
He had previously been on a team with Asuma and had been persuaded by him.
Namiashi Raid couldn't help but feel somewhat misled. How could a Chuunin instructor be as formidable as Asuma had claimed?
"I have a plan for this, but don't underestimate the students of the Ninja School," Makoto replied as he called forth Shisui.
"Meet Uchiha Shisui, a student in the class I instruct and a first-year Academy student. You can spar with him to assess the Ninja School students' abilities," Makoto suggested with a smile.
Makoto had anticipated that this situation might arise. Genin, having been mentored by Jounin, often held different attitudes when facing Academy students and Chuunin instructors.
In the ninja world, strength was revered, which is why Makoto's solution was straightforward: if you thought the Ninja School students weren't capable, you could challenge this lovely first-year student. What could go wrong?
As Shisui calmly stepped forward, Asuma's eyes twitched uncontrollably as he recalled the humiliation he had suffered two months ago.
Ting
Ting
Ting
Ting
Ting
The sound of fast-clashing kunai echoed in the area as Shisui expertly blocked each of Raid's fierce assaults.
Raid began to sense something amiss. Shisui's strength, speed, and reflexes were far beyond what one would expect from a first-year student.
Stepping back, Raid threw a smoke bomb, then swiftly made hand seals and employed the clone technique, generating five clones to confuse Shisui.
"Fire Release: Fireball Technique!" Shisui ignored the clones and executed a set of hand seals, followed by a powerful fireball attack.
"Who's the Genin, him or me?" Raid questioned as he gazed at the towering fireball approaching him, his mind in disarray.
Thankfully, the fireball didn't travel at an overwhelming speed. Raid sprinted with all his might to evade the fiery onslaught.
BOOM
Just when Raid thought he had successfully avoided the fireball, a kunai suddenly extended from behind him and was placed against his throat.
Sensing the frigid edge of the kunai, Raid realized that he was done for.
"I concede. I shouldn't have underestimated you," Raid admitted his defeat. Had Shisui been a genuine enemy, Raid would have met his end.
"Senior, I appreciate your understanding," Shisui calmly put away his kunai and humbly accepted the victory.
He could have vanquished Raid in an instant, but Shisui recognized that Raid's earlier remarks may have been unintentional. He chose not to humiliate him further.
"He probably held back, considering this fireball wasn't as potent as the one he used on me before," Asuma mused silently.
"Senior, are you harboring a grudge against him? Why are you smiling so jubilantly?" Kotetsu inquired, noting the contented expression on Asuma's face.
"No, I'm just recalling some pleasant memories," Asuma replied with a smile, dispelling any notion of ill will.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com