Chapter 100:

A few days after joining the training team in the southern forest, Nohara Rin gained valuable insights.

For example, she gained a deeper understanding of Makoto's strength.

Although Nohara Rin had always considered Makoto an excellent teacher, she previously believed that his skills as a ninja were on par with other Chunin teachers. However, she now realized that she had underestimated him.

Watching Makoto teach Shisui Fire Release, the overwhelming power of the Fire Release technique made Nohara Rin truly appreciate Makoto's extraordinary strength.

In the ninja school, the curriculum primarily focuses on basic ninjutsu like the three fundamental techniques, but students often request to learn more advanced techniques.

Occasionally, Chunin teachers would demonstrate higher-level ninjutsu to the students.

Before, Nohara Rin had never seen Jounin-level ninja using their jutsu in battle. But now, witnessing Makoto's prowess, she understood that he was incredibly skilled, even if he was not as powerful as the elite Jounin.

Nohara Rin also noticed that Makoto was highly versatile, proficient in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, and even Medical Ninjutsu.

Moreover, while observing Makoto's teaching methods, Nohara Rin noticed that he appeared more relaxed in the southern forest compared to the training ground.

Nohara Rin also started to understand the reasons behind Obito's intense studying over the last semester.

Nohara Rin used to find Obito's approach to studying peculiar. When he started showing an interest in learning, he seemed unhappy and reluctant, creating a paradoxical impression.

In general, Nohara Rin was content with her decision to become Makoto's disciple.

"Darn it! I was so close!" Obito sat on the ground, venting his frustration by pounding it with his fists.

Moments earlier, he had come close to outpacing Might Gai and crossing the finish line first.

"It's alright. You were almost there this time. With more effort, you might succeed next time," Nohara Rin gently comforted him.

"The students are dedicated to their training and eager to learn. They've made substantial progress," Makoto reflected before adding, "I've been conducting weekly tests to monitor their development. I'll bring those records right now."

Sarutobi Hiruzen, with a smile, responded, "No need to trouble yourself, Makoto. Just bring them along tomorrow."

Makoto seemed to have made a significant impact with his teaching methods. It appeared that Konoha might have another exceptional Jounin in the making. Sarutobi Hiruzen intended to assess the students' progress for himself during the fifth week.

If the results were positive, he might consider standardizing this special training program.

In fact, if Konoha faced prolonged challenges due to war, Sarutobi Hiruzen contemplated canceling the regular fourth-grade curriculum and having Makoto provide specialized training until graduation.

"Old man, it's clear you're not seeing Teacher Makoto's full potential. He's amazing; why don't you just make him a Jounin?" Asuma, passing by at that moment, couldn't help but voice his frustration.

"I feel that Teacher Makoto surpasses my current Jounin instructor," Asuma added.

Sarutobi Hiruzen explained, "A Jounin serves as a vital asset to the village. They must excel in various areas, not just one. Makoto has impressive teaching skills and considerable strength, which qualifies him for special Jounin status, but a Jounin should meet a broader set of criteria."

Asuma continued to express his admiration for Makoto. "I genuinely believe that Makoto-sensei excels in every aspect. You don't spend much time at the ninja school anyway; wouldn't it be better if Makoto-sensei were the head?"

However, Asuma's impassioned plea only led to a spike in Sarutobi Hiruzen's blood pressure. He rubbed his forehead and gestured for Makoto to whisk Asuma away. Understanding the signal, Makoto nodded and took Asuma for training.

"When will this child mature?" Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

While he didn't have much time to manage the ninja school's affairs as Hokage, Makoto's exceptional teaching abilities were undebatable. However, making him the principal was not currently feasible.

Since the establishment of the Ninja School, only two individuals had served as principals: Senju Tobirama and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

The role of principal carried significant importance in Konoha's history. Even with a modified system, the principal still held special significance.

Sarutobi Hiruzen believed that Asuma would come to understand his actions as he grew older. The future principal for the Ninja School would be the next Hokage, unless a certain teacher makes a truly substantial contribution.