Chapter 90: Chapter 92: Flame Breathing
"Mugetsu-sensei, I believe I can handle greater pressure. Please give me more training!" Asuma earnestly requested Mugetsu.
With only two days remaining until the first combat test, Asuma felt he needed to push himself harder.
This wasn't just a private battle with Mugetsu. Kurenai would also be there to watch. Even if he had to lose, Asuma wanted to do so with dignity.
"Why the sudden request for extra training? Is it because of the upcoming combat test?" Mugetsu asked with a smile.
Asuma's intentions were so transparent they were almost amusing.
"Yes, Sensei, you guessed it," Asuma replied, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.
"Temporary training won't lead to a significant improvement in strength," Mugetsu said, dismissing Asuma's idea.
When it comes to theoretical exams, last-minute cramming might help a bit if the studied material overlaps with the test. However, in combat, just practicing for two more days would yield no noticeable results.
Unless one had exceptional learning abilities—learning a jutsu a day, for instance—even two days wouldn't be enough time to master anything substantial. Asuma clearly didn't fall into this category.
"Then what should I do?" Asuma asked, pinning his hopes on the always-resourceful Mugetsu.
"Do you truly wish to improve your strength?" Mugetsu asked, his expression serious.
"I couldn't mean it more," Asuma replied with conviction.
"To achieve noticeable improvement in just two days, there's only one option—combat."
With such limited time, Mugetsu suggested non-stop sparring—essentially, taking repeated beatings.
"If you're truly determined, you'll spar against my shadow clones continuously. As long as you can stand, you'll keep fighting. This method, while harsh, will produce results."
Since the combat test itself revolved around fighting, this approach was akin to repeatedly practicing for an exam. It was far more effective than simply increasing the training volume.
Asuma could already imagine the brutality ahead, but for Kurenai's sake, he braced himself and agreed.
As the saying goes, to shine in public, one must endure pain in private.
Over the next few hours, Asuma found himself relentlessly beaten by Mugetsu's shadow clones in a variety of ways.
Even with the clones suppressing their power, they were leagues beyond Asuma's current level.
As he slumped against a tree for a brief break, utterly exhausted, Asuma muttered bitterly, "Honestly, my old man must be blind. Mugetsu-sensei, how is someone like you still only a Chūnin? You should be promoted to Jōnin already!"
In their spars, Mugetsu had used a total of eight jutsus, ranging from Fire Release to Water Release. His techniques were well-rounded, covering offense and defense alike.
"I'm far from qualified to be a Jōnin," Mugetsu replied calmly.
Based on his earlier demonstration, Mugetsu was just a slightly more versatile Chūnin. It was only because of Asuma's lack of strength that he appeared so formidable.
"Are you watching, Hiruzen Sarutobi?" Mugetsu thought to himself, his expression unchanged.
Mugetsu's display of skill wasn't entirely for Asuma's benefit. He wanted the Third Hokage, or at least the Anbu spies monitoring the area, to take note.
The intention was to lay the groundwork.
Even if Hiruzen wasn't observing personally, the Anbu would surely report back to him.
Mugetsu's strategy was simple: showcase his value.
Hiruzen didn't know Mugetsu's true potential. As long as his abilities weren't too over-the-top, they could easily be attributed to innate talent.
In fact, this wasn't the first time Mugetsu had laid such groundwork. He had done so before during Kushina's mention of his sealing technique talents.
Given her status as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Kushina was always under Anbu surveillance.
Aware of this, Mugetsu had deliberately demonstrated his "talent" for sealing techniques during that instance. Otherwise, he would have pretended to learn everything gradually over ten days.
With talents in both sealing techniques and teaching, combined with moderate combat prowess, Mugetsu would appear as a valuable young asset worth rescuing from the depths of Root.
Mugetsu carefully timed these displays of strength to avoid detection by Root, ensuring they were only visible to Hiruzen.
If he were ever transferred from Root to Hiruzen's authority, any future growth in his abilities could be attributed to previously overlooked talents being properly nurtured.
While Mugetsu sought stability, he didn't intend to remain a mere Chūnin instructor forever. Such a role would limit his potential.
Had he remained a "regular" teacher, this summer's special training program might never have been entrusted to him. Instead, he'd likely still be working as a grunt for Danzo.
By ascending in rank and showcasing his strength, Mugetsu could increase the rewards he earned from his teaching efforts.
For instance, he envisioned reforming the academy curriculum to include joint classes across multiple groups. As an ordinary instructor, no one would take his suggestions seriously.
But if the summer program succeeded and he were promoted to Tokubetsu Jōnin, his proposals would carry far more weight.
On Sunday morning, Mugetsu was guiding Obito in mastering Shave.
Guy and Shisui had already grasped the basics, so only Obito remained.
"Shave is relatively simple. You just need to stack the speed-enhancing technique I taught you earlier three times in quick succession," Mugetsu explained while demonstrating.
"My legs feel like they're about to give out... This is so hard!" Obito grumbled.
Although Mugetsu made it sound straightforward, executing the technique felt nearly impossible. Obito struggled even to perform the double-stacked version consistently.
"Just keep practicing. Neither Shisui nor Guy mastered it in a day or two," Mugetsu reassured him.
Using his Appraisal ability, Mugetsu noticed Obito's proficiency had already reached over 40 points—a commendable level of progress.
Since Mugetsu had previously taught Obito a portion of the technique, the actual training phase went more smoothly.
By the end of their session, Obito hadn't yet succeeded in stacking three bursts of speed but could reliably manage two. It was still a noticeable improvement.
[Disciple Uchiha Obito's serious efforts under your guidance have resulted in significant growth. Reward obtained: Flame Breathing (Proficient)]
Mugetsu was momentarily taken aback, surprised to receive another Breathing Technique.
Upon reviewing the newfound knowledge of Flame Breathing in his mind, he was amazed by its capabilities.
Unlike the Earth Breathing technique, the Flame Breathing technique had a distinctly different effect—practically qualifying as a secret art.
(Chapter End)
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