Chapter 261: A Surprise from the Disciples
"Excellent, it's the Clone Technique! That's what I'm best at."
"Bad luck, why couldn't it be the Transformation Technique?"
"Damn it, I've only been practicing the Substitution Technique lately, and they're testing the Clone Technique."
As soon as Ikeya announced the topic, the classroom erupted into chatter.
"The Clone Technique, huh? That's too easy. I'm definitely getting a perfect score this time." Obito grinned confidently. After all, he could already perform the Shadow Clone Technique—this was child's play in comparison.
"Hard work pays off!" Guy said energetically, pumping his fist. Among the three basic Ninjutsu, this was the one he was best at.
Rin didn't show much reaction. Her basic Ninjutsu were all balanced, so the topic didn't matter to her either way.
"Quiet down, everyone. I'll start calling names," Ikeya said, motioning for the class to settle.
"Murai Kazuyasu."
The first student stood and followed Ikeya into the adjacent classroom.
A few minutes later, Ikeya returned with another teacher, smiling. "Everyone, do your best! Kazuyasu has already graduated successfully—don't lose to him!"
He continued calling names.
"Might Guy."
Guy stood up immediately and followed Ikeya out.
The exam room was large and mostly empty, with two chairs, one table, and a row of forehead protectors neatly laid out.
"Guy, take a moment to prepare. Don't be nervous—the exam begins in about a minute and a half," Ikeya said kindly.
When he first took over Class 2, Grade 4, he thought he had the worst luck—Obito and Guy were infamous for being at the bottom of the Academy rankings. But after their first exam, his opinion completely changed. Thanks to those two, he received his first Outstanding Teacher award. Naturally, he held both students in high regard.
Guy nodded firmly, taking a deep breath. His eyes burned with determination. Today, he would take his first real step toward becoming the strongest Taijutsu user in the world—a full-fledged ninja!
"You may begin. The topic is the Clone Technique," Ikeya reminded him.
"Clone Technique!"
Guy quickly formed the hand signs, channeling Chakra as three clones identical to himself appeared beside him, each striking the same pose as the original.
Ikeya examined the clones closely, then nodded in satisfaction and recorded the result.
Creating one clone with a passable appearance was enough to pass. Each additional, accurate clone increased the score. Seeing Guy produce three near-perfect clones was genuinely impressive.
He had always known Guy excelled in Taijutsu, but since he never used Ninjutsu in combat, Ikeya had been unsure how this would go. He'd even considered explaining the situation to the Hokage if Guy couldn't perform the Clone Technique, since someone with his potential shouldn't be held back by a technicality. Fortunately, that wouldn't be necessary.
"Very good, Guy. You passed. Congratulations on graduating and becoming a Genin," Ikeya said warmly, handing him a forehead protector.
Guy took it with both hands, eyes sparkling with pride. "To celebrate my graduation, I'll train twice as hard today!"
Ikeya blinked in mild disbelief. Usually, students celebrated by resting. But with Guy… the opposite was true.
No wonder his Taijutsu is so far beyond his peers, Ikeya thought.
"Next, you can't return to class. If you'd like to wait for your friends, do so outside the building," he reminded.
Guy flashed a smile full of gleaming white teeth and nodded. "Understood!" Then he left, head held high.
Time passed, and one by one, students finished their exams. Eventually, Ikeya called, "Rin Nohara."
Obito straightened up immediately. His number was right after hers—it would be his turn next.
"Rin, good luck!" he called out.
"I'll wait for you outside," Rin said with a reassuring smile before heading into the exam room.
A few minutes later, Ikeya returned again.
"Uchiha Obito."
Obito jumped up, practically bouncing with excitement. Finally, his turn.
"You have one and a half minutes to prepare," Ikeya said with a smile. "The topic is the Clone Technique. If you're ready early, you can begin anytime."
"I'm ready now," Obito said confidently. "No need to prepare."
It was just the Clone Technique—nothing worth delaying over. He'd waited long enough.
"Alright then, you may begin."
"Clone Technique!"
Obito swiftly formed the hand signs. A burst of white smoke filled the room.
Bang! Bang!
Eight identical clones appeared beside him, each perfectly copying his posture and expression.
"As expected of him," Ikeya thought with admiration.
To create eight flawless clones at once was extraordinary. Each was perfectly stable—clear proof of Obito's Chakra control and Ninjutsu mastery.
"Excellent work, Obito. You passed. Congratulations on graduating and becoming a Genin," Ikeya said, handing him a forehead protector with a proud smile.
"Teacher Ikeya, do you know who I'll be assigned to?" Obito asked eagerly.
"That depends on the Hokage's decision," Ikeya replied. "We won't know until the final list is released."
"I see. Thanks, Teacher Ikeya!" Obito said, waving as he turned to leave.
Then, grinning mischievously, he added, "Oh, and Teacher Ikeya—your classes are way too boring. You should learn from Mugetsu-sensei!"
Before Ikeya could respond, Obito laughed and bolted out of the room.
He had wanted to complain for a long time and finally found an opportunity.
"This kid." Ikeya smiled awkwardly.
"After all, he's been interning under Teacher Mugetsu for so long—it's natural he'd think I'm not good enough." Ikeya quickly composed himself. Compared to Mugetsu, no teacher in the entire Academy could claim to measure up.
As Mugetsu's strength gradually became known, his image evolved. At first, he was seen as a gentle and kind teacher loved by his students. Later, he earned recognition for his exceptional teaching skills. And after the latest issue of the Leaf Newspaper revealed more of his feats, even the Academy's senior instructors came to realize just how formidable he truly was.
Yet, despite all his achievements, Mugetsu's kindness never faded. The more power he revealed, the more his humility shone through.
After Obito dashed out of the building, he spotted Rin and Guy waiting outside.
"Rin, Guy!" Obito called out, proudly waving his new headband.
"Obito, be careful! You'll drop it if you keep swinging it around like that," Rin scolded lightly, smiling. She had already tied hers neatly.
"It's fine! Even if it falls, I'll catch it before it hits the ground," Obito said confidently. But when he noticed Rin's neatly worn headband, he hurried to put his on too.
He tied it quickly—but a little crooked.
"You've put it on unevenly. Let me fix it," Rin said, walking closer.
As her face drew nearer, Obito could see every detail of her clear, bright eyes. His heart skipped a beat, and his cheeks turned red. He instinctively took a step back.
"Don't move," Rin said helplessly, one hand on her hip.
"I did it on purpose! It's my unique style," Obito blurted, his face burning.
"Alright then," Rin said with a laugh, "but when the team assignments are announced, make sure to wear it properly. You'll want to make a good impression on your instructor."
"Does that really matter?" Obito asked, scratching his head. He couldn't imagine anyone caring about whether a headband was straight.
But deep down, he couldn't help but grin. So Rin really does pay attention to me.
"If it's a strict teacher, they might," Rin said seriously. "It's better to do things properly."
"Okay, okay. I'll wear it right," Obito said, giving up when he saw how earnest she was.
The three wandered around the Academy grounds and soon ran into Mugetsu.
"Congratulations," Mugetsu said warmly, noticing their new headbands. "From today onward, you're official Konoha shinobi."
"Hehe, it's all thanks to your teaching, Teacher Mugetsu," Obito said, rubbing the back of his head. "Before, I could only make one clone. I didn't even think I'd pass."
His growth had been enormous. Not only had he learned multiple Fire Release techniques, but he'd also awakened his Sharingan. He felt like he could easily take on ten of his past selves from the start of the year.
Guy nodded enthusiastically. "Ninjutsu is hard, but when you teach it, it doesn't seem so bad!"
If not for Mugetsu, Guy doubted he could have ever pulled off a proper Clone Technique.
The three disciples stood together, grateful for everything Mugetsu had done. They all knew that without him, they wouldn't be the shinobi they were now.
Mugetsu smiled gently. "You've all worked hard too. No matter how much I teach, it only matters if you're willing to learn."
Obito could barely contain himself—he was dying to take Mugetsu to the forest to show him the surprise they'd prepared. Mugetsu had given them so much, and Obito wanted to return that kindness.
But it wasn't time yet—Shisui still had his exam, and they had agreed to hold the celebration in the evening.
"Teacher Mugetsu, do you have time right now? I'd like to go train in the South Border Forest," Obito asked after a moment's thought.
Now that he'd graduated, he wouldn't have as much time to train under Mugetsu's guidance. He wanted to make the most of it while he still could.
"Alright, let's go together," Mugetsu said with a nod.
He wasn't assigned to proctor any exams today and would've just been at home working on sealing techniques anyway.
Rin and Guy joined them, and the group headed for the South Border Forest.
When they arrived, they found Kakashi already there, training with one of Mugetsu's shadow clones. As soon as the real Mugetsu appeared with the others, Kakashi stopped and greeted them.
"Hmph! Kakashi, you can't call me 'intern ninja' anymore. I'm a full-fledged shinobi now!" Obito said proudly, showing off his new headband.
"Oh, is that so? Then please call me Lord Kakashi," Kakashi said calmly, tapping the Chunin vest he now wore. "I outrank you."
Obito froze.
"…It's just Chunin. I'll catch up soon enough," he muttered after half a minute, refusing to admit defeat. Calling Kakashi "Lord" would've been more painful than losing a fight.
"You two really never change," Rin said, sighing helplessly.
"Chunin or Genin, you both better train seriously," Mugetsu said lightly. He flicked Obito's forehead with his finger, then used a remote chakra tap to lightly knock Kakashi's head from afar.
Kakashi blinked, rubbing his forehead. He actually used that level of precision… just to flick me?
"Roger that!" Obito said brightly, already used to Mugetsu's habit of smacking sense into them.
Training continued as usual. Shisui soon returned from his exam and joined in, but before long, Mugetsu glanced at the sun and decided to end the session.
However, instead of dispersing like usual, the students surrounded him.
"Teacher Mugetsu, can you close your eyes? We have a surprise for you," Obito said, eyes shining with anticipation.
"No problem," Mugetsu said with a warm smile, closing his eyes. Even so, with his Transparent World perception, there was no chance of anything catching him off guard.
<><><><><>
[Check Out My Patreon For +40 Advance Chapters On All My Fanfics!]
[[email protected]/FanficLord03]
[Every 100 Power Stones = +1 Bonus Chapter]
[Join Our Discord Community For Updates & Events]
[https://discord.gg/MntqcdpRZ9]