Friday morning, Ninja Academy Year One, Class One classroom.
The students were discussing how they should behave in Taijutsu class later.
"Should we do what we did last time?" a student asked.
"Not today. Based on what Teacher Mokgetsu said yesterday, the Taijutsu teacher definitely exaggerated our actions during Taijutsu class to Teacher Mokgetsu," Kamizuki Izumo deduced.
"With Teacher Mokgetsu's personality, who knows, he might come to observe during Taijutsu class." he added.
"I'm really fed up with the Taijutsu teacher; it's the first time I've heard a teacher reporting students," Hagane Kotetsu complained.
Reporting is one thing, but adding exaggerations? That's just infuriating.
"Let's give Teacher Mokgetsu some face today and not cause any trouble," Kamizuki Izumo said.
The students felt Kamizuki Izumo made a lot of sense and decided to treat the Taijutsu class as if it were Mokgetsu's class.
"That Taijutsu teacher is really annoying," Anko said, looking frustrated.
The poor teaching of Taijutsu led to her being criticized by Mokgetsu, and now he's bad-mouthing her to Teacher Mokgetsu.
The students in Class One all nodded in agreement; Tanimura Toshihiro's actions successfully made their impression of him plunge to rock bottom.
After the class bell rang, Tanimura Toshihiro came into the classroom.
Seeing the students sitting quietly in their seats without a word, he sighed in relief internally.
But he didn't let his guard down, as the students didn't exhibit strong aggression at the start of the last class either.
"Everyone, go to the field and run three laps to warm up," Tanimura Toshihiro coughed lightly and said.
The students followed his instructions, went downstairs to the field, and started running without discussing Tanimura Toshihiro.
After running, Tanimura Toshihiro began teaching Taijutsu moves, demonstrating twice before letting the students practice freely.
No student spoke against Tanimura Toshihiro, which felt so tranquil to him, as if it were a different batch of students from last time.
"I really must treat Teacher Habu to a drink," he thought, grateful to Mokgetsu.
He knew these changes were because of Mokgetsu's intervention; otherwise, the students wouldn't show such a dramatic difference in behavior.
Just then, Mokgetsu passed by the field as requested by Tanimura Toshihiro.
Mokgetsu greeted Tanimura Toshihiro and stayed on the field for a while.
After class, Kamizuki Izumo said proudly, "See, I was right; Teacher Mokgetsu would definitely come by."
"So we're not going to act anymore?" a student asked, dissatisfied.
The more Teacher Mokgetsu supported Tanimura Toshihiro, the more they resented him.
"Of course not, Teacher Mokgetsu isn't free every day; next class we can continue with our plans," Kamizuki Izumo said.
...
Year Four, Class Two, Nohara Rin watched Obito scratching his head doing problems beside her, and asked worriedly:
"Obito, what's been up with you lately? You've been so diligent, studying whenever you have free time."
While it's a good thing to study seriously, Obito's sudden passion for theory made her concerned.
Hearing Nohara Rin's words, Obito's pen halted, feeling a surge of emotion.
This wasn't about being diligent; this was the consequence of failing to train Taijutsu properly!
Making problems in installments comes at a price. Originally ten problems, but installments could mean eleven.
This means Obito wouldn't need to do a lot in one day but would need to do something daily.
The worst part is, training happened every day, so he was constantly accumulating new problems, continuously making installments.
But to do it all in one go was impossible, as it would be unbearably painful and affect his cultivation.
"Everyone's grades are improving, so I can't fall behind," Obito forced a stiff smile.
He definitely wouldn't reveal being penalized with problems just because he fell short in Taijutsu training.
"That's great to hear; seems like you've grown a lot suddenly," Nohara Rin smiled with relief.
From the beginning when he was late enrolling, Nohara Rin always treated Obito like her younger brother.
Seeing Obito now ranking among the top in practical skills and passing theory as well, Nohara Rin felt truly delighted.
"Haha, is that so?" Obito's stiff smile softened like wilting grass getting watered, turning natural quickly.
With Nohara Rin's praise, Obito's speed in solving problems increased, feeling like he could repay tomorrow's installment ahead of time.
"It's almost vacation again; Obito, what do you plan for the weekend?" Nohara Rin asked.
"Wait, it's Friday already?" Obito's forehead broke out in cold sweat; so engrossed in Taijutsu and problems, he had lost track of time.
"Yes, we're on vacation after class; aren't you happy, Obito?" Nohara Rin giggled.
Upon receiving Nohara Rin's confirmation, Obito's vision seemed to darken.
From Monday to Friday, they only needed to train from after-school until sunset.
But the weekend was different, training lasted from morning till sunset.
A lot of training meant more battles with Might Guy, and more battles meant more problems.
Obito could imagine problem after problem, test paper after test paper flooding towards him.
"Obito, are you alright? You look unwell, should I take you to the infirmary?" Nohara Rin asked, concerned about his expression.
"No, it's nothing, I'm just really happy about the vacation," Obito forced a slight smile.
"Yes, I'm very happy, training so long during vacation, a huge boost in strength, winning the top spot, earning Rin's admiring eyes," Obito began to hypnotize himself.
"Promise me, Rin, to train Taijutsu well," Obito couldn't help but say.
"Hm, I know, Taijutsu is important," Nohara Rin nodded, not comprehending the pain within Obito's words.
After school, Obito went to the cultivation ground in the Southern Border Forest.
Might Guy had arrived a step ahead and began training.
The two exchanged a glance, seeing the thirst for victory in each other's eyes.
Both knew what the weekend signified.
It wasn't a joke; the slightest misstep could mean countless problems.
"If only I had the Sharingan, it would definitely work!" For the first time, Obito longed to awaken the Uchiha Clan's Kekkei Genkai.
Sharingan granted powerful dynamic vision, easily deciphering enemy movements.
He had a feeling, after this weekend, the problems to solve might extend into the end of the term.
"I can't let that happen!" Obito punched the wooden stakes fiercely.
On the other side, Might Guy was silently holding giant stones, doing squats to train thigh muscles.
He not only wanted to avoid installments but aimed to claim grade-first.
Mokgetsu watched them both driven in training, showing a satisfied smile.
If maintained, in a month, Hyuga Kamon wouldn't be a match for them.