Although it's only been three years, a lot has truly happened.
When he first entered the Ninja Academy, he never imagined becoming a Jonin at the age of eight, nor did he think he'd unlock the Three Tomoe Sharingan so quickly. Without Mokgetsu, this would have been almost impossible.
Uchiha Itachi listened to Shisui recount Mokgetsu's deeds one by one.
In Shisui's words, Mokgetsu was very capable, strong in Fire Release, and particularly good at teaching others.
However, the gentle Mokgetsu occasionally had a mischievous side, like sending Shisui to provoke Asuma, or knowing Obito was stubborn yet pretending not to notice, then scaring Obito with tests.
"Sounds like a really special person." Uchiha Itachi became even more curious about Teacher Mokgetsu in Shisui's stories.
...
The eastern part of the Land of Rain.
The Six Paths City still under construction.
Since the arrival of the Ninja Sect, the Six Paths City now had the scale of a small town.
Due to cooperation with the Hidden Rock, Onoki sent some Hidden Rock Ninja to assist in building the Ninja Sect, and also sent some young ninja for training.
Mokgetsu couldn't help but say that Earth Release Ninja were really fast at construction; with the support of Hidden Rock, the speed of construction skyrocketed.
"I really hope the Martial Arts Tournament starts and finishes soon. Watching my companions work while having no time to help." Yahiko sighed, looking into the distance while hydrating after cultivation.
He, Nagato, and Konan were still within the age limit and were to participate as ninja of the Ninja Sect in the Youth Martial Arts Conference, so they've mostly been training for the tournament's start.
"That's why we need to perform well in the tournament," Konan said, controlling the paper sheets as they returned to her hand.
Although it's the Youth Martial Arts Conference and the Ninja Sect is the host, as a ninja force, the strength of young ninjas is very important.
The better they perform, the more other Ninja Villages and Ninja Organizations will value the Ninja Sect and the Land of Rain.
"Mm." Yahiko nodded, then laughingly looked at Nagato: "Nagato, you must win to the end, don't let anyone else take Sosuke's Ninjutsu."
Yahiko had some confidence in his abilities, but when considering the entire Ninja World, he wasn't sure about being number one.
Nagato was different; Nagato had the eyes of the Six Paths Sage, a unique miracle across the entire Ninja World, and Yahiko believed Nagato could win it all.
"I will do my best." Nagato nodded earnestly.
He had many reasons to aim for first: for Mokgetsu, for the Ninja Sect, for the Land of Rain—there wasn't a single reason to lose.
"It's a pity Minister Kakuzu is out for business; otherwise, he could help you with combat training. Compared to you, our skills are still lacking." Yahiko said this after feeling adequately rested and stood up.
Thinking of Kakuzu, Yahiko also felt quite emotional. Initially, Kakuzu wanted to capture Mokgetsu for a bounty, but following Mokgetsu around, he gradually accepted himself as part of the Ninja Sect, contributing significantly with his rich experience and knowledge.
Securing sponsors and dealing with merchants for the tournament, these tasks were basically handled by Kakuzu and his team.
"Perhaps in a thousand years, Sosuke will also become a mythical figure like the Six Paths Sage." Yahiko felt that the Ninja Master's work in rebuilding the Ninja Sect could be remembered through the ages.
"You guys continue your own cultivation, I'll help Nagato train."
As Yahiko pondered Mokgetsu's achievements, Mokgetsu's voice reached his ears.
"Teacher Sosuke, don't you have matters over at Hidden Rock? I can train on my own," Nagato was reluctant to let Mokgetsu overburden himself.
Nagato didn't know how Mokgetsu managed between Konoha and the Land of Rain so effortlessly, but he understood it surely wasn't easy.
On one side was Blazing Sun Mokgetsu, who triumphed over many foes on the Konoha battlefield, and on the other side was the newly risen legendary Ninja Master Sosuke in the Land of Rain.
"Hidden Rock is at rest now, I'm not busy at the moment," Mokgetsu replied with a smile.
Recently, due to many Ninja Sect affairs, Mokgetsu often had to move his real body between two places.
While the Yang Seal Shadow Clone solved the existence issue, it was still fragile and unreliable under unexpected situations.
Also, with the Ninja Sect relocated to the eastern part of the Land of Rain, it's the nearest point to the Land of Fire, greatly reducing Mokgetsu's travel time.
"Let me test how well you've adapted to your Rinnegan." Mokgetsu took Nagato to a more open area.
Seeing Mokgetsu insist on helping him train, Nagato didn't refuse anymore, silently memorizing Mokgetsu's kindness.
"I'm going to make a move, get ready."
Mokgetsu gave a brief reminder before quickly starting to gather Chakra.
"Lightning Release: Pseudo-Darkness!"
As Mokgetsu finished his hand seals, a sharp Thunder Spear rapidly shot towards Nagato.
Nagato extended his palm towards the incoming Thunder Spear.
"Almighty Push!"
A powerful repulsive force burst forth, and the Thunder Spear initially aimed at Nagato was instantly deflected, crashing into a large nearby rock, shattering it.
Nagato didn't wait idly for Mokgetsu's attack. He surged with Chakra, dashing towards Mokgetsu, extending his palm again.
"Heavenly Attraction!"
A strong gravitational force emitted from Nagato's palm, drawing Mokgetsu's body towards it.
Swish!
Almost instantly, Mokgetsu used the Instant Body Jutsu to swiftly evade, leaving Nagato only pulling in nearby stones close to Mokgetsu.
Nagato then smoothly pulled in the stones shattered by the Lightning Release and used Almighty Push on the incoming stones.
Bang bang bang!!
The debris flew like projectiles, speeding toward Mokgetsu to strike him.