Satoru had disciplined Kakashi before, so now the boy felt some fear seeing his instructor.
The young Uchiha just smirked inwardly. A little shake-up would benefit young Hatake in the future.
"How's it going? Fighting an opponent?" Satoru saw Kakashi's opponent was Might Guy and approached.
"He's no match for me. Won't be in the future either," Kakashi said arrogantly.
"Even if he's not your equal now, he might surpass you later. You're comrades, not enemies," the young instructor said.
"Uh-huh," Kakashi nodded, unclear if he listened or not.
Satoru smirked again and addressed the sparring students:
"Those wanting to learn ninjutsu, taijutsu, or genjutsu, come to me. For combat practice, you can learn from me, but only if you've mastered the basics."
Many kids approached immediately.
"Asuma, you should study Wind Release nature transformation thoroughly."
"Kurenai, your chakra control is excellent; you could be a sensor or genjutsu specialist."
"Anko, your taijutsu and ninjutsu are good; you can fight head-on, but sometimes plan tactics."
Half a year passed like that. By day, Satoru diligently trained students, who didn't disappoint. Everyone tried hard; some even trained at home relentlessly.
The young Uchiha was touched. At six, his students obeyed him, which thrilled him. In his past life, he'd taught too, and as a former rascal, he knew what these kids needed.
Besides teaching, Satoru sent shadow clones on missions. He'd cleared nearly all C- and D-rank missions. In half a year, only two B-ranks. Not due to ability, but lack of high-level tasks.
That day, his students finally had their exam.
"Instructor Ikkaku, your students will surprise you today, believe me. Check the class," Satoru suggested in the principal's office.
"Of course! I trust your words 100%!" Principal Ikkaku knew Satoru's capabilities and went with him. The chief examiner had started.
"Uchiha Obito, your exam task is the Cloning Technique," the examiner announced.
"Good luck, Obito!" Rin Nohara encouraged from beside him. Only then did Obito step forward.
"Cloning Technique!" Suppressing nerves, Obito performed it. The class went silent.
Uchiha Obito, the worst student, perfectly executed the Cloning Technique.
"U-Uchiha Obito! Pass!" The examiner was stunned. He'd taught these kids before but never expected even the worst, Obito, to pass.
"Might Guy! Your task—Transformation Technique! Transform into Principal Ikkaku!" the examiner said randomly.
Might Guy in his skintight suit stepped up and perfectly transformed into Principal Ikkaku. So flawless, the principal was speechless.
Principal Ikkaku and the chief examiner exchanged looks. How long had these kids trained under Satoru? Their progress was obvious!
Theory, combat, basics—all kids aced the exam.
Satoru's teaching was a resounding success. When reports reached the Third Hokage, he was pleasantly surprised.
"Satoru, you're incredible! So many Ninja Academy kids, even the weakest passed! You've truly impressed me! You're born to teach!" the village leader laughed.
"Only chunin can teach? Jonin can't?" Satoru asked.
"Of course they can. Jonin not only teach but lead genin teams directly," the Third Hokage replied.
"Hm..." Satoru nodded, then said: "I want to become a jonin. Any way?"
"Accumulate enough missions, and you can promote to jonin. No selection exam for jonin. Theoretically, just complete enough tasks," Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at him. "Want to be jonin already? You've been chunin only half a year. Work a few more years? You're great at teaching—keep raising Konoha's stars! Ha-ha!"
Satoru knew the leader was joking and didn't take it seriously.
He'd completed a System task earlier, earning Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. Now the new task: become a Konoha jonin. Reward: ten guaranteed super lottery prizes! Naturally, Satoru wanted it.
"Seriously, old man. Half a year passed, I'm seven now. Who stays chunin half a year? I want jonin rank! Set any requirements!" the young Uchiha declared confidently.
"Chunin half a year? Many stay genin lifelong, some chunin... What's half a year?"
"About that... let me think..." The Third Hokage lit his pipe. Suddenly, a call came. After, he said: "There's an A-rank solo mission. Succeed, and I'll guarantee elite jonin status in Konoha!"
Jonin had levels: special jonin, regular, elite. Elite was top among jonin. Even White Fang was elite, though his power exceeded it.
Elite jonin would be near the career peak for a ninja.
"What's the mission? A-rank? Something tells me it's no good!" Satoru guessed.
"I want you to join the Twelve Guardian Ninja and protect the Daimyo," the Third Hokage said.
"Twelve Guardian Ninja?" Satoru recalled tragically dead Chiriku, Asuma... all former members. High-class Daimyo bodyguards.
"Protect the Daimyo? How long?" the young man asked.
"Minimum two years," Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed smoke rings.
"Two years? You sure?" Satoru asked immediately. "Any other ways to jonin? Even special jonin is fine; I just need the rank."
"Satoru, it's not as simple as you think," the Third Hokage set aside his pipe, looking at the youth. "It's for your future."