Chapter 81

"Huh?" Obito thought that after a whole day of special training, he wouldn't have to go to Makoto's place to practice again.

"Ah, what? You no longer want to learn Soru?"

"I really want to learn, but I feel a little tired," Obito said honestly.

Unlike Shisui and Might Gai, Obito rarely practiced all day except on weekends, so he was a little unaccustomed to this training rhythm.

"When you feel tired, you can sit down, rest and listen to what I teach seriously," Makoto explained with a smile.

"Then I will definitely work hard. See you, Teacher Makoto." Obito chuckled and said goodbye to Makoto, preparing to go home for dinner.

Even if Makoto hadn't informed him this, he would still have gone there after dinner. He could tell that he had his best interests at heart.

After bidding farewell to his disciples, Makoto returned to his home in the main city.

Each night, he would study the sealing technique provided by Kushina and attempt to solve any problems he encountered by himself. Only when he was truly stumped would he seek assistance from Minato or Kushina.

In recent days, he hadn't discussed sealing with them, accumulating questions for a more comprehensive discussion after dinner.

After the meal, Makoto smoothly brought up the topic and posed his questions.

Questions from beginners like Makoto were easy for Minato and Kushina. Hence, he quickly received the answers he sought.

"By the way, Makoto, if you have the time, could you demonstrate the squirrel mandarin fish preparation in detail again? We tried it at home, but it turned out quite different from how you did it. It seemed too challenging," Kushina asked.

"That will have to wait for four days. I'm currently occupied with a special summer training program, and I'm unavailable from Monday to Friday," Makoto explained.

"That's fine. You can teach us when you have the time on Saturday," Kushina said, indicating her understanding.

"Summer training? I wasn't aware that the Academy held classes during summer vacations." Minato asked, his focus shifting.

____

"Classes during summer vacation?!" 

"Issa parade inside my city."

____

"Not exactly. It's because I visited the Hokage's residence earlier..." Makoto proceeded to recount the entire story to Minato and Kushina.

There was no need to keep this matter a secret; it was better to disclose it.

"Special training for students about to graduate is indeed an excellent way to bolster the strength of new genin," Minato nodded in agreement.

In today's turbulent ninja world, even if a war were to break out, recently graduated genin would not be expected to enter the battlefield. Nevertheless, having robust skills would undoubtedly aid new genin in rapidly becoming qualified ninja.

"This also demonstrates that Lord Third holds you in high regard; entrusting you with such a significant task," Minato remarked with a gentle smile.

"Looks like I'll be addressing you as Makoto Jounin in a month," Kushina joked.

She had initially believed that with diligently practicing Fuinjutsu, Makoto could become a special jounin. However, it appeared that Makoto was a more capable teacher than she had previously thought, using his teaching abilities to become a special jounin.

"To earn that title, I'll need to achieve results that satisfy the Third Hokage. I'm not sure if I can achieve it, and even if I do, it won't be comparable to official jounin like Minato and Kushina," Makoto modestly replied.

The position of a special jounin was somewhat difficult to describe. While some special jounin may have similar combat abilities to regular jounin such as Future Genma and Anko, most special jounin were essentially skilled chunin with unique talents.

For example, if Makoto were to become a special jounin following the special training, his qualifications would likely be noted as a teaching talent.

Konoha held stringent criteria for jounin promotions. Even a special jounin was considered to have entered the middle and upper ranks of Konoha and was eligible to participate in jounin meetings.

"Regardless of the kind of jounin you become, it's better than being a chuunin," Kushina's words were filled with encouragement.

Having resolved the sealing technique issue and enjoyed a pleasant chat with Kushina and Minato, Makoto made his way to the southern forest.

Upon arrival, he found Shisui and Might Gai already engaged in their exercises.

"Gather around, everyone. I'll continue explaining the Chakra Burst Technique of Soru," Makoto beckoned to the group, his hand making a welcoming gesture.

Before they delved into their practice, Makoto aimed to convey further essential details. Afterward, they would delve into the intricate realms of ninjutsu and taijutsu training.

For Shisui, Makoto had an array of advanced fire release jutsus lined up, further increasing his options. As for Might Gai, a unique technique was on the agenda: the Stone Breathing Technique.

This first-rate technique posed an imposing challenge. In the original Demon Slayer lore, it was hailed as the most physcially demanding among the five main Techniques.

Moreover, this breathing method's transformative effects were particularly impressive, making it a perfect fit for Might Gai to bolster his physical capabilities.

Responding promptly to Makoto's summons, both Might Gai and Shisui halted their ongoing training and assembled for the next phase of instruction.

In the span of approximately ten minutes, Obito joined the group. Eager to broaden his horizons, he began immersing himself in nature change training under the guidance of Makoto's shadow clone.

Their daytime special training had placed a considerable emphasis on fortifying their physical endurance, surpassing their prior benchmarks.

Obito had set a personal objective for the week, resolving, "Train assiduously for a week and then take on another challenge."

Nevertheless, he was well aware that charging into the challenge recklessly was not an option. A setback would mean having to solve three papers filled with questions.

The following day came.

Obito and Might Gai raised the intensity of their regimen, affixing weights to their bodies and embarking on a grueling circuit around the training grounds to further elevate their physical prowess. Brief pauses for recuperation followed only when their energy was utterly spent, after which they resumed their relentless workout.

Notably, Obito's unwavering commitment did not escape Asuma's notice. As the appointed progress leader, Asuma had adopted a relatively more laid-back approach.

Makoto had assigned a two-week target for the mastery of water surface-walking and tree-climbing, a challenge Obito had conquered even before the special training had commenced. With over two weeks to spare, he could have opted for a more relaxed routine.

However, seeing Obito's relentless dedication left Asuma grappling with unease. As Group A continued to excel in their efforts, Asuma found himself questioning his own work ethic.

Contemplating the possibility of an impending practical examination, Asuma couldn't help but muse on Group A's resolute approach. He began to wonder whether he could maintain his claim to second place, let alone vie for the top spot.

Feeling the weight of the challenge, Asuma shifted his focus and resumed his efforts to perfect the fire release technique.

With a prodigious talent like Shisui within their ranks, Asuma recognized that securing the number one spot might be a distant dream. However, he remained steadfast in his resolve not to fall behind Obito.

The prospect of falling behind Shisui was one matter, but losing ground to others was an entirely different narrative. Asuma remained committed to upholding his reputation.