21 Chapter 21: Third Hokage
"Please proceed to the headmaster's office as soon as possible."
"The headmaster?" Ueda Aya exclaimed softly.
There aren't many formidable sensei at the Academy; most of them are just ordinary Chunin. However, the headmaster of the Academy is not to be underestimated.
Currently, the academy had seen only two headmasters. One is Lord Second, Hokage Senju Tobirama, and the other is the current Hokage, Lord Third, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Even though he is the headmaster, it's not easy for the senseis to meet Sarutobi Hiruzen. Apart from saying a few words during the opening of the school year, Sarutobi Hiruzen rarely visits the school. He usually handles official matters at the Hokage Tower.
This is the reason for Ueda Aya's surprise. Sarutobi Hiruzen is unexpectedly in the headmaster's office, summoning a sensei separately. It's quite unusual.
"Alright, I'll be right there." Mutsuki nodded and then apologized to the office senseis
"I apologize, everyone. I need to go to the headmaster's office. We'll continue discussing the lesson later."
"There's nothing to apologize for, Yumi-sensei. Hurry up and go, don't keep Lord Third waiting," Chitani Isamu said, his face showing an uncontrollable expression of envy, his eyes almost turning lemon-like.
He had been teaching for several years without such treatment. Not to mention being summoned alone, he had never even been inside the headmaster's office.
However, when Chitani Isamu thought about Mutsuki's teaching level and the quality of students, he couldn't complain anymore.
In other first-year classes, the average scores were around forty to fifty. But Mutsuki's class skyrocketed to over seventy, leaving the other classes far behind.
Their practical scores were also generally higher, securing the first and second positions in the grade. Uchiha Shisui, who ranked first, was recognized as a super genius.
Chitani Isamu introspectively admitted that he couldn't lead a class like that.
After Mutsuki finished speaking, he turned and headed towards the headmaster's office.
The headmaster's office was located on the highest floor of their teaching building, the fifth floor, while Mutsuki and their small office were on the second floor.
Observing the sign next to the door labeled "Headmaster's Office," Mutsuki knocked on the office door.
"Come in," a dignified voice of a middle-aged man came from inside the room.
Mutsuki calmly entered the office.
Glancing around casually, Mutsuki noted the office's rather plain layout. Bookshelves and desks were positioned by the windows, and there was a set of tables and chairs near the door.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't appear as old as at the beginning of the anime or manga plot. His hair and beard were still black, with not too many wrinkles on his face. His eyes carried a sense of authority, giving off an aura of not needing to be angry to command respect. Perhaps due to being in the Academy, he wasn't wearing the Hokage hat.
"Are you Yumi-sensei? Please, have a seat," Sarutobi Hiruzen said without putting on any airs. He got up and walked to the side of the desk and chairs near the door, smiling as he gestured for Mutsuki to sit.
"Lord Third, Hokage-sama," Mutsuki said with utmost respect, sitting down without any pretense.
In his previous life, Lord Third's reputation wasn't great because, for various reasons, many things were seen as part of his schemes.
He didn't know what kind of person the current Lord Third in front of him was in reality. However, as an Academy teacher, he needed to maintain a certain facade. Even if he cursed him inwardly, he had to wear a smile on his face.
"Yumi, you have a natural talent for teaching," Sarutobi Hiruzen praised with a smile.
"I heard about the performance of your class. The average theoretical scores are thirty to forty points higher than other classes, and in practical exams, your class dominates the top two positions in the grade."
"Exam proctors have mentioned that the mastery of basic Ninjutsu such as Transformation Jutsu and Clone Jutsu is better in your class than in others."
"It's the students' dedication. I just do my best to teach them; the rest depends on their efforts," Mutsuki said after giving it some thought.
He expressed humility but didn't entirely dismiss credit. First, he acknowledged that there were reasons related to the students themselves, and then he emphasized his own efforts.
"Doing one's best to teach, well said," Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed satisfaction with Mutsuki's response and sighed,
"If there were more teachers at the Academy, like Yumi-sensei, putting in such effort to educate students, we wouldn't need to worry about the training of the younger generation."
Mutsuki didn't respond to this statement, only showing a serious and attentive expression.
If he acknowledged, it might imply that other teachers lacked capability, but if he didn't, it could suggest that other teachers were not dedicated.
"Based on the performance of Class 1 this time, I've decided to personally commend you as an outstanding teacher for this semester," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile.
Mutsuki's face showed surprise, followed by a deeply moved expression as he expressed gratitude to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"However, Lord Third, is it really appropriate? It's only been a month sincee I started teaching, and I'm afraid it might tarnish your reputation if word gets out," Mutsuki expressed concern, worried that this might negatively affect Lord Third's esteemed reputation.
"Outstanding teacher title are meant for teachers who demonstrate excellence. If other teachers can lead classes like yours, I would commend them too," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with determination.
Lord Third continued to paint a rosy picture and said:
"If, Yumi-sensei, you maintain this level of teaching quality for the next year, I will promote you to Special Jonin and appoint you as the Deputy Leader of the Academy's teacher class."
"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Third. However, as a sensei, my responsibility is to educate students well, and I always keep that in mind," Mutsuki said sincerely.
In his heart, Mutsuki thought that Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen were indeed cut from the same cloth... they could create enticing prospects, painting promotions so convincingly, like the promotion to Special Jonin and they even chose the same reward.
However, Mutsuki sincerely wished for his students to progress rather than seeking the position of Special Jonin because that would enable him to earn a significant amount of returns.
Observing Mutsuki's genuine emotions, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had a wealth of experience in understanding people, became increasingly appreciative of Mutsuki.
"Yumi-sensei, I would like to discuss some personal matters with you. Would you be willing to listen?" Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly asked.
Mutsuki nodded, pondering what kind of deal Lord Third was trying to make.
"I have a son named Sarutobi Asuma. He just graduated this year and became a Genin. He's quite inexperienced in various aspects, which gives me a headache. I would like to invite you to be his private tutor and provide guidance," Sarutobi Hiruzen extended the invitation.
Based on Mutsuki's current demonstrated teaching abilities, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt confident in Mutsuki's capability to instruct Asuma, the freshly graduated Genin.
This was also a test of Mutsuki's skills. If the performance proved to be excellent, it would justify Sarutobi Hiruzen's intervention with Danzo to secure Mutsuki's assistance.
Whether as an outstanding teacher or a Special Jonin, both were means for Sarutobi Hiruzen to boost Mutsuki's favorability, setting the groundwork for future endeavors.
For Sarutobi Hiruzen, these matters were relatively straightforward, and he was happy to play this casual move.
"Lord Third, I need to carefully consider this," Mutsuki thought for a moment, not giving an immediate answer.
This was somewhat unexpected for Sarutobi Hiruzen; he didn't anticipate Mutsuki's hesitation.
"Because of my regular teaching schedule during the weekdays, I won't have any time then. As for weekends, I also need to plan how to carry out my teaching duties for the upcoming week," Mutsuki explained.
"I can only agree under the condition of ensuring the quality of education for both sides, so please allow me some time to consider," Mutsuki explained.
Lord Third paused for a moment, then smiled and once again praised Mutsuki as an outstanding teacher. He then mentioned there was nothing else to discuss, and Mutsuki was free to leave.
Before leaving, Mutsuki gave Lord Third a nod of acknowledgment.
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