https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-20-Smiles-Don-t-Disappear-They-Just-Transfer/12557731/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-22-The-Peak-Power-of-the-Third-Hokage/12557733/
Chapter 21: The Third Hokage
Chapter 21: The Third Hokage
"Please head to the Principal's Office as soon as possible."
"The Principal?" Ueda Ayaka exclaimed softly.
The Ninja Academy didn't have many impressive teachers; most of them were average Chunin-level ninjas. However, the Principal of the Ninja Academy was a whole different story.
There had only been two principals in the history of the academy—the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, and the current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Despite his position, the teachers rarely had the opportunity to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi in person. Aside from delivering a speech during the opening ceremony at the start of each year, the Third Hokage did not visit the academy often, choosing to attend to his duties in the Hokage's office instead.
This was why Ueda Ayaka was so surprised. It was highly unusual for the Third Hokage to be in his office at the academy, let alone summon a teacher for a private meeting.
"Alright, I'll head over now," Mu Yue nodded, then turned to the other teachers in the office and apologized, "I'm sorry, everyone. I'll be back soon, and we can continue discussing the lesson plans."
"Don't worry about it, Teacher Mu. Go ahead, or you'll keep the Third Hokage waiting," said Choji Akimichi, his face betraying his envy. His eyes widened as if they were about to turn into lemons.
He had been teaching for several years and had never received such treatment. Not only had he never been summoned privately, but he had also never even set foot in the Principal's office.
However, when Chiya thought about Mu Yue's teaching abilities and the quality of her students, he couldn't help but feel a little less sour.
While the average scores of the other first-grade classes hovered around 40 to 50, Mu Yue's class had soared to over 70, leaving the other classes in the dust.
Their practical scores were also generally higher, securing the top two spots in the grade. Moreover, Uchiha Itachi, who ranked first, was recognized as a super genius.
Shikamaru knew that he couldn't have achieved such results with his own class, no matter how hard he tried.
After Mu Yue finished speaking, she turned and made her way towards the Principal's office.
The office was located on the fifth floor, the highest level of their teaching building. Mu Yue's small office, in comparison, was on the second floor.
Seeing the sign for the Principal's office next to the door, Mu Yue knocked.
"Come in," came a dignified middle-aged man's voice from within.
Mu Yue opened the door and stepped inside.
She casually glanced around the room, noting its simple layout. The bookshelves and desk were positioned by the window, and there was another set of table and chairs near the door.
Hiruzen Sarutobi also appeared younger than he did in the manga's storyline; his hair and beard were still black, and his face was mostly free of wrinkles. His eyes exuded an air of authority, giving off an impression of innate dignity. Perhaps because he was at the Ninja Academy, he was not wearing his Hokage hat.
"You must be Teacher Mu. Please, take a seat," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, rising from his seat by the window and moving towards the table near the door with a smile.
"Thank you, Third Hokage," Mu Yue replied respectfully, her tone sincere as she sat down.
In her previous life, the Third Hokage had not enjoyed a positive reputation. Due to various reasons and circumstances, many events had been attributed to his scheming.
She didn't know what kind of person the real Third Hokage before her was, but as a teacher at the Ninja Academy, she knew to put on a respectful front, even if she harbored negative thoughts. She would smile on the outside, no matter what she felt inside.
"Mu Yue, you have a gift for teaching," Hiruzen Sarutobi praised warmly.
"I've heard about your class's performance. Your students' average theory scores are 20 to 30 points higher than the other classes, and they've also secured the top two spots in practical exams for the grade."
"Even the proctors have commented that your students' grasp of basic ninjutsu, like the Transformation and Clone Techniques, surpasses that of their peers."
"It's all thanks to the students' hard work. I'm just doing my best to teach them, and the rest is up to their efforts," Mu Yue replied thoughtfully.
"It's good that you're doing your best to teach," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with satisfaction. "If the Ninja Academy had more teachers like you, Teacher Mu, who are wholeheartedly devoted to educating their students, we wouldn't have to worry about the cultivation of the younger generation."
Mu Yue didn't respond to this statement but maintained a look of attentive listening.
Agreeing would imply that the other teachers were incompetent, and not agreeing would suggest that they were neglectful.
"Based on Class 1-1's performance this year, I'll take the liberty of naming you the Outstanding Teacher for this semester." Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.
Mu Yue feigned a look of surprise, then immediately expressed her gratitude to the Third Hokage.
"However, Third Hokage, I'm afraid this might not be appropriate. It's only been a month since the semester began, and I'm concerned that it might tarnish your reputation if word gets out," Mu Yue said with a worried expression, fearing that this might affect the Third Hokage's esteemed reputation.
"The title of Outstanding Teacher is meant to recognize outstanding teachers. If other teachers can also produce such outstanding results, I will bestow it upon them as well." Hiruzen Sarutobi replied with authority.
The Third Hokage continued to dangle incentives, saying, "If Teacher Mu can maintain this level of teaching quality for the rest of the year, I will promote you to the rank of Special Jonin and appoint you as the Assistant Head of the Ninja School."
"Thank you for your support, Third Hokage. However, as a teacher, my responsibility is to educate my students to the best of my ability, and I will always keep that in mind," Mu Yue said sincerely.
He thought to himself that Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi, being disciples of the same teacher, were indeed similar in their ways of dangling promotions. Both had offered the position of Special Jonin.
However, Mu Yue truly valued the progress of his students more than the position of Special Jonin. After all, his students' success meant more gold coins for him.
Seeing the sincerity in Mu Yue's eyes, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had encountered countless people in his life, believed that Mu Yue was speaking the truth. His appreciation for Mu Yue grew.
"Teacher Mu, I'd like to discuss a private matter with you. I wonder if you would be willing to listen," Hiruzen Sarutobi asked suddenly.
Mu Yue nodded, curious about what the Third Hokage was up to.
"I have a young son named Asuma Sarutobi. He just graduated and became a genin this year. He's still very raw and inexperienced, giving me quite a headache. I'd like to engage you as a private tutor to guide him," Hiruzen Sarutobi offered.
Based on Mu Yue's demonstrated teaching abilities, Hiruzen Sarutobi believed that he would have no trouble teaching Asuma, a newly graduated genin.
This was also a test of Mu Yue's capabilities. If he performed well, it would be worth Hiruzen Sarutobi's time to intervene with Danzo and request his return.
Whether it was the title of Outstanding Teacher or the promotion to Special Jonin, these were all gestures to improve Mu Yue's impression of him, paving the way for future plans.
These were trivial matters for Hiruzen Sarutobi, so he was willing to take this small step.
"Third Hokage, I need to consider this carefully," Mu Yue said after some thought, not agreeing immediately.
This was a little unexpected for Hiruzen Sarutobi, as he hadn't anticipated Mu Yue's refusal.
"Since I have classes from Monday to Friday, I definitely won't have time during the weekdays. As for the weekends, I also need time to plan the following week's lessons."
"I must ensure that I can commit to both sides without compromising the quality of my teaching. Therefore, please give me some time to consider," Mu Yue explained.
The Third Hokage was taken aback for a moment but soon laughed and praised Mu Yue again for being an excellent teacher. He then indicated that there was no other business, and Mu Yue could take his leave.
Before departing, Mu Yue gave the Third Hokage a respectful salute.
(End of Chapter)
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