https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-25-Unlocking-Potential-Requires-the-Right-Motivation/12557736/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-27-What-to-Do-When-the-Teacher-is-Too-Cunning/12557738/
Chapter 26: What to Do When the Teacher is Too Rebellious
Chapter 26: What to Do When the Teacher is Too Rebellious
"You're asking me to leave and then telling me to stay. It's difficult for me to decide like this," Mu Yue said with a smile that wasn't quite a smile as she looked at Asuma.
"Can't you discuss it with me? Let's each take a step back. I won't have such high demands, and during class, you have to listen to me," Asuma negotiated with Mu Yue.
He wasn't unwilling to be taught; he was simply a bit rebellious and didn't want to accept the arrangements made by his elder.
"No, no, no. It's not a problem of having high expectations. It's that I'm not capable enough to meet your expectations, so I should leave," Mu Yue said and turned to leave upon hearing Asuma's suggestion.
"Alright, you don't have to listen to me anymore. Wait, don't go yet," Asuma said hastily as he saw Mu Yue about to walk out of the backyard. He was truly exasperated by her.
"So, can we start the lesson now?" Mu Yue asked with a cheerful smile.
To deal with a rebellious student like Asuma, she had to be even more rebellious and defeat his magic with her own.
"Fine, then. What do you want to teach?" Asuma said, at a loss for the moment.
In his imagination, he should have been the one to suggest that she leave, and then they could negotiate, with him holding the initiative.
Although he was indifferent, even a bit averse, to his identity, he couldn't deny that being the son of the Fire Shadow provided him with many conveniences.
Mu Yue looked around and said, "Let's go train outside. It's not very convenient here."
Mu Yue mentioned it to Biwako, and then she took Asuma out to train in a small grove with a river.
"Let's start by testing your chakra control. Try climbing a tree," Mu Yue said to Asuma, pointing to a tall, sturdy tree.
"Climb a tree? That's easy. Watch me," Asuma said, his eyes gleaming as he thought of a good idea.
He walked up to the robust tree and, instead of using chakra, climbed it like a flexible monkey, using his hands and feet to reach the treetop.
Asuma proudly exclaimed, "Look how fast I can climb!"
Of course, he knew what Mu Yue meant by climbing a tree, but he deliberately refused to cooperate.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been silently observing Mu Yue's teaching through a crystal ball, fell silent and rubbed his forehead helplessly.
Although he used to be nicknamed "Monkey" in the past, he had never done such a thing. What kind of child had he raised?
"You climbed very fast. Your limb strength is good," Mu Yue said with a smile, not at all flustered as Asuma had imagined.
Then Mu Yue found a slender tree, cut off its branches, and poured oil on it. She smiled at Asuma and said, "Let's consider the previous one a warm-up. Now, let's start the real tree-climbing."
Asuma looked at the bare tree, slender as a stick and dripping with oil, and his mouth twitched. No matter how good he was at climbing, he couldn't climb this tree with his bare hands.
"It's okay if you can't climb it. Admitting your shortcomings also takes courage," Mu Yue said casually.
"Who can't climb it? Don't underestimate me," Asuma, the nine-year-old graduate, couldn't take the provocation. He immediately infused chakra into his feet and steadily walked to the top of the tree.
"Your control is pretty good," Mu Yue nodded, not entirely surprised.
Then Mu Yue took Asuma to the riverbank.
"Since climbing trees is no problem, let's see if you can walk on water," Mu Yue said, pointing to the riverbank as she continued to test Asuma's chakra control.
After all, apart from those with exceptional innate talent, ordinary people only had a limited amount of chakra, and improving its utilization rate was a good way to enhance one's strength.
"If you can stand on the water's surface for ten minutes without falling, you can train in whatever you want in the future," Mu Yue offered Asuma an incentive.
"You said it yourself, so don't go back on your word," Asuma said happily. He had been thinking of ways to deal with this annoying teacher, but now she was giving him an opening.
"That old fogey is so annoying, still wanting to control me even after I've graduated and become a ninja. Now he's even found me a private tutor," Asuma muttered to himself.
He was looking forward to seeing the look on the Third Hokage's face when he told him that he had convinced his tutor to let him train freely.
Suddenly, Asuma felt something amiss and looked down to see the once calm river now churning with waves.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Asuma looked over to see Mu Yue on the shore, manipulating a water dragon with her water style ninjutsu, causing the river to surge and tumble.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Asuma almost lost his balance and fell into the water, exclaiming in surprise as a splash of water hit him.
"I'm creating a simulated battle scenario for you. Rivers aren't always going to be this calm during a fight," Mu Yue explained with a cheerful smile.
"Also, I can practice my water style jutsu here. It's a great environment with the river and the trees."
"Of course, if you think it's too difficult, Asuma, I can stop. After all, acknowledging one's shortcomings is also a sign of wisdom," Mu Yue added, using the same tactic as before.
Asuma swallowed the retort that had risen to his lips.
He wanted to prove that he could do it, that he didn't need a tutor or the Third Hokage's arrangements. Of course, he couldn't admit that he wasn't up to the task.
So, Asuma focused all his attention on controlling his chakra to prevent himself from falling into the water.
However, chakra control wasn't something that could be improved instantly, and the sudden waves also tested his body movement techniques.
Asuma struggled for five minutes before finally losing his balance and falling into the water. Mu Yue immediately pulled him out.
"It seems your chakra control still needs improvement, so you can't start free training yet," Mu Yue said with feigned regret.
"If it weren't for your water style interference, I wouldn't have fallen into the water," Asuma argued, feeling a bit aggrieved.
"Are you expecting your enemies in battle not to use jutsu against you?" Mu Yue replied calmly.
"No, I want to try again!" Asuma grew more frustrated, determined to prove himself.
As it turned out, rushing didn't always help with math problems, but in battle, one might indeed experience a sudden power boost. This time, Asuma managed to last seven minutes, just three minutes short of the ten-minute goal.
After a short rest, Asuma eagerly asked Mu Yue to try again. On his third attempt, he lasted seven and a half minutes.
Finally, as the sun was about to set, Asuma successfully lasted for ten minutes.
"I did it!" Asuma exclaimed excitedly, but then lost control of his chakra and fell into the water, swallowing a mouthful of river water.
When Mu Yue pulled him out, Asuma's face was still glowing with excitement.
"So, from now on, I can train whatever I want, right?" Asuma wiped the water from his face, his eyes shining with joy.
"Who told you that?" Mu Yue looked at Asuma with a puzzled expression.
Asuma's smile froze, and he asked, "Didn't you say that if I could last for ten minutes, I could train freely?"
"Yes, I did," Mu Yue nodded. "But I said 'this time,' referring to your first attempt. And you didn't succeed the first time, did you?"
Asuma recalled, and it seemed to be true!
Then why had he worked so hard to achieve the goal?
Physically exhausted and emotionally devastated, Asuma almost fainted on the spot.
He had been outwitted by his rebellious teacher.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been secretly observing through his crystal ball, stroked his beard. He had to admit that Mu Yue's teaching abilities were indeed impressive.
In just one afternoon of training, Asuma's body movement techniques and chakra control had noticeably improved.
"I'll get my revenge tomorrow!" Asuma vowed to himself. He felt like he had been played by Mu Yue all afternoon.
(End of Chapter)
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