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Chapter 36: No One Compares to Mu Yue
Chapter 36: No One Compares to Mu Yue
Protected by Mu Yue's water release technique, Asuma instantly felt ashamed of his previous behavior. He had taken his displeasure towards the Third Hokage out on Mu Yue, maintaining a constant air of displeasure towards her.
Despite his resistance and refusal to cooperate with her training, Mu Yue, as a dedicated teacher, found clever ways to ensure he completed the necessary exercises.
Although the process was frustrating at times, it was all for his benefit, to ensure he fulfilled his training.
"Kakashi, you can go back now," Mu Yue said, noticing Asuma's low spirits, knowing it was time for her to step in.
Kakashi nodded and left without another word, returning to his own training.
Mu Yue approached Asuma and dusted him off, straightening his disheveled clothes. Finally, she crouched down to his level, looking directly into his eyes.
The two locked gazes, but Asuma soon averted his eyes and murmured, "Teacher, I'm sorry."
"How have you wronged me?" Mu Yue asked with a smile.
"I shouldn't have taken out my frustrations on you. I shouldn't have constantly opposed and refused to cooperate," Asuma said, unable to meet Mu Yue's gaze.
"You haven't wronged me," Mu Yue said, her expression turning serious. "You've wronged yourself."
Mu Yue asked, "Does your lack of training not affect me?"
Before Asuma could answer, she continued, "It doesn't affect me. Even if you don't train, I'll still be here, earning my hourly rate of two thousand ryo."
"But it's different for you. Every hour you don't train is an hour lost, with nothing gained."
When dealing with a rebellious teenager like Asuma, it was crucial to make him understand that everything she did was for his benefit, that she was on his side, and that he was the one making mistakes.
"I..." Asuma wanted to say more, but the more Mu Yue spoke, the more he felt regret and self-loathing.
Without exaggeration, Asuma felt that Mu Yue, his teacher of only a few days, was far better than his father, the Hokage.
Despite his reluctance to follow Mu Yue's training instructions, she hadn't scolded him. Instead, she had even complimented his physical strength.
If it had been Hiruzen Sarutobi, he probably would have been angry and yelled at him.
Even before lecturing him, Mu Yue had taken the time to dust him off, straighten his clothes, and thoughtfully maintain eye contact at his level.
Asuma's eyes reddened as he thought about this.
Why was it that a tutor he had only known for a few days could so readily offer him praise, while his parents never seemed to commend him, even when he had brought home first-place honors?
Did Asuma's achievements hold less value than those of others?
The more Asuma thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt, and he couldn't help but recall how he had been defeated by a student who had just graduated from the Ninja Academy that very day.
As his emotions built up, they eventually overflowed.
Despite Asuma's efforts to hold back, tears began to fall. He turned his head away, not wanting Mu Yue to see.
But how could he hide it from Mu Yue, who had been closely observing him?
Mu Yue didn't act immediately. Instead, she waited a while, allowing Asuma to release some of his emotions through crying, before standing up and patting his shoulder gently. She then offered him a handkerchief.
"Teacher Mu... you're so kind," Asuma said, his voice choked with emotion as he took the handkerchief and wiped his tears.
"Unlike my parents, they wouldn't do this..."
"That's because you only remember their shortcomings and forget their love," Mu Yue replied. "Think carefully. Who was it that tirelessly soothed you to sleep when you were young? Who taught you how to walk and run, step by step? Who checked on you in the middle of the night to make sure you were covered with a blanket? Who..." Mu Yue's words carried weight and sincerity.
"You can take some time to think things over," Mu Yue said, noticing Asuma's conflicted expression. "But for now, let's get ready to start your training. Don't forget the promise you made."
"Of course, I remember," Asuma said, wiping his face with a handkerchief. "From now on, Teacher Mu Yue, I'll do whatever training you ask of me."
In Asuma's mind, Mu Yue's image had transformed from that of a cunning and detestable adult to a perfect teacher who genuinely cared for him.
"This week, we'll continue to work on your chakra control, and next week, we'll move on to ninjutsu," Mu Yue said, outlining the training schedule briefly.
She had no intention of teaching Asuma in the same way as she did with Shisui and the others.
Firstly, Asuma's sensitive identity meant that the Third Hokage himself, or someone he sent, might be watching. This could lead to her having to reveal her full strength, which Mu Yue preferred not to do just yet, wanting to keep her strength at a level comparable to a mid-level jonin.
The second reason was more pragmatic; Asuma was a student, not a disciple, and thus, he wasn't worth investing too much time and energy in.
As expected, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, was indeed observing Mu Yue's teaching methods through the Telescope Jutsu from the Hokage Building.
"Indeed, Mu Yue is exceptionally talented when it comes to teaching," Hiruzen Sarutobi acknowledged, witnessing Asuma's transformation from resistance to respect.
He wasn't surprised that Mu Yue had managed to call upon Shisui, as it was only natural for students from her class, and even from other classes, to adore her.
"However, to possess such ability and talent even before graduating... Shisui's potential might even surpass that of Kagami." Sarutobi Hiruzen thought back to his teammate, Uchiha Kagami, a member of the Uchiha clan recognized by the Second Hokage for his Will of Fire.
"It seems I'll need to pay closer attention," Sarutobi Hiruzen mused as he took a puff from his pipe.
Shisui, being the grandson of Uchiha Kagami and possessing extraordinary talent, had already been on Sarutobi Hiruzen's radar.
The Hokage hoped that Shisui would grow up to become an exemplary member of the Uchiha clan, just like his grandfather.
Satisfied that Asuma had started his training, Sarutobi Hiruzen discontinued the Telescope Jutsu and returned to his paperwork.
Later that evening, Sarutobi Hiruzen once again used the Telescope Jutsu to inspect the village before leaving the Hokage Building for dinner.
During the meal, he asked with a smile, "Asuma, how do you like your new home tutor? I picked her especially for you, you know."
Asuma, who had been eating vigorously, paused with his chopsticks in hand as his mind involuntarily recalled the events of the day.
Before today, Asuma would have described Mu Yue as a terrible teacher who deceived her students.
"Teacher Mu Yue is amazing! She's a much better teacher than you, Dad!" Asuma praised Mu Yue while taking a subtle jab at his father.
Despite Mu Yue's guidance, his resentment towards his father wouldn't dissipate overnight.
"What do you know, you little brat? I trained the Sannin myself!" Sarutobi Hiruzen, feeling challenged, retorted with a huff.
"Well, Aunt Tsunade and the others were already incredibly talented to begin with," Asuma argued. While the Sannin were renowned, they had each forged their own unique paths.
"Sometimes, admitting your own shortcomings is a sign of wisdom," Asuma added, echoing Mu Yue's earlier words.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was left speechless by his son's retort. Admitting that Mu Yue was better would mean conceding that he was inferior, but refusing to acknowledge it would imply a lack of wisdom.
Seeing his father at a loss for words, Asuma felt a surge of satisfaction, and his appetite improved even further.
(End of Chapter)
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