https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-473-Jiraiya-Lacks-Ambition-Tsunade-is-Indolent-Only-Orochimaru-/12558650/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-475-Who-is-Konoha-s-Top-Young-Ninja-/12558653/
Chapter 474: Mu Yue, Head of the Anbu
Chapter 474: Mu Yue, Head of the Anbu
At 3 p.m., as Mu Yue was training her disciples, a memory suddenly surfaced in her mind—it was from the shadow clone she had left at home.
Mu Yue instructed her shadow clone to continue the training session while her main body set off for the Hokage Building to meet with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Just then, Hiruzen had sent a ninja to locate her shadow clone at home, requesting her presence at the Hokage's office to discuss a mission.
Knock, knock.
Mu Yue swiftly knocked on the wooden door of the Hokage's office.
"Come in," Hiruzen acknowledged.
Mu Yue pushed open the door and greeted, "Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen responded with a jovial nod.
"The mission involves training members of the Anbu and the Root," Hiruzen explained. "This time, the number of participants will be larger than the previous session."
During the previous training, Hiruzen wasn't sure of Mu Yue's capabilities in instructing high-level jonin, so he had only assigned some newcomers. Now, he intended to pull in as many Anbu members as possible for Mu Yue's special training.
The Shadow Summoning Jutsu that Mu Yue had developed was indeed effective. Some of the seasoned Anbu members who had trained under her performed better than their more experienced counterparts during missions.
Hiruzen planned to promote the widespread adoption of the Shadow Summoning Jutsu throughout the Anbu. Every existing and future Anbu member would have to learn this jutsu.
However, none of the current Anbu members had mastered the jutsu to the extent of being able to teach it to others, so Hiruzen could only rely on Mu Yue to shoulder the burden of instructing a larger group.
"I understand, and I will do my best to guide them," Mu Yue replied with a nod.
Although Danzo Shimura had already informed her about this, his explanation had been rather vague and lacking in details.
"I'm confident in your teaching abilities, Mu Yue. Your students and disciples continue to surpass expectations," Hiruzen said with a smile as he stroked his goatee.
He hoped for a swift end to the war and the arrival of a peaceful era, as he believed that Mu Yue's talents would be of even greater value during times of peace.
If not for the ongoing war, Hiruzen would have gladly handed over eighty percent of the Anbu members to Mu Yue for training.
Hiruzen had another idea as well. He wanted Mu Yue to teach others how to become effective teachers, with the goal of improving the overall teaching standards of the ninja academy instructors and team leaders.
Hiruzen didn't expect everyone to match Mu Yue's exceptional teaching skills, but even if they could achieve a fraction of her ability—no, a third of it—and if Konoha nurtured this talent for a decade or so, the collective strength of the ninja village might reach unprecedented heights.
No matter how strong Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha were, they could only empower themselves. Mu Yue, on the other hand, had the capacity to elevate those around her.
"To facilitate your teaching, I've established a special training squad for you within the Anbu," Hiruzen explained as he briefly introduced Mu Yue to the Anbu's organizational structure.
In the Anbu hierarchy, the lowest rank was that of a regular member. Above them were squad leaders who commanded three subordinates, followed by squad captains who led four squads. Above the squad captains were the squad commanders who oversaw four squads, and at the very top were the vice-chief and the chief.
Hiruzen felt that appointing Mu Yue directly as an Anbu captain might be a bit irregular, but considering her significant contributions and outstanding abilities, bestowing only the title of a squad captain seemed stingy. Hence, he created this unique position that fell between the ranks.
"Currently, this training squad only has you as the squad captain. If you identify any talented individuals with teaching potential, you may recruit them," Hiruzen added.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Mu Yue said, her expression a mix of shock and gratitude.
Although she didn't show it outwardly, Mu Yue was indeed surprised, as Danzo hadn't mentioned anything about this.
"Don't thank me yet; I've only given you a squad captain title," Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively.
In truth, he felt he had already been quite generous, but of course, he wouldn't say that aloud—he needed to maintain his likeability.
After Hiruzen finished conveying the details, Mu Yue promptly left the Hokage Building and returned to the Southern Forest.
"This training squad position doesn't really hold any practical value for me," Mu Yue thought on her way back to the Southern Forest.
A squad captain was already considered a mid-level position within the Anbu, and Mu Yue's special status placed her half a rank higher. However, these were all nominal titles, as Mu Yue didn't even have any subordinates to command.
In her eyes, this squad captain position was less practical than being a teacher at the ninja academy, where she could at least earn some rewards by teaching classes.
"I wonder when I'll be able to trigger the class rewards for advanced-level classes," Mu Yue mused, believing that there should be an even higher tier of rewards for exceptional students, but the triggering conditions and requirements for student strength were undoubtedly stringent.
Upon returning to the Southern Forest, Mu Yue temporarily set aside these miscellaneous thoughts and focused on guiding her disciples. It wasn't until she headed home that she began preparing the training plan.
The training wouldn't commence immediately, as pulling out a sufficient number of Anbu members would require numerous adjustments and changes to the fixed arrangements, a process that would consume a considerable amount of time. Mu Yue, however, had ample time to meticulously prepare the Anbu training plan.
...
Around 10 p.m. that evening, as Mu Yue was working on refining the Yang Seal, she heard the door of the neighboring house suddenly open.
Intrigued, Mu Yue activated her Byakugan and glanced in that direction.
The house next door belonged to Namikaze Minato, and it had been unoccupied for quite some time.
As the wall within her line of sight gradually became translucent, a familiar figure stepped into view.
"Back earlier than expected?" Mu Yue closed her Byakugan and redirected her attention to the manuscript on the table.
Although Minato had mentioned in his letter that he might not have the opportunity to return for a few months, Orochimaru had volunteered to take on the battle in the Land of Hot Water, lessening the need for Minato's presence there. As a result, his much-anticipated break had arrived sooner than anticipated.
A minute later, there was a knock on Mu Yue's door.
After quickly tidying up the manuscript, Mu Yue hurried downstairs and opened the door.
"Mu Yue, long time no see," Minato greeted with a sincere smile.
Orochimaru's support had been incredibly timely. Typically, after concluding a major campaign, one would expect a period of rest and recuperation. However, Orochimaru's swift assistance to Minato had granted him an early leave of absence.
When the higher-ups had inquired if he needed time to rest and adjust, Minato hadn't hesitated for a moment before directly requesting some time off.
With the Land of Hot Water currently enjoying a temporary reprieve from conflict, there was little point in both him and Orochimaru remaining there, as it would be a waste of their combined might.
"Minato, it's been a while," Mu Yue replied with a gentle smile, inviting him into the house.
"I'm sorry for bothering you at this late hour, Mu Yue. Perhaps we can chat tomorrow instead?" Minato hesitated for a moment before suggesting.
In truth, Minato had rushed back at full speed, hoping to arrive in time for dinner at Mu Yue's place.
However, being in another country and taking into account the time of his departure, even with his best efforts, he had still arrived much later than intended.
With the time now approaching bedtime, Minato didn't want to inconvenience Mu Yue too much.
Mu Yue, too, had only recently returned from the battlefield, and the Eastern Front was far more intense than the Land of Hot Water, especially since the Eight-Tails jinchuriki incident, after which the Land of Hot Water had become relatively peaceful.
"No, your timing is perfect. I was just about to make a late-night snack. We can chat while we eat," Mu Yue said with a smile, her words leaving Minato unable to refuse.
Minato felt conflicted. On the one hand, he thought that Mu Yue might have said this specifically for him, but on the other hand, he truly wanted to indulge in the snacks she made.
"Let me help you with that," Minato finally offered, choosing to assuage his guilt by assisting Mu Yue in the kitchen.
Mu Yue nodded in agreement and casually asked, "How about ramen? Or would you like something else?"
Minato eagerly nodded at the mention of ramen, recalling the delicious ramen Mu Yue had made in Loulan.
Soon, Mu Yue was kneading the dough while Minato chopped some ingredients, the two of them working together in the kitchen.
As they prepared the late-night snack, they chatted about their experiences during the time they hadn't seen each other.
"Everyone is quite frustrated with the current state of the Shinobi World," Minato shared, recounting Jiraiya's complaints from the battlefield. "Jiraiya-sensei even said he doesn't have time to write his novels anymore."
"Obito's grievances are somewhat similar to Jiraiya-sensei's," Mu Yue chuckled. "He feels like he doesn't have time to read ninja novels."
During his time on the Eastern Front, Obito had been occupied with missions and training, and in his rare moments of downtime, he would usually just fall asleep, leaving little room for entertainment.
"That does sound like something Obito would say," Minato smiled at the thought. "Though I'm sure Kakashi would lecture him about it."
"That's for the best. The last thing we need is for you to get carried away reading a novel and end up putting your team in danger."
Deidara, holding a ninja novel in his hand, complained as Kakashi scolded him nonchalantly. Rin Nohara watched the two, covering her mouth to stifle her giggles.
"When it comes to being a teacher, I have a lot to learn from you, Mu Yue," Minato said with a sigh as he thought of his disciples, whom he hadn't seen in a long while.
He genuinely felt that when it came to teaching, he fell far short of Mu Yue's capabilities.
Not only in instructing ninjutsu but in various other aspects as well, Mu Yue surpassed him.
Minato knew that if Deidara and the others were to become renowned shinobi in the future and someone were to praise him, Minato Namikaze, for his teaching abilities, he would feel incredibly ashamed.
For Deidara and the others' strength had little to do with him; most of their success was due to Mu Yue's efforts. Minato had only imparted some taijutsu and mission-related advice.
"No one is born a natural teacher, and you're actually doing a great job, Minato. Deidara and the others think highly of you," Mu Yue said as she gave the final touches to the ramen.
She wasn't just comforting him. Considering that Deidara and the others still thought highly of Minato despite having Mu Yue as their teacher first, it was already quite an achievement.
After all, ever since Deidara had been taught by Mu Yue, he would complain about this chunin teacher one day and another the next, and the only instructor he never complained about was Mu Yue.
"Since you've acknowledged me, I can't say that I'm lacking," Minato joked, a rare occurrence.
As the ramen was prepared step by step, Minato's anticipation grew. He had rushed back to Konoha solely for this meal.
When the ramen was ready, Mu Yue handed a bowl of steaming ramen to Minato.
Inhaling the enticing aroma, Minato could barely restrain himself from picking up the chopsticks and digging in right there in the kitchen.
It had been over half a year. He didn't know how he had endured all this time without this taste.
But Minato possessed strong self-control. He forced himself to carry the bowl to the dining table and waited for Mu Yue to sit down before he began eating.
At that moment, Minato could no longer hold back. Without saying a word, he picked up his chopsticks, twirled a mouthful of ramen, and savored it.
As the familiar, stunning sensation overwhelmed him once more, Minato felt a surge of satisfaction and happiness.
Without pausing, he picked up a piece of chashu, followed by another mouthful of noodles, chewing and then sipping the ramen broth.
It was worth it, he thought. Even if he had to travel across Fire Country all over again, it would still be worth it.
Minato, immersed in his late-night snack, suddenly realized he had been silently eating and immediately expressed his gratitude to Mu Yue.
"Don't mention it. It was no trouble at all," Mu Yue smiled and shook her head.
For someone with culinary skills like hers, it was hardly a hassle. In fact, Minato and Kushina had been a great help to her since her arrival in this world.
"How's your training with the Flying Thunder God Technique going, Mu Yue? Do you need me to explain it to you again?" Minato offered, feeling the need to reciprocate Mu Yue's kindness.
The Flying Thunder God Technique was Minato's most impressive skill, and since Mu Yue was also cultivating it, he thought this would be a good opportunity to help her improve.
"It's going well, but there's no need for an explanation," Mu Yue politely declined Minato's offer.
Mu Yue was well aware of her innate talent with space-time ninjutsu, which was further enhanced by a system reward. Her mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique was also artificially boosted by a scroll.
Having Minato explain it to her would be a waste of time for both of them, as Mu Yue couldn't learn in that manner.
"If you have the time, I'd like to propose a practice match with you tomorrow to gauge the gap between our Flying Thunder God Techniques," Mu Yue suggested.
While Mu Yue's proficiency with the Flying Thunder God Technique was significantly lower than Minato's, she possessed other abilities, and she wanted to test her capabilities against a powerful ninja like him.
"If we're going to have a practice match, it would have to be tonight or in a few days. I might get busy soon," Minato replied after some thought.
Having just returned from the battlefield, he anticipated having a lot on his plate in the coming days, especially since he had been serving as a battlefield commander for a while.
"It's fine. I'm not in a hurry. Just let me know when you're available," Mu Yue said as she stood up to clear the dishes.
She considered that Minato must be exhausted from his journey and that it was already quite late, so tonight might not be the best time for a practice match.
(End of Chapter)
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