https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-51-Mu-Yue-s-Only-Fault-is-Being-Too-Kind/12557763/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-53-You-Scratch-My-Back-I-ll-Scratch-Yours/12557765/
Chapter 52: Teachers Too, Have Their Differences
Chapter 52: Teachers Too, Have Their Differences
"It went like this: during my class this morning, I conducted a practical exam for the students," Mu Yue recounted the events of the class to Taniguchi Toshihiro.
However, Mu Yue toned down the students' complaints slightly; otherwise, they would sound too aggressive.
"I just wanted to motivate them to take their training more seriously. I didn't expect things to turn out this way. I'm sorry," Mu Yue apologized sincerely.
"Blame me for being too harsh in my evaluation. I should have been more lenient with them," Mu Yue took all the blame upon himself.
Although it was Taniguch's inadequate teaching skills that led to the students' dissatisfaction, Mu Yue's actions had simply ignited the flame.
But Mu Yue didn't want any cracks in his persona, so he chose to disclose everything to Taniguch, admitting his fault and explaining that he unintentionally made things worse while trying to help.
Even if the details of the incident were scrutinized, Mu Yue wouldn't be perceived as having ulterior motives.
After all, he had informed Taniguch about the incident immediately after it happened. How could someone so considerate and concerned for his colleague have any ill intentions?
"Uh..." Taniguch was at a loss for words for a moment.
He knew in his heart that the students were right. His teaching skills indeed paled in comparison to Mu Yue's, and he was rather average.
But no one in the Ninja Academy could match Mu Yue. A new teacher who, after just a month or two, had become famous throughout the school, gained the recognition of both students and staff, and even earned praise from the Third Hokage himself.
It would be asking for trouble for an ordinary teacher like him to try to compete with Mu Yue.
"I've asked them not to speak ill of you anymore, but after all, they're just kids. Whether they'll actually stop is hard to say," Mu Yue sighed, his eyes conveying his apology to Taniguch.
"Don't worry about it. I won't take it to heart. They're just six-year-old kids, after all," Taniguch said with a hearty laugh.
Even if the students criticized him to his face, Taniguch wouldn't give up his position as the Taijutsu teacher of Class 1-1.
Because Class 1-1 had excellent practical combat results—not only did they take the top two spots in the grade, but their average score also led the entire first grade.
Although Taniguch knew that these results had nothing to do with his teaching, they were still solid achievements. He didn't have to worry about his performance evaluation, and his bonus would only increase.
"I know you, Teacher Hashimoto. You must have been thinking of the students," Taniguch indicated that he understood Mu Yue's good intentions.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Taniguch still considered Mu Yue a kind and thoughtful colleague who had come to apologize as soon as the incident occurred.
Originally, the morning Taijutsu class was supposed to be taught by Taniguch, but since he had something to attend to in the morning, he had swapped classes with Mu Yue, who readily agreed.
Taniguch had also heard about Mu Yue filling in for other teachers. He knew that he wouldn't be able to do the same—once or twice was manageable, but it would be exhausting to have teachers coming to him for help every week.
With exceptional teaching skills, outstanding class performance, praise from the Third Hokage, and a handsome appearance coupled with a pleasant demeanor, Taniguch couldn't deny that the female teachers in the staff room had good reasons to talk about Mu Yue all the time.
He understood his own situation clearly. The root cause of this issue was his mediocre teaching, and it had been like this for many years.
However, Taniguch would never voluntarily give up his position as the Taijutsu teacher of Class 1-1. Teaching at the Ninja Academy was a way to earn a risk-free income, and this was an opportunity to receive a substantial bonus without lifting a finger.
"Teacher Taniguch, now that I know you don't take it to heart, I feel much better," Mu Yue said, looking relieved and offering a gentle smile.
"Haha, let's go for a drink at the izakaya sometime," Taniguch suggested with a smile.
Mu Yue nodded with a smile and, after chatting with Taniguch about some trivial matters, found an excuse to leave.
"It's nothing much, just a minor issue between students. But I have to say, that Teacher Mu Yue is truly something else," Taniguchi replied as he sat down.
He felt embarrassed to admit that his inadequate teaching had drawn criticism from the students, but he was glad to use Mu Yue as a topic of conversation with his female colleague.
When the bell rang, Taniguchi made his way to Class 1-1.
As he entered the classroom, Taniguchi didn't sense any difference from before. Following the usual routine, he first lectured on some theoretical knowledge of taijutsu before taking the students out for a run.
After the run, Taniguchi began instructing the students on a taijutsu routine. He demonstrated it once before allowing them to practice freely.
"Teacher Taniguchi, could you please demonstrate it a few more times? I didn't quite follow earlier," Beniyaku requested.
"These are basic moves. If you don't understand, it just means you haven't practiced enough. Just keep at it," Taniguchi responded.
"But Teacher Mu Yue always demonstrates multiple times for us and breaks down the moves into finer details," Beniyaku countered.
"You can't compare ninjutsu and taijutsu like that," Taniguchi explained.
"But aren't there a lot of practical techniques and details in taijutsu as well? Shouldn't those be explained in detail too?" Kotetsu asked.
Taniguchi was at a loss for words. As a mediocre jonin-level teacher, he didn't have many practical details or techniques to share, so he simply brushed off the question with an excuse.
However, the students continued to bombard him with various questions and suggestions.
"Hold on, hold on! You guys continue training, and we can discuss these things next class," Taniguchi said, feeling overwhelmed by the onslaught of inquiries.
"Teacher Taniguchi, how about we compromise? We'll stop asking questions, and you don't teach us anymore," Kamizuki proposed.
Taniguchi's face was filled with confusion, wondering if students these days were so bold as to directly ask a teacher to stop instructing them.
But the students had even more aggressive comments up their sleeves.
"Teacher Taniguchi, I think it's time for you to retire. Ever since I learned shuriken throwing from you, I've never once hit the bullseye," one student remarked.
"Teacher Taniguchi, ever since we started your taijutsu class, the whole grade has been praising our ninjutsu skills," another student added.
Taniguchi was left speechless by the students' scathing remarks. In his over three years of teaching, he had never encountered such a situation.
He reflected on how the previous classes he had taught didn't particularly like him, but they had never gone to such extremes.
Taniguchi was grateful that Mu Yue had warned him in advance, or he would have been completely caught off guard and clueless about the situation.
"Ahem, everyone, quiet down. I'll demonstrate it a few more times," Taniguchi reluctantly agreed, clearing his throat.
However, Taniguchi noticed something interesting—despite their dissatisfaction with him, the students didn't slack off in their training. In fact, they seemed even more focused than before.
He was perplexed by this turn of events. Logically, if they disliked him so much, why were they still training so diligently?
Taniguchi attributed this to Mu Yue's influence, believing that her words had motivated the students to continue their diligent cultivation despite their unhappiness with him.
Taniguchi felt a mix of relief and envy, admiring Mu Yue's control over the class.
"I'll just get through this year," Taniguchi thought to himself, determined not to give up his position as the taijutsu teacher of Class 1-1. With their exceptional performance, he might even be able to snag an "Excellent Teacher" award.
If this had been an ordinary class, he would have reprimanded the students on the spot, demonstrating the power and authority of a jonin-level ninja.
But this was Class 1-1, the top-performing class in the entire school.
The more Taniguchi taught, the more the students realized his limitations, solidifying their determination to have him replaced.
(End of Chapter)
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