https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-85-Discovering-a-New-System-Mechanic/12557811/
Chapter 86: Testing Strength
Chapter 86: Testing Strength
"That's right, Teacher Mu Yue, do we need to pay an admission fee for the second level as well?" Obito suddenly remembered something important.
"The first time you clear the first level, you can challenge the second level for free. Normally, the fee is the same as the first level," Mu Yue explained.
"The first time is free? That's great!" Obito was delighted; it was as if he had just skipped three homework assignments.
"Teacher Mu Yue, let's start now, I can't wait," Obito urged.
Mu Yue then led Obito to the riverbank and explained, "This river is only fifteen meters wide. You need to cross it in ten seconds without falling into the water."
After explaining the challenge to Obito, Mu Yue created over ten shadow clones that stood by the riverbank, ready to perform ninjutsu.
When Obito first heard that he would have ten seconds to cross, he was excited. After all, it was a generous amount of time for a mere fifteen-meter distance.
However, when he saw the multitude of shadow clones Mu Yue had created, Obito began to feel uneasy, a dreadful suspicion forming in his mind.
The clones formed hand seals in unison, and soon, over a dozen thick water dragons appeared on the water, rapidly crashing back and forth along the river.
Obito was stunned as he watched the water dragons nearly fill the river's surface. Was this what she meant by 'some interference'? With so many water dragons crashing about, he felt there was barely any space left to cross.
"Obito, are you ready? I'll start the timer," Mu Yue asked.
It was fortunate that they were right by the river, as performing Water Release ninjutsu here was much easier than in a dry area. With his current chakra levels, creating these water dragons elsewhere would have been challenging.
"I'm ready. Let's begin," Obito said, steeling himself.
Since he had already agreed to start the challenge with Mu Yue, he had to give it his best, even if he felt it was impossible.
Obito's mind raced as he frantically thought of how to complete this second challenge.
Although he had practiced water-treading training before, which involved staying afloat on the river's surface while dodging water dragon bullets, the number of water dragons in that training was nothing compared to this challenge.
During the water-treading training, there would be a single water dragon on the river, and one just needed to be careful not to be flipped over by the waves created by the dragon's rolling motion.
But in this challenge, the river's surface was packed with water dragons, making it a test of one's eyesight just to find a safe place to step.
"Begin!" Mu Yue shouted as she began performing her ninjutsu.
Hearing Mu Yue's signal, Obito had no choice but to dive into the river filled with water dragons.
Obito still held a slim hope that he could make it across by simply closing his eyes and dashing forward. After all, it was only fifteen meters.
However, Mu Yue's idea of a challenge wasn't something that could be overcome by sheer luck.
Obito had barely moved three meters when a swiftly approaching water dragon struck him, sending him tumbling into the river as he swallowed a mouthful of water.
"I'm sorry, but you failed the challenge," Mu Yue said as she stopped her ninjutsu and quickly fished Obito out of the water.
"Teacher Mu Yue, this challenge is too difficult. How am I supposed to get past all these water dragons?" Obito complained.
He felt like he had failed even before he had properly started.
"You have plenty of time—a full ten seconds. Why don't you observe the movement patterns of the water dragons first before attempting to cross?" Mu Yue suggested.
Obito was not one to think things through carefully before acting; he was more likely to act first and think later.
However, even he would probably start thinking carefully after failing thrice, Mu Yue thought.
"Teacher Mu Yue, I want to try the challenge again," Obito said.
Deidara thought about the three tests he had just received yesterday and eventually gave up.
Although he had Mu Yue's reminder, the challenge's difficulty was apparent, and it would be tough to pass.
If he failed to pass, it would be a waste of a hundred questions, and Deidara didn't want to make such a foolish mistake.
"Then let's begin training. Today, I'll teach you a special chakra control technique to increase your speed. If you can master it, you should be able to sprint across the river," Mu Yue said.
"Teacher Mu Yue, you're my savior!" Deidara exclaimed excitedly, feeling hopeful again upon hearing Mu Yue's words.
"Then train hard." Mu Yue knocked on Deidara's head with her fingers pressed together.
"I've always been training hard," Deidara chuckled.
Then, Mu Yue began to explain some of the techniques of the Art of Shaving to Deidara.
...
On Monday afternoon, at 3:30, Mu Yue began the first round of strength tests.
This time, instead of asking for help from the teachers at the Ninja Academy, she created two shadow clones, each responsible for grading a group.
"Koji Iron," the shadow clone of Mu Yue called out, holding a clipboard and signaling the start of the exam.
Hearing his name, Koji Iron stepped forward quickly.
Koji Iron swiftly performed a series of hand seals, casting Transformation Jutsu, Clone Jutsu, and Body Replacement Jutsu one after the other. He then demonstrated a set of taijutsu moves and finally threw shuriken at a target thirty meters away.
"Some improvement, keep up the effort," Mu Yue commented after recording the score.
"Okay, thank you, Teacher Mu Yue," Koji Iron nodded satisfactorily after receiving Mu Yue's praise.
"Kamitsuki Izumo," Mu Yue called out to the next student.
Kamitsuki Izumo quickly stepped forward and began to showcase his abilities.
After grading Izumo's performance, Mu Yue noticed that he was on par with Koji Iron in terms of progress, and their improvement over the week was similar.
Perhaps this was the bond between the Gatekeeper Brothers, as they even maintained the same pace in their training.
"Mitarashi Anko," Mu Yue called out to the next student.
Hearing her name, Anko ran up with a bright smile and greeted Mu Yue before demonstrating her ninjutsu skills.
As Mu Yue called out Anko's name, both Izumo and Iron felt a little nervous, only relaxing after witnessing her performance.
Although she was stronger, the gap wasn't too wide, and they doubted she would be promoted directly to Group B. At most, she would score slightly higher than them.
"Izumo, with Ebisu's brilliant idea, we'll definitely astonish everyone in next week's practical test!" Iron exclaimed, his face lighting up as he thought about the nearly perfected Confusion Jutsu.
"Yes, with Ebisu's genius, we'll surely dominate Group C," Izumo nodded in agreement.
"It's a shame that Ebisu isn't interested in fame. He doesn't want us to reveal that this brilliant idea came from him," Iron sighed.
"Ebisu may not seek fame, but we must give credit where it's due. When we achieve victory, we'll share the glory with Ebisu!" Izumo asserted, emphasizing the importance of gratitude.
"Izumo, it's thanks to you that I won't make a mistake," Iron patted Izumo on the shoulder, both of them smiling in anticipation.
(End of Chapter)
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