I Can Become Stronger Just By Teaching

"Teacher Makoto, I believe I can handle more pressure. Please give me additional training!" Asuma earnestly requested Makoto.

In just two days, the first real combat test would commence, and Asuma felt he could push himself a bit further.

This time, it wasn't a secretive battle with only Makoto present; Yūhi Kurenai would be observing as well. Even if he had to face defeat, he wanted to do so with dignity.

"Why do you suddenly want extra training? Is it for the combat test?" Makoto inquired with a smile.

Understanding the thoughts of a young person like Asuma was quite simple.

"Yes, Sensei, you guessed it," Asuma admitted with a slightly embarrassed smile.

"However, merely adding temporary training won't significantly improve your strength," Makoto pointed out.

"Temporary cramming might help in theoretical exams, but in combat test, training intensively in just two days won't have a significant impact on your performance. Unless you possess an exceptional learning ability to learn a new trick in one day, two days wouldn't make a remarkable difference."

"So, what should I do?" Asuma inquired, placing his hopes on his versatile Sensei, Makoto.

"Do you truly wish to enhance your strength?" Makoto asked.

He did have a method in mind, but it was quite demanding.

"I couldn't be more serious," Asuma replied.

"If you genuinely want to boost your abilities within just two days, then the only option is to engage in combat," Makoto pondered for a moment before suggesting.

With only two days remaining, all Makoto could think of was extensive combat, in other words, getting into many battles.

"You'll spar with my shadow clones. During the time ahead, as long as you still have the strength to stand, you'll continue to engage in combat with my shadow clones. This way, even in just two days, you can significantly enhance your strength."

Extensive combat sessions are much more reliable than two extra days of training.

Even though Asuma was apprehensive about what lay ahead, he had to agree, understanding the necessity of such rigorous training to shine when it counted.

What it boiled down to was that if you wanted to appear distinguished in front of others, you needed to endure hardships in private.

Over the following days, Asuma was consistently defeated by Makoto's shadow clones. Even though Makoto intentionally held back their full strength, Asuma couldn't emerge victorious.

When Asuma was resting, exhausted, and leaning against a large tree, he grumbled:

"If you ask me, the old man must be losing his touch. A ninja like you, Makoto-sensei, is still a Chunin. In my opinion, you should be promoted to Jonin."

During their recent fight, Makoto had employed a total of eight different ninjutsu, which included Fire Release and Water Release. The array of ninjutsu used was well-balanced, encompassing both offensive and defensive techniques.

"At my current level, I don't genuinely qualify for a promotion to Jonin," Makoto refuted.

Based on his recent performance, he was, at best, a Chunin with a slightly greater command of ninjutsu. However, Asuma's abilities were comparatively weaker, leading him to form that opinion.

'Sarutobi Hiruzen, are you watching?' Makoto mused without altering his expression.

The reason for his sudden display of power was not solely to assist Asuma's training but to demonstrate his abilities to the Third Hokage.

Even if the Third Hokage himself wasn't present, the ANBU, overseeing the situation, would report to the Third Hokage.

Makoto's notion was quite straightforward: it was all about groundwork.

Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't have a comprehensive understanding of him. So long as Makoto didn't reveal something outrageously extraordinary, it would be perceived as Makoto's inherent talent from the perspective of the Third Hokage.

In fact, Makoto had already laid some groundwork earlier. It was that sort of foreshadowing with witnesses—specifically, the time when Kushina mentioned that Makoto had the aptitude to practice sealing techniques.

As the Nine-Tails Jinchuuriki, Kushina was naturally under ANBU surveillance.

With that in mind, Makoto showcased his talent for sealing, signaling that he possessed such an ability. Otherwise, given his cautious nature, he would have pretended to have very little talent in the field.

Talent in sealing, proficiency in teaching, and commendable ninja skills—such a young individual was more deserving of being nurtured.

Makoto showcased his value when the Root couldn't perceive it, but the Third Hokage "could".

Should he be extracted from the Root, it would allow him to progress further without concerning himself with the Root's issues.

Once Makoto had been transferred to the Third Hokage's purview, as long as he doesn't suddenly reveal abnormal strength, his subsequent development would stem from the talents the Root had failed to detect but that the Third Hokage could develop.

Makoto aimed for steady growth, but he didn't intend to remain a simple Chunin teacher forever, as the status of a Chunin teacher essentially imposed an upper limit on his development.

If he'd genuinely acted as an ordinary Chunin teacher, could he have obtained this special summer training opportunity? He would likely have been summoned by Danzo to work as a laborer at the base during the vacation.

The higher one's status, the more prominent their displayed abilities, which in turn offered Makoto greater room for rewards.

For instance, he wished to reform the Ninja Academy's curriculum by introducing shared classes for several teams. If he remained an ordinary teacher, his suggestions would fall on deaf ears.

However, with successful summer training, Makoto aspired to see his proposals taken seriously.

...

On a Sunday morning, Makoto was instructing Obito in Soru.

At this point, both Might Guy and Shisui had already mastered the technique, leaving only Obito learning it alone.

"Soru is actually quite simple. You need to execute the technique you've used at least three times or more, layered upon itself," Makoto explained while demonstrating.

"My legs are giving in. It's quite challenging," Obito tried to follow Makoto's instructions but couldn't succeed.

What seemed easy when articulated became challenging when put into practice, and Obito struggled to find stability even after stacking the technique twice.

"Practice makes perfect. Shisui and the others didn't master it in just a few days," Makoto reassured him.

Since Makoto had shared a portion of the technique with Obito previously, starting the training went smoothly.

At the end of the session, Obito still couldn't perform the technique with three layers but managed to stack it twice more consistently, signifying a considerable improvement.

[Disciple Uchiha Obito, under your guidance, has diligently practiced and significantly improved his abilities. You received the reward - Flame Breathing (Proficient Level).]

Makoto was pleasantly surprised.