Chapter 4: Chapter 4 the Teacher Was Confused! It Was so Depressing!
Uchiha Sasuke, the last remaining member of the Uchiha family in Konoha Village, was known for his exceptional Sharingan and unmatched learning ability. Since his first day at the academy, he had been the center of admiration among his peers. However, today, for the first time, he encountered someone who surpassed even his own natural talent.
Morkel's comprehension and ability to learn ninjutsu were beyond common sense.
Iruka-sensei stood nearby, completely stunned by what he was witnessing.
It was real.
Morkel had just performed the hand seals, and suddenly, a variety of Clone Techniques manifested before their eyes. Water Style, Earth Style, Lightning Style—each displayed in rapid succession.
Oh my god!
This was terrifying!
This… this…
The word "genius" was simply inadequate to describe him!
He was something far beyond that. An anomaly. A prodigy unlike any other.
Iruka placed a hand on his forehead, trying to collect himself and process what he had just witnessed. Meanwhile, Morkel, mistaking his teacher's overwhelmed expression for dissatisfaction, hesitated before speaking again.
"Teacher, I actually found that the Clone Technique and Transformation Technique can be combined…"
Iruka shook his head, looking utterly exhausted.
"Morkel, you don't need to demonstrate anymore. The teacher needs some time to process this."
Morkel sighed in disappointment.
Was it still not good enough?
Last night, after discovering how to perform the Shadow Clone Technique and attribute-based clones, he had secretly been thrilled. He had expected his classmates and teachers to react with awe, to finally see him in a new light.
Yet, judging from Iruka's reaction, it seemed he hadn't even come close to reaching an acceptable standard.
Sigh~
Being a ninja was really hard.
Shortly after, Iruka-sensei abruptly canceled the rest of the class without much explanation. He only mentioned that he had urgent matters to attend to.
But Morkel noticed something odd.
As Iruka left, he cast Morkel a long, lingering glance. A glance filled with complicated emotions. Hidden within it was something that seemed suspiciously like… disappointment.
Could it be that Iruka-sensei thought he wasn't suited for ninjutsu after all? Was he planning to report to the Hokage and have him expelled from the academy?!
Morkel was lost in thought when Naruto clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Morkel, that Clone Technique you just did was amazing!" Naruto said enthusiastically.
"But… Iruka-sensei didn't seem satisfied," Morkel replied, still unsure about the situation.
Morkel's understanding of the ninja world was still somewhat limited. He had knowledge of a few famous figures, but when it came to specific ninjutsu, he lacked deeper insight.
So, in his mind, Naruto's words were simply his friend's way of offering comfort.
"Don't worry, Morkel," Naruto said with a grin. "If Iruka-sensei isn't satisfied, then you just gotta work harder until he is."
Morkel clenched his fists and looked at Naruto with renewed determination. "You're right. Thank you, Naruto."
He had learned the Clone Technique in one night, making up for his previous shortcomings. That meant there was still hope.
As long as he continued to work hard, one day he would earn his teacher's recognition and graduate successfully!
Meanwhile…
"Achoo!"
Iruka sneezed as he entered the Hokage's office.
"Iruka, have you caught a cold?" the Third Hokage asked casually.
Iruka shook his head. "It's nothing, Hokage-sama. My nose just tickled. But I do have something very important to report!"
"Is this about that boy, Morkel?" the Third Hokage inquired, flipping through the papers on his desk.
Anbu had just delivered a report detailing Morkel's mastery of the Shadow Clone Technique and multi-attribute Clone Techniques.
"You already know… As expected, nothing escapes your eyes in Konoha," Iruka sighed, still processing his earlier shock.
The Third Hokage raised his head and regarded Iruka with interest. "You are a good teacher, Iruka. You have nurtured a remarkable genius."
"It's all thanks to Morkel's own efforts," Iruka said modestly. "I did very little."
The Third Hokage studied him thoughtfully. "As Morkel's teacher, what is your assessment of him?"
Iruka took a deep breath. "Morkel has always been hardworking, ever since he entered the academy. I was shocked by his sudden display of talent, but… I'm also happy for him."
The Third Hokage put down the documents in his hand and leaned back. "To be honest, I've studied ninjutsu for many years, and I've learned to be cautious of 'overnight enlightenment.'
"Rather than sudden realization, this seems more like a case of long-term accumulation finally surfacing.
"That being said, to have learned the Shadow Clone Technique and attribute-based Clone Techniques within just a few years is remarkable. He is, without a doubt, a genius among geniuses."
Iruka nodded, understanding the Hokage's perspective. "Not only is Morkel talented, but he also has remarkable patience. To keep his abilities hidden for so long…"
The Third Hokage stood and walked over to the large window in his office, gazing out toward the ninja academy.
"Yes… This child is promising."
After their discussion, the conversation shifted to Morkel's future development.
"Iruka, tell me," the Third Hokage began, "what do you think is the most important factor for a genius?"
Iruka sat up straighter, pondering the question carefully before answering, "Growth."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled in approval. "Correct. Geniuses are not uncommon in the ninja world. But because of wars, missions, and conflicts between nations, very few of them ever reach their full potential.
"That is why it's essential to nurture talent and allow them to thrive. However, just as important is the shaping of their character. We must ensure they do not become arrogant and complacent.
"In battle, underestimating your enemy means death."
"So what you're saying is…" Iruka asked cautiously.
The Third Hokage paused for a moment before responding. "We must ensure Morkel does not become overconfident, but we should also recognize his talent appropriately."
A spark of realization lit up Iruka's eyes. Everything suddenly became clear!
As expected of the Hokage!
This method would prevent Morkel from growing too proud while also allowing him to build confidence and continue improving.
"I understand!" Iruka said with renewed excitement, bowing before leaving the Hokage's office.
With this decision, Morkel's journey as a ninja was about to take an even more extraordinary turn.
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