Chapter 99

Unable to hold back, Ebisu confronted Kotetsu and Izumo.

"Brother Ebisu!" Kotetsu and Izumo greeted Ebisu enthusiastically, their respectful demeanor contrasting with Ebisu's suppressed anger.

Ebisu couldn't help but ask, "Are you two spreading rumors about me?"

Kotetsu shook his head and said, "How is that possible, Ebisu? You've been kind to us. How could we do anything to harm your reputation?"

Izumo added, "Indeed, Brother Ebisu, have you heard rumors from others?"

Ebisu's frustration showed on his face as he continued, "Now, people from the three groups are saying that I led in developing this new enemy-conceiving technique. What's happening?"

"We never said this," the two young men replied, shaking their heads.

They explained that they had merely emphasized Ebisu's significant contribution to the technique, but they hadn't spread any false information.

Kotetsu then motioned Ebisu to come closer and took out a book. "Izumo and I have perfected the technique, and this novel has been instrumental in our success. We believe you could benefit from it too."

Ebisu glanced at the book skeptically, quickly scanning its contents. Afterward, he discreetly closed the book and looked around.

"Ahem, this book is indeed quite enlightening. Allow me to hold onto it temporarily," Ebisu decided to let go of his anger, at least for the moment. "By the way, join me during the lunch break, and I'll evaluate your progress in ninjutsu training."

...

As Obito entered the training ground, he couldn't wait to find Nohara Rin.

"Rin, would you like to train with Teacher Makoto?"

Nohara Rin looked at Obito with a puzzled expression. "Huh? I thought we were already training with Teacher Makoto now."

Obito scratched his head. "I mean, do you want to receive personal teachings from Teacher Makoto after regular class hours?"

Nohara Rin summed up Obito's intention, "You're asking if I want to become Teacher Makoto's disciple?"

"Uh, yes that."

Obito nodded with satisfaction as Nohara Rin grasped his point.

"Teacher Makoto is exceptionally skilled. If you become his disciple, you'll definitely grow stronger," Obito emphasized.

He refrained from explicitly revealing that his own remarkable progress was the result of becoming Makoto's disciple since it was meant to be kept confidential.

Nohara Rin recognized Makoto's teaching abilities, but she sensed that Obito's statement implied something beyond teaching.

Obito's recent transformations had not gone unnoticed, and she speculated that Makoto's mentorship was the cause.

"If you're willing, Rin, follow me after dinner tonight," Obito proposed.

Nohara Rin hesitated, concerned about whether her acceptance would impact Obito or Teacher Makoto negatively. Obito quickly reassured her that there would be no issues, having already discussed this with Makoto.

Finally, Nohara Rin agreed. A good teacher was a valuable asset, and she held Makoto in high regard.

With Obito's glowing recommendation and her growing curiosity about Makoto, she couldn't resist the opportunity to experience Makoto's teachings firsthand.

She wondered how Makoto had brought about such a significant change in Obito in just a few months.

After class, Nohara Rin couldn't help but steal a few glances at Makoto. She noticed that Makoto's complexion was remarkably clear, but beyond that, she couldn't discern anything else.

Makoto, in turn, noticed Nohara Rin's gaze and responded with a gentle smile.

[Complete a large-scale teaching]

[Evaluation: A]

[Rewards obtained: Violent — Leaf Adamantine-Strength Whirlwind, Chakra Scalpel]

The rewards were quite substantial.

After class, Makoto returned to the main city for dinner and then proceeded to the southern forest to training his disciples. However, the group had expanded, now including Nohara Rin.

Upon her arrival, Nohara Rin was surprised to find Shisui and Might Gai engaged in battle.

She hadn't expected Shisui to be another one of Makoto's disciples, deepening her curiosity about their mysterious teacher.

As Makoto approached, all four disciples greeted him with a polite, "Teacher Makoto."

"Good evening, everyone," Makoto replied with a gentle smile.

Privately, Nohara Rin mused about Makoto's versatility as both a teacher and trainer in various settings.

Even though she and Makoto hadn't communicated face to face, they had already established a connection through Obito, making her transition into a disciple seamless.

"Your chakra control is truly remarkable. Would you consider learning medical ninjutsu?" Makoto inquired. He recalled Nohara Rin's notable talent in medical ninjutsu and her mastery of the Mystical Palm at the tender age of twelve.

"Medical Ninjutsu..." Nohara Rin contemplated for a moment, her eyes gradually lighting up as she nodded in agreement. The idea appealed to her, as the world of medical ninja held remarkable figures like Tsunade, one of her idols.

"Let's start with the basics of healing techniques," Makoto suggested once Nohara Rin expressed her interest. Nohara Rin was introduced to foundational healing and hemostasis techniques.

Makoto opted for a theoretical introduction before practical training.

After the disciples left, Makoto continued to practice breathing techniques alone in the southern forest. Despite passively exercising during sleep in a state of normalcy, additional practice yielded superior results.

Makoto maintained a clear understanding of the strengths and drawbacks of the two breathing techniques, primarily employing Stone Breathing for physical training and Flame Breathing for combat and fire release jutsus.

He was devising a breathing method training program for his disciples and planned to have them practice collectively, with the exception of Nohara Rin.

For her foundation is a bit weak. At least, right now.