Chapter 104

"Then study hard. The breathing method is difficult to learn, and the learning process is not easy," Makoto said with a serious expression.

Although the Flame Breathing is somewhat easier to grasp compared to Stone Breathing, that's a relative comparison, and the actual difficulty remains quite high.

The significance of the breathing method surpasses any ninjutsu or taijutsu he has taught before.

After showcasing the power of Fire Release using Flame Breathing, Makoto proceeded to teach the two of them how to practice in earnest.

"Stand upright, relax your upper body, and establish a firm lower body stance. Breathe deeply from your abdomen, allowing oxygen to enter your body and flow into the chakra acupuncture point...."

The distinction between Flame Breathing and Rock Breathing becomes evident. Stone Breathing primarily focuses on strengthening the entire body, with everything else being secondary, whereas Flame Breathing concentrates on harnessing chakra to enhance the power of Fire Release.

"Hufufu!" Obito opened his mouth wide and took a deep breath.

Boom!

Makoto swiftly knocked Obito's head before lightly striking his abdomen with a knife-hand.

"Be mindful of applying pressure to your abdomen, avoid taking wide, random breaths. Focus on rhythm and technique."

"Ah...?" Obito appeared perplexed, not anticipating that mastering the breathing technique would be this challenging.

Even Shisui, who typically grasped ninjutsu quickly, encountered difficulties with the breathing techniques and couldn't find the key.

However, this was well within Makoto's expectations. Great talent has its limitations.

During the training, Makoto alternated between the two, instructing one side for an hour before switching to the other.

By the end of the morning, the proficiency of the three disciples in the breathing method remained at zero, vividly illustrating the method's difficulty.

At noon, Makoto returned to his home in Konoha's main city to collect the students' strength test materials, organized them, and brought them along for the tutoring session.

Perhaps it was because Makoto mentioned sending information or because Sarutobi Hiruzen had more free time lately, but Makoto had another encounter with Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Hokage-sama," Makoto greeted Hiruzen Sarutobi and handed over the packed information.

"This is the material for the students' strength test," Makoto explained.

"Very well, Makoto. Thank you for your assistance," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, taking the information and perusing it with a smile.

The data was compiled by Makoto, with the top section containing the results of the initial group test at the start of special training, followed by the results of each week's strength test.

The score sheets also featured scoring standards. For instance, Group C and Group B constituted the fourth-year student standards, while Group A represented the standards for graduating ninjas.

After a brief examination, the Third Hokage found that after three weeks of special training, all the students had made substantial progress. If Makoto hadn't manipulated the data, then this special training must have been highly successful, underscoring Makoto's teaching prowess.

This wasn't a simple class; the special training encompassed all fourth-year students, exceptional students from the first three years, and a small number of graduated genin. The total number of students exceeded three hundred.

"Makoto, you've done an excellent job. Thank you for your hard work," Sarutobi Hiruzen praised.

"The students have also shown dedication to their training, so it's not solely my merit," Makoto replied modestly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction and added, "I'll visit when your special training reaches its final test. I hope I won't be a disturbance?"

"No trouble at all. If they learn about your attendance, the students will be thrilled to have you there," Makoto responded with a smile.

To be honest, despite Sarutobi Hiruzen's mixed reputation in his previous life, he wasn't a terrible Hokage. At least, this is the case until the Kyuubi attack.

Makoto continued training Asuma.

...

On Monday, Makoto informed the students of the summer special training that the Third Hokage would be visiting for their final exam.

The students couldn't contain their excitement. This was the Strongest Hokage!

At the ninja school, if you were to randomly ask ten students about their idol, eight out of ten would aspire to become Hokages. Naturally, the prospect of meeting the current and Strongest of them all thrilled them.

"Even Hokage-sama will be here, Izumo, this is our chance to make a name for ourselves in Konoha," Kotetsu said with enthusiasm.

"Indeed, if we can get the Hokage-sama to remember our names, we'll be set for success in the future!" Izumo agreed, equally excited.

"You two should save your energy and focus on training. Even if Hokage-sama comes, he might not notice you," Anko commented, believing it to be unrealistic.

"A prominent figure like the Hokage-sama will surely recognize that Izumo and I are just rough jade. Those like you who rely on brute force won't understand," Kotetsu retorted.

Izumo nodded in agreement.

"Then I'll teach you two 'rough jades' the power of brute force!" Anko playfully punched the two of them and darted off.

Upon hearing the news, Yuhi Kurenai practiced even more diligently, striving to improve her strength to avoid a repeat of the earlier defeat by her schoolmates.

Obito, after learning of the Hokage's visit, immediately began pondering his future.

"If the Hokage-sama witnesses my remarkable performance, perhaps he'll recognize my potential to become Hokage? Hahaha..." Obito laughed with his tongue sticking out, ignoring the curious glances from those around him.

"Oh dear, it would be disastrous if Kotetsu and Izumo start spreading rumors," Ebisu thought he should remind his younger siblings before the exam.

If such rumors reached the Hokage's ears, it could spell the end of his ninja career before it even began.

"Everyone, keep focused and continue your training. Let the Hokage-sama witness your progress," Makoto encouraged, his warm smile watching as the students' enthusiasm soared. He silently nodded in approval.

Although the summer special training was relatively short, lasting only five weeks, it demanded a significant amount of practice, with over forty hours per week. Given the annual class experience, Makoto believed that he might trigger an improvement reward.