79 Chapter 78: Do Not Underestimate the Academy Students

What is it like to teach a group of over 300 people?

Makoto found himself the focus of more than three hundred pairs of eyes, each filled with curiosity, expectation, and perhaps a touch of doubt.

Makoto had every reason to believe that, were he an introverted person, speaking under the collective gaze of so many would be a daunting task.

However, Makoto was no ordinary individual. The larger the audience, the more ecstatic and eager he became.

"Greetings, everyone. I am Hosakawa Makoto, your instructor for this summer's special training," Makoto introduced himself with a warm smile.

Despite his familiarity within the school and his history of substituting in many classes, Makoto didn't presume that everyone recognized him, hence the necessity for self-introduction.

"Teacher Makoto!" A chorus of enthusiastic greetings came from students who were already familiar with him.

Makoto responded with a nod and a continued smile, proceeding to address the group:

"I understand that many of you have questions in your minds. Why this special summer training during the holidays? What is its purpose?"

"Let me clarify. The sole purpose of this special training is to enhance the skills of those participating and help you become stronger ninjas."

Makoto avoided mentioning any dire scenarios like the possibility of war, as no official conflict had arisen. Even those with a heightened sense of vigilance couldn't yet envision Konoha as the epicenter of a war surrounded by the four major ninja villages.

"In what manner will this special training be conducted? We genin can't be subjected to the same training as the Academy students. The abilities of official ninjas and students aren't comparable," Namiashi inquired.

He had previously been on a team with Asuma and had been persuaded by him.

Namiashi Raidō couldn't help but feel somewhat misled. How could a Chuunin instructor be as formidable as Asuma had claimed?

"I have a plan for this, but don't underestimate the students of the Ninja School," Makoto replied as he called forth Shisui.

"Meet Uchiha Shisui, a student in the class I instruct and a first-year Academy student. You can spar with him to assess the Ninja School students' abilities," Makoto suggested with a smile.

Makoto had anticipated that this situation might arise. Genin, having been mentored by Jounin, often held different attitudes when facing Academy students and Chuunin instructors.

In the ninja world, strength was revered, which is why Makoto's solution was straightforward: if you thought the Ninja School students weren't capable, you could challenge this lovely first-year student. What could go wrong?

As Shisui calmly stepped forward, Asuma's eyes twitched uncontrollably as he recalled the humiliation he had suffered two months ago.

He doubted he would ever forget that experience. As a graduated genin, being defeated by a first-year student was a bitter pill to swallow.

"Raidō, go ahead. He's just a first-year student," Asuma urged quietly.

He was eager to witness Raidō's disbelief after being defeated and didn't want to bear the humiliation alone.

"Is this really necessary? After all, he's just a first-year student," Kurenai expressed softly, feeling that this was ethically questionable.

"Then, as a seasoned graduate, I'll examine whether the Ninja School's standards have declined," Raidō declared as he walked forward.

The students gave them space, creating a clear arena for the forthcoming duel.

Raidō offered a final word of caution: "If you find yourself in over your head, don't hesitate to admit defeat. And if you happen to get injured, don't blame me."

He took out a kunai from his ninja pouch as the battle was about to begin.

"Thank you for your advice, senior. I won't let it get to my head," Shisui graciously expressed his gratitude.

Observing Shisui's respectful demeanor, Raidō decided to allow his victory to appear more dignified, so it wouldn't be too one-sided.

Obito had already covered his face, unable to watch the one-sided confrontation that would follow.

He was well aware of the skills of his fellow graduates, and he knew that Shisui's superiority was definite.

"Go for it, Shisui! Teach that guy who underestimates Ninja School students a lesson," Anko cheered Shisui from the front row, her enthusiasm evident.

Kotetsu and Izumo also joined the front row, cheering alongside Anko.

"Uchiha Shisui, isn't he that first-year prodigy? I heard all his grades are perfect," the fourth-year students had heard about Shisui's exceptional reputation.

"Even if he's extraordinarily talented, it's still improbable for a first-year student to defeat an official Genin, isn't it?"

While most students were rooting for Shisui, they were also skeptical because a first-year student triumphing over an official genin seemed implausible.

"Begin!" Makoto, serving as the temporary referee, announced after both fighters completed their preparations.

"Be careful, I will attack now," Raidō reminded, then swiftly charged at Shisui with his kunai in hand.

Shisui calmly retrieved a kunai from his ninja pouch and met Raidō's attack head-on.

Ting

Ting

Ting

Ting

Ting

The sound of fast-clashing kunai echoed in the area as Shisui expertly blocked each of Raidō's fierce assaults.

Raidō began to sense something amiss. Shisui's strength, speed, and reflexes were far beyond what one would expect from a first-year student.

Stepping back, Raidō threw a smoke bomb, then swiftly made hand seals and employed the clone technique, generating five clones to confuse Shisui.

"Fire Release: Fireball Technique!" Shisui ignored the clones and executed a set of hand seals, followed by a powerful fireball attack.

"Who's the Genin, him or me?" Raidō questioned as he gazed at the towering fireball approaching him, his mind in disarray.

Thankfully, the fireball didn't travel at an overwhelming speed. Raidō sprinted with all his might to evade the fiery onslaught.

BOOM

Just when Raidō thought he had successfully avoided the fireball, a kunai suddenly extended from behind him and was placed against his throat.

Sensing the frigid edge of the kunai, Raidō realized that he was done for.

"I concede. I shouldn't have underestimated you," Raidō admitted his defeat. Had Shisui been a genuine enemy, Raidō would have met his end.

"Senior, I appreciate your understanding," Shisui calmly put away his kunai and humbly accepted the victory.

He could have vanquished Raidō in an instant, but Shisui recognized that Raidō's earlier remarks may have been unintentional. He chose not to humiliate him further.

"He probably held back, considering this fireball wasn't as potent as the one he used on me before," Asuma mused silently.

"Senior, are you harboring a grudge against him? Why are you smiling so jubilantly?" Kotetsu inquired, noting the contented expression on Asuma's face.

"No, I'm just recalling some pleasant memories," Asuma replied with a smile, dispelling any notion of ill will.