Chapter 78

Originally, Haruki planned to take Obito Uchiha to meet Minato Namikaze and the others today, but unexpectedly learned that they were not in Konoha. Instead, they were on a B-rank mission in a small coastal town in the southeast of the Land of Fire, exterminating pirates.

Of course, since it was classified as a B-rank mission, the pirates couldn't be ordinary; they were ninja from Kirigakure.

Though Kirigakure is isolated by the sea, it encompasses many islands of varying sizes. Due to differing customs and frequent skirmishes with the Land of Fire, they often turn into pirates, pillaging the coastal areas.

Speaking of which, the Mizukage of Kirigakure and the Kazekage of Sunagakure are considered the most unfortunate Kages. The Mizukage was controlled by Madara Uchiha and Obito Uchiha, while the Kazekage was successively assassinated by Sasori of the Red Sand and Orochimaru. Both suffered equally tragic fates.

Haruki had to temporarily shelve Obito's special training and focus on the basketball game instead.

Currently, Asuma Sarutobi and Kakashi Hatake's teams play out of personal enjoyment. While flashy, their plays lack distinctive highlights.

Over the past few days, Haruki taught them some signature moves from famous basketball stars of his previous life, like the pull-up jumper, skyhook, fadeaway, and dream shake. In his past life, these were hard to master, but with the ninja's innate skills and the wonders of chakra, even if they didn't grasp the essence, they looked quite similar.

Overall, a week of training yielded impressive visual results.

On the weekend, despite being a day off, the ninja school was bustling with activity. Thanks to extensive promotion by the Konoha Daily, almost the entire village knew about the basketball game today. With the Hokage, Uchiha, Hyuga, Hatake, and other prominent families attending, it was a must-see event.

As Haruki and Tsunade arrived at the basketball court, they saw nothing but people. The sight reminded Haruki of the overwhelming crowds during Golden Week in his previous life. Fortunately, he anticipated this scenario and had stands built.

"Tsunade, let's go to the Hokage's stand," Haruki pointed to the high platform where Hiruzen Sarutobi and other familiar faces, such as Hiashi Hyuga and Sakumo Hatake, were present.

"Alright," Tsunade nodded, slightly overwhelmed by the enthusiastic crowd, and followed Haruki to the stand.

Hiruzen Sarutobi waved at them, "Konoha hasn't been this lively in a long time."

"This shows that under your leadership, Konoha has regained its prosperity."

"Hahaha, you really know how to flatter," Sarutobi laughed heartily, unexpectedly pleased by Haruki's humility, who didn't boast about his own efforts.

"Sensei," Tsunade greeted with a slight bow.

"It's a pity that Jiraiya isn't here to see this," Sarutobi said, nodding to her, "He's always the rowdiest one."

"He's out on a mission for Konoha, but I'm sure he'd regret missing this," Haruki smiled, suspecting Jiraiya might use training Nagato and others as an excuse, which Hiruzen Sarutobi would gladly accept.

"Let's not talk about him," Sarutobi lowered his voice, "As their teacher, you know their skills best. What are Asuma's chances of winning?"

"Fifty-fifty," Haruki replied honestly.

"Only fifty percent?" Sarutobi sighed, "I'm worried Asuma will throw a fit if he loses."

"But I don't think losing is a bad thing."

Haruki wasn't sure if Sarutobi was genuinely concerned about Asuma's tantrum or his own reputation, but he wasn't going to rig the game.

"Failure is the mother of success. Life is never smooth sailing; adversity isn't scary—it's necessary for honing one's will."

Haruki looked seriously at Sarutobi, "As Asuma's teacher, I know him well. He's outstanding and won't throw a fit. He'll learn from this failure and come back stronger. That's the true essence of the Will of Fire."

Sarutobi stood stunned. No one had ever spoken to him like this, but surprisingly, he wasn't angry. Concerned about his son, Asuma, who he often saw as rebellious, Sarutobi felt a pang of guilt, realizing he might not have been a good father despite being a good Hokage.

"Well said, Haruki," Sarutobi smiled again, "It seems appointing you as the principal was the right choice."

"It's your discerning judgment, and I'm merely doing my duty," Haruki replied humbly, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the stands.

The clan heads exchanged glances, realizing Haruki's rising favor with the Hokage. Determined not to antagonize him, they decided to either befriend him or, at the very least, stay neutral.

Tsunade, however, rolled her eyes, finding his smooth talk slightly annoying yet endearing when he spoke to her.

"The game is about to start," Haruki noticed students entering the basketball court, ending his conversation with Sarutobi.

"Let's watch the game," Sarutobi said, waving his hand.

"Alright," Haruki ran to Tsunade, seeing her expression and smiled, "Here."

Tsunade, seeing him extend his finger, let go of her earlier annoyance and held his warm hand.

Amid the crowd's cheers, a live version of "Slam Dunk" began.

"Beautiful! Asuma Sarutobi with a slam dunk!"

The commentator's amplified voice echoed throughout the school grounds.

"As expected of the Hokage's son, look at that incredible jump and impressive decision-making. He really dares to shoot, and he scores!"

"Here comes the genius Kakashi Hatake marking Genma Shiranui like a seasoned hunter ready to pounce. Oh! The ball is stolen, Genma couldn't block Kakashi's attack."

"Oh my! Asuma Sarutobi blitzes through Ibiki Morino and Kurama Clansmen's defense. It's in! The ball is in!"

Wave after wave of excitement filled the air, creating an electrifying atmosphere at the ninja school.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't resist, running to the court during halftime to encourage the players personally.