Black Hawk Down and the Teaching of Projection Jutsus (Two-in-One)

"That's great, Natsuhiko! Obito won!"

In the Sealing Jutsus Office, Kushina jumped up in joy.

She was about to high-five Natsuhiko when she realised that Natsuhiko had somehow already returned to his seat.

"Didn't I say earlier that it was a sure thing?" Natsuhiko replied casually while throwing his breakfast packaging into the trash.

At the training ground, everyone was slowly recovering from their earlier shock.

Countless exclamations of surprise followed as they all stared at Obito in disbelief.

Did he win?

Did Obito actually defeat Hyuga?

Even though everyone had noticed Obito's recent progress, it was when they saw him defeat the Hyuga family genius that they truly realised something.

Obito was no longer the underdog.

"Obito has really gotten stronger!"

"We agreed to be the underdogs together, but I won't lose to him!"

"That's right, I will work hard too!"

Everyone was motivated by Obito's growth, raising their fists and cheering themselves on.

"Wow, it's great that Obito's hard work is finally being recognised!" The guy was already in tears seeing this scene.

"And everyone's youthful spirit has been ignited by Obito. He's truly the second man I've acknowledged!"

"Indeed!" Rin, standing next to him, looked at Obito with a proud smile and handed Guy a handkerchief.

"Ah, thank you." Guy took the handkerchief, blew his nose loudly, and then returned it to Rin.

Rin: "..."

"Um, Guy, you can keep this handkerchief." Rin forced a smile, feeling a bit heartbroken.

She actually liked this handkerchief...

Kakashi, standing under a distant tree, also opened his eyes at this moment.

He looked at Obito, who was still on the field, with an expression as if he was seeing him for the first time.

Obito looked serious, without his usual silly demeanour.

Obito must have undergone rigorous training recently, transforming him completely.

"The Sealing Jutsus Research Group, huh?" A soft murmur came from under Kakashi's mask.

Although he hadn't paid much attention, Kakashi had learned from his classmates' conversations that joining that research group was the most direct reason for Obito's strength.

Not to mention, Obito kept mentioning "Natsuhiko-Sensei", making it hard not to notice.

A teacher...

Kakashi hadn't considered it much before, but ever since that man's death, he gradually realised how crucial a teacher's guidance was to training.

After all, the Hatake clan was just a tiny ninja clan with no one capable of guiding him anymore.

So now, Kakashi could only rely on the training notes left by that man to teach himself, which naturally slowed his progress.

Seeing Obito's rapid improvement with a teacher's guidance made Kakashi feel uneasy.

It made him wonder if he wasn't as talented as everyone thought but just had a good teacher.

Dad...

Memories of his father praising him after training suddenly flooded Kakashi's mind, making his eyes sting.

But he quickly suppressed these feelings, his gaze turning cold again.

Then Kakashi thought that the Sealing Jutsus class was more helpful than he had initially thought.

After all, it was from that research group that Obito found the opportunity to become stronger.

It was not just Obito; Kakashi also noticed that Guy and Rin, who were in the same group, had improved significantly.

Especially Guy, who sometimes even made Kakashi feel slightly threatened.

This made him wonder if he should have taken the time to attend that Sealing Jutsus class, and perhaps he too would be a member of that research group now...

At this time, other classmates had thoughts similar to Kakashi's.

"I'm so envious. I mocked Obito when he joined the research group as a test subject, but it turns out I was the real clown!"

"Yeah, Dark Gymnastics... Just hearing it sounds impressive. I can't believe Natsuhiko-Sensei is teaching it to students."

The students pondered the term "Dark Gymnastics," feeling a sense of awe.

"But why is it called gymnastics?"

"Sometimes, I hear music and commands from the rooftop. Are they doing radio gymnastics up there?"

"That's impossible!"

Everyone shook their heads at this guess.

How could doing radio gymnastics make you stronger?

Dark Gymnastics must be something more advanced!

When they thought about how Natsuhiko often stayed after school to teach students Dark Gymnastics, they felt a surge of gratitude.

Projection stories, Ninja Cards, future Projection Jutsus lessons, and now Dark Gymnastics...

Natsuhiko sensei always went above and beyond to help his students grow stronger.

He was even taking on the role of a physical training teacher.

What kind of spirit was this?

This made everyone look at their physical training teacher with disdain.

Sigh, both are teachers, but why is the difference so huge?

The physical training teacher felt exasperated, especially seeing Hyuga also looking at him with disdain. He increasingly felt that this was all Natsuhiko's doing.

Does he have to go this far?

If Natsuhiko takes over his job, too, could Natsuhiko get paid twice?

The physical training teacher coughed a few times and said to Obito, who was still standing on the field, "Alright, Obito, since the fight is over, come down quickly. Don't delay other students' training."

If you don't come down, I'll be forced to quit.

Obito, however, replied thoughtfully, "Okay, teacher, but before that, I have a small problem."

"What is it?"

"I... I can't feel my right foot."

Saying this, Obito finally couldn't hold back his tears and asked the physical training teacher for help, "Teacher, I... I can't move..."

Everyone: "..."

"Oh my, why didn't you say so earlier!" The physical training teacher's face changed, and he quickly ran over.

"Because everyone was praising me just now."

Obito, who was getting his right foot checked by the teacher, said embarrassedly.

The students exchanged glances, speechless.

In the end, they all smiled helplessly.

It seems that no matter how strong he gets, Obito is still Obito!

Hyuga, who had just been defeated, looked at Obito in disbelief.

Did I get defeated by this guy?

After school that day, on the rooftop of the teaching building.

The research group members had changed into their training uniforms as usual, ready to start today's activities.

But unlike usual, Obito, who was beside Natsuhiko, hadn't changed into his training uniform. Instead, he was sitting in a wheelchair with a thick bandage on his right foot, looking miserable.

"Multiple internal injuries, torn leg muscles, minor fractures... It will take at least three weeks to heal."

Natsuhiko closed Obito's diagnosis report and smiled, "Thanks to Obito for demonstrating what happens when you recklessly use forbidden Jutsus."

"He's truly our group's top test subject."

"Everyone, give him a round of applause!"

The students felt awkward but clapped reluctantly under Natsuhiko's gaze.

The applause felt like a slap to Obito's face, making him blush and say tearfully, "Senseo, I'm sorry. I won't do it again; please forgive me."

Natsuhiko shook his head and said, "If saying sorry was enough, why would we need your clan's police force?"

"You were lucky this time; no serious harm done."

"Otherwise, it wouldn't be an eagle taking off but a black hawk down."

"I only wanted you to learn how to circulate chakra quickly to counter the Gentle Fist and repeatedly warned you not to use it recklessly."

"But you not only used it but went all out! Do you have a grudge against Hyuga?"

Natsuhiko was upset. He hadn't watched the whole fight since he knew Obito had learned to counter the basic Gentle Fist.

So, he was shocked when Obito was brought to the infirmary.

Obito, feeling ashamed, said weakly, "I don't know what I was thinking, just got carried away..."

Natsuhiko sighed.

Even if he's just Obito, he still has the Uchiha blood for showing off.

Just because he was an underdog before, with nothing to show off, he didn't display it.

Now, given the chance, he overdid it?

So even if he says he knows he's wrong now, he'll do it again next time!

Natsuhiko had to be strict, "This time, I didn't warn you well enough, so I'll let it slide. But if it happens again, I'll have to remove you from the research group to protect others."

Seeing Natsuhiko usually smiling so severely, Obito knew he wasn't joking and felt scared, reflecting on his mistake.

After all, the training in the research group, though challenging, was the happiest time of his life.

If he got kicked out for showing off, he'd never forgive himself.

So Obito hung his head low, tearfully saying, "Natsuhiko-sensei, I'm truly sorry. I won't do it again."

Seeing the tears in Obito's pants, Natsuhiko believed he was sincere this time and softened his tone, "You can't act recklessly anymore. Remember, many people care about you."

"Sensei..."

Obito looked up, his blurry vision showing Natsuhiko's gentle face.

Then he turned and saw Rin, Kushina, Guy, Asuma, Kurenai, and Ebisu smiling at him.

Memories with everyone flashed in his mind like a carousel.

A warm feeling rose in his chest, flowing to his brain...

Just as the warmth reached his eyes, he heard Natsuhiko say, "Oh, and to make sure. If you don't act up, Rin, you won't have to wait for Obito anymore. The guy will take over."

Obito: "???"

"Why, Natsuhiko-senseo? Did I do something wrong?" Guy, who was moved, instantly felt panicked.

He enjoyed the feeling of running with Rin and Obito.

Though Obito kept asking to switch with Guy, saying he liked being last, Guy never did.

Everyone knew why.

When the setting sun bathed everyone in orange, Obito would stop and watch the sky for a long time.

"Obito's injury will take at least three weeks to heal. Can you stop training for him?"

Obito had to admit Natsuhiko's words were logical.

But why did he feel so frustrated?

Rin whispered, "Natsuhiko-sensei, I think I should take care of Obito."

Natsuhiko laughed, "Rin, when has Obito ever obeyed you?"

"Don't worry, Obito will be healed soon."

"Yes, Natsuhiko-sensei."

Rin pouted reluctantly but had to agree.

Natsuhiko had a point. Obito was stubborn and only listened to Natsuhiko.

After assigning Rin to Guy, Natsuhiko said, "Alright, let's get to today's projection lesson. After learning this, we'll move on to future projection Jutsus."

"Today, I'll teach you how to handle projections."

"Please prepare your pens and paper."

"However, everyone should have noticed that the effects of the radio gymnastics training have significantly diminished recently. Plus, it's much easier to perform now without the pain we used to feel, right?"

Everyone nodded, not sure if they should miss those painful yet rewarding times.

Natsuhiko explained, "This actually means that the initial benefits of expanding your meridians through radio gymnastics have run their course. From now on, progress will be more gradual and less noticeable. So, it's time for us to move on to the next phase of our research group activities."

Hearing that their improvement would be slower than before, everyone felt a bit disappointed. However, the mention of new activities immediately revived their spirits.

"Teacher! Are we going to start practising that static meditation, Jutsu?" Asuma asked excitedly, raising his hand.

Natsuhiko shook his head slightly, "Your meridians are still too fragile for static meditation at this stage."

"For instance, take Obito and Guy. Although Obito's meridians are wider than Guy's, using Jutsus like the Soaring Hawk would cause damage to his meridians, whereas Guy wouldn't be affected. This is due to the difference in the toughness of their meridians."

"So, you need to train your meridians through radio gymnastics until they are at least close to Guy's level before starting static meditation."

"Oh—" Everyone responded with a hint of disappointment.

Of course, Natsuhiko had another, more critical reason he didn't share with them.

That was because the static meditation Jutsu was still in its early developmental stages, and it was similar to a newly created empty folder.

I am working on it, working on it.

Seeing their disappointment, Natsuhiko spread his hands. "After all, we're not a physical training group. We can't just make you do radio gymnastics all the time."

Everyone then remembered that they were in the Sealing Jutsus Research Group.

Ebisu looked expectantly, "So are we finally going to study seal—"

Natsuhiko smiled, "Nope, it's ninjutsu!"

Everyone almost threw their backs out from the sudden shift.

Although sealing Jutsus is indeed part of ninjutsu, it was clear that the teacher had a different meaning.

Kurenai quickly caught on and excitedly asked, "Teacher, are you planning to teach us Projection Jutsus?"

She had been remarkably eager to learn Projection Jutsus to pair with her family's genjutsu.

Natsuhiko nodded, "Yes, do you remember in the first class when I mentioned that even the simplest sealing Jutsus take a long time to learn? So, I'll teach you how to construct Projection Jutsus using runes as an intermediary."

"Learning the runes for Projection Jutsus will also benefit your future studies of other sealing Jutsus, making those easier to learn."

Everyone recalled that this had indeed been mentioned.

Thinking about the various cool tricks Natsuhiko had done with Projection Jutsus, their hearts burned with excitement, and they were eager to master the skill.

Natsuhiko continued, "I initially planned to teach this Jutsu to all sealing Jutsu students this semester, but I overestimated your overall level."

"Both in sealing Jutsus and the Three Basic Jutsus."

"So, due to time constraints, the Projection Jutsus lesson in the sealing Jutsus class will have to be pushed to the next school year. Moreover, you'll need to learn it in advance so I can assess how well you grasp it to determine the extent to which it should be taught in the future."

"Sensei, are there different levels of mastery in Projection Jutsus?" Asuma asked, puzzled.

He thought once they learned it, they could use it as effortlessly as Natsuhiko.

Natsuhiko smiled, "Of course, ninjutsu always has varying degrees of mastery. For instance, with the Clone Jutsu, your graduation standard is to create one identical clone, right?"

As he spoke, a puff of smoke appeared next to Natsuhiko, revealing a perfect clone of him.

Everyone nodded, confirming that this was indeed the standard.

Natsuhiko continued, "But most students can easily create multiple clones."

With another puff of smoke, several clones appeared around Natsuhiko.

Obito, who struggled with chakra control, and Guy, who had average ninjutsu talent, exchanged sympathetic glances.

"Furthermore," Natsuhiko added, "the clones created by the Clone Jutsu can perform simple actions."

"The trick is to use the principle of visual retention, attaching a series of sequential actions to the clone like a movie frame by frame, creating the illusion of the clone moving."

As Natsuhiko spoke, his clones began to move, though their actions appeared choppy at first.

However, as Natsuhiko added more "frames," the movements became smoother until they were indistinguishable from those of a natural person.

"As long as you switch thirty action frames per second, most people won't be able to tell the difference."

Everyone was amazed. Thirty action frames per second sounded daunting!

Natsuhiko understood their concerns and laughed, "It's not as hard as it sounds. You're not using the Clone Jutsu thirty times per second. You're just adding more actions when constructing the clone's movements."

"Usually, only simple actions like running are needed, so once you've got the first one or two seconds down, the rest just repeat."

"And our ninja running style, with arms swinging back, makes it even easier."

"Actually, when I was in school, many students knew this trick. A moving clone is much more confusing than a stationary one."

"On the battlefield, mastering this Jutsu could be the difference between life and death."

Everyone was in awe.

It turned out teachers weren't lying when they said this generation was the worst.

They couldn't imagine the efforts their predecessors went through during wartime to survive.

Natsuhiko concluded, "That's why I said I overestimated your basic Jutsu levels, causing the delay in our lessons."

"Because this clone Jutsu's principle is one of the basic foundations of Projection Jutsus."

(End of Chapter)