Chapter 91

"Teacher, I want to challenge the challenge!" Obito found Makoto and expressed his desire to attempt the river sprint.

It had been four full days since his last challenge had ended in failure. Over these four days, he had diligently been studying Makoto's special training techniques to improve his speed.

He had pushed himself beyond his limits during the competition with Might Gai. Obito now felt more confident and believed he had the capacity to succeed in the challenge.

With the combat test approaching in the special training next week, Obito was determined to master Soru this week and enhance his performance.

His motivation to win the challenge extended beyond simply defeating Might Gai. Obito was tired of always lagging behind and was determined to bridge the gap in their abilities.

"Okay, come with me," Makoto agreed and led Obito to the river.

The second level of the challenge differed from the first as there was no need to set up traps in advance.

Makoto created numerous shadow clones that, ready to cast water dragon bullets into the river.

Obito readied himself.

"Start!"

Obito's gaze remained fixed on the bullets as he tried to decipher their hidden patterns and movements. Makoto had previously explained that the water dragon bullets followed a specific, predictable pattern rather than moving randomly.

Obito observed that the bullets moved in groups of three, each group exhibiting similar patterns. This discovery allowed him to identify a rhythm in their movements.

*Swish*

Obito immediately started dashing, dodging and avoiding the bullets.

Makoto looked at Obito's appearance and thought that if Obito could always maintain this calm and cautious attitude, the improvement in combat effectiveness would increase by many levels.

After crossing the last set of water dragon bullets and reaching the shore successfully, Obito couldn't contain his excitement. "Success!" he cheered, yet he also voiced a concern: "Teacher Makoto, I wasn't late, right?"

Makoto nodded with a smile, confirming, "You've successfully completed the challenge."

Obito was elated, "Great! So, can I learn the Soru now?"

"Here's the scroll. Make sure to read it carefully," Makoto instructed as he handed the scroll to Obito.

Eager to begin learning, Obito replied, "I'll study it diligently and ensure that I memorize everything!"

As he opened the scroll, Obito realized that some of the techniques seemed familiar.

Upon closer inspection, he recognized that Makoto had already started teaching him certain aspects of the chakra techniques to enhance his speed, during the challenge.

"Teacher Makoto, you're truly the best teacher in the world!" Obito expressed his gratitude to Makoto, understanding his good intentions and feeling deeply moved.

[You've given your disciple a training scroll, and in return, your disciple is extremely grateful. You have earned Fire Release: Great Fire Destruction (Mastery)].

"I almost forgot. Here's the fee. I forgot to give it to you at first." Makoto smiled and brought three question papers, which he handed to Obito.

Obito's smile faded, and he felt like something was missing. It turned out to be the question papers! This was the only thing he hoped Makoto would forget.

"Since you've forgotten, I suppose we can let it slide," Obito said, already feeling overwhelmed by the sight of the question papers.

Makoto lightly tapped Obito's forhead and said, "While I can't waive it, I can offer you an interest-free installment." Obito brightened up at the mention of it being interest-free.

Makoto then proceeded to teach Obito Soru. Given the difficulty of obtaining it, Obito took his practice very seriously.

...

Anko noticed that her two brothers had been acting strangely lately, laughing and talking together all day.

"Is there something interesting you haven't told me?" The direct Anko approached Kotetsu and Izumo.

"We're currently preparing for the actual combat test next week," Kotetsu explained.

"Really?" Anko looked at Kotetsu with skepticism.

"Don't doubt our integrity with this suspicious look," Izumo replied, stating that they were genuinely preparing for the practical test.

"In that case, how are you preparing for the test?" Anko inquired.

Kotetsu and Izumo exchanged glances and finally responded, "It's not suitable to share our preparations for this particular test."

Despite their close bond as brothers, for some reason they felt it was inappropriate to inform Anko about the 'secret technique'.

"If you don't want to tell me, then don't. I'll see what tricks you come up with on Monday," Anko declared with determination. She was ready to confront them in the combat test on Monday and teach them a lesson.

The combat test was quickly approaching, and everyone was gearing up for the exam.

Some aimed to advance to a higher-level group, while others sought to make an impression for various personal reasons.

On Saturday afternoon, Asuma asked Makoto to intensify his training regimen.