Chapter 79: Group Teaching

Raidō returned to the team with a deflated expression. It wasn't that he couldn't accept his defeat; after all, Shisui's strength was truly exceptional, and he found himself outmatched.

However, the clean and swift loss left him feeling more than a little disheartened. As an official genin, being soundly defeated by a brand-new ninja school student was a tough pill to swallow.

"Uchiha Shisui is just on another level. He managed to easily take down an official genin, and I doubt even Kakashi, at his age, could do better," someone commented, echoing the thoughts of others.

Another chimed in, "Some people are just built differently..."

The comments from the Ninja School students only intensified Raidō's sense of humiliation.

As Asuma strolled to him with an unmistakable grin on his face, Namiashi couldn't help but wonder if there was more to this situation.

"Asuma, do you know something?" Namiashi asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Upon some reflection, it dawned on Namiashi that there might be more to this story than met the eye. When Asuma first introduced their special training, he mentioned that Makoto was his tutor. Asuma likely had inside information regarding the existence of a prodigy like Uchiha Shisui in Makoto's class.

Asuma adopted an air of innocence and replied, "I only know what I know."

"I had no idea a first-year student could pack such a punch. He dispatched you in just two or three moves," Asuma stated matter-of-factly, a statement that struck Raidō like a second blow, reopening the wound of his swift defeat.

Makoto stepped forward to regain control of the situation and restore order among the students.

"We have students ranging from first-years to fourth-years here, as well as recently graduated genin. We are all comrades of the same village, and I hope we can work together harmoniously," Makoto addressed the earlier comments.

"Later on, we will conduct a strength test, and based on the results, we will group you into special training teams. There will be three groups: A, B, and C, and each group will receive different training," Makoto explained, addressing the earlier discussion that had stirred the students.

Given the diverse group of students from various grades, Makoto understood that he couldn't employ a one-size-fits-all teaching approach. Therefore, he chose to divide them into groups, allowing him to teach three groups simultaneously with the aid of his shadow clones.

The strength test was a straightforward evaluation of students' proficiency in basic ninja skills like ninjutsu, taijutsu, and shuriken throwing, with teachers assigned to score their performances.

Makoto had enlisted teachers to assist in the grading and grouping of over 300 students within a single class.

In Group A, Makoto designated it as a genin-level group, tailored for graduating genin and outstanding Ninja School students. Special training for this group would encompass chakra control, physical fitness, taijutsu, and the flicker technique.

Group B was reserved for the school's most exceptional students. Their special training would emphasize three body techniques, chakra control, and advanced combat techniques.

Group C consisted of the school's average students, receiving training similar to that of Group B but with less depth and intensity.

Makoto scanned through the list of students in Group A and recognized many familiar names, including Obito, Shisui, Might Gai, Asuma, Yuhi Kurenai, Shiranui Genma, Shizune, and others.

For Group B, Makoto only found three familiar names: Ebisu, Mizuki, and Nohara Rin.

Ebisu's performance had been somewhat overshadowed compared to Group A, yet he surpassed the level of Group C.

The troublesome trio consisting of Anko, Kotetsu, and Kamizuki Izumo landed in Group C, as their performance did not meet the standards set by fourth-grade students, despite their mastery of lightning techniques during their first-grade year.

Makoto initiated the session with Group A and instructed, "Those of you who have successfully completed water-walking and tree-climbing training, stand on the right. Those who have only completed tree-climbing training, stand on the left. Those who haven't completed either, stand in the middle."

The majority of students gravitated to the left, with a few choosing the right, and only a handful remaining in the middle.

Makoto then directed the students on the left to demonstrate tree-climbing, while those on the right showcased water-walking.

Observing their training, Makoto evaluated the students' chakra control levels within Group A. Obito, Asuma, Shisui, and Might Gai had already mastered both techniques, while the others needed further practice.

Immediately after this, Makoto called upon Obito to demonstrate what it truly meant to complete the training for climbing trees and walking on water.

Obito briskly ascended a towering tree, positioning his feet closely to the branches. He executed a full 360-degree rotation of his body more than ten times while maintaining a secure grip on the branch with the soles of his feet.

Following this display, Obito showcased his ability to move effortlessly across the water's surface, even amidst the interference of water dragon bombs.

"Only when you reach this level can you claim to have mastered the training," Makoto pointed to Obito and emphasized. "Currently, among you, only Asuma, Shisui, and Obito have reached this level."

Raidō decided to take on the challenge but began to ingest water after lasting for less than three minutes.

"Asuma, can you do this?" Raidō questioned whether Makoto had overestimated Asuma's abilities.

"Don't underestimate me, Raidō. My chakra control ability is exceptionally strong," Asuma defended himself, responding to his friend's skepticism. He then proceeded to showcase his skills.

"Why do I have this distinct feeling that Asuma has secretly grown more formidable?" Raidō observed Asuma, who remained as steady as a seasoned expert on the water's surface and became bewildered.

"Asuma, I genuinely believe you've made significant progress," Yuhi Kurenai acknowledged.

"Haha, it's just the basics, really; nothing too extraordinary," Asuma humbly downplayed Yuhi Kurenai's praise, but he couldn't help but break into a satisfied smile. He felt that the water he had consumed during Makoto's training had been well worth it.

"Chakra control is a fundamental skill for ninjas. I hope that all of you can reach the desired level within two weeks," Makoto stressed after demonstrating the technique several times to the students in Group A.

Makoto then moved on to Group B and presented the same question.

However, the situation in Group B was different. Only Ebisu stood on the right, while most students stood in the middle, and a few were on the left.

Makoto requested them to exhibit their chakra control levels, which, in comparison to Group A, were noticeably weaker. With the exception of Ebisu, Makoto instructed the remaining students in Group B to engage in tree-climbing training, while Ebisu continued to hone his water-walking skills.

As for Group C, Makoto opted not to ask further questions and immediately commenced teaching them physical skills.

Makoto's training plan for Group C involved morning sessions dedicated to enhancing physical fitness and practicing physical skills. Once they caught up in these areas, they would proceed with chakra control exercises in the afternoon.

While Makoto left a shadow clone in each group, he personally patrolled back and forth between them. He provided demonstrations and corrections to any students encountering difficulties in their training.

The morning passed swiftly, and Makoto announced the conclusion of the class, marking the start of the lunch break.