Chapter 11: Training Days (2)

The morning after the training session with Shisui, Mukai found himself perched atop the ancient stone walls that guarded the village. His gaze wandered across the horizon, where the calmness of dawn flowed. Mukai's thoughts turned to his students, the young ninjas who represented the future of Konoha.

Mukai descended from his vantage point and headed towards the academy. On the door of the classroom, Mukai placed a note reading “Class will be held in Training ground #1. Meet me there.”

 As the students filed into the academy building, they murmured curiously about the change of scenery. An unusual setup of the training area awaited them outside, Mukai greeted them with a solemn nod.

 “Today.”, he announced, “We will begin a new phase of your training—one that mirrors the unpredictability and challenges of real missions.”

The training ground already featured various zones, each designed to simulate different scenarios that ninjas might encounter in the field. From dense forested areas for stealth operations to makeshift enemy camps for reconnaissance missions, The place was chosen by Mukai due to his goal to immerse the students in as close to a real experience as possible. Mukai stepped out in front of the students.

"Today marks a new beginning in your journey to becoming true protectors of Konoha," Mukai began, his voice carrying the weight of his words across the morning air. "You will be divided into five teams, each faced with unique challenges that will demand not just your strength, but your intelligence, teamwork, and adaptability."

He proceeded to name the teams, assigning each a number and briefly outlining their activities for the day. "Team One, your agility and swift decision-making will be tested. Team Two, your focus will be on stealth and reconnaissance…” and like that they each got their objectives for the training.

—

"Team Three, you've missed a crucial vantage point from the treetop there. Always remember, height can be your ally," Mukai called out, as he pointed towards a seemingly inconspicuous tree that offered a comprehensive view of the makeshift enemy camp below.

A voice piped up from the group, Kotetsu's, laced with frustration, "But Teacher Mukai, how do we maintain stealth while moving to higher ground? Won't the enemy spot us?"

Mukai's lips curved into a knowing smile, "Excellent question. The key is to blend with your surroundings. Use the leaves and the branches to your advantage. It's not just about not being seen; it's about making sure the enemy doesn't even suspect your presence." He demonstrated a swift, movement up the tree, he placed his foot on the bark of the tree and launched himself silently up the tree. "Like so," he finished, his voice emanating from above, causing a mix of awe and surprise among the students.

“Woahhhh how'd you do that?” Kenji asked. He had seen ninjas on high places all the time growing up in Konoha, however, the actual process of getting on said high places always escaped him.

“That, Kenji. Was wall– or I guess, tree walking. A chakra exercise that you all have to master if you are to pass my class.” Mukai said

He held his fingers to his mouth and whistled as loud as he could to signal groups to stop what they were doing and gather at the center of the training grounds.

As the groups converged, Mukai stood at the center.”Before we continue with the situational training. I have a technique that will be the jumping-off point for everything you do as a ninja moving forward.”

 "Tree walking," he began, "is one of the fundamental chakra control exercises. It allows a ninja to adhere to vertical surfaces, like trees or walls, by focusing chakra to their feet."

He paused, ensuring he had every student's focus. "The key," he continued, "is balance and control. You must push your chakra down to your feet but with precision. Too little, and you won't stick; too much, and you risk damaging the surface—or worse, losing control and falling."

Mukai then walked them through the steps, emphasizing the importance of mental focus and the gradual increase of chakra flow to the feet. "Start by feeling the chakra in your body. Visualize it moving towards your feet, then pressing down as if you're trying to leave a footprint on the surface you're trying to scale. It's delicate but firm."

One by one, under Mukai's watchful eye, each student attempted the exercise. Some struggled, their feet slipping down the bark, while others found a semblance of balance, their eyes lighting up with the thrill of a new skill taking form.

"Remember," Mukai encouraged, "mastery comes with practice. Today, you're learning to walk. Soon, you'll be able to run, jump, and even battle while maintaining your chakra control. This is just the beginning."

He gave them a couple more minutes to try it out before stopping them. “This technique is now your only hobby. When you are not practicing anything else I give you, you will do this until your chakra is depleted. Every day do you understand?” 

“Yes, Teacher Yusei.” They responded.

“Good, now continue with the situational training, I will rotate between groups to give pointers. Remember, you're trying to develop your decision-making in the field. Take this seriously.”

Izumo raised his hand before they could disperse, Mukai called on him, 

"What if we encounter an unexpected situation, something we haven't planned for?" He asked. 

Mukai took time to ponder the question. "Being a ninja," he began, pacing slowly in front of the class, "is about expecting the unexpected. Your greatest weapon is your mind. Adaptability, quick thinking, and resourcefulness—these are your true tools."

—

As the day progressed, it became evident that this new approach was yielding results. The students, initially hesitant and uncertain, gradually exhibited a level of adaptability and resourcefulness that traditional classroom exercises had seldom drawn out. Granted they weren't perfect. When faced with the situation “Enemy Genin level ninja, Fire specialization. Far away from rest of team.” Izumo chose to promptly lay down his weapons. 

Mukai could see the gears turning in their minds as they strategized, collaborated, and sometimes improvised their way through the scenarios.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training ground, Mukai gathered his students around him. The exhaustion from the day's exertions was evident on their faces, but there was a spark in their eyes that spoke of newfound confidence and determination. This, Mukai realized, was the true essence of his role as a teacher—not just to impart knowledge, but to prepare these young souls for the challenges of the future.

He looked up at the sky deep in thought. He just hoped they would be ready when the other major villages got antsy.

—

After morning classes Mukai headed over to the section of the academy building that hosted all the teachers' offices. He scanned the names scratched into the different doors and found the one with “Ikeya Yu” written on it. A plan was formulated in his mind, something that would secure his gains in the long run, while simultaneously ensuring he was doing his all to guarantee the survival of his students. Especially his personal disciples.

He knocked on her door and waited for her to acknowledge him before twisting the handle and walking in. 

He found her hunched over a three-finger-thick mound of paperwork. Her head was in her hands and her long black hair was shrouding her face. 

‘My proposal should be all the easier if she is already this exhausted’ he thought to himself. "Teacher Ikeya, do you have a moment?" Mukai began.

Ikeya Yu looked up, her expression shifting from concentration to curiosity. "Of course, Teacher Mukai. What can I do for you?" she replied, pushing aside her work to give him her full attention.

Mukai took a moment to compose his thoughts before speaking. "I've been thinking about the upcoming academic year and the distribution of classes. I believe I have a proposal that could benefit both of us and more importantly, our students," 

Ikeya Yu raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite herself. "Go on," she prompted, her interest piqued.

“Why don't I take class 4-2 off your hands? Just for the next 12 months?” 

Ikeya’s face shifted through various emotions before it settled on anger. “Mukai, I understand you've been getting great results with your methods lately but I'm perfectly capable of handling this class myself.”

Mukai threw his hands up. “No, No it's nothing like that! To be frank I’ve developed a close relationship with a couple of students from your class and would like to take them more fully under my wing.”

 “Besides.” He continued. “I know you’ve been swamped with paperwork.” He gestured to the pile in front of her at that.

“I'll have a shadow clone do it and take both periods of the day to myself. How about it?”

Ikeya put on a thinking face, However, Mukai had won her over at paperwork! She sighed deeply “Fine, but I'll be checking in periodically. They are still my babies after all.” She held her hand to her chest as she said this.

Mukai would've deadpanned at that if he wasn't actively negotiating. Who would've thought it would be that easy!

However, with this, he no longer had to ask to have the class with his other disciples in it. Dollar signs were almost growing out of his eyes. The rewards would be plentiful.

—

As the afternoon class filed in Obito was describing to Rin how he had beaten 17 Kumo Jonin by himself. Mukai decided to play a little prank on him.

As Obito and Rin passed by him to head to their seats Mukai substituted with the air behind Obito and flicked the back of his head. As soon as Obito began to whip around he substituted again and stood where he first was. Rin giggled as she put the pieces together.

Obito looked at Rin and then at Mukai. “Hey! That was you wasn't it.” 

Mukai just shook his head as he chuckled. “17 Jonin huh. A ninja capable of that would have sensed my actions before I had even fully cycled the chakra necessary to do that.” 

“Woahhh, really Teacher Yusei? I want to be that strong someday!” Obito replied.

“I'm glad you said that, that is what we’ll be working toward starting today.” He turned his attention to the rest of the classroom. “Kids, drop your bags if you have any, from today on they will be unnecessary. Meet me at the training ground.” Before flickering away.

—

Class 4-2 had about the same woes and successes as the morning class. Some kids took quickly to this style of training. Surprisingly civillians had more outside-the-box strategies when faced with insurmountable foes like multiple genin level ninjas. For example, one student had the idea of hiding, then placing half their chakra in an object, and throwing it as far as possible. This would serve to throw off any inexperienced sensors on their tail. While crude, their methods had some merit.

Obito on the other hand decided that any ninja below Chunin was beneath him and his obscene chakra reserves. Mukai would have to break that delusion– and fast. Guy, however, elected to attempt to beat any enemy regardless of strength with the power of youth on his side. 

Internally a tear ran down Mukai’s face ‘Why are my disciples so odd?’ He lamented

Mukai went over tree walking and gave class 4-2 the same schedule as the morning class. Before dismissing he made sure to tell them this was just the beginning, their schedule would ramp up over the next week and stay about the same till they reached his requirements ‘Or were drafted…’ He thought darkly

—

After class, he met up with Guy and Obito. He gave them their seals and quickly brought them down to earth with his substitution technique. Guy was an absolute beast, despite not even starting training with his father he was a physical specimen. If a taijutsu Kekkei Genkai existed it was definetley held by his family.

Obito however, showed some struggles. Unlike Guy who faced Mukai at level 3/5 on his weight seal. Obito struggled to move much less fight at level 1. Mukai wasnt worried though, his increased chakra reserves could only mean more free yang chakra in his system. Any damage they did to his muscles would only make him stronger once he healed.

As Guy and Obito were gathering their things to head to their homes a much missed beep sounded in Mukais head.

{ Training Day Complete }

{ Rating: S }

{ Reward: pending… }