"Teacher Hoshino, please! I'm begging you, don't tell Ikeya-sensei," Obito pleaded desperately.
"That depends on how you perform from now on," Takuya replied with a cheerful smile, giving no clear answer.
"Sensei, is something wrong?" Might Guy scratched his head, confused about why he had been called out—he hadn't done anything wrong, after all.
Takuya turned to look at Guy. The boy who would one day go toe-to-toe with Madara and be hailed as the strongest taijutsu user in history was still so young and unpolished. He was already wearing that signature green jumpsuit, but both his strength and convictions were far from mature.
While Guy did believe in his daily training regime, he hadn't yet fully grasped his father's teachings about youth and self-discipline. Takuya was more than willing to help guide him during this critical stage of growth.
"Your academic performance is giving Ikeya-sensei a massive headache," Takuya said frankly.
Even someone as carefree as Obito couldn't help but hang his head in embarrassment.
"It's not like I don't want to learn," Obito muttered, trying to defend himself. "But those questions are just so weird! Like, why are we calculating how many animals are locked in a cage together?!"
Seeing his expression, Takuya was reminded of his own high school math nightmares. Thank goodness his college major didn't require calculus.
Still, Takuya knew this wasn't the curriculum's fault—it was Obito's. The Ninja Academy's math was basic and minimal. They had more history classes than math, for crying out loud.
"And it's not just math. You're struggling with history and ninjutsu theory too," Takuya added, shaking his head.
"What's the point of learning history? It's all in the past anyway," Obito grumbled. "At least math might come in handy when buying groceries or something."
"I kinda agree," said Guy, nodding earnestly. Memorizing history just wasn't his thing.
"Well, if you want the curriculum changed, you'll have to take that up with the Third Hokage—he's the principal," Takuya shrugged.
"But in all seriousness, this can't go on. It's bad for your teacher, and worse for you."
"You mean… you have a secret to passing the exams?" Obito asked with wide, hopeful eyes.
Guy also looked eager. After all, no one wanted to be at the bottom of the class.
"There is a secret: drill problems. Study and practice—repeat," Takuya said.
Given how easy the Academy exams were compared to his past life, all he needed was to bring in some test-prep techniques from his old world and they'd pass with no issue. The grading system was ridiculously lenient—scoring above half the class average was enough to pass.
"Drill problems?" Both boys blinked in confusion.
"Think of it like exam training," Takuya said with a smile. "And if you pass, I'll give you a reward."
"What kind of reward? A dango set?" Obito asked curiously.
"I can teach you a new ninjutsu or taijutsu. I'll personally help you with your training."
"For real?!" Both of them gasped in disbelief. A deal like this felt like a gift from the heavens.
"But only if you pass the exam next month," Takuya reminded them.
"Is this… the feeling of youth?! I'm fired up now!" Guy said, practically glowing.
"This time, I swear I'll pass!" Obito declared proudly.
Seeing how motivated they had become, Takuya nodded to himself. A true hunter often appears as prey.
To them, it looked like they'd scored big—learning the trick to exams and getting personal training as a bonus.
But for Takuya, all he needed to do was guide them through the process and casually become their teacher along the way. Easy profit.
Even if they didn't pass in the end, he could still say something like, "You worked so hard, I can't bear to let you walk away empty-handed," and earn more favor points.
Unlike with Shisui, he couldn't use the same "repay a debt" excuse to recruit these two. One, because the backstory didn't fit; and two, because he wasn't their regular teacher—just a substitute for one lesson. If he were their homeroom teacher, things would be much easier.
After solidifying their training plan, Takuya returned to the classroom with the two of them.
"Obito, what did Teacher Hoshino want? You didn't get in trouble, did you?" Rin asked, concerned.
"No way! Sensei's awesome—he just taught me the secret to passing exams!" Obito grinned, quick to defend Takuya.
If Takuya could help him shake off the title of "dead last," Obito would become his number-one fan in a heartbeat.
"Rin, you'd better study hard too. Don't let me catch up and surpass you!" Obito teased.
"If you actually managed that, I'd be impressed," Rin said with a smile, clearly not taking him seriously. She wasn't top-ranked, but she was consistently in the upper tier.
When the bell rang and class resumed, Obito sat up straighter than ever before, a rare look of focus on his face. This time, he was going to pass—and he was already thinking about what jutsu he wanted to learn.
Even Rin was surprised. Is he actually serious this time?
Three minutes later, she glanced over and saw Obito slumped over his desk.
Yep. That was the Obito she knew.
Thwack!
A piece of chalk soared through the air in a perfect arc and nailed Obito on the forehead.
Obito blinked around in confusion, locking eyes with Takuya... then with Rin... then with Guy, who was scribbling away with fierce determination.
He remembered his bold words from just three minutes ago and blushed. The sleepiness evaporated instantly.
With Obito's nap incident behind them, the rest of the lesson continued smoothly.
『Lesson Complete』
『Evaluation: A』
『Reward received: Leaf Whirlwind』
This time, the reward wasn't ninjutsu—it was taijutsu. Specifically, one of the moves that Guy would later perfect.
At first glance, it looked simple—just a kick. But as Takuya quickly realized, executing it properly required precise posture, muscle control, and synchronized chakra bursts. It was anything but easy.
Takuya had been wondering what he'd even teach Guy during their training, so this reward came at the perfect time.
After school, Takuya wandered into the forest south of Konoha, searching for a proper training spot.
His status as a ROOT operative meant his home was probably monitored. If Danzo ever learned that Takuya had been teaching Shisui without reporting it, he'd immediately suspect betrayal.
Sure, Takuya had sensory jutsu, but he couldn't keep it active 24/7—he didn't have enough chakra for that.
So he needed a secure place to train with his future disciples.
Eventually, he found a secluded spot by a small river. Quiet, remote, and surrounded by nature—it was perfect for training. He memorized the location and made his way back.
His caution proved justified.
As he stepped into his yard, he spotted a masked ninja wearing an animal mask standing silently in the center.