Third Hokage

"Please head to the Principal's Office as soon as possible."

"The principal?" Ueda Aya gasped softly.

There were no particularly formidable teachers at the Ninja Academy; most were ordinary chunin. But the Ninja Academy's principal was no ordinary person.

The Ninja Academy had only ever had two principals. One was the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, and the other was the current Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Though he was the principal, it was not easy for the teachers to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi. Aside from coming to say a few words at the start of term, he normally did not visit the school, instead handling official business at the Hokage Building.

That was why Ueda Aya had cried out in surprise. Hiruzen Sarutobi was actually in the Principal's Office, and he had even summoned a teacher alone. That was far too rare.

"Alright, I'll go right away." Mu Yue nodded, then turned to the teachers in the office with an apologetic expression.

"Sorry, everyone. I'm going to the Principal's Office. We can discuss the lecture after I get back."

"What's there to apologize for? Teacher Hanyu, hurry along. Don't keep Lord Third Hokage waiting," Iketani Isamu said. The envy on his face was impossible to suppress; his eyes were practically turning into lemons.

He had been teaching for years without ever receiving such treatment. Forget being summoned alone—he had never even set foot in the Principal's Office.

But when Iketani Isamu thought of Mu Yue's teaching ability and the quality of his students, his jealousy faded.

The average score of the other First Grade classes was around forty or fifty, but Mu Yue's class had surged past seventy, leaving all the others far behind.

Their practical combat scores were generally higher as well, and they had taken the top two spots in the grade. Shisui Uchiha, who ranked first, had even been recognized as a super genius.

Iketani Isamu asked himself whether he could teach a class like that.

He could not.

After saying that, Mu Yue turned and headed for the Principal's Office.

The Principal's Office was on the top floor of their teaching building—the fifth floor—while Mu Yue and the others' small office was on the second floor.

Looking at the Principal's Office sign beside the door, Mu Yue knocked.

"Come in." A rather authoritative middle-aged man's voice came from inside.

Mu Yue opened the door and entered the office.

Mu Yue casually glanced around. The office was plainly arranged, with both the bookshelf and desk placed by the window. There was also a set of table and chairs near the door.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was not as old as he had been at the beginning of the anime's story. His hair and beard were still black, and there were not many wrinkles on his face. His gaze carried great dignity, giving off an aura of authority even without anger. Perhaps because he was at the Ninja Academy, he was not wearing the Hokage's hat.

"You're Teacher Hanyu, right? Come, have a seat."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not put on airs as the Hokage. He rose and walked over to the table and chairs by the door, smiling as he gestured for Mu Yue to sit.

"Lord Third Hokage." Mu Yue spoke with a respectful expression. He did not stand on ceremony and sat down.

In his previous life, the Third Hokage had not had a very good reputation. For various reasons, many events had been attributed to his schemes.

He did not know what kind of person the real Third Hokage before him was. But as a Ninja Academy Teacher, he had to maintain appearances. Even if he were cursing him furiously inside, he still had to put a smile on his face.

"Hanyu, you have a talent for teaching." Hiruzen Sarutobi praised with a genial smile.

"I heard about your class's results. Their average theory score was twenty or thirty points higher than the other classes', and your class swept the top two spots in practical combat."

"The proctors all said that their mastery of basic Ninjutsu, such as the Transformation Jutsu and Clone Technique, was better than that of the other classes."

"The students themselves worked hard as well. I merely taught them to the best of my ability; the rest depended entirely on their own efforts," Mu Yue said after some thought.

He was being modest, but not entirely.

He first acknowledged that the students themselves played a part, then mentioned that he had taught them with all his effort, subtly emphasizing his own dedication.

"Teaching them to the best of your ability. Well said." Hiruzen Sarutobi was very satisfied with Mu Yue's answer and sighed.

"If the Ninja Academy had more teachers like you, Teacher Hanyu, who put their full effort into educating students, we would not have to worry about nurturing the next generation."

Mu Yue did not respond to that. He merely wore an expression of attentive listening.

If he agreed, would that not mean the other teachers were incompetent freeloaders? If he disagreed, it would mean the other teachers were not serious about their work.

"Based on Class 1-1's performance this time, I'll personally decide that you will receive this term's Excellent Teacher Award," Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a smile.

Mu Yue put on a surprised expression, then immediately looked deeply moved as he thanked Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"However, Lord Third Hokage, wouldn't this be somewhat inappropriate? It has only been a month since the term began. I'm afraid it might harm your reputation if word gets out," Mu Yue said with a worried expression, as though he feared it would damage the Third Hokage's good name.

"The Excellent Teacher Award is meant for teachers with excellent performance. If other teachers can produce a class like this, I'll give it to them as well," Hiruzen Sarutobi declared forcefully.

The Third Hokage continued dangling benefits before him.

"If you maintain this level of teaching quality throughout the coming year, I will promote you to Special Jonin and appoint you Vice Class Leader of Teachers at the Ninja Academy."

"Thank you for your cultivation, Lord Third Hokage. But as a teacher, my responsibility is to guide my students well. I always keep that in mind," Mu Yue said with a sincere expression.

Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi really were taught by the same teacher. Even the benefits they dangled looked exactly the same—both offered promotion to Special Jonin.

But compared with the position of Special Jonin, I sincerely hope my students improve, because that way I can reap massive rewards.

Seeing Mu Yue's utterly sincere emotions, the worldly-wise Hiruzen Sarutobi was certain that Mu Yue was telling the truth. He found himself appreciating Mu Yue more and more.

"Teacher Hanyu, I'd like to discuss a private matter with you next. Would you be willing to hear it?" Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked.

Mu Yue nodded, wondering what the Third Hokage was planning.

"I have a younger son named Sarutobi Asuma. He graduated this year and became a genin, but he is still very immature in every respect and gives me quite a headache. I would like to hire you as his private tutor and have you guide him," Hiruzen Sarutobi invited.

Based on the teaching ability Mu Yue had displayed so far, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that teaching Asuma, a newly graduated genin, would be no problem at all.

It was also a test of Mu Yue's abilities. If he truly performed well, then Mu Yue would be worth personally requesting from Danzo.

Whether it was the Excellent Teacher Award or promotion to Special Jonin, both were merely ways for him to earn Mu Yue's goodwill and lay the groundwork for claiming him later.

For Hiruzen Sarutobi, these were matters that required only a word from him, so he was happy to make this casual investment.

"Lord Third Hokage, I need to consider this carefully," Mu Yue said after thinking it over, not agreeing immediately.

That did surprise Hiruzen Sarutobi somewhat. He had not expected Mu Yue to refuse.

"Since I have classes from Monday through Friday, I definitely won't have time on those days. As for the Weekend, I also need to plan how to carry out the following week's teaching."

"I can only agree after ensuring that neither side's teaching quality is affected, so please allow me some time to consider it," Mu Yue explained.

The Third Hokage froze for a moment, then laughed and praised Mu Yue again for being an excellent teacher. He then said there was nothing else and that Mu Yue could leave.

Before leaving, Mu Yue appraised the Third Hokage.