Perception

"Th... thank you, Senior Maki..."

Dodai held his breath and edged back slightly, moving his nose away from the dark, gleaming Steel Wire. He did not even dare exhale, and could only thank the older Maki beside him with lingering fear.

"Hmph..."

Hearing Dodai's thanks, Maki said nothing more. After letting out a low snort, he fell silent. After releasing Dodai's collar, he carefully crouched down. Beneath his white brows, his imposing eyes gradually narrowed. The burly old man, whose face had always been stern, began to radiate an air of grave solemnity.

"It hurts..."

At that moment, the suppressed voices of two young ninja came from beneath the tree. They rose while rubbing their backsides and chests, grimacing in pain. Clearly, their fall had not been light. As for the pain in their chests, that was from being shoved.

Honestly, the pain in their chests was worse than the pain in their backsides.

"Shut up! At a time like this, you're still so slack! Honestly, what are the teachers at the Ninja Academy teaching these days? They should all resign in shame! No wonder they can't produce young geniuses like Konoha's!"

At that moment, a low reprimand came from overhead.

The two young ninja immediately fell silent, shrinking their necks as they exchanged glances. They were so frightened that their teeth clenched.

Though Maki had lowered his voice, the authority and force in his tone made their hearts pound wildly.

Teacher Maki was still the same as ever!

Because of his age, he was still a teacher, but he had fewer classes now and no longer took full responsibility for a class. Still, hearing his reprimand made them feel as though they had returned to their childhood. Teacher really had not changed at all.

At that moment, Dodai, who