Chapter 21 The Third Hokage

“Please proceed to the Principal’s Office as soon as possible.”

“The Principal?” Ueda Aya exclaimed softly.

The Ninja Academy didn’t have many formidable teachers; most were just ordinary Chunin, but the Principal of the Ninja Academy was no simple figure.

The Ninja Academy had only two Principals so far: one was the Second Hokage Tobirama Senju, and the other was the current Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Although he was the Principal, it wasn’t easy for the teachers to meet Hiruzen Sarutobi, because aside from giving a speech at the beginning of the school year, Hiruzen Sarutobi usually didn’t come to the school; he would handle official business at the Hokage Building.

This was precisely why Ueda Aya was surprised; Hiruzen Sarutobi was actually in the Principal’s Office, and he was even summoning a teacher individually—it was too rare.

“Alright, I’ll be right there.” Muzuki nodded, then said apologetically to the teachers in the office:

“Everyone, I apologize, I need to go to the Principal’s Office. We can discuss the lecture later when I return.”

“There’s no need to apologize, Teacher Habsheng, hurry up and go. Don’t keep Lord Third Hokage waiting.” Ikeya Yu said, his face showing uncontrollable envy, his eyes almost turning into lemons.

He had been teaching for several years and had never received such treatment; let alone being summoned individually, he had never even entered the Principal’s Office.

However, when Ikeya Yu thought about Muzuki’s teaching level and the quality of his students, his envy subsided.

The average scores for other classes in Grade 1 were around forty to fifty, but only Muzuki’s class soared directly to over seventy, leaving the other classes far behind.

Their practical scores were also generally higher, and they secured the top two spots in the grade, with Uchiha Shisui, who was first, being recognized as a super genius.

Ikeya Yu asked himself, could he lead such a class? No, he couldn’t.

After Muzuki finished speaking, he turned and headed for the Principal’s Office.

The Principal’s Office was on the top floor of their teaching building, which was the fifth floor. Muzuki’s small office was on the second floor.

Looking at the sign for the Principal’s Office next to the door, Muzuki knocked on the office door.

“Enter.” A dignified middle-aged man’s voice came from inside the door.

Muzuki opened the door and entered the office.

Muzuki casually glanced around; the office layout was very simple, with bookshelves and a desk by the window. There was also a set of table and chairs near the door.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was not as old as he appeared at the beginning of the anime; his hair and beard were still black, and there weren’t many wrinkles on his face. His eyes were full of authority, giving off an intimidating aura without needing to show anger. Perhaps because he was at the Ninja Academy, he wasn’t wearing his Hokage hat.

“You must be Teacher Habsheng. Please, have a seat.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t put on airs as a Hokage. He stood up and walked to the table and chairs near the door, smiling as he gestured for Muzuki to sit down.

“Lord Third Hokage.” Muzuki said respectfully, not being overly modest, and sat down.

In his previous life, the Sandaime’s reputation wasn’t great; for various reasons, many things became part of his schemes.

He didn’t know what kind of person the real Sandaime in front of him was, but as a teacher at the Ninja Academy, his outward appearance had to be impeccable. Even if he was cursing internally, he had to maintain a smile on his face.

“Habsheng, you are a person with a talent for teaching.” Hiruzen Sarutobi praised with a chuckle.

“I heard about your class’s results. The average theoretical score is twenty to thirty points higher than other classes, and in practical combat, the top two spots in the grade were taken by your class.”

“The proctoring teachers all said that the mastery of basic Ninjutsu like Transformation Technique and Clone Technique is better than other classes.”

“It’s also because the students themselves are diligent. I just did my best to teach them; the rest is all up to their hard work.” Muzuki thought for a moment and said.

He was humble, but not entirely humble.

First, he indicated that there were also reasons related to the students themselves, then he said he taught with all his might, highlighting his own efforts.

“Doing your best to teach, well said.” Hiruzen Sarutobi was very satisfied with Muzuki’s answer and exclaimed:

“If the Ninja Academy had more teachers like you, Teacher Habsheng, who put their full effort into educating students, we wouldn’t have to worry about the cultivation of the next generation.”

Muzuki didn’t respond to that statement, merely showing an expression of attentive listening.

If he agreed, wouldn’t it imply that other teachers were incompetent good-for-nothings? If he disagreed, it would mean other teachers weren’t serious.

“Based on the performance of Class 1, Grade 1 this time, I’ve decided to designate you as the Outstanding Teacher for this semester.” Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a chuckle.

Muzuki showed a surprised expression on his face, then a look of gratitude as he thanked Hiruzen Sarutobi.

“However, Lord Third Hokage, wouldn’t this be a bit too much? After all, it’s only been a month. I’m afraid it might damage your reputation if it gets out.” Muzuki said with a worried expression, concerned that this might affect the Sandaime’s good name.

“The Outstanding Teacher award is meant for teachers who perform exceptionally well. If other teachers can lead classes like this, I will give it to them just the same.” Hiruzen Sarutobi declared with Haki.

The Sandaime then continued to offer incentives, saying:

“If you, Teacher Habsheng, maintain this teaching quality for the next year, I will promote you to Special Jonin and also appoint you as the Vice Class Leader of the Ninja Academy Teacher Class.”

“Thank you for your cultivation, Lord Third Hokage. However, as a teacher, my responsibility is to educate students well, and I always keep that in mind.” Muzuki said with a sincere expression.

He thought to himself that Danzo and Hiruzen Sarutobi were indeed taught by the same teacher; their promises were so similar, both offering promotion to Special Jonin.

However, it was a pity that compared to the position of Special Jonin, Muzuki genuinely hoped for his students’ progress, because that way he could earn a lot of money.

Seeing Muzuki’s incredibly sincere emotions, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had judged countless people, was convinced that Muzuki was telling the truth, and he admired Muzuki more and more.

“Teacher Habsheng, next I want to discuss some private matters with you. I wonder if you are willing to listen.” Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly asked.

Muzuki nodded, pondering what the Sandaime was up to.

“I have a young son named Asuma Sarutobi, who just graduated this year and became a Genin. He is still very immature in all aspects, which gives me a lot of headaches. I would like to hire you as a private tutor to guide him.” Hiruzen Sarutobi extended an invitation.

With Muzuki’s currently demonstrated teaching level, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that teaching Asuma, a newly graduated Genin, would be no problem at all.

This was also a test of Muzuki’s ability. If he truly performed well, then he would be worth asking Danzo for.

Whether it was the Outstanding Teacher award or the Special Jonin promotion, these were all things he used to build Muzuki’s goodwill, paving the way for when he needed to ask for him later.

These things were a matter of a single word for Hiruzen Sarutobi, so he was willing to make this move.

“Lord Third Hokage, I need to consider this carefully.” Muzuki thought for a moment and did not immediately agree.

This was a bit unexpected for Hiruzen Sarutobi; he hadn’t thought Muzuki would refuse.

“Because I have classes during weekdays, I definitely won’t have time from Monday to Friday. And on weekends, I also need to think about how to carry out my teaching work for the next week.”

“I must agree only if I can guarantee the quality of teaching for both sides, so please allow me some time to consider.” Muzuki explained.

The Sandaime was stunned for a moment, then he laughed and praised Muzuki again as an excellent teacher, then said there was nothing else and he could leave.

Muzuki gave the Sandaime an appraisal before leaving.