After performing the Fire Release, it was time for the Water Release. Mokgetsu thought for a moment and used the Great Waterfall Jutsu that Sarutobi Hiruzen had instructed him in.
"Water Release: Great Waterfall Jutsu!"
Mokgetsu unleashed a terrifying amount of water from his mouth, like a monstrous wave, instantly extinguishing all the flames still lingering on the ground.
The backyard of Sarutobi Hiruzen's house was connected to a small forest, and under the impact of the massive water flow, many trees were knocked down, turning the small forest into a small lake.
"Very impressive, reaching such a level in just a few months," Sarutobi Hiruzen praised aloud.
He wasn't sure about Mokgetsu's other ninjutsu, but he had personally taught Mokgetsu the Great Waterfall Jutsu, guiding him step by step from learning to mastery.
"Thanks to your guidance, Third Hokage," Mokgetsu replied with a humble smile.
"My guidance is at most an aid; it's mostly your own talent and hard work," Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed, shaking his head.
"At least you have some self-awareness," Asuma nodded, agreeing with Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, feeling a bit speechless, rubbed Asuma's head vigorously. He could admit such things himself, but hearing it from Asuma was a bit hurtful.
On the surface, Danzo sneered repeatedly, but inwardly, he was immensely proud.
"No matter how well Hiruzen teaches Mokgetsu, he will never be loyal, as he is ultimately a member of my Root," Danzo thought contentedly.
In Danzo's eyes, Mokgetsu's current strength was a result of both accumulated effort and Sarutobi Hiruzen's tutelage.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Orb!"
Mokgetsu didn't rest, immediately using his next ninjutsu. Accompanied by a series of hand seals, Mokgetsu spat out waves of transparent qi force from his mouth.
Bang!!
Under the barrage of transparent qi force, the ground shattered, stones splintered, and a dusty mist rose, leaving the entire backyard without a single intact spot.
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a couple of puffs from his cigarette, looking at Mokgetsu with extreme satisfaction. Mokgetsu's Vacuum Orb was also a result of his guidance, given to Mokgetsu because Asuma had significantly improved while being tutored by Mokgetsu, and he had heard that Mokgetsu was practicing Wind Release.
Undoubtedly, Mokgetsu's demonstration of the three major natures of water, fire, and wind had surpassed that of an ordinary Jonin, with fire being the strongest and wind and water not far behind.
Upon seeing Mokgetsu perform the Vacuum Orb, even Shimura Danzo nodded in approval. While Mokgetsu might be average in other attributes, his Wind Release, in Danzo's opinion, was the strongest in Konoha. Just from watching Mokgetsu's Vacuum Orb, Danzo recognized that Mokgetsu's level of nature transformation in Wind Release had surpassed that of an ordinary Jonin.
"Cultivating the three major attributes of water, fire, and wind to this extent, no wonder he can aid Jiraiya in fighting the Tailed Beasts on the battlefield," Danzo understood Mokgetsu's approximate strength.
Although Mokgetsu's current strength was not on par with his own, his proficiency with these three nature transformations designated him as an elite among the Jonin, capable of outclassing an ordinary Jonin.
What was most commendable was Mokgetsu's youth, and he had plenty of time ahead to grow.
"Maybe assign him as Orochimaru's deputy; that way, he can help Orochimaru build acclaim in the military and gain faster battlefield experience," Danzo thought that with Mokgetsu's strength, teaching was undervaluing him.
For basic matters, any Chunin could teach; there was no need for someone of Mokgetsu's Jonin caliber.
Asuma's thoughts weren't as complex as Sarutobi Hiruzen's or Shimura Danzo's; he simply thought Mokgetsu is awesome!
After performing the Wind Release, Mokgetsu took a few quick breaths, first using Earth Release to repair the damaged ground, then immediately using Earth Release Ninjutsu.
"Earth Release: Earth Flowing River!"
Under Mokgetsu's control, the ground in front of him suddenly transformed into a river of mud rushing forward.
Mokgetsu's earth nature transformation proficiency was at the skilled level with 1,800 points, so he didn't hold back his strength, freely unleashing it, using his vast amount of chakra to enhance the ninjutsu's effect.
"Mokgetsu, you're too modest. Your Earth Release at this level is certainly more than just suitable for teaching," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked, recalling Mokgetsu's earlier statement.
At first, he genuinely thought Mokgetsu's Earth Release wasn't very advanced since Mokgetsu hadn't used it before.
But from what he was seeing, Mokgetsu was at least on par with an ordinary earth-main Jonin, and if this was just barely teaching level, then many ninjas weren't fit to be instructors.
"Compared to other attributes, there's still room for improvement; I need to work harder," Mokgetsu responded with a smile.
"Lighting Release: Purple Lightning!"
Mokgetsu didn't form any hand seals; he simply raised his arm, and the purple lightning, infused with chakra, enveloped his right hand.
Crackle!
Mokgetsu controlled the Purple Lightning, directing it as streaks of purple bolts toward the ground.
Another rumble followed, leaving black scorched pits scattered across the once-flat ground.
"Did you develop this Lightning Release without seals yourself, Mokgetsu?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, noticing the wide expanse of charred marks on the ground.
Having learned all of Konoha's ninjutsu, Sarutobi Hiruzen would have known if there was a powerful, seal-less Lightning Release like this in Konoha.
"Yes, this ninjutsu is called Purple Lightning," Mokgetsu answered, feeling a pang of guilt toward Kakashi as he nodded.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Mokgetsu with amazement. Though Mokgetsu's Lightning Release performance wasn't as good as his fire, water, and wind, only slightly better than his earth, creating a high-level Lightning Release on his own was impressive, further proving Mokgetsu's undeniable talent in ninjutsu.
"Danzo, you almost destroyed a genius!" Sarutobi Hiruzen was grateful to himself for uncovering Mokgetsu.
He couldn't imagine how strong Mokgetsu might have been if molded consistently under his tutelage, perhaps rivaling his own strength back in the day?
Sarutobi Hiruzen's desire to take on apprentices soared, undoubtedly seeing Mokgetsu as the most suitable disciple.