Asuma Sarutobi stepped steadily up the stone wall, then flipped gracefully to land.
Kitagawa nodded approvingly. "Good."
"Did everyone see?"
"Now everyone climb the wall like Asuma!"
"Asuma, explain the tricks to them."
A line of students formed before the stone wall as Asuma became the substitute teacher.
Kitagawa stood aside, arms folded across his chest, watching quietly.
A four-meter wall posed no danger if students fell.
After all, these students could jump three to four meters high on their own.
However, while wall-climbing seemed simple to Kitagawa, it actually wasn't—especially for first-year students.
Chakra control requirements slightly exceeded basic Three Body Techniques.
But with proper technique, mastery within one or two months was feasible.
Then, conversely, E-rank jutsu like Clone Technique would become simple, no longer failing due to chakra control issues.
Of course.
Gai might still have question marks.
"To stand stably on trees and move as if on level ground, first concentrate your mind. Sufficient concentration allows proper chakra control."
"Then distribute chakra evenly across your feet, creating stickiness—like..."
Asuma thought, making a comparison. "Like stepping in gum."
"Stepped in gum?"
Obito heard this and groaned. "What does that even mean?"
He didn't understand.
Then Kitagawa noticed Rin steadily stepping onto the wall, one foot after another.
Talent is truly amazing!
Kitagawa thought silently.
Fortunately, he was cheating, so he didn't envy her.
But many classmates gasped in surprise.
Because numerous students attempting fell from the wall.
Obito's eyes lit up. He quickly ran to Rin. When she descended, he clasped his hands together. "Rin, could you share your secrets? Please!"
Rin smiled gently. "Of course."
"It's actually simple. Do you remember when Teacher Kitagawa taught about concentration last year?"
Obito thought, then nodded. "The one where you draw a spiral on your forehead?"
Rin smiled. "Yes, that's very important."
"Just now, Asuma also said—first concentrate your spirit on your feet so you can distribute chakra there properly."
Obito nodded in realization. "I see. What else?"
"Asuma said it's like stepping in gum. What does that mean?"
Rin giggled, covering her mouth. "Asuma means letting your chakra grip the wall."
"Right, you still need concentration. Teacher Kitagawa also said chakra combines our spiritual and physical energy—it's part of our body."
"It's like gripping a shuriken with your hand. Concentrate your spirit on the wall and let chakra grip it."
Obito nodded repeatedly. "I understand now!"
On the wall, Kurenai looked back. "Rin, your method really works well."
Apparently, Kurenai had heard Rin's explanation and immediately tried it.
Though when she looked back, her focus slipped, her feet sliding. She flipped gracefully and landed safely.
"Thanks, Rin! I'm leaving!"
Obito waved and ran back to try again.
Kitagawa observed this scene, hearing Rin's words, feeling genuinely pleased.
This is a perfect student—remembering lessons and applying them flexibly.
Kitagawa decided such students needed proper cultivation!
Afternoon classes ended quickly.
After finishing work, Kitagawa was heading for training when Obito's voice came from behind.
Kitagawa turned. Obito had already caught up.
"Teacher Kitagawa, are you going to train?"
Obito asked.
Kitagawa nodded. "Indeed."
Obito quickly asked, "Is Kakashi there too? Kakashi used a shadow clone this afternoon too, right?"
Kitagawa smiled. "What, you have thoughts?"
Obito scratched his head embarrassedly. "Um... can I train with you?"
Kitagawa's expression became serious. "Of course, but you can't quit midway."
Obito swallowed, feeling something ominous, but thinking of that arrogant Kakashi, he gritted his teeth. "Don't worry, sensei. I absolutely won't give up. I won't lose to that arrogant Kakashi!"
Kitagawa nodded firmly. "Good, keep that fighting spirit. Let's go!"
"Yeah!"
Obito jumped three feet high excitedly, then quickly followed.
Then...
Then, as sunset nearly faded, Obito lay on the ground almost becoming a dead dog.
So tired!
He hadn't expected training to be this brutal!
If it was just Kakashi, fine, but Gai was a madman too!
"Kakashi, Gai, head home. Sensei will take Obito back."
Kitagawa said.
Kakashi and Gai nodded.
Then Kakashi glanced at Obito. Though he said nothing sarcastic or sharp-tongued, his expression was more damaging than any words.
Obito saw this and immediately erupted. "Kakashi, I challenge you to a duel!"
He would've jumped up if he had any strength left.
Kakashi paused. "Stand up first."
Obito wailed indignantly.
Gai, watching, genuinely confused, caught up to Kakashi and seriously asked, "Why is Obito like that?"
Kakashi said flatly, "Because he's stupid!"
Obito nearly coughed blood from the jab.
Kitagawa watched with an amused smile. Seeing Obito struggle to stand, he reached down and picked him up easily.
"Come on, I'll take you home."
Kitagawa chuckled. "As for dueling Kakashi, wait until you're stronger!"
Obito deflated. "Teacher Kitagawa, am I useless?"
Kitagawa didn't answer directly. "Obito, you're seven now, right?"
Obito nodded. His birthday was February, so he'd reached seven.
Kitagawa continued, "If you're still like this when you reach my age, then you'd truly be useless."
"You're still very young. You have a long time to strive, pursue, surpass your targets."
"That's life's pleasure."
"Without rivals, life becomes dull."
Obito thought, then said, "Though I don't understand what you're saying, that arrogant Kakashi—I'll definitely surpass him and beat him up!"
Kitagawa laughed heartily. "I look forward to that day. Keep it up, Obito!"
"I'll definitely defeat that arrogant Kakashi!"
Obito shouted loudly.
Their voices echoed far, their shadows stretched long against the fading sunset.