The Strength of the Third Hokage at His Peak - Naruto: The God of the Shinobi Academy

[Name: Hiruzen Sarutobi]

[Chakra: 170,000]

[Potential: S]

[Evaluation: Possesses exceptional talent in ninjutsu and excels at combining techniques. A single-nature technique may not rival a Kekkei Genkai—but if I unleash high-level techniques of five different chakra natures simultaneously, how would you respond?]

"The Third Hokage in his prime…"

Walking out of the office, Makoto felt both shocked and envious when he saw the long string of zeros representing Hiruzen's chakra.

After all, that was 170,000 chakra.

It was 130,000 more than the amount he had previously seen from Minato Namikaze.

Of course, Minato was only eighteen years old right now. Comparing a young ninja still growing to a middle-aged ninja in his prime didn't mean much.

"Now… how should I write this report…"

While still thinking about Hiruzen's strength, Makoto had already begun considering what to write in the report for Danzo Shimura.

His earlier excuse about "needing time to consider" was just that—an excuse.

Although Makoto was busy, he certainly wasn't so busy that he couldn't spare a little time each week to teach Asuma Sarutobi.

Makoto could clearly sense that the Third Hokage was trying to build goodwill with him.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have mentioned things like Outstanding Teacher or promotion to Special Jōnin.

But the Hokage's sincerity felt insufficient.

There were no real benefits—just promises.

If Hiruzen had openly acknowledged Makoto's Root affiliation the moment he entered the office and asked him directly to join his side, Makoto would probably have kicked Danzo aside immediately and followed the Hokage instead.

But Hiruzen hadn't exposed his identity.

Which meant he was still hesitating.

Classic cautious old politician behavior, Makoto thought.

If he had immediately agreed to teach Asuma, he Might Guy n nothing from Danzo's side either.

Better to delay his answer and throw the problem back to Danzo.

As for whether Hiruzen might not know his identity—

Makoto believed that was possible.

But not very likely.

After all, Root was a shadow organization that officially didn't exist. If the Hokage didn't even know Root members were entering the Ninja Academy as teachers, then both his roles as Hokage and principal would be meaningless.

After returning to the teachers' office, the other instructors immediately began asking questions.

"Teacher Hosokawa , why did the Third Hokage summon you?" Aya Ueda asked curiously. "Was it a commendation?"

"Probably," Iketani Isamu said before Makoto could answer.

"With exam results like that—especially for a new teacher—Teacher Hosokawa is incredible."

"I suppose he was recognizing the results of my teaching," Makoto replied as he sat down and took out paper and a brush.

"Man, I wish the Third Hokage would recognize me like that someday," Kimura Sugito sighed.

He still remembered how inexperienced Makoto had seemed when he first arrived.

Yet in such a short time, Makoto had already surpassed him in teaching achievements.

"As long as you teach your students to the best of your ability, that's enough," Makoto said while practicing calligraphy.

"Teacher Makoto, could you help substitute for my class this afternoon?" Iketani asked while pouring him a cup of water. "I have something to take care of."

"Sure. I'm free this afternoon," Makoto nodded.

"Now I understand why the students like you so much," Iketani said gratefully.

Then he turned to Kimura Sugito.

"By the way, Sugito—could you lend me some money? I'll pay you back when I get my salary."

Originally, he had planned to borrow from Makoto.

But after asking Makoto to substitute so many times already, he felt too embarrassed to do so.

"How much do you need?" Kimura asked.

They had been friends for years, so lending some money wasn't a big deal.

"Eighty thousand ryō should be enough," Iketani replied after thinking for a moment.

"Eighty thousand?! What do you need that much for?" Kimura froze before taking out his wallet.

Teachers at the Ninja Academy only earned about one hundred thousand ryō per month.

Iketani was essentially borrowing most of a month's salary.

Makoto also glanced over in surprise.

According to the Naruto setting, 1 ryō ≈ 10 yen, meaning Iketani was borrowing the equivalent of 800,000 yen.

For powerful ninja, that amount might not mean much.

But for an ordinary Chūnin teacher, it was quite a lot.

"A date," Iketani explained. "I can't exactly invite her out for ramen, can I?"

"You didn't spend your entire salary on dating, did you?" Kimura asked, staring at him like he was a complete fool.

"What do you mean 'spent it all on dating'? Isn't spending it on a date also spending it on myself? It's not like I didn't eat anything," Iketani argued.

"Give me a break," Aya Ueda scoffed.

"If you were eating alone, would you ever go to those expensive restaurants?"

She had warned Iketani about this long ago, but he refused to listen.

"She doesn't even like you. She's just treating you like a walking wallet," Ueda said bluntly.

"That's impossible! Just the other day she even called me 'Big Brother Iketani.'" Iketani said dreamily.

"I'd call you that too for eighty thousand ryō," Ueda replied expressionlessly. "I could bankrupt you if you kept paying."

"You—"

"Forget it," Kimura sighed.

"I'll lend it to you. Just remember to keep enough money for food."

Hearing that, Iketani immediately forgot about Ueda's sarcasm. He thanked Kimura repeatedly before rushing out of the office.

Makoto thought to himself:

If the Naruto world had short-video platforms, recording Iketani's daily office life might actually become popular.

Then he'd never have money problems again.

After joking internally for a moment, Makoto returned to practicing calligraphy.

He only stopped when it was nearly time for class.

The moment Makoto walked into the classroom, the students became excited.

"Awesome! It's Teacher Makoto teaching ninjutsu today!"

"After the last class, my Transformation Technique became way more refined. I hope he focuses on the Clone Technique today!"

Makoto glanced around the room.

As expected—

Obito wasn't there again.

Five minutes after the lesson began, the classroom door suddenly burst open.

Obito rushed in at full sprint.

When he saw Makoto standing at the podium, he froze.

I'm not even late every day… he thought.

Why does it feel like every time I'm late, it's always when Teacher Makoto is substituting?

This is destroying my image in his eyes!

"Teacher Makoto, I—"

"Take your seat," Makoto said calmly.

Then he began teaching the Clone Technique, as most students had requested.

Damn you, Teacher Iketani! Obito thought angrily.

Why didn't you tell me earlier that Teacher Makoto was substituting today?!

During the break, Makoto called Obito and Might Guy outside.

"How were your exam scores?"

"We passed!" the two boys said proudly in unison.

After asking for details, Makoto discovered something interesting.

The passing score average was 60.

Obito and Guy had each scored exactly 30.

They had passed by the absolute minimum margin possible.

"I don't know why, but the passing score was higher this time," Obito scratched his head.

"Usually twenty-five would've been enough to pass."

"Maybe it's because Teacher Makoto substituted for some of the classes," Guy said.

Even someone like him, who struggled with studying, could clearly feel the difference between Makoto and other teachers.

"Wait… does that mean the score will be even higher next time?" Obito panicked.

"If you can't even meet the basic passing requirement," Makoto said with a gentle smile, "then you'll have to follow all of my training arrangements."

Obito and Guy instantly shivered.

The terrifying memory of being forced to grind endless practice sheets resurfaced in their minds.

They quickly promised that they would definitely pass again next time.

After returning home, Makoto finished writing his report and submitted it to Root.

Chapter 22 - The Strength of the Third Hokage at His Peak