Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Konoha: Victory is in Sight
On an ordinary day, after finishing training with his disciples, Mutsuki headed home to the main city area. On the way, Mutsuki noticed that Konoha's official newspaper was being sold, so he bought a copy.
Konoha has its own official newspaper, established during the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama's era. However, the newspaper is neither a daily nor a weekly publication but is issued irregularly, meaning it's released at random times. It is usually published only when significant events occur, such as during a war, when Konoha achieves a notable victory, or when a new Hokage is appointed. At such times, the newspaper's circulation is particularly high.
After returning home, Mutsuki sat in a chair to read the newspaper. Since the publication is usually associated with major events, it was worth a look.
"Frontline troops have delivered two consecutive heavy blows to the Hidden Rock Ninja forces. Victory in the war is in sight!"
Mutsuki immediately noticed the prominent headline on the newspaper, which clearly indicated that the paper was focused on the war.
"The Hidden Rock Ninja forces carried out an unprecedented premeditated attack on our frontline positions, deploying both the Four-Tails and Five-Tails Jinchuriki, as well as elite ninjas from the Hidden Rock Explosion Corps, such as Gari. In response to the sudden assault, our ninjas fully embodied the Will of Fire spirit. Frontline commander Jiraiya personally led an elite team to counter the Jinchuriki..."
The article first covered the ambush Mutsuki encountered during a supply mission, detailing how Jiraiya utilized the Will of Fire to protect the frontline ninjas and successfully inflict heavy damage on the Five-Tails Jinchuriki. It also highlighted the achievements of the outstanding Konoha Jonin Minato Namikaze, explaining his excellence in the war and why he is known as the Yellow Flash.
From the newspaper, Mutsuki learned that not long after their departure, Konoha and Hidden Rock clashed again. This time, Konoha took the initiative and pushed the Hidden Rock forces to the border between the Land of Earth and the Land of Grass.
Mutsuki also saw his own name in the newspaper, though it was mentioned towards the end of the article.
In the newspaper, Mutsuki is also portrayed as a bearer of the Will of Fire. Although he was only performing a C-rank supply mission, he chose to step onto the battlefield to fight, protecting the village and defeating the powerful Explosion Release Gari. He also participated in repelling the Jinchuriki and played a significant role in the battle.
In fact, Obito and Kakashi also made it into the newspaper, but they weren't named individually; instead, they were summarized as members of the team led by Mutsuki.
"From now on, I won't be an unnamed Special Jonin anymore," Mutsuki thought as he put down the newspaper.
As Konoha's official newspaper, which always reports major events, its sales are quite good. Ninjas typically buy it, and ordinary people who are interested in the ninja world also purchase it.
Although Mutsuki's mention was brief, being named in this newspaper is not common, and those who understand the significance of his achievements recognize their value. While it's hard to gain fame in Konoha, it can certainly stir up discussion within the ninja community.
Fame is a good thing for Mutsuki; sometimes, it's necessary for getting things done.
However, there are some drawbacks as well. For example, Danzo, who had previously ignored him, might now recall that he has a subordinate who was taken away and has become quite strong.
Fortunately, Mutsuki is well-prepared and has no vulnerabilities. Danzo cannot recall him to work for the ROOT division again because Sarutobi Hiruzen will inform Danzo of who the Hokage is.
This newspaper didn't have a significant impact on Mutsuki's daily life, as he continues his routine of teaching disciples in the southern forest or studying Sealing Jutsu and developing Breathing Techniques at home.
However, it did affect the Shadow Clones that he uses to teach at the Academy. Some sensei who saw the report were shocked to see Mutsuki's name. They might not fully understand the strength of Explosion Release Gari active on the battlefield in the Land of Grass, but they grasp the significance of playing a major role in repelling the Jinchuriki.
Jinchuriki are considered the trump card of the Five Great Shinobi Villages and are the most terrifying presence on the battlefield, which is the general impression most ninjas have of them.
And Mutsuki actually played a significant role in such high-level battles—this is extraordinary for a Chunin sensei.
"Yumi-sensei, you actually went to the battlefield and repelled the Jinchuriki with Jiraiya-sama!" Kimura Sugito said, looking astonished.
If one day Chitani Isamu told him that he was being pursued by a beautiful girl, the shock might be similar to what this report had on him.
Although Kimura Sugito knew that Mutsuki was different from them, with strong teaching abilities and valued by the Hokage, becoming a vice-leader of a teaching class in less than a year at the Academy, he still thought of Mutsuki as just another Special Jonin with only slightly stronger abilities compared to them.
Kimura Sugito had even thought that it might just be a ninja with the same name as Mutsuki, until he casually asked during the lunch break and received a confirmed reply from Mutsuki's Shadow Clone.
"No wonder Yumi-sensei, you took a leave of absence recently. Was it because you were on the battlefield and didn't have time to supplement your Shadow Clones?" Ueda Aya speculated.
Mutsuki nodded. To prevent excessive fatigue, he regularly dispelled the Shadow Clones he left at the Academy. They were mostly maintained in a state where a memory transfer wouldn't have a significant impact, and if a task took too long, he would have to take a leave of absence.
"Although it sounds a bit exaggerated, it makes sense if it's Yumi-sensei," Chitani Isamu was initially surprised but soon felt it was reasonable.
After all, Mutsuki was known for supervising interns and using Shadow Clones to teach students.
While Shadow Clones are indeed a very convenient Ninjutsu, no one would want to use them for double the work because it's really exhausting—like working oxen in the fields.
Given Mutsuki's diligence, it's reasonable for him to be stronger. The only question is why Mutsuki, with such strength, would be teaching at the Academy.
"Actually, it's nothing special. I was just assisting Jiraiya-sama in the battle. The main force was still Jiraiya-sama," Mutsuki said with a gentle and humble smile.
"That's nothing. The opponent was a Jinchuriki, so the battle must have been very dangerous," Kimura Sugito remarked.
If he had such strength, he definitely wouldn't be a sensei at the Academy but would choose to be a guiding Jonin.
"With such achievements, you'll probably be promoted to a full Jonin soon."
Witnessing a colleague younger than himself rise from Chunin to Special Jonin and then to Jonin, Kimura Sugito felt no jealousy. He knew he couldn't manage it himself; the gap was too large.
Moreover, Mutsuki has a great personality. Although he is now one of the Academy Elders, he has remained in this small office and has maintained the same demeanor with ordinary sensei as he did at the beginning, without changing due to his status. Facing someone like Mutsuki, Kimura Sugito didn't even feel inclined to be envious, only wishing him well.
Curiosity comes and goes quickly. Since Mutsuki is someone they see every day, the senseis were excited for a few days and then returned to their usual routine.
Mutsuki's battlefield achievements did not affect the student body, as students don't buy newspapers. Even though newspapers are not expensive, they'd rather spend that money on snacks.
Unless the news spreads widely and many villagers discuss it, students are unlikely to know about it.
However, Mutsuki's performance this time clearly hasn't reached that level, as even Minato didn't make it into the spotlight—this report focuses on Jiraiya.
Walking down the street, Mutsuki could hear many people discussing Jiraiya's success in repelling the two Jinchuriki. There were even non-ninjas discussing the strength of the Sannin and the Jinchuriki in earnest, with some arguing about it, resembling scenes from online forums debating character strengths in his previous life.
The impact was due in part to the report, but also because Jiraiya himself has a very high profile in Konoha, being one of the Konoha Three Sannin.
Although the title of Konoha Sannin was bestowed by an enemy after a defeat, it does not imply disgrace, as the title was given by Hanzo of the Salamander.
Though not a Kage of one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Hanzo is highly renowned in the ninja world for his formidable strength and is recognized as a top-tier ninja. Some even believe Hanzo might be stronger than the Kage of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
A title bestowed by such a powerful individual is naturally not considered disgraceful but rather a recognition from one of the top ninjas in the world.
Compared to such a Jiraiya, Minato now seems somewhat lacking, merely a promising young man in most people's eyes.
"Why is everyone discussing the Toad Uncle? I think Yumi-sensei is impressive too," Obito remarked during a training break, having not seen the newspaper but sensing the village's atmosphere.
"Obito, are you talking about Jiraiya-sama? Why do you call him Toad Uncle?" Rin asked curiously.
"Because he claims to be a Toad Sage, but I don't think he quite qualifies as a Sage, so I call him Toad Uncle," Obito explained.
Obito believed that to be called a Sage, one should possess abilities that others lack, such as Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima, who have lived a long time, or the Six Paths Sage, who is a mythical figure.
"You probably haven't seen the Konoha newspaper. Yumi-sensei's report is at the end, so of course, it can't compare to the discussion around Jiraiya-sama," Kakashi said.
"Konoha newspaper? What's that?" Obito was unfamiliar with it.
"The Konoha newspaper is published by Konoha and records various major events happening in the village. This report is about the war in the Land of Grass," Kakashi briefly explained.
"Then will we be mentioned too?" Obito's eyes lit up, instantly becoming interested in the Konoha newspaper.
"If you really want to know, there might be something about us, but…"
Before Kakashi could elaborate, Obito asked, "Kakashi, do you have it with you? Let me see."
Seeing Obito's eagerness, Kakashi handed him the folded newspaper without further explanation.
"Rin-chan, you haven't seen it either, so let's check it out together and see what it says about me," Obito said as he quickly moved to sit next to Rin.
"Okay," Rin nodded in agreement, curious and having not seen the newspaper.
Obito placed the newspaper on their laps and began to read it carefully.
"Not surprising coming from Konoha!" Obito said with a grin as he looked at the most prominent headline about the victory being in sight.
But soon, Obito's smile faded as he noticed that most of the report was about Jiraiya, followed by how the Konoha Ninja forces persevered and defeated the enemy through the Will of Fire, and then Minato Namikaze. He saw Mutsuki's name only at the very end.
"Kakashi, you didn't just buy it and not read it, did you? Our names aren't on here," Obito asked, pretending to be annoyed.
"Interrupting others is a bad habit. What I was going to say is that we are mentioned, but not by name," Kakashi said, pointing to a section of the article.
Obito looked at Kakashi's finger and then read aloud, "Besides Mutsuki Yumi, the members of his team also contributed to the war effort. The entire team understood and practiced the Will of Fire."
Obito was stunned. When did he ever understand and practice the Will of Fire? He didn't even know about it, and he always lost points on questions about the Will of Fire during exams.
"Why didn't they write our names if they were already writing about us?" Obito asked, puzzled.
"Take a closer look at the content and see how many names are actually mentioned," Kakashi calmly pointed out.
Obito looked carefully and found that out of the entire newspaper, only five Konoha Ninja names appeared, and two of them were mentioned only once. Although Mutsuki's name was toward the end, the amount of coverage was decent, placing him third.
"This is how the newspaper is. If you're not an important figure, they generally don't list names," Kakashi said, folding the newspaper back up.
"I'll be prominently featured on there sooner or later," Obito thought of Jiraiya's extensive coverage and felt a desire to take his place.
"Everything comes with dedicated training," Mutsuki said with a smile as he approached after finishing his Great Waterfall Jutsu practice.
"Your graduation exam is coming up in two weeks. There's no theoretical exam this time, so make sure to showcase your strengths," Mutsuki said, patting Obito on the shoulder.
The Academy's graduation exam does not assess theoretical knowledge but selects one basic Ninjutsu for evaluation.
"As long as it's not theoretical, I'm definitely fine," Obito said confidently, patting his chest.
Mutsuki nodded, feeling that he could obtain three Ninjutsu Proficient scrolls this time. Basic Ninjutsu are inherently simple, and with the added boost from advanced teaching, even Might Guy can master them well. There's no problem handling the Academy exam.
After teaching his disciples, Mutsuki returned home as usual, but today he encountered a familiar face on his way back.
"Mutsuki," Minato, who was talking with his teammates, noticed Mutsuki and greeted him with a warm smile.
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