Chương 44: Chapter 44: Teaching, Encounter with Might Duy

In Konoha's training grounds, two figures, one large and one small, clashed with their swords. Their iron blades collided, sending sparks flying and filling the training ground with the ringing of sharp metallic sounds.

Suddenly, a burst of light flashed, and the two stopped their movements.

"Not bad. You've improved a lot. That sword technique you just used is quite interesting and creative. It seems you've begun to actively develop ways to utilize the energy within you," Senju Tobirama praised as he nodded with satisfaction, observing Mochizuki Hui as he sheathed his sword.

This child had never once disappointed him.

"It's all thanks to your teaching, Grandpa Tobirama," Mochizuki Hui responded. After the war ended, the fact that Senju Tobirama could take time out of his busy schedule to assess his growth and strength was a testament to how much Tobirama valued him.

"This isn't something I taught you." Tobirama shook his head.

"Hui, your strength has been growing steadily. Your taijutsu, swordsmanship, and combat experience have all improved significantly compared to before. The only thing holding you back now is likely your body," Tobirama continued.

During their sparring session, Tobirama had gauged Mochizuki Hui's current abilities. He was undoubtedly at the level of an elite chunin.

Though "elite chunin" might sound underwhelming, it was important to remember that Mochizuki Hui was only seven years old. How many people at that age had reached such a level of strength?

In all of Tobirama's life, there had only been one—Mochizuki Hui himself.

Even his older brother, Senju Hashirama, who was hailed as the "God of Shinobi," had been nothing more than a weakling at the age of seven…

The same went for Uchiha Madara...

Still, predicting a shinobi's future was difficult. Too many factors influenced a person's growth—bloodline talent, determination, mental strength, fortuitous encounters, and even the environment they grew up in. All of these could drastically shape a person's development.

As far as Mochizuki Hui was concerned, his mindset, determination, and environment were all ideal. His luck and fortuitous opportunities also seemed promising. The only issue was his bloodline talent.

Since Mochizuki Hui couldn't extract chakra, he couldn't utilize many typical shinobi techniques, limiting his potential growth.

However, the mysterious energy within him provided him with unseen growth potential, offering him almost limitless possibilities for the future.

As long as his internal energy continued to increase, even if it didn't reach overwhelming levels, Tobirama was confident he could train Mochizuki Hui to become an elite jonin.

"But there's still room for improvement in your techniques. How about this? From now on, I'll personally guide you."

After a moment of thought, Tobirama made this suggestion seriously, catching Mochizuki Hui off guard.

Senju Tobirama—the Hokage—was incredibly busy. The fact that he would take time to train Mochizuki Hui personally? Did this mean he was going to take him on as a student?

Mochizuki Hui's eyes were filled with doubt as he glanced at Tobirama.

Seeing the suspicious look on his face, Tobirama, knowing exactly what Mochizuki Hui was thinking, couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. He quickly clarified, "What are you thinking? It'll be my shadow clone doing the teaching, of course."

Hearing this, Mochizuki Hui realized his misunderstanding.

He hadn't used any ninjutsu himself yet, so he had almost forgotten that shadow clones were a thing for shinobi.

"Hehe, what? I never doubted you! I've always had full faith in you, Grandpa Tobirama!" Mochizuki Hui quickly retorted as he pumped his chest, accidentally revealing his earlier thoughts.

Seeing Tobirama's amused smile, Mochizuki Hui felt a bit of dread and was about to use some charm to get out of it, but Tobirama glanced at the sky, then said, "It's getting late. That's enough for today."

As soon as Tobirama finished speaking, his body vanished in a puff of white smoke, leaving Mochizuki Hui stunned for a moment, then darkening his expression.

The training ground was on the outskirts of Konoha, far from both his home and the Senju Clan's residence.

Tobirama could have easily taken him back using the Flying Thunder God technique, but instead left him to walk home by himself.

That was definitely on purpose!

All because he had a moment of doubt? So petty.

Mochizuki Hui rolled his eyes but could only resign himself to walking back alone.

By this time, the sky had turned orange with the setting sun, casting long shadows as Mochizuki Hui made his way down the quiet path.

Suddenly, he paused. His sharp ears picked up the sound of rustling from the nearby forest.

Moments later, a teenage boy emerged from the trees.

He was panting heavily, drenched in sweat, and his steps were unsteady, clearly exhausted beyond his limits.

"One more lap… Just one more lap…"

The boy muttered to himself as he trudged forward with great effort. Though he looked as if he could collapse at any moment, his legs never gave out, and he didn't stop.

The boy finally noticed Mochizuki Hui as he left the forest. Slowing down, he eventually stopped completely, taking a moment to catch his breath. He looked at Mochizuki Hui and asked, "Hey, little guy, are you lost? Do you need me to help you get home?"

Mochizuki Hui glanced at the boy's familiar yet unfamiliar face before replying, "I'm not lost. I'm just taking a walk around the village. Are you... training?"

"Yeah, I'm training my taijutsu. I'm going to be a hero just like the Hokage one day!" The boy replied, forcing himself to sound confident, though there was doubt in his voice.

"Is that so? I believe you. Someone once told me that hard work never betrays you! You'll definitely become a hero one day. Keep at it!" Mochizuki Hui said earnestly, then turned to leave.

The boy, stood there stunned for a moment. He watched Mochizuki Hui's silhouette as it disappeared into the sunset.

He stood there in a daze.

After a moment, a broad smile spread across his face. He raised his thumb toward Mochizuki Hui's retreating figure and shouted, "Thank you for the encouragement! My name is Might Duy, and I will definitely become the village's hero someday!"

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