"Teacher Mugetsu, I feel a slight swelling in my abdon. Could it be that my posture is already perfectly correct, and the airflow is swirling through my pathways?" Obito asked excitedly.
"I think you probably just ate too much dinner," Mugetsu replied, glancing over and noticing that Obito's posture had slipped again during the breathing exercise.
"Uh… I guess I did eat a little too much," Obito admitted, cheeks flushing as he touched his slightly bulging stomach with an embarrassed grin.
Hearing this absurd exchange, Shisui—training nearby—couldn't help but burst into laughter, instantly breaking his own breathing rhythm.
"You need to guide the air you take in, not let it throw off your posture," Mugetsu said, moving to correct Obito's stance by hand.
"Shisui is doing well in that regard," Mugetsu added, gesturing toward Shisui, who had quickly recovered and resud his proper form.
Overall, Shisui's progress wasn't as fast as Obito's, but in this specific aspect of training, he was slightly ahead.
"How about you tie down, Teacher Mugetsu? Then I could guide the air better!" Obito suddenly suggested, struck by what he thought was a brilliant idea.
The strengthening postures for Breathing Techniques were increasingly difficult—affected not only by airflow but also by the strain of holding demanding poses for long periods.
Mugetsu wasn't sure if Obito was simply eager to improve or if he had developed so strange hobby, actually wanting to be restrained.
He had considered this thod before, but physical restraint wasn't necessarily more effective and was far from comfortable. Anyone seeing it might think it was an interrogation technique rather than training.
"This might work, but it will be uncomfortable. Are you sure you want to do it?" Mugetsu asked.
Since Obito was the one suggesting it, Mugetsu saw no reason to refuse. In ninja training, there were no easy paths—daily drills left you drenched in sweat, tree climbing ant painful falls, water walking led to splashes and dunkings, and practicing Fire Release nature transformation could easily result in burns.
"Let's try it. Holding this posture for so long is uncomfortable anyway," Obito said, nodding firmly. If there was a chance to speed up his progress, he was willing to try it.
The special training lasted only five weeks. Although the original plan called for a strength test every two weeks, the final practical exam would co three weeks after the last one.
Having just beaten Guy for the first ti, Obito was determined to keep his winning streak in Breathing Technique training. He didn't want Guy reclaiming the lead so soon. In the Ninja Academy's two major exams—the class practical and the yearly grade-level test—Guy had beaten him four tis. He had only managed one victory.
Mugetsu granted his request, finding several wooden boards and ropes to secure Obito in the proper posture.
However, he didn't tie him tightly—too much pressure could cut off circulation. "The ropes aren't very tight. They're only to help keep your form. You still have to guide yourself—don't think you can just breathe because you're fixed in place."
Obito nodded and began practicing seriously.
To his surprise, the thod did help—though the restraint was uncomfortable. For each posture, Mugetsu's shadow clone adjusted him. Whenever his form shifted, the ropes would lightly press against him, signaling an error so he could imdiately correct it.
After an hour, Obito was satisfied with the results.
As the session neared its end, Mugetsu called Guy over to where Shisui and Obito were training.
"Guy, use the Breathing Technique, then show so taijutsu," Mugetsu instructed.
Guy nodded, adjusting his breathing rhythm. Drawing in a deep breath, he filled his lungs with oxygen, letting it surge through his body.
"Leaf Great Whirlwind!"
He chose the thickest nearby tree—a trunk so wide that three people together couldn't wrap their arms around it. Chakra flared as he used Body Flicker, his leg whipping out in a powerful kick.
Crack!
The massive tree toppled with a crash, the point of impact completely shattered.
"His speed and strength… they've increased so much!" Obito exclaid, eyes wide. Guy's kick had even created a gust that flattened the grass around them.
"You two only need one more step before you can apply Breathing Technique in combat," Mugetsu said to Shisui and Obito with a smile.
Then his tone turned serious. "One more thing—during the practical test the day after tomorrow, none of you are to use the Breathing Technique."
"Why?" Obito asked, puzzled.
At present, only Guy could use it effectively in battle. Wouldn't this be cutting away part of his strength? While it was good news for him, Obito didn't understand the reasoning.
"You've just begun training and can't control it well. Using it in combat risks overexertion and leaves hidden injuries," Mugetsu explained.
That was only part of the truth. The real reason was that Hiruzen would be watching. The Hokage was vastly experienced, able to recognize countless ninjutsu, taijutsu, and secret arts. If Guy—or worse, both Guy and Obito—displayed sudden, unnatural power, it would draw questions Mugetsu didn't want asked.
Shave, however, was fine. It could be explained away as simple speed and skill with the Body Flicker Technique.
"After I used it that day, I thought my legs had recovered, but the mont I stopped, the fatigue hit all at once," Guy admitted, nodding. Mugetsu was right.
Obito's eyes lit in realization.
---
On Saturday, all students assembled at the training ground for the final practical test.
Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived as promised, not alone but accompanied by many teachers. This had been arranged between him and Mugetsu so that the other instructors could observe this new special training program in action.
"The students are in high spirits," Hiruzen said warmly, dressed in his white robes and Hokage's hat. "Let's see the results of their five weeks of hard work."
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