"No, even if the money wasn't given to , it's still our family's. How can that be considered earning money?!" Asuma retorted after sorting out his thoughts.
"Then you are truly brilliant," Mugetsu praised with a smile.
Though praised, Asuma felt a strange, indescribable discomfort.
"Anyway, just go resign with the old man. I don't need a tutor." He leaned against the tree, visibly giving up.
"Since you don't want to teach you, why not just stop following ? Or go tell the Third Hokage and the others?" Mugetsu suggested casually.
"You think I'm stupid? If I do that, won't all the bla fall on ?" Asuma tilted his head proudly.
The Hokage was one thing, but he was far more afraid of his mother, Biwako, getting angry.
Mugetsu nodded inwardly. This kid wasn't smart—but not completely dumb either. If he tried to resign, citing Asuma's lack of cooperation, Asuma would still be the one punished.
But of course, Mugetsu had no reason to resign. After all, manipulating a nine-year-old like Asuma was far too easy.
"Why are you so resistant to having a tutor?" Mugetsu didn't press him into training but chose to keep chatting.
"You wouldn't get it even if I told you." Asuma shook his head with a 'you'll understand when you're older' attitude.
"Why wouldn't I understand? It's just that you don't like your father's arrangents." Mugetsu replied bluntly.
Considering Asuma's background and personality, it was easy to figure out.
Asuma was talented. Leaving aside those who relied on tricks, he was a genuine genius. He likely never slacked off in his training either—Mugetsu could tell from his solid foundation.
But as the son of the Third Hokage, no matter how much effort he put in, people would brush it off with a simple, "As expected of the Hokage's kid."
Effort was seen as expected. If he ever slacked off, people would pile on the criticism.
Under those circumstances, it would've been strange if he had a good relationship with his father.
Graduated and already a Genin, he must've thought he was grown up. Yet, the Hokage still arranged for a tutor. No wonder he felt underestimated.
"You're only seeing the surface." Asuma's tone remained stubborn, but then—
"Isn't it because, after all your hard work, all you get is: 'As expected of the Hokage's son'?" Mugetsu said, chuckling.
Asuma's expression changed drastically. His gaze turned wary, almost frightened. It was as if Mugetsu had peeled open his chest and exposed sothing deeply hidden.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Asuma said stiffly.
But his fidgeting hands betrayed the panic building inside him.
"If you really want to prove yourself, you should be even more eager to accept a tutor. Strengthen your power. Prove your worth through results." Mugetsu pressed on.
"Because right now, you can't even be called excellent."
First, his thoughts were exposed. Now, his whole self was denied. Asuma grew anxious and snapped back:
"I was first in my class at the Academy most of the ti. How can I not be considered excellent?!"
Mugetsu smiled. "Do you believe that if I randomly picked a kid who just started at the Academy, you wouldn't be able to beat him?"
Asuma laughed in disbelief. A fresh Academy student? Even if it were Kakashi, back when he just started, Asuma wouldn't be afraid.
"Fine. Bring one. If I lose, I'll listen to whatever you say from now on." Asuma threw out the challenge.
"And if I win, you go resign."
"Deal," Mugetsu agreed easily.
He imdiately sent a shadow clone to bring Uchiha Shisui over.
Asuma sized up the boy in front of him and could tell that Mugetsu wasn't lying. Shisui looked like a proper Academy newbie.
"His na is Shisui, a student in my class. He's six years old, just started first grade this year."
"This is Asuma, a Genin who just graduated."
Mugetsu briefly introduced them.
"Shisui, right? If you can't take it later, surrender fast so you don't get hurt. I won't hold back," Asuma warned.
"I understand, Asuma-senpai. I'll be careful," Shisui replied earnestly.
"Begin!" Mugetsu announced.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Asuma lunged forward, fists swinging at Shisui.
But Shisui remained calm, matching him in close-quarters combat.
They exchanged blows rapidly, but Asuma, despite his larger build, couldn't gain the upper hand.
His expression darkened. After two exchanges, he realized sothing—this kid wasn't ordinary.
More than that, he was a problem.
Before Asuma could regain montum, he was caught off guard by a swift Leaf Whirlwind, sending him stumbling back three ters.
But Shisui didn't press the attack. Mugetsu had instructed him earlier—defeat Asuma in all aspects.
A Genin knocked back three ters in Taijutsu by a kid who just entered the Academy—even with no audience, Asuma's pride took a hit. His face turned red.
He didn't care why Shisui didn't follow up. The only thing on his mind was:
Beat Shisui. Regain dignity. Prove myself.
"Fire Style: Secret Technique—Great Fire Technique!" Asuma quickly weaved hand signs, chakra flaring as he spewed out a huge wave of flas.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!" Shisui countered calmly, forming seals and unleashing a focused fireball.
The two jutsu collided in midair, but Shisui's fireball surged forward, overwhelming Asuma's flas and pressing onward.
Asuma stood frozen, stunned by the outco.
How could I lose… to a kid who just entered the Academy?
He was outmatched in Taijutsu.
Crushed in Ninjutsu.
Was I really nothing… without being the Hokage's son?
The fireball roared closer. Feeling the heat, Asuma finally snapped out of his daze and tried to dodge—but it was too late.
Just before the flas could hit him, Mugetsu stepped in. His chakra surged as he ford hand seals.
"Water Style: Water Wall!"
A thick curtain of water shot up in front of Asuma, extinguishing the oncoming fireball.
"Teacher…" Asuma muttered, voice low.
Check my Pâtreon for Advanced Chapters
Pâtreon /Fanficlord03
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