Time Passes Quickly…
A grueling month of training, sweat, and tears had passed.
During this time, the western forest of Konoha had witnessed countless painful falls, agonized screams, and relentless efforts.
But at the same time…
There had been significant progress.
---
**The First to Succeed**
The first person to complete the tree-climbing exercise was, unsurprisingly, Kakashi Hatake.
After all, he was set to graduate early next year and officially begin his ninja career, so his natural genius was evident.
Within half a day, Kakashi had successfully climbed a tree, standing on the highest branch with his arms crossed, calmly observing the students below still struggling with the bark.
Right after Kakashi, Rin Nohara also mastered the technique.
As a medical ninja in training, her chakra control was excellent. It took her less than a day to perfect it.
Next was Uchiha Tekka, who finished in three days, showcasing the exceptional talent of the Uchiha clan.
The other students gradually caught up, most completing the exercise within 5 to 7 days.
But…
Two individuals stood out for their lack of progress.
Obito Uchiha…
And Maito Gai.
---
**The Bottom of the Class – Fighting from Below and Staying There**
Throughout the month, Obito struggled, tripped, and fell countless times. But in the end…
He still finished before Gai.
Obito ranked second… from the bottom.
And Gai…
True to expectations, he remained at the very bottom.
It took him exactly one month to complete the tree-climbing exercise.
But…
Unlike Obito, who was always frustrated and competitive, Maito Gai remained incredibly cheerful and optimistic.
He clenched his fists and shouted with boundless energy.
"YOSH! I finally did it! Thank you for waiting for me, my dear tree!"
Obito: "…"
He stared at Gai in disbelief before turning to glance at Kakashi.
Kakashi sat under a tree, reading a book, completely uninterested in Obito's struggles.
That sight…
Made Obito's blood boil with frustration.
He gritted his teeth, glaring at Kakashi, muttering angrily under his breath.
---
**New Exercises – When Satoru Gives No One a Break**
Kakashi, Rin, Tekka, and some of the faster students probably thought that after completing the tree-climbing exercise, they would get to rest.
But no.
Satoru had an entire list of new exercises prepared just for them.
He crossed his arms, glanced at the students who had completed the exercise, and casually said:
"Sit and meditate."
The class: "Huh!?"
The successful students were wide-eyed in shock, while those still struggling breathed a sigh of relief.
"Sensei… we just finished climbing trees…!" Rin exclaimed in disbelief.
Satoru nodded calmly:
"Yeah, so now you meditate."
"Close your eyes, feel your chakra, observe your inner self."
"The next step is not about increasing chakra… but about understanding yourself."
The students: "…"
But seeing Satoru's seriousness, no one dared to argue.
The students began meditating, focusing on their chakra flow within.
---
**Satoru Observes Using Observation Haki**
Satoru closed his eyes and subtly activated his Observation Haki.
Immediately…
A different world unfolded before him.
The chakra flows within each student's body became visible, like small streams flowing steadily.
He carefully observed who had reached a stable meditative state.
The ones whose chakra flowed smoothly without disruption had achieved better control.
Some students… were still distracted by stray thoughts.
Others… had started to attain inner tranquility.
After his evaluation, he nodded in satisfaction, then…
He casually announced:
"Those who have reached a stable state…"
"The next step is hopping on one foot on a tree."
The class: "WHAT!??"
---
**Hopping and Jump Rope – When Satoru Never Runs Out of Ideas**
Kakashi, Rin, Tekka, Anko… all stood frozen in place.
"Sensei…" Rin stammered.
"Sensei is joking, right?"
"Hopping… on a tree?"
Satoru smirked and shook his head.
"Not at all."
"If you can only stick to trees with chakra but can't control your movements while moving, then you still haven't mastered it."
"So now… hop."
He pointed at a tall tree, his smile filled with mischief.
"Jump on that. One foot."
The class: "…"
And that wasn't all—
After they completed the one-foot hopping challenge, Satoru planned to introduce jump rope training on tree branches.
When they heard this, the entire class nearly fainted.
"Is Sensei serious…?"
"Jump rope… on trees??"
"This is beyond cruel!!"
---
**Obito and Gai – Two Boys Staring at the Sky in Despair**
While the more advanced students were moving on to the next phase of training, two figures remained grounded, looking up at the sky in utter despair.
Obito clutched his head, his eyes filled with envy.
Gai stood beside him, but… remained incredibly optimistic.
"YOSH! I believe that when my turn comes, I will do my absolute best!"
Obito: "…"
He turned to stare at Gai with deadpan eyes before letting out a long, exhausted sigh.