Chapter 81: Teaching on Behalf of Others
Koshino's rapid advancement was entirely thanks to the accelerated training effects of the APP.
So, when Koshino used the APP's acceleration to leap from a half-step Jonin to a full Jonin level, he lacked the necessary accumulation and needed time to settle.
The best way to settle was on the battlefield, gradually understanding his own shortcomings through life-and-death experiences to build up and solidify his skills.
For an ordinary ninja, a few encounters might be enough for such settling.
However, for Koshino, it would take dozens, if not hundreds, of encounters to slowly complete this accumulation and settling. This is the downside!
But through personal exchanges with the Fourth Hokage, even without the life-and-death insights,
even without the battlefield experiences from repeated encounters, Koshino was still rapidly accumulating experience and solidifying his power.
It's no exaggeration to say that Koshino's sparring with the Fourth Hokage was an accelerated training process.
Moreover, it was precisely the personal guidance of the Fourth Hokage that gave Koshino yet another leap forward, changing his impression of the Fourth Hokage's teaching significantly.
In the past, if you asked Koshino who the best teacher in Naruto was, his answer would undoubtedly be Jiraiya!
Looking at the original storyline, Jiraiya was undoubtedly the one who taught the most outstanding ninjas.
Outside of Konoha, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, the founders of the "Akatsuki" organization, can be set aside.
Just from the achievements of the Fourth Hokage and the original protagonist Uzumaki Naruto, one can see that Jiraiya's teaching quality was the best.
Otherwise, how could the Fourth Hokage and Uzumaki Naruto achieve what they did?
As for the Fourth Hokage himself?
In Koshino's earlier evaluation, compared to Jiraiya, the teaching quality was worlds apart.
Who were the Fourth Hokage's beloved students?
In the original storyline, it was none other than Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, and Rin Nohara!
Let's start with Kakashi Hatake.
He was already a very talented ninja, trained by Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake, breaking numerous records in Konoha's history, and becoming a Jonin at just twelve years old.
What a prodigious existence! But under the Fourth Hokage's guidance? Kakashi became a ninja who peaked early and faltered later!
Perhaps Kakashi's "decline" had something to do with Obito Uchiha, but does that mean it had nothing to do with the Fourth Hokage's teaching?
Alright, there might be some debate about Kakashi, but there's no need to debate Obito Uchiha's case, right? Under Madara's guidance, how long did Obito Uchiha train?
He quickly gained the strength to confront the Fourth Hokage and launch the Nine-Tails' attack!
In such a situation, can we say Obito Uchiha lacked potential or talent?
Certainly not!
It can only be said that there was a problem with the Fourth Hokage's teaching!
So, when Koshino first became the Fourth Hokage's disciple, he didn't have any other expectations.
Until he received numerous secret techniques from the Fourth Hokage and gradually understood them, Koshino began to slightly change his view of the Fourth Hokage.
Now, with rapid progress under the Fourth Hokage's guidance, Koshino finally realized that the Fourth Hokage's teaching wasn't as bad as he initially thought.
Little did he know, Koshino was just a lucky guy! In reality, the Fourth Hokage's teaching was just as "bad" as Koshino had initially imagined!
If it weren't for Koshino practicing the Fourth Hokage's secret techniques and having an aptitude that exceeded even the Fourth Hokage's expectations,
Koshino might not have progressed as quickly under the Fourth Hokage's tutelage.
Moreover, the main reason the Fourth Hokage could teach Koshino so effectively was that Koshino was practicing the Fourth Hokage's secret techniques.
Wouldn't the Fourth Hokage understand the secret techniques he created himself?
While teaching Koshino, it was like the Fourth Hokage was reviewing the basics of his own secret techniques.
Additionally, he found that no matter what he taught, Koshino could quickly grasp it, prompting the Fourth Hokage to secretly marvel in his heart:
"Teaching Koshino is truly a pleasure!"
"Sigh!"
"If only Kakashi, Rin, and Obito had Koshino's potential, that would be great!"
"Especially Obito, if he had mastered my secret techniques earlier, maybe... maybe he wouldn't have died!"
Well then!
Seeing how fast Koshino was progressing, the Fourth Hokage indirectly blamed Kakashi, Obito, and the others.
If Obito were truly dead, he might just be "revived" out of sheer frustration from the Fourth Hokage's lament!
Next, the Fourth Hokage further slowed down the pace of their sparring,
taking advantage of the breaks to gradually teach Koshino some small techniques for using the secret arts.
After Koshino noticed the Fourth Hokage's subtle guidance, whether it was the "Acceleration" secret technique, Wind Perception, or Wind Body Flicker, there were subtle changes in their execution.
However, after practicing the methods taught by the Fourth Hokage for a short time, Koshino always felt an indescribable awkwardness when performing the secret techniques.
Later, due to Koshino's chakra being completely depleted, the Fourth Hokage stopped sparring with Koshino.
Seeing Koshino frowning, he couldn't help but chuckle and said:
"Koshino, are you encountering a problem?"
"Yes, Minato-sensei."
Hearing the Fourth Hokage's question, Koshino nodded and said,
"Minato-sensei, during our sparring, I've gradually discovered my own shortcomings. The first is undoubtedly combat experience.
But with your guidance, Minato-sensei, combat experience can be gradually compensated for, so this issue isn't too serious."
"The second point is that I'm not as proficient as you, Minato-sensei, in using secret and ninja techniques.
This issue might require me to slowly accumulate and settle over time.
As long as you let me practice more, Minato-sensei, I can definitely complete this stage of training within two years."
"As for the last one..."
Saying this, Koshino looked at the Fourth Hokage with some difficulty and cautiously asked,
"Minato-sensei, were the small techniques you just taught me for casting secret techniques incorrect?
Why do I always feel an indescribable awkwardness when practicing them?
It feels like the chakra consumption has increased, and the effect of the secret technique hasn't improved; instead, it consumes more chakra."
When it comes to chakra control, Koshino, who can throw the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken with one hand, is truly unmatched!
Even Tsunade and the Fourth Hokage, those Shadow-Level powerhouses, are the same.
In terms of chakra control ability, Koshino truly has the potential to surpass Shadow-Level.
Therefore, when Koshino imitated the Fourth Hokage's method of using secret techniques,
increasing chakra consumption to further enhance the effect of the Fourth Hokage's secret techniques, it made Koshino feel doubtful.
After all, in using the Fourth Hokage's secret techniques, Koshino, with his exceptional chakra control ability, didn't waste a single bit of chakra, fully maximizing the effect of the Fourth Hokage's secret techniques!
However, after Koshino raised his doubts, instead of getting angry, the Fourth Hokage maintained a cheerful demeanor and even nodded at Koshino.
Then, just as Koshino was about to continue questioning, the Fourth Hokage suddenly shook his head.
Especially when meeting Koshino's questioning gaze, the Fourth Hokage took a deep breath and said with a smile:
"Koshino, I wasn't wrong about your talent. You truly are the most suitable person to inherit my legacy!"
"Since that's the case, I'll pass on that secret technique to you!"