Because Auron often helped substitute teach for Ikeya Yu, helped him recruit students and farm rewards, he was considered to have contributed. Plus, he'd treated him to many meals—clearly someone who understood the social game.
"Mr. Auron's class is what's truly amazing," said Ueda Aya, who had remained quiet until now. She had proctored Auron's Class 1-A.
"The overall level of the Three Basic Jutsu in that class is nearly on par with the second-year students I teach," she marveled.
"There's especially one genius named Uchiha Shisui. He reminds me of Hatake Kakashi from a few years ago. He's definitely going to be the top of the first-years in this combat exam."
"Comparable to Kakashi? That's quite an exaggeration," Ikeya Yu looked shocked.
Being top of the year was one thing, but to be compared to Kakashi was a whole different level.
Kakashi was the academy's undisputed genius in recent years, even earning a Chūnin promotion within a year of graduation.
"It's not an exaggeration at all. He's simply in a different league than the other first-years," Ueda Aya affirmed.
"That's incredible, Mr. Auron, you really lucked out. You're a shoo-in for a performance award," Ikeya Yu said enviously. Why couldn't he have that kind of luck? He'd be happy just keeping his bonus.
"Luck? No, it's because Mr. Auron is just that good at teaching. You can't chalk up that kind of performance to just talent randomly landing in his class," Aya corrected him.
She didn't think Class 1-A was strong simply because of its students, but because Auron was an exceptional teacher.
Otherwise, why would so many students from other classes he subbed for hope he'd come more often?
And it wasn't just one or two classes—every class he covered gave glowing feedback.
"My bad, slip of the tongue. Of course I know Mr. Auron's amazing. My students are practically begging for him to sub every time I'm busy."
Ikeya Yu even looked a bit frustrated as he spoke.
He only occasionally had Auron substitute, and yet his students clearly preferred Auron.
"It's nothing, really. The students are just putting in the effort," Auron responded humbly.
After chatting with his colleagues for a while, Auron returned to practicing calligraphy until the afternoon portion of the exam began.
The venue was still Training Ground 16, but there were noticeably fewer students than in the morning.
Since students who had already lost weren't required to continue, they could choose whether to stay or leave.
As time passed, battles continued one by one. Rin Nohara, who wasn't particularly skilled in combat, was eliminated in the first round of the afternoon.
On the other hand, Might Guy—who decisively won every match—finally caught everyone's attention.
"Wow, Guy's taijutsu is insane! His speed is crazy—he beat Daisuke with one kick," a student exclaimed.
"He's improved so much. I remember back in third year he was just okay," said another who knew Guy from before.
"Maybe he trained super hard over the summer and new semester?"
"The final match: Number 1, Uchiha Obito vs. Number 40, Might Guy. Combatants, prepare!" Auron announced the final match of the class combat exam.
Guy and Obito exchanged glances and walked to the field, ready for battle.
"Guy, I'm not letting you take first place," Obito said, glancing at Rin on the sidelines, determination surging.
"I feel the same. If I'm to become the strongest, I must claim every first I can!" Guy replied with blazing spirit.
"They really made it to the final," murmured a student who had doubted them before.
Just a year ago, these two were considered dead last in third grade. Who could've guessed they'd become this strong in fourth?
At the start of the fight, Obito immediately backed off while forming hand seals.
He knew Guy was a taijutsu specialist and had no intention of engaging him directly.
"Clone Jutsu!"
Poof! Poof!
Two clones appeared beside Obito. The three figures crisscrossed and ran, trying to confuse Guy.
But Guy was faster than Obito expected. He caught up in an instant and with a swift Leaf Whirlwind kick, destroyed both clones and sent Obito flying back over a meter.
"Such strength," Obito muttered, his arm trembling slightly from taking the kick head-on.
Guy didn't give him a moment to recover and closed in again, forcing close-quarters combat.
But Obito was no match for Guy in taijutsu. He was quickly overwhelmed.
"Who do you think will win?" students on the sidelines started to whisper.
"Probably Guy. Obito's already struggling."
"Not necessarily. Obito beat Uchiha Tekka despite losing in taijutsu early on—he might still use Fire Release to turn it around."
After all, Obito had defeated the previous top student with solid results.
"Mr. Auron, who do you think will win?" asked Kimura Sanjin.
"Guy," Auron replied after a moment's thought.
"Yeah, even though Obito's Fire Release is powerful, this exam terrain just doesn't suit his style," Kimura agreed.
Auron nodded. Truthfully, their strength was pretty even.
But Obito was like a turret mage—strong at range but lacking mobility and quick casting—while Guy was a high-speed warrior. In a flat and open area, Obito was at a serious disadvantage.
Sure enough, the next moment, Guy exploited an opening and launched a Leaf Whirlwind that sent Obito flying.
"Might Guy wins," Auron announced.
Students who bet on Obito could only clutch their heads—Obito's unpredictability struck again.
When you think he'll lose, he wins. When you think he'll win, he loses.
"Guy, you're amazing! How do you train?" a classmate couldn't help asking.
"How? I guess I get up at 5:30 a.m., run around the village before class, then train taijutsu on a wooden post all night. On weekends…" Guy started listing.
"Forget it!" the student bailed halfway through the answer. Getting up at 5:30? Training all night? Even real ninjas don't go that hard.
"Obito, are you okay?" Rin asked with concern.
"I'm fine, just a narrow loss. I'll win next time," Obito said, patting off the dust.
Even if he was hurting, in front of Rin he had to look fine.
But Rin wasn't buying it. She grabbed his arm, pulled up his sleeve, and spotted bruises.
"You think pretending to be fine helps? Injuries won't heal just because you're acting tough. Go to the infirmary—now."
Saying that, she dragged Obito off.
He said "I'm fine," but made no effort to resist. His mouth said no, but his body was honest.
With the class combat test over, the day ended.
Tomorrow, the top two from each class would compete to determine the year's overall first place.
After the exam, Guy went to thank Auron before heading home—he couldn't wait to tell his father, Might Duy.
Guy could already picture his dad crying tears of joy, yelling something about the flames of youth.
But Auron stopped Guy before he could leave.
"I have something for you," Auron said with a smile, leading Guy to a quiet area.
"Congratulations on ranking first."
He handed Guy a small notebook.
"This is a taijutsu training manual I wrote in my spare time. It includes some ideas for expanding on Leaf Whirlwind. Consider it a gift for placing first."
Guy looked at the notebook—but his eyes also caught the faint ink stains on Auron's hand.
The surface looked clean, but someone as observant as Guy noticed the traces that hadn't quite washed off.
Looking through the contents, it all clicked.
This wasn't something written casually in spare time. It was clearly tailored for him, full of in-depth thought and effort. Even if he hadn't ranked first, Auron likely would've found another reason to give it to him.
The ideas in the book felt custom-made for him.
"Mr. Auron, I won't let your effort go to waste. I'll definitely become the strongest taijutsu ninja!" Guy cried, tears running down his cheeks.
Auron gently wiped Guy's tears with a tissue, patted him on the shoulder, and said warmly:
"That's all a teacher could ever hope for—seeing their student grow strong."
His voice was filled with sincerity.
Guy nodded firmly. His resolve to become stronger had never been clearer.
As Guy walked away, Auron checked the system message that popped up—and smiled.