Constant setbacks, even for someone as strong-minded as Might Guy, could occasionally cause a trace of wavering, though it would quickly disappear, it still left a moment of displeasure.
Meeting Mokgetsu changed all this. In the first semester of the fourth grade, for the first time in the first exam, Might Guy became the top of the class. For the first time, he entered the annual combat and achieved second place in the year - just the starting point. With Mokgetsu's guidance and his effort, he successfully claimed the first rank in the year-end exams.
Not long after learning the Breath of Rock, he again encountered people speaking ill of his father. Though not the same group, their words were similar, and Might Guy, just like before, confronted them directly. This time, he had grown stronger and with his own strength, he protected his father's reputation by defeating the two ninjas who mocked his father.
At that moment, Might Guy truly felt that all his hard work was worthwhile; he protected what he wanted to protect.
Then he surpassed his genius friend whom he always saw as a rival, proving that a hardworking genius is also a genius.
None of this could have been achieved in a year without Mokgetsu's help.
"Because Teacher Mokgetsu is around, dreams don't feel so out of reach," Nohara Rin said softly.
She had grand dreams but didn't have talents to match.
She wanted to save those injured in war and hoped war would never happen again, a dream not ordinary people could accomplish.
So at Ninja School, Nohara Rin greatly admired Kakashi because she believed such a genius could possibly achieve that.
After learning from Mokgetsu, Nohara Rin felt different. The Mystical Palm Jutsu gave her the power to heal teammates, and Monster Strength Power allowed her to fight against enemies. She felt she could stand alongside Kakashi and the others to fulfill her dreams.
Listening to the words of other disciples, memories also flickered in the eyes of Kakashi, the latest to join the team.
He joined later, but learned a lot from Mokgetsu, not just ninjutsu and secret techniques but also many life lessons, and shared many unforgettable moments with Mokgetsu.
Mokgetsu found him upset by the riverside, had a heart-to-heart to resolve his confusion, protected him with ease when he was ambushed by enemy Jonin, leaving even his clothes unscathed, and when he suffered insomnia over his father's death, Mokgetsu took him home and gave him meticulous advice. The sumptuous breakfast the next day still lingered in Kakashi's memory, Mokgetsu's solitary stance etched deeply in his mind.
Thinking of this, Kakashi handed the gift he had prepared individually to Mokgetsu and said:
"Teacher Mokgetsu, this is a personal gift I prepared for you. Thank you so much for these past few months."
Kakashi felt that without Mokgetsu, he might still be living like a walking corpse, numb and meaningless.
"Another gift." Mokgetsu's face showed a bit of surprise, not expecting Kakashi to prepare an additional gift for him.
"We all prepared one together, and then each prepared one individually," Shisui explained, handing his gift to Mokgetsu as well.
His gift wasn't easy to carry, so he left it in the Southern Border Forest, and had a Shadow Clone retrieve it upon arrival, getting it in time.
"To thank you for your guidance, Teacher Mokgetsu, one gift isn't enough; each of us giving one is the least we can do," Obito said with a grin, presenting his gift box to Mokgetsu.
"This gift is infused with my youth!" Might Guy beamed a brilliant smile as he presented his gift to Mokgetsu.
Seeing these small hands and the gifts in them, Mokgetsu showed a heartfelt smile, accepting all the gifts and placing them together in the Scroll for safekeeping.
"It's time for dinner, everyone, come over to my place for a meal," Mokgetsu said without uttering more words of thanks, inviting all his disciples home for dinner.
With his current strength, there was no need to hide too much. It didn't matter if news spread that Shisui and Nohara Rin were his disciples; it would only highlight his exceptional teaching abilities instead.
"Yay!" Obito couldn't help but jump up and cheer. Being able to eat a meal cooked by Mokgetsu after being happy was one of the most delightful things in the world for Obito.
"Well, but I need to go home and tell my family first, otherwise my parents will worry about me," Nohara Rin smiled and agreed.
Shisui quickly nodded; he hadn't been to Mokgetsu's main city residence yet, and Kakashi, also living alone, nodded directly in agreement.
Finally, Mokgetsu took Shisui and Kakashi to his main city home first, while the other disciples went home to inform their elders and then headed to Mokgetsu's home.
When Mokgetsu reached the door, he saw Minato just about to knock on his door.
"Minato," Mokgetsu greeted Minato. Usually, at this time, he'd be about to start preparing dinner.
Hearing the familiar voice from behind, Minato was a little stunned.
"There's a bit of business today, so I'm back a little late. Let's go in together," Mokgetsu smiled as he spoke.
"Senior Minato," Kakashi greeted Minato.
Though Shisui didn't know Minato, he still greeted him as Senior Minato out of courtesy.
Minato smiled in response and walked into Mokgetsu's house with the others.
"There's something about this man that feels a bit like Teacher Mokgetsu," Shisui thought immediately, upon seeing Minato's warm smile.
And Minato, looking so familiar after entering, made Shisui suspect he was a close relative of Mokgetsu.
As if sensing Shisui's thought, Kakashi gently reminded him: