Not only are Obito and the others striving to improve themselves, but Asuma, being the only one in the squad who advanced to the third round of the exam, also wants to achieve a breakthrough in a month.
However, Asuma doesn't know the location of Mokgetsu's house, so he waited at the gate of the Ninja Academy when school ended on Monday afternoon for Mokgetsu.
As soon as he saw Mokgetsu come out, he immediately greeted him.
Mokgetsu smiled in response, roughly guessing Asuma's purpose for seeking him.
After all, at this time there probably aren't any other things requiring his proactive attention.
"Teacher Mokgetsu, do you have time to help me devise a special training plan? I feel there's hope to defeat Obito only through cultivation with you," Asuma asked somewhat sheepishly.
Though speaking this way might seem hurtful, his Guiding Jonin is indeed far behind Mokgetsu. If he trains with the Jonin teacher for a month, he is destined for defeat.
"For short-term improvement in strength, I do have some ideas, but wanting to defeat Obito remains quite difficult," Mokgetsu answered tactfully.
It's not that Asuma is lacking in strength, but Obito's power level has surpassed that of typical Chunin; he possesses the Sharingan and can unlock the Pattern, albeit not the complete version.
Even if Asuma's strength significantly improves within this month, he still won't be a match for Obito, because Asuma masters both Wind Release and Fire Release.
Among peers, beating Obito can only happen through attribute restraint as seen with Terumi Mei, or being disciples like Obito who receive Mokgetsu's teachings daily.
Although the system's rewards are all Mokgetsu's, disciples can also enjoy the benefits, such as the peculiar Kinjutsu like Breathing Technique or the highly effective teaching skills.
Obito and the others quickly learned the various powerful ninjutsu and teaching skills taught by Mokgetsu due in no small part to these relationships. While Asuma is among those taught most outside Mokgetsu's few disciples, the guided time falls considerably short compared to Obito.
Furthermore, because of Asuma's identity as the Third Hokage's son, Mokgetsu previously chose publicly available ninjutsu to teach him, merely covering some nature transformations and C-level to B-level ninjutsu, as he was not yet a Jonin capable of assisting Jiraiya in defeating Tailed Beasts then.
Now, Mokgetsu can teach the Breathing Technique to Asuma, further establishing some genius persona.
Although Pattern and Transparent World effects are exceptionally powerful, neither can be achieved through casual training; the standard Breathing Technique is merely a decent Secret Technique, not particularly awe-inspiring.
Therefore, even if Asuma doesn't seek Mokgetsu, Mokgetsu would teach Asuma the Basic Breathing Technique in the upcoming session.
The choice of Basic Breathing over Breath of Flame is because Asuma clearly shows more talent in Wind Release, making him more suited to Breath of Wind, but since the system hasn't rewarded Breath of Wind, Mokgetsu can only develop this himself.
Mokgetsu currently possesses Master Level Wind Attribute Chakra Nature Changes, two Perfect Level Breathing Techniques, two Master Level Breathing Techniques, and development experience in Breath of Water; he estimates he can fully develop Breath of Wind within half a year now.
Upon completing this Breath of Wind development, Mokgetsu will attempt self-development of Breath of Sun.
With the completion of Breath of Wind, Mokgetsu essentially gathers the five basic Breathing Techniques, and he feels compelled to strive toward Breath of Sun's direction.
Mokgetsu suspects Breath of Sun's development mainly involves Yang Attribute Nature Transformation, possibly combining Yang with Fire, or relating to Natural Energy and Sage Mode, or potentially connecting all those elements.
"No problem, if I give my all and still can't win, then I'll accept the loss sincerely," Asuma stated earnestly.
Currently, Obito is strong and he is weak; even if he diligently cultivates within the coming month and Obito doesn't train much, whether he can defeat Obito remains uncertain. Therefore, Asuma knows winning is challenging, he's just unwilling to lose so easily.
At least he's Obito's senior; being defeated easily like that person in the preliminaries by Obito would be disgraceful, especially since he's now the squad's sole hope.
"I understand your determination," Mokgetsu nodded, beginning to teach Asuma after dinner.
"Next, I will teach you a Secret Technique that enhances physical abilities. You must diligently cultivate this every day," Mokgetsu introduced the Basic Breathing Technique to Asuma.
The Basic Breathing Technique is essential to learn, as it strengthens Taijutsu and lays a foundation for future Breath of Wind, offering significant value.
"Furthermore, intensify cultivation of Wind Release Nature Transformation; I will teach you a wind ninjutsu with strong force," Mokgetsu continued.
Asuma attempting to beat Obito using Fire Release is impossible; even without Breath of Flame, Asuma still can't win. Obito's skill in Fire Attribute Nature Transformation and Chakra Amount are stronger, so Asuma can only work hard on Wind Release.
Though in terms of nature, Fire Release surpasses Wind Release, actual collisions between the two don't resemble Water Release versus Fire Release; strong wind can substantially influence the opponent's flame manipulation.
Of course, attribute restraint persists, mainly because Fire Release offers a slimmer chance in winning. Practicing Water Release now comes too late, but a slight hope remains in Wind Release.
Mokgetsu prepares to teach Asuma Wind Release: Air Vortex, which he exchanged from Ninja Dojo as a B-level ninjutsu, well-suited for Asuma presently.