The Ninja Academy was founded by the Second Hokage as an institution to train shinobi, but the current academy is far from perfect—after all, it hasn't been around for very long.
Take Gekko Chizan's generation, for example. Aside from some basic Ninjutsu and general knowledge, there aren't really any other subjects being taught.
You could say that unless a student has outstanding talent—like Namikaze Minato—or comes from a prestigious clan with a solid foundation, like the Sarutobi or Nara, they're not going to get much.
The once-dominant Senju Clan has already declined, while the Uchiha are enjoying a bit of a resurgence—though they're probably already on the Third Hokage's list for future "reorganization."
As for the Hyūga Clan, who would later become the top of Konohagakure, they're currently quite low-key and stable.
The Gekko Clan, where Gekko Chizan hails from, is also one of the declining families. Fortunately, Chizan is still holding things together—otherwise, they'd be completely finished.
Gekko Chizan openly supports the Hokage, just like Namikaze Minato. Though only at the level of a Chūnin, his skills in stealth and concealment have earned the high regard of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
At this stage, Sarutobi Hiruzen is still in his prime, and his control over the village is at its strongest.
Thinking of all this, Gekko Chizan found himself considering—maybe becoming a teacher wasn't such a bad idea after all.
...
At the same time.
"Have you notified him?"
"Yes, but..."
"What? Just say it."
"Lord Third, are you sure about letting him teach students? He's only 14 years old."
Inside the Hokage's office, an ANBU was reporting to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
However, when it came to Gekko Chizan being appointed as a substitute teacher at the Ninja Academy, he still had his doubts.
"Hehehe, so what if he's 14? He's the current head of the Gekko Clan."
"But he's just a Chūnin. Even if he is from the Gekko Clan, still..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen raised his hand to stop the ANBU from continuing.
He slowly got up and stood at the window with his hands behind his back.
"Do you really think he's just a Chūnin?"
"That kid has a lot of talent, but he's far too lazy."
"And he's extremely skilled at hiding his true strength. This mission might have been officially led by Nara Suzaku, but the real core was him. Only his Transparent Release allows for silent infiltration into the Takigakure to obtain intel."
Hiruzen had his own judgment about Gekko Chizan. He was certain this was an unpolished gem—one that would shine in his own way.
...
The next day, at the Ninja Academy.
A group of children entered the school, each having received news: they were about to start a new course.
Its name: Stealth Techniques for Shinobi.
As for who the teacher was—no one knew.
"Hey, Kakashi!"
"Do you know who the new teacher is?"
The goggle-wearing "Prince" Uchiha Obito threw an arm around the genius boy Kakashi's neck.
"No idea. Also, let go of my neck."
Kakashi was speechless at Obito's antics. If there weren't people around, he really would've punched Obito flat.
"Tch. Kakashi, you're still so boring."
"Huh? The teacher's not here yet?"
"Seriously, being late on the first day of class..."
Obito muttered disdainfully as he walked to his seat, but the moment he saw Nohara Rin, his expression changed entirely.
Unbeknownst to them, everything happening in the classroom was being observed by someone.
In fact, Gekko Chizan had arrived a long time ago—but he'd stayed hidden using Transparent Release, never revealing himself.
This was his "gift" to the students for their first meeting.
What he hadn't expected was that his very first class would be the one Kakashi was in.
Looking at the still-young Kakashi and the future initiator of the Fourth Great Ninja War, Uchiha Obito, Gekko Chizan couldn't help but feel a little emotional.
He had arrived early. Early enough to see things others couldn't.
And to do things others wanted to do but couldn't.
Like...
Kakashi had been sitting quietly at his desk when, all of a sudden, someone yanked off his mask.
"Huh?! Kakashi! You actually took off your mask!"
Obito's sudden shout triggered chaos throughout the classroom.
Kakashi was just as shocked—he felt someone tug the mask right off his face.
He had just reached up to pull it back on, but it had already been torn apart.
In an instant, everyone's eyes were glued to him. Young Kakashi's face flushed bright red.
"He's so handsome! Who would've thought Kakashi looks like that under his mask!"
"I can't take it—I'm gonna have Kakashi's babies!"
Suddenly, the whole class—especially the girls—erupted.
Nohara Rin's eyes sparkled. She'd always thought Kakashi was handsome, but actually seeing his face—tsk, she was done for.
"Damn it!"
Left with no choice, Kakashi tore a piece of his clothing and wrapped it around his face. He then swept a fierce glare across the classroom, trying to figure out who did it.
"Hahahahaha! Kakashi! I'm still better looking than you!"
"Told you—I'm the most handsome one in class!"
Unlike everyone else, Uchiha Obito felt a sudden boost of confidence after seeing Kakashi's face. He jumped up on his desk and started laughing out loud.
But the next second—WHAM!—his body jerked as if struck by a powerful blow, flying straight toward the podium.
As he flew, he screamed:
"Ah! My butt!"
Thud!
The sound of something heavy hitting the ground rang out. Obito was rolling on the floor, clutching his butt.
The sight left Kakashi frozen.
He'd seen this scene somewhere before...
Oh, right—it looked exactly like his father's Konoha Taijutsu secret technique: the Thousand Years of Death!
Could it be...? His father?
Laughter erupted throughout the classroom. Obito's reaction was just too hilarious.
"Hehehehe, you all think this is funny?"
Suddenly, a new voice echoed through the room—one no one recognized.
"On the battlefield, concealment is one of the most crucial skills. If you're discovered because your stealth failed during a mission, it could easily put your side at a major disadvantage."
"The point of this class is to teach you all how to hide yourselves."
"I'll be your substitute instructor."
"Gekko Chizan. Pleased to meet you."
As the words fell, Gekko Chizan slowly revealed himself—he was sitting casually on the podium with a mischievous grin on his face.
In his hand, he held Kakashi's torn mask.
"I thought that voice sounded familiar—Chizan-niisan, it really was you."
"You actually ripped my mask... That's going too far."
Kakashi looked at Gekko Chizan, utterly exasperated.
"Hahaha, is that so?"
"Did you like the welcome gift?"
"Here, have a new one."
The grin on Gekko Chizan's face widened as he tossed something to Kakashi—
A colorful mask.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo