Naruto: Becoming a master taijutsu using martial arts.

Bekkou-sensei POV

A week had passed since the survival exercise, and honestly, I was relieved. Despite a few minor injuries, the exercise had been a success. Sure, I had to have some talks with a few students about their behavior during the exercise, but overall, everyone managed to survive the two days in the training field, so I'd call it a win. 

Kenshin's team ended up being the overall winners with three flags, and they were rewarded with instructions on the Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu). It was a solid reward for their impressive performance during the exercise.

Being a ninja academy instructor wasn't exactly a walk in the park, and every day felt like a new challenge. Trying to guide young students full of potential, but also immature and full of flaws, was something that gradually wore me down. I knew I couldn't afford to fail them, and that pressure made me question my own abilities all the time.

The results of the survival exercise were good, and that gave me some confidence. But even with that, it didn't feel enough when I thought about the weight of the responsibility I was carrying.

Today, the focus wasn't on the students, but on the meeting with the Third Hokage. Just thinking about it made me break out in a cold sweat. I was just a simple guy, and being face-to-face with someone like the Hokage always made me uncomfortable. I wanted to prove I was capable, that my students were in good hands.

Kenshin, as expected, took first place overall among all the classes. The kid stood out in taijutsu and his physical skills, and I always wondered how he'd learned to throw those kicks. But, unfortunately, he didn't seem to get along with many other students in the class, except for Jimei.

It was actually pretty interesting seeing Kenshin interact with others during the survival exercise. I was genuinely surprised by how well he led a team with so many different personalities.

Tokuma, on the other hand, grabbed second place overall. His talent was undeniable, but so was his pride. He really needed to learn how to be less arrogant and more humble if he wanted to truly reach his potential. And Natori, the quiet and observant one, came in fourth overall. While it wasn't as impressive as the other two, it was still a solid result.

So yeah, the results were great. Really great. At that moment, I felt, at least partially, proud of my class. They were growing, and I was doing my job as their guide.

As I approached the Hokage's office, a knot formed in my stomach. I never liked meeting with the Hokage alone. His imposing presence always made me feel small, but I knew it was an honor to be one of the few instructors to have his attention. I knocked on the door, and his deep, calm voice echoed from the other side.

"Come in."

I took a deep breath and quickly straightened my clothes. I opened the door, walked in, and bowed before facing the man they called the God of Shinobi. I'd admired the Third Hokage since I was a kid. To me, he was exactly what a shinobi should be: wise and strong.

"Bekkou-sensei." The Hokage's voice sounded tired but calm. "How are your students?"

I hesitated a bit before answering, trying to find the right words. The Hokage always knew what to say, which made the pressure of having something important to say even greater.

"They're doing well, Hokage-sama." I started, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice.

Hiruzen gave a brief smile but didn't say anything. I continued.

"The class has shown good progress so far, but there's still a lot to improve in several areas. Next year, we'll start genjutsu lessons and specific lessons for kunoichis, which will be taught by Suzume-sensei." I explained, looking at the Hokage. "The will of fire is there, but they've still got a long way to go before becoming true shinobi."

The Hokage was sitting behind his desk, but he soon stood up and walked to the window, staring out at the village. For a moment, I wondered what he was thinking as he looked at it.

"We have some promising students, but they still need to refine their basics. There's no one as brilliant as there was a few years ago, like Uchiha Itachi." I said, getting more nervous with the Hokage's silence.

"We have some promising students, but they still need to refine their basics. There isn't anyone as brilliant as we had a few years ago with Uchiha Itachi." I said nervously, waiting for the Hokage's response.

The Hokage finally turned around, his eyes reflecting a lifetime of experience. He was older, more introspective, but still with the same wisdom and intensity.

"It's good to hear that…" he said, his tone softer but still heavy. "But you're aware that the village doesn't have the luxury of waiting any longer, right?"

My stomach flipped. It wasn't a surprise, but hearing it from the Hokage still hit hard.

"We haven't fully recovered from the Kyuubi attack, Bekkou-sensei. It's been three years, but the number of ninjas is still too low. We're at a critical point. We can't afford to wait anymore."

I fell silent, feeling the nervousness spread through me. I knew this day would come. We all did. The lack of qualified ninjas was a serious problem, but the idea of sending my students into the field now made me uneasy.

"It's a tough situation..." the Hokage said "I need you to prepare your class for an early graduation exam. At the end of next year, they'll be evaluated. Those who pass will become genin of the village."

My heart skipped a beat. I knew things were tough, but I didn't expect such urgency. My students were too young—they should have at least two more years at the academy. None of them were a genius like Itachi. They weren't ready.

"Hokage-sama, with all due respect, they're still too young!" I protested, trying to buy some time, still not believing what he was saying. "They're not ready for this."

The Hokage looked at me with a serious expression, but there was an understanding in his gaze.

"I'd prefer it wasn't like this, but the village needs ninjas. I'll give you a year to teach them as much as you can, but understand this: those who don't pass can continue their studies normally. Only the ones who pass will become genin."

He paused, staring at me, as if measuring my reaction. It was hard to accept, but there was no choice. I knew that.

"I understand, Hokage-sama," I said, a bit calmer now, but still worried about the situation. "I'll do my best to prepare them. But… it'll be tough."

He nodded slowly, the weight of his words leaving no room for argument.

"I know. If it were up to me, we wouldn't have to resort to this…" The Hokage sighed before speaking again. "But we need this. Konoha needs new leaves to begin to fly."

I stood there for a moment, watching the Hokage closely. He looked older than ever, more tired, but still so firm. I knew he was doing what was necessary, and I had no right to question that. The responsibility was mine now.

"I'll do my best to make sure they're ready, Hokage-sama."

"I trust you, Bekkou-sensei." He smiled—a tired but sincere smile.

After that exchange, he turned back to the window. I gave one last bow and left the office, with the feeling that my job was about to get a whole lot harder. What the future held, I didn't know, but it was clear I had a whole year to make sure those young ninjas were ready for the battles ahead for Konoha.