Konoha Notes.

Chapter 227 unfolds

Chapter 227 unfolds

Tsunade had no objection to increasing revenue. However, the specifics still needed to be discussed with the elders of the advisory group, so she promptly tossed Shuji out of the office and told him to go find Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"The increased expenditure is indeed a problem, and it's good that it can be solved in this way." The Third Hokage had no objection to Shuji's idea.

After all, ever since the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, negotiated terms with various clans in the Land of Fire, demanding more funding through mission quotas has become the norm. Now, they're simply doing the same thing to those who gain economic benefits through new tournaments.

There are precedents for this, so there's nothing wrong with it.

The third generation also supports investing in the younger generation: "What are your specific thoughts on adding preschool classes?"

Shuji said, "Ninja training for children begins around the age of three."

Hinata Hyuga, who is less gifted, also started training around this age. Considering that she has more resources as the head of the Hyuga family, Shuji believes that the village can appropriately postpone the children's education.

"The village can open classes for children around four years old who have the talent to become ninjas."

"At this stage, chakra and ninjutsu are not involved; only the most basic cultural education, physical activities, and habit formation are conducted. The curriculum can be standardized, and the teaching tasks... senior genin are sufficient to handle them."

In terms of funding, simply designing the daily operation of preschool as a long-term D-level task, replacing some low-level tasks that are meaningless and inefficient, can achieve resource allocation without significantly altering the existing financial structure.

After deep thought, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "In that case, the cost of preschool can be reduced considerably. As for the housing issue, let Yamato handle it using the Four Pillars of Destiny method."

"The village only needs to provide one open space."

"However, simply issuing missions and having the village's genin carry them out isn't comprehensive enough. I'll take charge of the initial phase," the Third Hokage said. "As for guiding some basic lessons, I do have some experience in that area."

When Hiruzen Sarutobi was Hokage, he would regularly set aside time to spend with the orphans in the village who had lost their parents. He would also often go to the Ninja Academy as an unofficial teacher to teach basic taijutsu and observe the students' progress.

Going back to preschool to work like a slave wouldn't present any operational problems for him.

Even retired Hokage don't need extra money because they already have benefits.

In other words, the additional production costs that would have been required for preschool classes have been temporarily offset.

Although the site should have been included in the cost calculation, the village didn't actually need the space. The issues of construction and key personnel were resolved…

So, this plan, which seemed to require multiple approvals and cost a fortune, actually met the conditions for immediate trial implementation.

"As for the genin training program and the personnel preparation for next year's exchange tournament," Hiruzen Sarutobi brought up another topic, "Tsunade has already discussed Hayate Gekko's physical condition with me. Since it's decided to transfer him out of the Anbu, let him be in charge of training in taijutsu and swordsmanship."

"As for the ninjutsu instruction," the Third Hokage's gaze fell on Shuji, his meaning clear, "originally it would have been fine for me to do it, but now..."

Shuji, who was being watched, understood the third generation's subtext.

As one of the few ninjas in the village who had a good grasp of all five basic ninjutsu, with the Third Hokage going to preschool, Kakashi dealing with Root matters, he was the only one left.

It's just providing basic guidance and directional control; it won't take too much time. After all, he was the one who spearheaded this plan...

"I will take responsibility," Shuji agreed.

The third generation smiled with satisfaction.

"Shuji, to be honest," his voice lowered, tinged with a hint of melancholy, "regarding the current changes in the ninja world, both I, Koharu, and En are somewhat at a loss."

"Many past experiences no longer seem to apply."

"The only thing that can be foreseen is that in the future, the display of Konoha's strength and its exchanges with other ninja villages will depend more on those young genin, and even those children who have not yet graduated."

"And people like you, Kakashi, Yamato... you are the most outstanding young people in the village, but the wars of the past made you stand out too early, and your rank and reputation are no longer suitable for this level of performance."

"Since we have gained practical benefits and established initial trust with Yunyin through cooperation, we cannot break our promise for the sake of temporary victory or defeat."

"You and Tsunade have done a great job in bringing this situation to a head," Hiruzen Sarutobi concluded solemnly. "I will do my best to help in any way I can."

-

"Shikamaru! Shikamaru!"

During the break between classes, Naruto rushed to Shikamaru Nara's desk.

Shikamaru had half his face buried in his arms, only one listless eye showing: "...What's wrong now, Naruto?"

"Yesterday, I saw that Shuji-nii brother at Ichiraku Ramen."

Shikamaru let out a long yawn, shifting his head to another position as he rested his head on his pillow: "...What's so strange about that? Even big shots need to eat."

In another corner of the classroom, Karin, who was pretending to organize her notes with her head down, suddenly perked up her ears when she caught the keywords.

She adjusted her glasses and casually shifted her posture, drawing all her attention.

Captain, do you like ramen?

That idiot actually called the captain "brother"?!

Naruto, completely unaware that he had become the focus of a hidden gaze, remained immersed in the joy of sharing: "But, Shuuji-nii said that Shikamaru, your father is the real big shot!"

Nara Shikamaru sighed. "Which truly important person keeps saying 'I'm important' all the time? Naruto, is that all you want to say?"

"And one more thing!" Naruto quickly added, "Iruka-sensei also participated in the Chunin Exams last year! Shuji-nii took him there!"

"Finally, Shuji-nii even treated me and Iruka-sensei to ramen!"

"Oh……"

Shikamaru's reaction was lukewarm, and Naruto pouted, somewhat disappointed.

Behind him, Karin gripped her pen tightly.

Ichiraku Ramen...

Just then, Iruka walked into the classroom with his lesson plan, clapped his hands, and quieted the noisy classroom down.

"Attention everyone. Starting this week, the village will arrange a weekly taijutsu or ninjutsu sparring demonstration between senior students. The purpose is to give everyone a more direct understanding of the form of ninja combat."

His gaze swept over the students below the stage, each with a different expression.

"The first demonstration will be tomorrow afternoon. Everyone must be present to observe and learn carefully."

A small commotion arose in the classroom, a mixture of curiosity, anticipation, or simply the secret joy of not having to attend class.

(End of this chapter)