In the Hokage's office, Yakushi Nonō was discussing official business with Makoto.
Nonō was now the principal of the Ninja Academy. The previous principal had retired due to his advanced age.
The education and training of ninja was a matter of vital importance to the village, as it concerned its long-term future. The village had always been strict in selecting ninja instructors. A qualified ninja teacher did not need to be exceptionally strong, but their character and abilities had to meet the standard.
The position of principal was even more important, yet Makoto had directly appointed Nonō to it.
Nonō had once been an elite of Root. As a ninja, she was well-rounded and capable of handling educational work or anything else.
She had not disappointed Makoto, either. She was doing an excellent job in this position. Nonō enjoyed being around children, and compared to the previous principal, she was far more popular with them.
Looking over the documents in his hand, Makoto said, "The performance of this newly graduated batch of genin seems much worse than the previous class."
Nonō said, "After all, the previous batch of genin was rather special."
The children Makoto had previously selected from the orphanage had become genin alongside the previous graduating class of the Ninja Academy.
Their ninja fundamentals were far better than those of ordinary Academy children, and their strength was close to Chunin level.
That was the result of their high-intensity training.
Makoto pondered. "We can select more children from the orphanage who have the aptitude to become ninja and admit them to the Ninja Academy first."
But Nonō said, "There have been fewer and fewer new children at the orphanage these past two years. After all, it's already an era of peace."
Her words gave Makoto pause. "Then can we