Education Department Reform

After a decision was made regarding the Ninja Academy, Uchiha Takeyasu didn't immediately leave. He sat at the Hokage's desk, pondered for a moment, and then summoned two former Anbu captains.

"Hokage-sama."

Having shed their Anbu attire, the two men possessed refined features, though a distinct coldness and ferocity lingered between their brows.

After bowing to Uchiha Takeyasu, they lowered their eyelids, hands pressed against their trousers, and quietly awaited orders.

"How have things been for you, Mr. Iino, Mr. Mizuki?"

Uchiha Takeyasu had already reviewed the files of the two Anbu captains, codenamed [Tiger] and [Elephant]. One was named Karuya Iino, and the other was Mizuki Hana, both exceptional ninja who had emerged from the war.

"To Hokage-sama," Karuya Iino replied respectfully, "we're still adjusting a bit. Compared to the busyness of the Anbu, life is too leisurely."

"But it's surprisingly good," Mizuki Hana added. Walking openly under the sun was a sensation he hadn't experienced in a long time.

This sentiment was shared by the vast majority of Anbu members.

"That's good to hear," Uchiha Takeyasu nodded. "My Uchiha Clan values fairness above all else. We don't engage in hollow elections; as long as no mistakes are made, one's strength should determine their position."

"You are rare Kage Level ninja in Konoha, and you deserve a position higher than Jonin."

"Konoha's seven major departments—Anbu, Administration Department, Education Department, Analysis Team, Interrogation Department, Security Department, and Medical Department."

Uchiha Takeyasu spoke slowly. "Excluding the Anbu, you can go to any of the other six departments. This includes the Security Department; your strength is sufficient to compete for the head of any department."

"However, I also hope you will consider practically which department suits you best. The clan heads who will follow, including the elites of my Uchiha Clan, are not to be trifled with."

"The capable rise, the weak fall. I promote based solely on talent; there are no favors to be granted here."

Mito Uzumaki and Minako Uzumaki raised their eyes to look at the Hokage, who rested his chin on his hands, his gaze stern and his presence awe-inspiring. They marveled at his broad mind and his imposing spirit.

(But we are people of the Senju of the Forest!)

Karuya Iino and Mizuki Hana moved their lips slightly. Recalling Uchiha Takeyasu's victory over them and his words at the banquet, they felt utterly convinced of this young Uchiha Hokage.

"Please allow me to become your Anbu, Hokage-sama!" Karuya Iino knelt on one knee. "I've served in the Anbu for over a decade, and my strength and experience can surely be of assistance to you. Even if I'm not a captain, I'd be happy to guide new Anbu members as a squad leader."

"Me too, Hokage-sama!"

"Get up. I don't go back on my word, and what we agreed upon before still stands," Uchiha Takeyasu waved his hand. "I won't let you be idle. If you don't choose soon, I'll choose for you."

"We will obey all of Hokage-sama's commands!"

Seeing their firm resolve, Uchiha Takeyasu made his arrangements decisively.

"For the Analysis Team and Interrogation Department, you'll likely be outmatched by the Ino-Shika-Cho clans; their secret techniques are too well-suited for those roles. You wouldn't be able to contribute much in the Medical Department either. And being a division captain in the Security Department wouldn't be very meaningful."

"The Administration Department is purely clerical work, suitable for those nearing retirement or young ladies, but not for you who are still in your prime. That leaves the Education Department, which requires a lot of effort and thought."

"Secretary Minako, this will now be considered a meeting. Please record the proceedings."

"Understood, Hokage-sama."

Uchiha Takeyasu had long intended to expand and reform the Education Department. He organized his thoughts slightly and began to speak.

"Currently, Konoha has only one Ninja Academy located in the central district. I plan to expand its scale by building two more Ninja Academies in the northern and southern parts of the outer city."

Mito Uzumaki frowned slightly. Konoha, having recently paid out a large sum in survivor benefits, was not financially flush. However, subordinates could not contradict their superiors at such a time.

At the same time, she wanted to see what Uchiha Takeyasu had in mind.

"I intend to designate the central Ninja Academy as a three-year Higher Education Department, and the two outer city academies as six-year Primary Schools."

"We will relax the previous admission requirements. All six-year-old children in Konoha who are of age can enroll in the Primary School. There will be three main areas of study. The first is the Will of Fire."

"'Where the leaves dance, a fire shall never cease. The flame will continue to light the village, and make new leaves sprout.' 'But only the flame of warmth and hope can make new leaves sprout and grow strong, passing hope onto the next generation.'"

Uchiha Takeyasu spoke word by word.

"I hope that you two principals will convey to all the children the message that 'Ninja who do not follow rules and violate discipline are trash, but those who do not value the lives of their comrades are worse than trash.'"

"Yes!"

The solemn words caused the four Kage Level individuals in the room to lower their heads. Karuya Iino and Mizuki Hana felt a surge of warmth within them. The Anbu sometimes had to sacrifice their comrades to complete missions.

But people have hearts. Even a dog, after spending time together, would develop feelings, let alone comrades with whom one could entrust their back and go through life and death together.

The two of them vowed to wholeheartedly teach the children to understand and act upon this principle.

"The second area will be the study of basic ninja knowledge, such as Chakra manipulation techniques, Transformation Technique, Substitution Technique, Kunai throwing techniques, and other fundamental training and combat skills."

"The third area will cover civilian management, civil engineering, agricultural cultivation, biology, and technology."

Uchiha Takeyasu paused, observing their confused expressions. He knew he was moving too fast, but preparing talent was something that could never be done too early.

He explained, "Konoha is currently a blank slate in this third area. It's mainly about nurturing the children's interests. Different people have different talents; not all children have combat aptitude. Some children might contribute more in the field of technology than even one or two Kage Level ninja."

This was also a plan to prepare for the future reception of the Land of Fire.

"We need to nurture the children's talents, not just force them to become ninja. Konoha doesn't lack Genin; it lacks outstanding talents in various fields. Six years is enough time to identify the children's specialties."

"Hokage-sama, we understand."

Karuya Iino and Mizuki Hana nodded repeatedly. As Anbu captains, their minds were equally sharp; they weren't rigid, dogmatic ninja and had broad horizons. They already understood Uchiha Takeyasu's intentions.

They were quite envious of the flying devices equipped by those Sky Ninja from the Land of Sky.

"For talents Konoha lacks, we will invite them from the Land of Fire or other countries, allowing the children to choose paths more suited to them based on their different aptitudes."

Karuya Iino's words made Uchiha Takeyasu smile and nod, then he turned his gaze to Mito Uzumaki. "Secretary-General Mito, please discuss the funding issues with the Daimyo. If they disagree, Uchiha will make them agree."

(If they disagree, you're not planning to force them, are you?)

Mito, not wanting this suspicion to become reality, nodded with a hint of panic.

Uchiha Takeyasu continued.

"After the Primary School students graduate, those who meet the academic requirements will be divided into Combat and Science departments based on their chosen specialties. The remaining students will be granted Life Ninja status and will engage in other work, unrelated to the Education Department, which we won't discuss for now."

"Combat department students will continue to enroll in the Higher Education Department for advanced studies, undergoing practical combat drills led by Jonin while learning intermediate and lower-level combat skills such as the Great Fireball Technique, Swordsmanship, and Taijutsu. Outstanding students may learn advanced Ninjutsu and Swordsmanship. Upon graduation, average students will possess Chunin-level strength."

"Science department students will continue their in-depth studies with teachers from their respective departments. If we have many talents in the future, an Academy of Sciences equivalent to the Higher Education Department will be established."