Konoha.
The Hokage Building.
"But..."
"Fifth Hokage."
"Over the past few years,"
"quite a few teachers have requested early graduation for their students."
"Isn't keeping such gifted children in school a waste of their time?"
Shikaku Nara looked puzzled.
Chiba chuckled softly.
He picked up the hot tea beside him and took a sip.
"Shikaku."
"Do you remember the Third Shinobi World War?"
Shikaku Nara stiffened.
It was one of the most painful memories in Konoha's history.
"Ten-year-old children..."
"Their hands shook just holding Kunai, yet they were sent to the battlefield as cannon fodder."
Chiba's voice was calm.
But beneath that calm lay a bone-deep chill.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen dressed it up with that saying: 'Where the leaves dance, the fire burns on.'"
"But what was the truth?"
"Incompetent leaders were covering up their failures with the next generation's blood."
Shikaku Nara lowered his head, not daring to answer.
He knew the filthy truth of those days all too well.
Civilian orphans were sent to die on the front lines in wave after wave.
Even a genius like Kakashi had lost his left eye and his closest friend on the battlefield.
That twisted system should have been thrown on the scrap heap long ago.
Chiba set down his teacup and looked out at the lively streets.
"Konoha has a strong army now."
"Over ten thousand Chunin and more than a thousand Jonin."
"If an enemy attacks, those adults will stand at the front."
"Konoha doesn't need children to risk their lives."
"Their job is to build a solid foundation at school and grow strong enough to stand on their own."
"If anyone suggests sending students under twelve to the battlefield early..."
"I'll send him to fill the gap on the front line himself."
Cold sweat broke out across Shikaku Nara's