The children who voiced their complaints and surprise were the ones who had already experienced the horrors of school. Four- and five-year-olds simply did not know how to control their expressions or emotions, which was why they cried out in astonishment the moment Mingye finished speaking.
Smiling, Mingye raised one hand, wagged his index finger at the children, and patiently explained again.
"Don't worry. Those vicious bastards won't be teaching you anymore. Sighing isn't something you should be doing right now. Children, go out and play next. The entire school building is your playground, and someone will show you around. Of course, before leaving the hall, each of you must collect your own school certificate. You'll need it to attend class tomorrow. Don't skip school, or the punishment will be quite severe—you'll have to stare at him for an entire day!"
As he finished, Mingye pointed at Madara. The children erupted into chatter. Though they had been restrained, their childish hearts remained. Without the troubles of war, there would always be noisy incidents even with their families keeping them in line. At Mingye's wave, the children laughed and, with their parents' permission, quickly ran out of the assembly hall.
Once everyone had left the assembly hall, Mingye's expression turned serious. Looking at the ninjas, he spoke again.
"Konoha's Ninja Academy will not teach ninjutsu. It will provide children with a place for joyful living and practical experience. Over the course of four years, the children's various talents will emerge and be recorded. After graduation, those records will allow jonin to select children and lead them onto the true path of a ninja. And also..."
Mingye paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking again.
"Starting today, the first and second floors of the Ninjutsu Pavilion will also be open to the entire