Team Leadership Reform (2)

Kumoi further explained his reasons. "The advantages are obvious. First, Jonin instructors would have more energy to focus on each apprentice's growth, provide personalized guidance, and promptly identify problems and talents.

"Second, small groups can more easily build deep trust and coordination, reducing pointless internal friction.

"Third, this would also help us carry out 'ideological guidance'—instructors would have more opportunities to communicate deeply with apprentices, imparting the proper Will of Fire and the village's ideals rather than merely teaching ninjutsu and completing missions."

A gleam flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. This was indeed a more forward-looking arrangement.

"But, Kumoi, this would greatly increase the demand for Jonin. With the village's current number of Jonin—especially those experienced enough, patient enough, and possessing the right ideals—I'm afraid..."

"I know." Nangō Kumoi nodded. "That is why this cannot be accomplished overnight. We can proceed in stages.

"First, we can begin trials with Genin graduating next year who have greater talent or special backgrounds, such as war orphans or promising members of major clans.

"Second, we can broaden the criteria for Special Jonin, promoting some experienced Chunin who excel at teaching to take on part of the instructional duties. They may be somewhat inferior in top-level combat strength, but they may have more patience and better methods when it comes to foundational instruction, team management, and ideological guidance.

"Furthermore, we can encourage veteran Jonin nearing retirement or stepping back from the front lines to put their remaining energy to use by participating in instruction. Their experience is priceless."

Yet he could not help muttering inwardly: In the original timeline, it seemed that a more stable squad system that placed greater importance on passing things down only gradually took shape in the middle and later years of the Third Hokage's rule.

Kakashi's generation was considered relatively standardized. If I bring it up early and slowly push it forward now, it should form a positive cycle sooner.

Talents like Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya might take far fewer detours if they received more meticulous guidance early on. It would also be fairer to ordinary children.

The more Hiruzen Sarutobi listened, the more feasible it seemed. This was not merely an institutional adjustment, but a far-reaching plan for building Konoha's future talent pipeline.

"If this can be implemented, it will greatly benefit the village's long-term development. However, the specific regulations, the criteria for selecting instructors, assessment methods, and how it connects with the existing mission system will all require careful consideration."

"Exactly. This requires a complete plan."

Nangō Kumoi said, "So, while coordinating relief and reconstruction, I would like you, senior brother, to take the lead in researching this matter as well.

"You can gather several senior educational Jonin from the Ninja Academy, along with the departments responsible for personnel, to discuss it together and draft a 'Trial Plan for Optimizing the Initial Guidance Model for New Ninja.'

"There is no need to rush. A draft by the end of the year will be enough. We can discuss it in the Council of Elders and the Jonin Council."

Entrusted with such important and specific work, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt Kumoi's absolute trust. He replied solemnly:

"Yes. I will do my utmost and organize people for discussion as soon as possible, so we can produce a sound set of regulations."

"Good. Then I'll have to trouble you, senior brother."

Nangō Kumoi let out a breath and smiled. "You see, we really have no shortage of things to worry about. From providing for orphans, to teaching individual children, to reforming the training system... Konoha's reconstruction truly involves every aspect."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled as well. There was weariness in that smile, but even more excitement at participating in the founding of something new.

"That is precisely why it is all the more meaningful, isn't it? Kumoi, I believe that under your leadership, Konoha will forge a different path."

He carefully noted down the many matters concerning squad system reform and keeping an eye on Orochimaru. The burden on his shoulders felt several degrees heavier, yet excitement at taking part in something groundbreaking surged within him.

He put away the scroll. When he raised his eyes, he caught sight of the deep night beyond the window and the scattered lights glowing in the distance, and was suddenly struck by a thought.

"Oh, right, Kumoi."

The stern expression on his face softened, revealing a gentle smile. "Once we get busy, the days fly by. There is only a little over a month left until the New Year."

Hearing this, Nangō Kumoi followed his gaze toward the window, somewhat moved.

"Yes. I never expected that the first New Year without Teacher Tobirama would be spent under such circumstances." The fires of war had only just died down, and grief was still close at hand. Yet this New Year carried an especially different meaning for Konoha.

Looking at his junior brother, young yet already carrying an immense burden, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a sense of closeness and responsibility as fellow disciples of Tobirama. After pondering for a moment, he suggested:

"The New Year should bring some new spirit. Everyone should also be allowed to catch their breath and gather together.

"I was thinking... when the New Year comes, how about the few of us brothers, along with Koharu and Homura, have a New Year's Eve dinner together?"

He deliberately emphasized, "Just the seven of us—the disciples under Teacher. Teacher is gone, so we need to support one another all the more. It can also serve as a way for us to... bid farewell to the old and welcome the new together."

The "seven" he referred to naturally included the newly joined Nangō Kumoi.

In the original timeline, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, had six core disciples: Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, Kagami Uchiha, and Torifu Akimichi.

Now, because of Nangō Kumoi's arrival, they had become seven.

The suggestion made Nangō Kumoi pause slightly, then warmth welled up in his heart.

This was not merely a meal. It was a form of recognition, a familial acceptance that fully brought him into the core circle of Tobirama's faction, and also a clever way of uniting the core group in difficult times.

"That's a great idea!" Nangō Kumoi's eyes lit up, and a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"Just the seven of us, senior brothers, senior sister, and junior brother, celebrating the New Year together. As for the location... how about we hold it here? There's enough room.

"I'll take care of the food. My cooking may be mediocre, but I guarantee it'll be hot and filling! Everyone has worked hard all year. It's time to relax and chat about everyday things."

The more he considered it, the more brilliant he found the suggestion.

In an informal, family-like atmosphere, perhaps some of the tension between him and Danzo could be eased. He could also more naturally learn the other disciples' true thoughts on the village's current state and future, especially Kagami Uchiha's.

This would be far more relaxed and in-depth than conversations at formal meetings.

"That would be even better." Hiruzen Sarutobi agreed with a smile.

"I'll speak to Danzo. I'll also notify Kagami, Torifu, Koharu, and Homura. I'm sure everyone will be willing."

He believed that even if their ideals differed, the bond of being fellow disciples under the same teacher, having faced life and death together, and now sharing heavy responsibilities would be enough to make everyone willing to sit down at the New Year's Eve dinner table.

"Then it's settled!" Nangō Kumoi declared, his mood brightening considerably. "When the time comes, we won't talk about official business. We'll only cherish the bond between fellow disciples, and together... raise a cup to Teacher."

He also began considering it inwardly: Perhaps this New Year's Eve dinner could become a small opportunity to bridge differences and strengthen the core.

After all, if we want to build Konoha well, my ideas alone and Senior Brother Hiruzen's support will not be enough. We need to unite every force that can be united. Let us start with this 'family banquet.'

The discussion of government affairs finally came to a temporary end amid the warm suggestion of a New Year gathering. Hiruzen Sarutobi took his specific tasks and his hopes for the future, then departed.