Konoha Year 17, spring.
The smoke of war had yet to clear, but a new trend was already quietly sweeping through Konoha.
"Private schools."
The term spread like spring weeds among the clan heads and elders of the great clans.
"Have you seen the Toyotomi House's Martial Arts Hall? Those Genin who graduated early might not be much in a fight, but they're loyal! Every last one is a diehard follower of Toyotomi Yinglang!"
"Exactly. I heard those children would rather get wounded on the battlefield than leave their fellow clansmen unprotected. Can the Ninja Academy foster that kind of unity?"
"And I heard the Martial Arts Hall's tuition isn't cheap, either. You have to hand over ten strips of cured pork, yet the Toyotomi House isn't losing money-it's turning a profit! Raising their own soldiers with the parents' money and earning a good reputation on top of it. Now that's a worthwhile deal!"
The private discussions spread, springing up overnight like bamboo shoots after spring rain.
The Hyuga Clan Compound, council hall.
Hyuga Tennin, head of the Hyuga Clan, sat at the head of the table, tapping his fingers lightly against its surface. A detailed investigation report on the Toyotomi Martial Arts Hall lay open before him.
"The Martial Arts Hall, established in Konoha Year 14. Six-year curriculum. Courses include basic taijutsu, ninja tool throwing, chakra extraction, wilderness survival, squad tactics, and... the Toyotomi House Rules."
As he read this, an inscrutable curve touched his lips.
"The Toyotomi House Rules? Heh. How interesting."
"Clan head," an elder said hesitantly, "are we going to establish one too?"
Hyuga Tennin fell silent for a moment.
"Yes. Why wouldn't we?" He stood and walked to the window, watching the young clan members training in the compound. "The Hyuga Clan has the Byakugan,