Main World.
Year 19 of Konoha, winter.
British Continent, New Capital.
Imperial Palace, Council Hall.
Winter sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting dappled light and shadow across the long conference table. Toyotomi Yinglang sat at its head, holding a thick report-the annual review just submitted by the Empire's Ministry of Education. Yutian stood before him, his deep purple governor's robes immaculate, his eyes filled with barely concealed excitement.
"Your Majesty, the Empire currently has thirty-seven primary schools, with twelve thousand students enrolled."
"Twelve thousand..."
Toyotomi Yinglang set down the report and leaned back in his chair.
"Still not enough."
Yutian's brow furrowed slightly.
"Not enough?"
"That's right. Not enough." Toyotomi Yinglang rose and walked over to the enormous map of the Empire hanging on the wall. "The Empire now has a population of one million and eighty thousand. There are at least a hundred thousand school-age children. Twelve thousand is only a tenth of that."
Yutian's breath caught slightly.
"Your Majesty, do you mean..."
"Build schools far and wide."
Toyotomi Yinglang turned to look at him.
"Money is no object."
A glimmer flashed in Yutian's eyes.
"Then... the Royal Academy of the Great British Empire..."
"Must establish branch campuses too."
Toyotomi Yinglang returned to the desk and sat down.
"The main campus will be in New Capital, with branches in all the major provinces. At least one in each province."
Yutian drew a deep breath.
"Your Majesty, that will require a great many teachers..."
"If there aren't enough teachers, recruit graduates. If there aren't enough graduates, recruit from the army. If the army doesn't have enough-transfer people from Sunagakure in Shinobi World No. 1."
Toyotomi Yinglang's voice was calm.
"The Empire doesn't lack people. What it lacks is talent. And talent needs to be cultivated."
Yutian lowered his head.