Main World.
Autumn, Konoha Year Twenty-Two.
Kumogakure, Land of Lightning.
Kinkaku stood on the rooftop of the Raikage Building, overlooking Kumogakure below. He wore the Raikage's hat and white ceremonial robe. The character for "lightning" was carved into the hat; he had carved it himself. Ginkaku stood beside him, also wearing a Raikage's ceremonial robe, but his hat bore the character for "deputy"-the Raikage's assistant. Behind them stood rows of newly constructed buildings-training grounds, classrooms, and dormitories. These were no ordinary buildings, but Kumogakure's Ninja Academy. An academy Kinkaku had designed himself.
"Big brother, the Yotsuki Clan in the Land of Lightning has been completely wiped out."
Ginkaku's voice was calm, as though he were discussing the weather.
"Mm."
Kinkaku nodded.
"From today onward, there is no Yotsuki Clan in Kumogakure."
A cold curve formed at the corner of Ginkaku's mouth.
"They deserved it. When they were suppressing our Hagoromo Clan back then, they should have known this day would come."
Kinkaku did not respond. His gaze fell on the newly constructed buildings.
"Have all the school's courses been arranged?"
"They have."
Ginkaku took a thick document from inside his clothes and handed it to Kinkaku.
"Following Master's instructions, Kumogakure's education is divided into four parts."
Kinkaku took the document and opened it. His eyes moved slowly across the pages.
"Part one: basic survival education."
Ginkaku's voice was calm.
"A ninja's first lesson isn't how to kill, but how to stay alive. How to find food when supplies run out, how to treat your own injuries, and how to break out when surrounded. Anyone who can't stay alive doesn't deserve to be a ninja."
Kinkaku nodded.
"Part two: education in the foundations of a ninja's strength."
Ginkaku continued.
"Train in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Genjutsu. No neglecting subjects, no crippling weaknesses.