Before we knew it, four months had passed.
These students have spent their first semester at the Sea Region Academy and are about to begin their winter break.
This means they have to leave this Academy, which seems like another world, and return to the backward Shinobi World.
As for why they are considered backward, it's because the main purpose of the Academy this semester is to make them understand the gap between the Academy and the Shinobi World.
Having enjoyed the high-tech and advanced equipment of the Academy, they will feel a sense of loss for the first time upon returning to the Shinobi World —a loss that is both terrifying and profound.
It's like someone traveling from modern times back to ancient times, with no communication devices and no means of transportation.
Having gotten used to the buses and trains at the Sea Region Academy, how do you think they'd feel if they went back to the Shinobi World and had to run on foot?
Besides, having learned so much about the filth of ninjas at the Academy, how could I not see it for myself?
Sometimes, simply lecturing isn't very useful. Instead, letting them experience things for themselves and feel them firsthand will help them understand what is real.
The student who changed the most this semester was Shikamaru.
Unlike others, who were merely subtly changed, Shikamaru actively sought out and discovered the answers.
Yuzuru was also surprised when he learned of this, but considering the Nara Clan's intelligence, it wasn't so surprising.
Intelligent people can see further and discover more, but Shikaku is in the Shinobi World, and even if he sees things clearly, there is nothing he can do. Time has worn down his edges.
Shikamaru is different; he has a new choice, and most importantly, he is still young and has the drive of youth.
Perhaps, this is Shikaku's true purpose.
Before the holiday, Yuzuru summoned Shikamaru and extended an invitation in his capacity as the guardian of the Academy:
"I've long heard of the Nara Clan's intelligence. The Academy needs people like you. Your wisdom shouldn't be buried in the Shinobi World. If anyone from your clan is willing to join the Academy, we welcome them anytime."
Hearing this, Shikamaru was flattered and looked at Mr. Arashi before him, nodding earnestly. "I understand, and I will convey the Academy's good intentions to my father."
"Alright, go ahead. You've made the most progress this semester. Now, I hope you can face the harsh truth of the Shinobi World in the next month."
Beneath the mask, Yuzuru was filled with anticipation for Shikamaru's upcoming transformation.
Shikamaru nodded, and before leaving, he turned back and asked, "Mr. Arashi, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course you can. Asking questions is a privilege enjoyed by everyone in the Academy."
"Is the Academy's attitude towards ninjas the same as that of Minazuki Yuzuru?"
Shikamaru looked at Mr. Arashi in front of him and asked.
When asked this question, Yuzuru didn't answer immediately, but instead looked at him with eyes full of admiration.
"The fact that you can ask this question means that you've already seen some of the true nature of the Shinobi World."
"In fact, the Academy's attitude and Minazuki Yuzuru's thoughts are aligned regarding the Shinobi World and ninjas."
Yuzuru didn't hide anything and told him the answer directly.
"Then why does the Academy need it?"
" The Sea Region Academy is merely a place for teaching and nurturing. As for the Shinobi World, it has nothing to do with us. Our reason for stopping Minazuki Yuzuru is simply to save more talented children like you who are about to go astray."
Yuzuru looked at Shikamaru and told him the so-called truth.
"If the day ever comes when ninjas are wiped out, the Sea Region Academy will never intervene; in fact, it might even facilitate it. This is because the profession of ninja is fundamentally flawed, and the ninja way is a joke. Think about it: is there anything a ninja has done that is respectable?"
Using despicable and underhanded means to achieve various goals is already despicable. The concept of "ninja way" and "ninjas" forcibly gives this shameful behavior and identity a euphemistic name. What kind of good people can children raised in such an environment grow up to be? They become accustomed to giving their evil deeds a glamorous name, which is tantamount to forcibly whitewashing criminals—this is fundamentally wrong.
After listening, Shikamaru remained silent for a long time.
"I understand, thank you for your guidance, Teacher Lan."
"Yes, have a great holiday."
Yuzuru nodded.
Shikamaru smiled but said nothing.
How could he not know what he would encounter and experience during the holidays?
This will be the final blow to shatter the illusion of the Shinobi World and ninjas. He can even imagine the expressions on the faces of those students who are slightly better academically when they come back next semester.
Without saying anything more, Shikamaru and the other students left the Sea Region Academy and appeared on the beach of the Land of Waves.
Each village has sent people to pick up their children and take them home.
Then, they experienced the feeling of running back to the village on their own two legs again, a feeling they hadn't had in a long time.
Compared to the technology of the Sea Region Academy, they had already felt the terrifying gap between the two sides.
For those who live nearby, it's fine; a day or two is enough. But for those who live far away, it can take a whole week. Who can endure that?
After returning to the village, Shikamaru bid farewell to Ino and Choji went back to his family.
"You're back."
Shikaku looked at his son, who had suddenly become much more composed, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
"Dad, I'm home."
"Um."
The father and son fell silent. Then, Shikaku broke the silence by taking out a chessboard.
"Want to play a game with Dad?"
"Um."
Father and son sat facing each other, and then began to play chess.
Although he hadn't played Go for a semester, Shikamaru's Go skills hadn't declined at all; on the contrary, they had become even better.
A glint of light flashed in Shikaku's eyes. The two of them didn't say a word, just silently played chess.
In the end, Shikamaru unfortunately lost, but Shikaku saw changes in Shikamaru, as well as his maturity in thought.
"It seems the education Academy has had a significant impact on you."
"Yes, there, you'll find not only all sorts of unfamiliar technological creations, but also insights into the world."
Shikamaru said it casually.
Shikaku understood something and said with a smile, "So, what did you see? What is this world like?"
"Well, in the class monitor's words, it's ugly, sinful, twisted—in short, so rotten it's terrifying, so hopeless it's despair-inducing."
Upon hearing Shikamaru's words, Shikaku simply smiled faintly.
"Living in a world like this, we have no way to change it, we can only adapt to it."
"Actually, there is a way; someone is working on it."
Shikamaru suddenly mentioned it, turning to look at his father.
"I know who you're talking about, Minazuki Yuzuru, right?"