Naruto: Legend of the Skylark

The ninja academy, as a venture, is both difficult and not difficult.

The difficulty lies in the fact that this school is taking a slice of the pie from other clans, shaking the very foundation of the shinobi training system, and will inevitably face some resistance or opposition.

As for it being simple, once this problem is solved, the school can start 'operating' in a very short time!

After all, it's not a huge undertaking requiring many hands. Fencing off some land, building a structure, setting up some facilities, and then finding a few responsible teachers can get things started.

Tobirama and his counterparts were quick to act. The day after discussing the matter with Hibari, they issued a public announcement and posted it in front of the Hokage Residence.

The news quickly spread through the populace, becoming a hot topic throughout the village.

While being a shinobi is a high-risk profession, requiring participation in many complex and difficult missions, and constantly having the potential to be embroiled in war, a single misstep could lead to one's demise.

However, for the civilians of Konohagakure, this profession, though dangerous, was an excellent way to change their family's status and class.

Consider this: with the establishment of this ninja academy, how many civilian powerhouses would emerge from it in the future?

Orochimaru and Jiraiya, two of the Three Legendary Sannin, came from such backgrounds.

The Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, even the village leader himself, came from a civilian background through this school!

It's clear how many beneficial changes the establishment of this ninja academy would bring to the entire Konohagakure!

As soon as the news broke, people in the village would meet and immediately ask, "Did you hear? The village is opening a ninja academy! I'm about to sign up my boy, do you have any thoughts?" and similar questions.

And the answers were mostly, "I heard! Of course I'm sending my brat there too!"

Meanwhile, the major clans in the village also received this very important news.

At this moment, inside the Nara clan's compound, the heads of the Yamanaka clan and the Akimichi clan were gathered, seeking the Nara clan's opinion.

The Ino–Shika–Chō trio has always been three very close families, skilled in coordinated combat, and renowned in the shinobi world.

Due to their education and lineage, the Nara clan often produced exceptionally intelligent 'leaders,' while the Akimichi clan and Yamanaka clan would mostly defer to the Nara clan's opinion on such major matters.

When they initially joined Konohagakure, it was the Nara clan who took the lead, with all three families entering together.

Although individually, none of the three families were considered particularly powerful shinobi clans, within Konohagakure, even an arrogant group like the Uchiha clan had to show them some respect.

The reason was simple: everyone knew that treating these three families as a single entity was the correct approach.

In the Nara clan's courtyard, the current head of the Yamanaka clan was playing shogi with the Nara clan's leader, while the Akimichi clan's elder sat nearby, continuously eating pastries.

"You should understand why we're here today. In this matter, which side should we take? How will your Nara clan choose?" the Yamanaka clan head asked softly.

Shikajin Nara, the head of the Nara clan, thought for a moment, placed a shogi piece, and then said, "There's no choice. We simply obey orders and follow command."

At this, Kira Akimichi, who had been sitting by, eating and drinking, spoke up, "So, according to you, Shikajin, we should just hand over our family's assets?"

"That's not the main point. The main point is that I'm afraid once this system for selecting civilian shinobi is established, it will greatly impact our interests..." Harano Yamanaka said in a deep voice.

Shikajin chuckled, shaking his head. "What you both say makes sense, but that's not a reason for us to defy Hokage-sama's orders. Perhaps Hokage-sama's ability in governing the village isn't as formidable as his actual power, but he has Tobirama backing him. With Tobirama's tact and ability, daring to issue such regulations indicates that their Senju clan is already prepared, and their preparations are sufficient to handle this upheaval. The most important point is that this policy... is extremely popular with the people. Go out and walk around, and you'll see. The villagers are now praising this great initiative..."

At this, Shikajin paused, picked up his teacup for a sip, then placed a shogi piece, saying, "This is checkmate..."

Harano looked at the shogi board in front of him, his expression somewhat dejected. Without realizing it, he had lost to his old friend again.

Before he could even speak, Shikajin spoke again, "Just like this game, the situation is also in 'checkmate,' Harano. Think about it, what's most important in the entire Konohagakure? Without a doubt, it's the 'people.' And now, these 'people' are with the Senju clan... Anyone who comes out against this at such a time, even without Hokage-sama making any big moves, will simply have their names leaked discreetly. Then, people will naturally be cursing at your doorstep every day. I don't want to step out and be pointed at, maybe even have eggs thrown at me... That would be too embarrassing and would damage the reputation of our Ino–Shika–Chō alliance."

Harano was silent for a moment, then frowned and said, "So, according to you... we should support this matter?"

"Not just support, but swiftly support before the other clans decide which side to take. This way, we can convey our goodwill to Hokage-sama and increase our reputation among the populace... Perhaps after taking this stance, we'll even have unexpected gains?" Shikajin said with a faint smile.

"Unexpected gains of what?" Kira, who had been eating and drinking quietly on the side, quickly asked upon hearing about gains.

Shikajin glanced at him and said, "The village hasn't been established for very long, and external threats have only just subsided. Next, the central authority, centered around Hokage-sama, will inevitably shift its focus from external affairs to internal ones, strengthening the various systems within the village. Once internal matters become busy, the current manpower in the Hokage Residence will simply not be enough... If we stand with Hokage-sama on this matter and swiftly help him implement these measures, it might become our stepping stone into the political center of the village's power. Tell me, if we handle this well, then when Hokage-sama needs people in the future, who will he think of first?"

Hearing Shikajin's words, Harano and Kira's expressions brightened, seemingly interested. If they could enter the village's power center, then sacrificing some interests this time would be acceptable.

Shikajin was indeed worthy of being the leader of the Nara clan. In this matter, he quickly perceived the various underlying implications and, with extreme speed, before the other clans could even formulate a countermeasure, he had already sorted things out and found the path they needed to take.

His decision was to sacrifice the clan's 'shinobi interests' in exchange for the village's 'political interests.'

With this maneuver, he might not only avoid 'losing money' but might even 'make a huge profit.'

Seeing that his two old comrades were already moved by this, Shikajin smiled again and said, "Times are changing, and perspectives must change too. The weight of clan interests versus village interests will gradually shift, Harano, Kira. You must understand this fundamental point: right now, we are all shinobi clans of Konohagakure. Only when Konoha becomes stronger can we cling to this great tree and advance further. The village becoming better is the prerequisite... Otherwise, to give the simplest example, once war breaks out, and we lose, who will be the ones bled dry? Isn't it us?"

Hearing these words, Harano and Kira, who were already somewhat moved, exchanged glances, then said, "In that case, we will support Hokage-sama's proposal! No time to waste..."

Before Harano could even finish speaking, a robust figure rushed in from outside the door, pushing it open and saying, "Father, Uncles, there's something important I need to report to you..."

The newcomer was Torifu Akimichi.

Shikajin glanced at him and said, "Speak whatever it is..."

"I just received news from Hiruzen that the Sarutobi clan has already issued a statement, announcing their strong support for Hokage-sama's decision, contributing to the ninja academy. At the same time, Hiruzen will also take up the position of ninja academy teacher... I heard that for this matter, Sasuke-jiisan even forcefully sent several of their family elders back to their ancestral home to retire," Torifu quickly reported.

Upon hearing this news, Shikajin wasn't too surprised. Hiruzen was Tobirama's direct disciple and the Hokage's junior. Sarutobi Sasuke was one of the central figures of power in the village, as close as brothers to Hokage-sama and Tobirama.

Furthermore, the Sarutobi clan and Senju clan had always been aligned. Since the Hokage dared to release this news, he must have already reached an agreement with Sasuke. Therefore, such a move from the Sarutobi clan was entirely normal.

However, although Shikajin had already anticipated it, he still had to admire Sasuke's decisiveness. Then, a glint flashed in his eyes, and he said, "This matter also reminded me that this ninja academy is also a huge source of profit. Since the number of civilian shinobi will inevitably increase in the future, occupying some 'teacher' positions early on will allow us to gain support from them early and cultivate forces inclined towards us. If we can even select true geniuses from among them... then having them marry into or be adopted into our three clans would also be a good thing!"

After speaking, Shikajin no longer bothered with the game of shogi. He stood up and said, "Harano, Kira, our three clans will now jointly issue a statement, declaring our full support for Hokage-sama's decision! Sacrifice individual family interests for the greater good! Prioritize the village's interests above all else! Exert our full effort to build a ninja academy that meets Konohagakure's standards!"

Harano and Kira, seeing this, no longer hesitated. They quickly spoke in unison, "Then we'll do as you say, Shikajin!"

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