Konoha Notes

Chapter 220 Karin, Ino, and Sakura
Since the goal is to develop combat-ready ninjas for next year, the focus should be on the ninjas graduating this year.

Ebisu of the Ninja Academy was summoned to the Hokage's office.

"Hokage-sama." He first bowed respectfully to Tsunade, who was in the main seat, and then turned to the person behind another desk, "Jonin Shuji."

"Ebisu-sensei, let's get to the point." Shuji put down his pen. "The village plans to implement a genin training program, targeting graduating students and genin from the past two years. You have a wealth of experience, and I'd like to hear your thoughts."

He then succinctly explained his initial idea: genin would submit their own tutoring applications, and the village would assign ninjas with the corresponding expertise to provide targeted guidance based on the applications.

Ebisu listened quietly, then adjusted his sunglasses.

"The idea of ​​becoming a Jonin is very valuable. However, I have some thoughts on how to implement it."

He organized his thoughts: "Most genin may have a vague sense that they are 'insufficient in strength,' but they often lack a clear understanding and judgment about where their real weaknesses lie and which direction they are best suited to develop in the future."

"If they submit their applications on their own, there is a high chance that their demands will be vague, their direction will be wrong, or they may even give up on applying altogether due to fear of evaluation or simply confusion. The final result will likely be greatly reduced."

"My suggestion is that the village take the initiative to set up a 'Genin Ability Improvement Class'. Openly recruit Genin who are interested in improving their strength and let them sign up voluntarily."

"Then, elite Jonin or experts in specific fields appointed by the village will conduct a systematic and standardized ability assessment of the applicants."

"Based on the assessment results, the trainees will be divided into different classes with different focuses, such as 'Physical Skill Enhancement Class,' 'Ninjutsu Control and Practical Application Class,' and 'Squad Tactical Cooperation Class.' Then, based on the class assignments, instructors with corresponding expertise will be assigned to conduct high-intensity, periodic training courses."

"After completing a training cycle, a graduation assessment will be conducted. Based on the trainees' progress and potential, it will be decided whether they will proceed to more in-depth specialized guidance or return to the regular task sequence to accumulate experience."

Ebisu's ability to later rise to the rank of Special Jonin based on his teaching expertise demonstrates his unique insights in this area. He was able to immediately propose a feasible plan after only hearing a general outline; indeed, specialized tasks should be left to specialists.

Shuji glanced at Tsunade, and she nodded.

He continued, "Very professional advice, Ebisu-sensei. Also, the genin training program requires time to prepare. The village hopes that you can first compile a detailed individual assessment report based on the current fifth and sixth grade students as soon as possible."

"And on this basis, we will provide a feasible solution that can quickly improve their basic combat capabilities in a short period of time."

"Understood." Ebisu bowed slightly. "I will finish it as soon as possible and submit the report."

After he left, Tsunade squinted, calculated for a long time, and then sighed, "If we follow Ebisu's approach... it will cost a lot more money."

Xiu Si nodded, after all, there were quite a few more steps involved. His original plan was primitive and simple, with the village only needing to act as a middleman.

Now there are more steps involved, such as assessment, class placement, centralized training, and in-depth guidance...

This means that expenses for venues, personnel, and supplies will rise sharply. As for fees? Ultimately, the price cannot be set too high.

"This money still needs to be spent."

"Leaving aside the short-term improvement in combat effectiveness, the various professional talents needed for the village's future development will be too inefficient and the success rate cannot be guaranteed if we continue to use the old, laissez-faire training method that relies on the captain's personal experience and connections," Xiu Si said.

He gave a ready example: "In terms of the medical system alone, hospitals have been built, but there is still no effective and standardized process for the large-scale training of medical ninjas."

"I know, I know..." Tsunade slumped weakly onto the large desk, her forehead pressed against the cold surface, her voice muffled. "We've already done most of the work on the Uchiha, and now this and that keeps popping up... It's never going to end..."

"You're so annoying, Shuji."
-
Karin experienced less ostracism. Perhaps it was because of that punch, or perhaps it was because of Sasuke's explanation.

After all, the important figures at school and the respected seniors of the idol's older brother are two different roles.

However, she had no one to share any of this with, whether it was the ostracism she suffered in the past or the differences she faced now.

I can't tell Hagi, because Mom will worry.

The blond idiot was still yelling and shouting.

That brat looked especially grumpy when he came to school today.

Apart from that, everything seemed the same as before.

"Hey, you—that move yesterday was really impressive."

The girl with short blonde hair reappeared on the rooftop, followed closely by the girl with short pink hair.

"Ino!" Sakura gently tugged at Ino's sleeve.

Even though she wasn't yet as obsessed with Sasuke as she would be in the future, she still harbored some resentment towards Sasuke for being beaten up. But since Ino insisted on coming, she had no choice but to follow.

"What does it matter, Sakura? Sasuke-kun is still handsome," Ino said with a smile. "But you're amazing too!"

Karin lowered her head, poking at the food in her lunchbox with her chopsticks, her voice muffled: "Don't you guys really like that arrogant brat?"

Ino cupped her face in her hands, her eyes sparkling, and made no attempt to hide it: "I like him so much now! There's simply no boy in school more outstanding than Sasuke-kun!"

"However, his stubbornness after being injured is especially heartbreaking."

Karin's lips twitched slightly: "...You really are strange."

“I’m Yamanaka Ino,” Ino formally pointed to herself, then pulled her friend over. “This is Haruno Sakura. May we sit here?”

Before Karin could respond, Ino naturally pulled the still hesitant Sakura to sit down next to Karin. The seating arrangement changed so that Ino was right next to Karin, while Sakura sat on Ino's other side.

So it became Ino next to Karin, and Sakura sitting next to Ino.

Karin looked down at her bento box.

Ino had a bright smile on her face, while Sakura didn't say anything, but just looked at Karin with a hint of curiosity.

"I am Karin Uzumaki... Didn't you already know that?" Karin hesitated for a moment, her voice barely audible.

“That’s different!” Ino extended her hand, her smile dazzling. “Karin has to say it herself. Exchanging names is the first step in making friends, right?”

(End of this chapter)