Konoha Notes

Chapter 224 Meeting
“This not only requires the corresponding ninjutsu, but also confirmation of the basic chakra attributes, right, Ebisu-sensei?” Shuji put away the list Ebisu had submitted. “In other words, besides applying for ninjutsu, there’s also the cost of chakra test strips.”

Ebisu stood ramrod straight and said, "No, I will prepare the chakra test strips myself once I have confirmed that the student is qualified."

He felt he was asking too much of the village.

It seems that the village's attitude towards resource investment has changed this year, which is why Ebisu thought it was worth trying to apply.

Shuji glanced at him: "Oh... planning to pay for it yourself..."

"Then let's try another approach. The village can provide the techniques, but to prevent unnecessary waste, the aptitude test in the early stages will be handled by the Ninja Academy."

"The village will make special exceptions for 'outstanding students' recognized by the ninja academy and teach them ninjutsu. If these students can truly master it, the cost of the test strips will be reimbursed, and the teacher in charge will also receive an extra reward."

"Do you have any other questions?"

Ebisu's eyes behind his glasses lit up, a hint of surprise flashing across his face: "No! Thank you so much, Jonin Shuji!"

"Then, I'll leave first."

"Yes!"

As for Shuji personally, he didn't want to be so stingy.

However, the resources of the ninja village are limited, and there are already too many things to prepare.

Whether it's a preschool program they plan to open or a genin training program they're preparing for, it all costs money.

The most outstanding individuals, regardless of their background, do not actually need to worry about the availability of ninjutsu resources.

The "excellent" that Ebisu refers to are mostly those students who are talented but not particularly outstanding.

After graduation, they are usually assigned to be Jonin instructors, and it's only a matter of time before they learn basic ninjutsu.

Ebisu's application was simply to bring forward the timing of resource allocation and shift the responsibility from individual ninjas to the village.

However, considering that the participation of the genin in the tournament will generate revenue for the village, this shift in investment model makes sense.

However, judging from today's meeting, it seems that the students of the Ninja Academy will not be able to live as leisurely as in the original story.

Stepping out of the ninja academy gates, the sunlight was dazzling.

Shuji couldn't help but yawn.

Kai's physical training methods are really extreme; even with his physique, he inevitably gets a little tired.

He checked Xiao Li's file, and he's definitely not a member of the Matt family.

So, is the convergence between Xiao Li and Kai later on due to some kind of meme infection?
Upon arriving at the Hokage Building, Shuji stopped at the entrance.

“Mr. Shuji.” The blonde female ninja from Kumogakure frowned as she looked at him. “You look very lazy.”

"Miss Samui, can't you distinguish between 'tiredness after hard work' and 'laziness'?"

Samui's gaze lingered on his face for a few seconds before he calmly analyzed, "It seems Mr. Shuji is making up for the work he had accumulated during his previous vacation."

"No, it's physical training."

"Mr. Shuji seems quite pleased with the Raikage's gift. However, there has been no visible change in your muscle definition."

"...the effects won't be visible so quickly."

“Moreover,” he added, “I’m the type of person whose appearance doesn’t change drastically from exercise.”

Xiu Si stepped inside, and Sam Yi naturally followed.

"The specific details regarding the practical exchange activities are now entirely under Mr. Lu Jiu's responsibility," he reminded him.

"Mr. Tsuchida has taken over the follow-up to that matter. I've come here for two reasons: first, to deliver the profits from the last event," she said. "Second, to discuss matters related to the joint Chunin Exams in November."

"The profits have been handed over to your village's government department."

The two entered the conference room. Xiu Si pulled out a chair and sat down, his muscles creaking silently as he sank into the backrest.

"The examination process is already very well-established." He breathed a sigh of relief.

"Because of the success of the exchange activities in August, Lord Raikage hopes to continue this candor," Samui said, his gaze sweeping over Samui's slightly relaxed posture once again. "Mr. Shuji, training needs to be done in moderation."

"It's just an adjustment period." He waved his hand. "Please continue."

"...In short, both sides sent genuine genin to participate in this year's Chunin Exams held in Konoha."

"Of course, this proposal is based on the participation of Konoha, Kumogakure, and Sunagakure." The teams sent by Sunagakure three times in a row were of decent strength, but ultimately they were just there to make up the numbers.

Therefore, the Raikage made the above prerequisites.

"The Raikage has also promised to follow the same rules for next year's exam in Kumogakure."

“After all, if the organizers win every time, the audience will eventually see through the deception, right?” Xiu Si interjected.

Samui nodded readily: "It's happened three times already."

"Itachi was a genuine genin back then."

"Therefore, Lord Raikage did not raise any objection to Yamato Kimura's participation in the competition."

"On this point, perhaps we still need to consider it." Shuuji tapped the table lightly with his fingertips. "The Chunin Exams are ultimately different from purely commercial competitions."

There are already dedicated exchange activities for those who are simply focused on making a profit.

The Joint Chunin Exams have always symbolized a test of strength between allied nations.

If Konoha and Kumogakure can put aside their prejudices, what will outsiders think? After all, this is also part of flexing their muscles to their external backers.

"We understand your considerations."

After finishing their business, Shuji's gaze inadvertently swept over Samui's ninja tool pouch.

She caught this subtle movement.

“Too greedy, Mr. Shuji,” Samui said calmly. “Suitable seeds are not readily available.”

“And,” she added, “you haven’t reciprocated for the seeds from last time.”

“…Indeed. So, how about ramen, Miss Samui?”

"Since we're in Konoha, it's naturally up to Mr. Shuji to make the arrangements."
-
Iruka looked at the students playing around in the classroom and couldn't help but sigh.

If the graduation exam becomes more difficult, how many students in this class will be able to graduate successfully?
His gaze fell on Naruto. The blond boy was frowning at his textbook, scribbling something on the paper.

This guy will have to retake the exam several times... even though his physical skills and stamina are outstanding, even though he has a certain status...

After school, Iruka called out to Naruto.

"I'm telling you, Naruto, you need to pay more attention to your academic studies."

Seeing the boy with his head drooping and his hand unconsciously touching his stomach, Iruka's heart softened.

"Are you hungry?"

"Um…"

"Let's go, your teacher will treat you to ramen."

"Really? Thank you, Iruka-sensei!"

Seeing Naruto's eyes light up instantly, Iruka couldn't help but laugh.

The curtain at Ichiraku Ramen was lifted, releasing a rich aroma. Naruto, familiar with the place, climbed onto a stool and shouted, "Uncle! Tonkotsu ramen!"

Iruka smiled and shook his head, about to speak to the boss, when he caught a glimpse of the figure next to him out of the corner of his eye and was stunned.

"Captain Xiu... Captain Xiu?" His voice carried a hint of nervousness.

"Iruka-sensei?" Naruto followed Iruka's gaze.

"Huh? That older brother..."

"You're Karin's..."

He hesitated, unable to recall how to describe the relationship between Shuji and Karin. Naruto's gaze then fell on the blonde female ninja next to Shuji, filled with curiosity.

Shuji put down his chopsticks and turned to look at Iruka, who seemed a little awkward, and Naruto next to him.

"Iruka."

"Naruto."

He gave a brief greeting.

(End of this chapter)