Konoha Notes

Chapter 350 Pride
Like most of the grandchildren of the Kage in the ninja world, Kurotsuchi has been striving to become her grandfather since she began her training.

Therefore, when she was selected for the exchange student list to go to Konoha, she did not have the curiosity and anticipation that ordinary students have for life on a foreign campus.

In her eyes, this was more like a long-term covert mission.

Current allies are not necessarily permanent allies. The history of the ninja world has proven this countless times.

Gathering intelligence was her true purpose for this trip.

Black Soil has already made up its mind about this.

After a not-so-short journey, the twenty-five Iwagakure boys and girls were temporarily housed at the Iwagakure residence in the venue area.

Xiu Si, who had escorted them, had already left. In his place, appearing in the lobby of the residence, was Wen Ya, who had been working in the Joint Affairs Bureau for nearly a year.

The Iwagakure Jonin stood before the crowd, his expression even more serious than when he was in the village.

"Konoha is preparing dedicated school buildings and dormitories for you, and the handover will be completed this week. Until then, you will stay here temporarily."

"The venue is divided into two main parts: a visitor area open to everyone, and a residence area allocated to each ninja village."

"Before officially entering the Konoha Village headquarters, you must report to the ninja on duty at the headquarters before leaving the garrison area. It is strictly forbidden to wander into the tourist area without permission. Similarly, you may not go to the garrison areas of other ninja villages without permission."

"This is Konoha, not Iwagakure. Your every action represents the image of the village and affects the relationship between Iwagakure and Konoha. I don't want to see any inappropriate behavior—do you understand?"

"Yes!"

The boys and girls from Iwagakure who had been assigned to come responded in unison.

Aside from Deidara, he didn't respond to Wenya's words, nor did he feel annoyed by being disqualified from being a ninja and having to go back to school to repeat his studies; he only managed to suppress his excitement.

The Jonin from Iwagakure noticed his expression and felt uneasy; he didn't quite understand Onoki's actions.

If Kurotsuchi's appearance can be seen as a sign of Iwagakure's emphasis on exchange activities, then after all, she is Onoki's granddaughter.

They sent someone like Deidara, who can't even control himself in his own country and is prone to indiscriminate bombing, to Konoha.

Is this a test of Konoha's security system, or a test of Takaya's resilience?

It's alright here in the venue area, but once we enter Konoha headquarters, it'll be a year-long exchange program. If Deidara manages to find a gap in the schedule and stage an art exhibition in Konoha...

What if he gets surrounded by Konoha's Anbu while he's still on duty?

"Deidara," Wenya called out.

The blond boy lazily raised his head: "Hmm?"

Did you hear what I just said clearly?

"I heard you clearly, I heard you clearly." Deidara waved his hand. "Don't run around, don't cause trouble, okay?"

That dismissive tone was infuriating.

Wenya took a deep breath and decided to give up—at least in public, he had to maintain the dignity of an Iwagakure Jonin.

"After the meeting, everyone should return to their rooms to pack their belongings. Specific class assignments and course schedules will be announced by Konoha."
-
Wenya dared not harbor any overly optimistic fantasies, and Iruka's mood was equally heavy.

He had already heard about the exchange student program and even its general scale.

Even if the number of students is the same as that of Yunyin, if they were all crammed into his class, his class would have to have more than a dozen more students.

Considering the differences among the students, the different education systems they received, and the problems initially caused by the Cloud Village exchange students.
It's easy to imagine how chaotic the class would become.

He was already mentally prepared when he saw Shuji and Ebisu in the office.

Naruto, I probably won't be able to be there for you after graduation.

Just as Iruka was preparing for trial, Ebisu's first words freed him from his predicament.

"Teacher Iruka, based on the discussion, the newly added exchange students will be assigned to different classes."

Iruka blinked. "However, there's a task I need you to take charge of." Ebisu adjusted his sunglasses. "Please compile a summary of your experience managing exchange students from Kumogakure and Sunagakure over the past year, including common problems and solutions. You'll be one of the presenters at next week's Ninja Academy meeting, sharing your experience with the other instructors."

that's it?
We're not accepting all exchange students anymore?
Iruka nodded vigorously, his voice becoming louder: "No problem! I'll make a plan!"

The reaction was so intense that even Ebisu raised an eyebrow.

"The specific format and requirements will be sent to you later." After saying that, Ebisu looked at Shuji, "Is there anything else you'd like to add, Shuji-sama?"

Shuji shook his head.

Iruka let out a long sigh of relief, feeling as if the whole world had brightened up.

At this moment, Shuji spoke up, saying, "The exchange students from Kumogakure will return at the end of July, and a new batch of students will arrive then."

Having already given them a farewell speech, Iruka checked: "Will Omoi and the others go back?"

"Of course. After all, they are ninjas from Kumogakure, and a year of exchange is more than enough."

Therefore, the biggest class size crisis has been resolved. Although we will be taking on a new batch of exchange students from Cloud Village, at least it won't be a sudden influx of a bunch of students whose styles and backgrounds are completely unknown.

Iruka felt like he could see the future again.
-
After witnessing Iruka's emotional rollercoaster from despair to rebirth, and having adjusted his own state by showing some care for his junior, Shuji headed to Samui's office at the Ninja Academy.

"Mr. Shuji."

Samui, who was sitting at the table, looked up. Today she was dressed in dark casual clothes in the style of Yunyin, with her coat draped over the back of the chair. Her light golden short hair was neatly tucked behind her ears, revealing a delicate face with little expression.

"Miss Samui."

As Shuji entered the room, Samui stood up. Instead of discussing business first, she naturally walked to the door, gently closed it—which had been slightly ajar when Shuji entered—before turning back.

"I've finished compiling the list and basic information for the new batch of exchange students." Samui returned to the table, picked up a folder, and said, "According to the procedure, it can be officially submitted to the Ninja Academy next week."

Shuji took the folder and quickly browsed through a few pages.

"I will pass the information on to Ebisu." Shuji closed the folder. "Thank you for your hard work."

"Furthermore," Samui sat down next to Shuji, "Lord Raikage has responded to Mr. Shuji's suggestions."

Xiu Si sat up straighter, gesturing for her to continue.

“I tend to agree,” Samui said. “Kumakushi Village is the ninja village that will be most affected by illegal arenas. From either perspective, whether it’s to prevent the Land of Snow from growing stronger through this industry or to prevent losses from martial arts competitions, the Raikage believes it’s necessary to push this forward.”

"He will go and negotiate with His Majesty."

That confirms another village. Only Sunagakure and Kirigakure remain.

These two families have never had a very good relationship with the daimyo of their own country, making them the easiest to deal with.

At this moment, Samui moved even closer.

The gesture was natural, but the distance had crossed the boundaries of normal social interaction. Shuuji could smell her faint, refreshing scent.

"Mr. Shuji."

Her shoulder almost touched Shuuji's shoulder, and her light golden hair swayed gently with her movements.

“I’ve thought it over.” Samui turned her head, her blue eyes looking directly into Xiu Si’s eyes. “I don’t intend to address you with honorifics anymore.”

Xiu Si paused for a moment, then smiled: "It's possible, but why suddenly..."

"The competition is too fierce, Shuji."

“From a tactical point of view, maintaining politeness is quite disadvantageous for me.”

“So,” Samui continued, moving a little closer until their arms were indeed touching, “I’ll be less reserved.”

　I went out to visit relatives tonight, and when I got back, I was still writing. I'm sorry.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)