After the discussions on the ninja school concluded, Ryuuri established the ninja ranking system and task grading system. The ninja ranking system had already been implemented in Konoha and required little alteration; they could simply adopt it as is.
The ranks were broadly divided into six levels: Genin, Chunin, Elite Chunin, Special Jounin, Jounin, and Elite Jounin. This structure included two additional ranks—Elite Chunin and Special Jounin—compared to the rankings of the Warring States period. The tasks were categorized by difficulty into six grades: SS, S, A, B, C, and D.
Genin could form teams of three to take on D-rank tasks or C-rank tasks under the supervision of a Chunin or higher. Three Chunin could team up for C or B-rank tasks, while Elite Chunin could independently complete B-rank tasks or lead Genin teams on C-rank tasks.
Special Jounin were middle ninjas with exceptional talents in certain areas, typically not dispatched for field missions. Instead, they held specialized roles within the village. Ordinary Jounin could complete A-rank tasks independently.
Elite Jounin were the village's absolute mainstays, responsible for S-rank and higher tasks. However, Taki Hidden Village had a limited reserve of talent at this level, a situation that would only improve gradually after the establishment of the ninja school.
It was worth noting that D-rank tasks were uncommon across Konoha and other major ninja villages at this time. Ryuuri had designed D-rank tasks to include simple chores for villagers or residents of the Land of Taki, like finding lost cats or babysitting—activities that ninjas in the Warring States period would never have performed.
Other villages' ninjas felt their status was too noble to assist civilians with such mundane tasks, but Ryuuri understood that these tasks would strengthen the bonds between Taki ninjas and the villagers, gaining the recognition of the local populace—a vital need for the village at this moment.
Of course, many initially opposed the idea. Elite Jounin and Jounin were unlikely to agree to tasks like finding cats. After Ryuuri clarified that D-rank tasks would primarily be assigned to Genin, especially those graduating from the ninja school, the objections quieted down.
After all, the formal acceptance of D-rank tasks wouldn't occur for another year.
Days later, construction began on the ninja school. The Tsuchikage had sent Iwagakure's envoys, complete with a construction team, to assist with the rebuilding efforts in Taki Hidden Village.
Ryuuri promptly directed these individuals to begin the construction of the ninja school. The Tsuchikage had intended to help with the village's reconstruction; otherwise, he wouldn't have sent construction workers along.
As the next Tsuchikage candidate, Mu had no plans to participate in the construction efforts. He was very interested in the ninja school and intended to study its operation before returning to propose a similar project to Ishiwa.
The site where the Tsuchikumo clan's forbidden jutsu had flattened the land became the assessment area for the first batch of students for the ninja school. Any child under seven, whether a civilian or a clan ninja, could enroll, even those with Genin capabilities. As long as they were under the age of seven, they could re-enroll.
Additionally, Ryuuri invested a significant amount of money to purchase ninja tools, medicinal supplies, and food. Once enrolled, students would receive the best treatment, which was a major draw for many children from civilian families. Enrolling would relieve some of their families' burdens and improve their lives.
Upon hearing this, Mu insisted on accompanying Ryuuri to observe the new students. If the second ninja war were to occur, this batch would undoubtedly become the main combat force of Taki Hidden Village.
Ryuuri was reluctant to expose the students' identities to potential enemies from Iwagakure, but he couldn't resist Mu's persistent requests. He eventually agreed to let the envoy stay a bit longer, finding it an annoyance but conceding nonetheless.
The first round of assessments began with a simple running test: the children were to run one hundred laps around the designated area. This distance was the limit for slightly trained civilian children. This round was less about their physical fitness and more about their perseverance.
Running a hundred laps under the blazing sun was taxing, especially for small children. Ryuuri had sent ten Chunin to Sukiya to purchase ten servings of fish roe sushi and ice water as rewards for the top ten finishers.
The fame of Sukiya had spread throughout the village, and everyone craved the sushi, especially the naturally greedy children. With the promise of sushi and ice water, the kids ran their hearts out.
Those who had experienced long-distance running knew that maintaining a steady pace throughout was crucial. Starting off at full speed would lead to quick exhaustion. Ryuuri's assessment had begun from this moment. In the face of rankings, sushi, and ice water, the children who could maintain a steady pace would catch his attention. He might even ease up on the second round for them, as ninja combat required strategy.
Of course, there were also those who were exceptional, such as Kōzen Mamoru's son, Kōzen Masaru. As the son of the Kōzen clan's leader, he had been training in physical arts since childhood. Even at just six years old, his endurance and speed were already at Genin levels.
After all, he was born during the late Warring States period. If a six-year-old in Naruto's time was said to possess Genin physical capabilities, they would be considered a monster.
In addition to Masaru's outstanding performance, children from the Kazekage and Hyakuchi clans also did well. Most surprising was Hyakuchi Ranpo, a five-year-old girl who ranked among the top finishers. In a world where male ninja generally had better physical attributes, this was quite rare.
Ryuuri's disciple, Hattori Masanari, was also among the top tier. At six years old, he already possessed Genin capabilities. Ryuuri suspected that Masanari likely hailed from a large samurai family in the Iron Country, as he showed some foundational swordsmanship skills that a civilian could not have developed. The reason he ended up on the streets remained a mystery for now.
In addition to clan ninjas, the top tier also included children of some Jounin and Chunin, all of whom possessed a degree of talent. Their parents could provide some guidance, and these children were set to become the backbone of Taki Hidden Village.
There were also a few civilian children in the top tier, but they were essentially running for their lives. They might exhaust themselves by the end of the race, but that was understandable. While most civilian children aimed to improve their circumstances, they were also proving they were not inferior to clan children.
However, the gap between civilian and clan ninjas would take several generations of the ninja school's nurturing to narrow. These disparities had persisted for over a hundred years and wouldn't change overnight.
Some children, aware of their limitations in talent and stamina, ran at a steady pace. Regardless of their potential, their composure was commendable. If they could successfully enroll after passing the second round, they would still be valuable candidates.
As time passed, the first tier was nearing completion of their hundred laps. Just then, an unexpected incident occurred—a child fell.