In recent years, Grass Studio has risen to prominence, producing a series of highly acclaimed films that have garnered praise across the ninja world. The film industry has evolved into a vital sector for the Grass Village, and it is even colloquially referred to as "Grasswood," a term that, according to Akihiko's phrasing, carries a more grandiose connotation.
During the initial five-year plan, several industries within the Grass Village experienced significant growth. The production of ninja tools, the expansion of clothing factories, and the development of the livestock and dairy sector have all contributed to the village's expansion. These advancements have earned recognition in the ninja world, particularly during the war when all five major ninja villages donned ninja vests crafted by the Grass Village, showcasing the village's prowess in the manufacturing industry.
This venture has proven to be highly successful, and now that the war has concluded, it's time for the ninja world to enjoy some entertainment. Like, In the aftermath of the Second Great Ninja War, a comedy film produced by the Grass Village had gained immense popularity and generated substantial revenue. This time is expected to be no different.
The script for the upcoming film will be tailored to align with the recent war's theme: "Rescue Ninja Maki."
…
After the meeting, Akihiko leaned back in his chair, releasing a resigned sigh. The multitude of tasks on his plate had become overwhelming, and the timing coincided with the autumn harvest, further adding to his responsibilities. He also needed to supervise the forthcoming plans for the Grass Village's development.
Additionally, Hanzo persistently sought updates on the Land of Rain's future plans and sought guidance on how to handle the surviving nobles. However, Akihiko found himself at a loss for words. In his view, the solution was simple: hang them from a tree. That's what he had done during the chaotic period.
Recalling something, he turned his attention to Pakura. "How is the academy?"
"It's rather intriguing," she replied. She truly found it interesting, especially when compared to the conventional ninja academies she had anticipated. The academy's curriculum encompassed a wide array of jutsu, categorized and presented in a meticulously structured manner to facilitate children's learning. The academy also emphasized critical thinking. While obedience to orders remained crucial, the Grass spirit encouraged students to develop their own judgment.
What truly astounded her, however, was an essay titled 'Everyone is a Child of Destiny,' written by Nagato during his first year at the academy, which was influenced by Akihiko's teachings. This revelation suggested that Akihiko had a remarkably broad perspective.
Nonetheless, Pakura couldn't help but think that he deserved a good beating. She wasn't alone in this sentiment; there were likely many individuals across the ninja world who shared a similar desire.
"However, Regarding the two defectors from Konoha," Pakura continued, "Rin Nohara seems to be doing fine, but Obito Uchiha frequently falls asleep during class. What's more, since he is older and more experienced in battle than anyone else in the class, it didn't take long for him to become the so-called boss of the class, and persuade others to follow his lead. "
"Therefore, Several teachers have expressed their desire to meet his parents," Pakura added, raising her eyebrows slightly. As one of the heroes of the Ninja Village, she found herself at a loss for words when dealing with this heroic troublemaker from Konoha.
Akihiko's eyebrow twitched, and he sighed deeply. After graduating from Konoha, Obito came to the Grass Village Academy to be a Class Boss? Moreover, How old was he, still acting so childishly? Speaking of which. Call the parents? Was it even possible for him to summon Madara from his cave, a person who even had trouble eating?
Akihiko shook his head and sighed, "It seems like there's still not enough homework!"
Pakura raised an eyebrow. "Speaking of homework, he occasionally neglects to submit even that. If it weren't for Rin Nohara's assistance, I doubt he'd study at all."
Akihiko fell into a contemplative silence, his hands crossed under his chin as he pondered the situation. "The problem is more significant than I had initially thought, Vice Principal Pakura."
He continued, "We need to address this matter seriously. The educational philosophy of the Grass Village is never to give up on any student."
Pakura, though still somewhat speechless, inquired, "I understand that, but what do you have in mind?"
"We will give him special attention," Akihiko responded. "If Rin Nohara meets the criteria, we'll allow her to skip a grade. As for him... if he falls short by even a single point, I want him to repeat the grade and take his studies more seriously. Let's see if he still dares to be lax in his studies."
Pakura wore an unusual expression. She was well aware of the backgrounds of these two students, as they were both celebrated as heroes in their respective villages, just like her. Akihiko's plan, however, appeared somewhat unconventional, enabling one student to advance a grade while requiring the other to repeat it. Such a development would likely have an impact on Obito, if his teammate, who had been with him even in their defection, were to suddenly advance ahead without him.
Nonetheless, despite the apparent severity of Akihiko's approach, it was, in fact, a highly effective method to compel Obito to take his studies more seriously. It should be noted that the Grass Village's academy differed from the ninja academies in other villages. While in other villages, as long as the three fundamental skills and basic survival abilities met the required standard, students could graduate, the Grass Village's academy placed a higher emphasis on a broad range of subjects. Therefore, without a commitment to his studies, Obito might struggle to pass.
At this point, Akihiko maintained a serious expression and stated, "As for the rest, I will discuss it with his guardian."
Pakura was momentarily taken aback upon hearing the term 'guardian.' She asked, "Are you planning to go to Konoha?"
"No," Akihiko replied with a shake of his head. Why would he go to Konoha when Madara was here?
"No? So, his guardian is here?" Pakura inquired, perplexed. She couldn't comprehend why the parents of Konoha's hero would be here in Grass Village.
"Yes, but you need not worry about it. I will handle it," Akihiko assured, a trace of a smirk on his face. "Isn't he failing to learn properly and acting as the class boss, even bullying his classmates? Let's see if he continues such behavior once his parents are informed."
"It's not... that exaggerated," Pakura responded, somewhat speechless at Akihiko's statements.
Nevertheless, Akihiko maintained his serious demeanor as he emphasized, "We need to closely monitor him. Remember to provide me with his report cards each time."
Pakura regarded Akihiko with a bemused expression, wondering if he held some personal grudge against Obito or something.
…
On the other side, At this moment, Zetsu, following Madara's instructions, approached Obito to discuss the importance of taking his studies more seriously. Obito was pleased to see Zetsu and shared his grievances, saying, "You're here. How's Madara-sensei doing? I wanted to visit him, but…" He paused and continued in a frustrated voice, "I can't leave this place because I have to study."
Zetsu grinned, holding a sizable bag and with a somewhat dirty face, and responded, "Madara-sama is doing well, just as always. But..." his tone turned serious, "he heard that you haven't been paying attention in class and keep dozing off. Madara-sama was quite displeased upon hearing this, so he sent me to talk to you."
As Zetsu spoke, Obito felt somewhat embarrassed and let out an awkward chuckle, saying, "I am studying diligently... at times."
He remembered how strict Madara-sensei had been during the entrance exam, deploying ten White Zetsu Clones to monitor him and prevent any cheating. However, in the absence of Madara's watchful eye, he had become somewhat lax and was put off by the diverse array of unrelated subjects at the Grass Village Academy. Particularly, the Applied Ninjutsu classes served as a reminder of his time under Madara-sama, which he still found rather challenging to endure.
However, he seemed to recall something and gazed at Zetsu with a hopeful expression. "You know, I'm already a highly skilled ninja. I don't really need to study these things. I'm a hero from Konoha, you see. So, could you please tell Madara-sensei..."
Before he could complete his excuse, Zetsu swiftly interrupted, saying, "No, you can't! Madara-sama wants you to study here!"
Obito's protests went unheard as Zetsu remained steadfast, fixing him with a stern and unwavering look. "Madara-sama has great expectations for you. He believes that you will gain something from here. Besides, why give up so easily? Why can't you commit to your studies?"
Zetsu paused and then glanced at the garbage bags he was carrying. "If you don't study, are you going to end up picking up garbage like me?"
Obito rolled his eyes, thinking Zetsu was exaggerating. He regarded the serious countenance before him with a speechless expression. Eventually, he let out a sigh, admitting defeat. "Alright, I understand. I'll do my best."
He realized he had no other option. Maybe he could simply coast through his studies until graduation without putting in much effort. He believed that Madara-sensei wouldn't be too disappointed as long as he eventually passed all his courses, even if he didn't take them seriously.
…
"No, I can't allow him to slack off." murmured Akihiko, who after Pakura's departure, pondered Obito's academic performance and sighed, "Looks like, I'll have to meet with him."
After all, Grass Village Academy was committed to not giving up on any student easily. Subsequently, he stretched lazily and reclined in his chair. Lately, there had been an overwhelming number of tasks to manage. Thinking of this, he muttered to himself, "If I can't handle it, I may need to seek assistance from Pakura."
As a hero from Sunagakure and a high-level ninja, she should be adept at managing such situations. Perhaps he could extend her repayment term slightly as a gesture of gratitude.
…
Meanwhile, At the border of the Land of Grass, a blonde woman examined the documents in her hand and then glanced at the Land of Grass. She sighed softly and mumbled to herself, "Is this really the right course of action?"
She had served as a spy for many years but had never been tasked with a mission like this, openly entering another ninja village for spying.
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