With the onset of spring, the Land of Grass welcomed warmer weather.
Madara's funeral held straightforwardly, reflected simplicity. Black Zetsu utilized Zetsu's hard-earned savings to purchase a high-quality coffin. Swiftly, they laid Madara to rest in a fitting place and concluded the ceremony.
Regarding the burial site, Akihiko remained unaware. Black Zetsu, fearing that Akihiko might really scatter Madara's ashes, kept the location undisclosed. The funeral happened hastily - Madara passed one day, and the next day the preparation was already completed, and the burial was held.
Obito expressed his dissatisfaction with the speed of the process, saying, "Why is it so fast? We haven't even had time to light a few incense sticks or prepare some flowers for Madara-sensei!"
However, upon learning that this was in accordance with Madara's last wish, conveyed by Black Zetsu, Obito didn't pursue the matter further.
There were also rumors about Zetsu during this time, as his figure was no longer seen sweeping the streets in the early morning. Many people expressed concern and inquired about what may have happened.
Meanwhile, the Land of Grass steadily progressed, developing its infrastructure. With boosted productivity and a trading network established, Grass Products discreetly found their way into the shinobi world.
…
The weather today was exquisite, and Akihiko decided to indulge in a rare break with Kana. With a contented yawn, he directed his attention to Pakura, who stood before him. Accepting the tea poured by Kana, he inquired, "Why are you here?"
Pakura, found Akihiko's questioning odd, considering she was the vice dean of the academy, it's not much to come to the leader's house to discuss some matters. She took the offered tea, gave a brisk smile, and replied, "Thanks."
After a sip, Pakura stretched comfortably. Despite starting living in Grass Village, she maintained her preference for open-back clothing, displaying her well-built figure. Expressing dissatisfaction, she remarked, "Didn't you extend the invitation?"
Perceiving Akihiko's confusion, Pakura sighed and covered her face in disbelief, remarking, "Ever since that Nono arrived, you've become even more laid-back. You're the leader of the Grass Village, for heaven's sake!"
"Oh, come on. I'm just taking a little break. How's that being lazy?" Akihiko replied casually, then added, "So, what brings you here?"
"Did you actually forget?" Pakura rolled her eyes once more, sighing as she replied, "It's about the academy."
"Oh, that. Right, I thought it was something else." Akihiko chuckled before adopting a more serious demeanor. "As you can see, during this period, the curriculum at the academy could use some adjustments."
In recent years, the Grass Village has made significant strides in the development of scientific ninja tools, becoming a cornerstone of the nation's progress. Despite the dominance of scientific and technological research within the Grass Village, it did not undermine technological advancements beyond its borders. The now-destroyed Sky Village, for instance, had a fortress powered by chakra, and the Snow Village, despite its situation, pioneered train research, albeit with steam engines using coal, unlike the Grass Village's chakra-powered trains.
While the scientific ninja tool had been pivotal in their technological advancements, it had limitations, relying on chakra while other technologies operated on electricity or firepower. To bridge this gap, the Grass Village was delving into hybrid power, combining electricity with chakra, and expanding its research team.
As the research expanded, the need for more researchers became apparent. The current researchers are mostly composed of ninjas who were originally led by Elder Uzumaki Yoshinori during the formation of the research team. The team had gradually evolved though, it had included individuals trained through literacy classes, greatly valued by Yoshinori.
However, The Grass Village lacked a structured system for nurturing professional researchers. To address this, they aimed to introduce scientific ninja tool development courses at the academy, establishing a dedicated framework for grooming future scientific ninja researchers.
"Given this, we need to revise the academy's curriculum to incorporate these new courses," Akihiko explained. "We want to create a structured program for grooming researchers in scientific ninja tools. It's a crucial step for the continued advancement of the Grass Village."
Pakura nodded in understanding. "So, you want to integrate these courses into the academy's offerings. It makes sense, considering the importance of technological development."
"Hmm, indeed, establishing corresponding training courses is necessary," Pakura nodded in agreement with Akihiko's plan.
During this period, she noticed the Grass Village's distinctiveness compared to others. While other major villages had similar scientific ninja tools, the Grass Village had delved deeply into massive research, experimenting with various unconventional inventions.
Pakura, however, turned to Akihiko with a furrowed brow. "But what arrangements are needed for this? And where are the teaching materials?"
"Elder Yoshinori will handle the textbooks; that's not my area of expertise," Akihiko explained, gesturing helplessly. "Regarding arrangements, I need you to engage with the students and teachers in the academy first, creating a positive impression of these courses. The rest of the details, we'll figure out later."
"Understood. I'll schedule a meeting with the academy's faculty to gather their opinions," Pakura affirmed. Although her salary was modest, she wouldn't slack off. As a responsible ninja, she was committed to her role, and took her responsibilities seriously, she intend to fulfill her duties diligently.
Besides, she owed Akihiko for saving her life. If not for him, she might have perished as a so-called 'hero.' Additionally, while her salary might not have been substantial, it was far better than what other rogue ninjas from different villages received.
Suddenly, Pakura gave Akihiko a stern look, questioning without mercy, "Do you not feel guilty?"
Akihiko, puzzled by her sudden shift in tone, sought clarification.
"With such a small salary, I don't understand why that ninja from Konoha decided to stay. She's quite capable and very kind. Despite her modest income, she works diligently and responsibly. In her free time, she even volunteers at the orphanage," Pakura remarked, taking another sip of tea, and continued with a hint of helplessness, "By the way, why do you recruit so many rogue ninjas? Aren't you afraid of any repercussions from the Five Great Ninja Villages?"
"No problem. Anyway, The idea of the Five Great Ninja Villages attacking the Grass Village has been in the air for a long time," Akihiko replied casually, as if it were an everyday occurrence.
Hearing Akihiko's nonchalant response, Pakura regarded him with a peculiar expression. "You're quite self-aware," she remarked before sighing once more, "It's just Nono... you're taking advantage of a kind person. Don't you have a conscience? Don't you feel bad about treating her this way?"
Hearing the accusations, Akihiko finally replied in frustration, "Hey, didn't I tell you? She's actually a spy from Konoha!"
Pakura froze in shock, blinking a few times before covering her face in disbelief. "A spy? When did you mention that?" She looked at Akihiko, her expression serious. "She's a spy? It doesn't seem likely. How could such a gentle person be a spy? And if she is, why keep her around?"
"There's no other choice. We're short-staffed. Where am I supposed to find such a competent and affordable secretary?" Akihiko sighed, expressing his dilemma.
"Konoha must have some serious bad luck..." Pakura shook her head, "...to have you as their ally."
"Don't speak nonsense! Grass Village and Konoha have a strong relationship. Please don't try to sow discord," Akihiko retorted, ignoring her dubious gaze. Then, remembering something, he inquired, "By the way, how's Obito? How's he doing at the academy lately?"
Having promised Madara to look after Obito, as the leader of the Grass Village, he was committed to fulfilling his word.
"If you hadn't brought it up, I might've forgotten!" Pakura responded but chose not to dwell on the spy matter any longer. She had faith in Akihiko's judgment.
Frowning slightly, she continued, "According to the subject teachers, Obito has undergone a significant change lately. He's extremely attentive in class, no longer dozing off, and actively participates by raising his hand to answer questions. Several teachers have even asked if he's under a genjutsu and want me to investigate."
Akihiko's lips twitched at the situation. "So, was he really under a genjutsu?" he asked sarcastically.
"No, he wasn't under a genjutsu. I think maybe he's finally grown up," Pakura replied, sounding somewhat unsure.
Akihiko gave Pakura a quizzical look at her words.
…
Meanwhile, in the dormitory, even during the break, a certain figure remained engrossed in studying.
Obito glanced at Black Zetsu, inquiring, "Black Zetsu, how do you solve this blood transfusion problem?"
Black Zetsu simply stared at it, offering no response, leaving Obito in a speechless state.
Observing the lack of reaction, Obito posed another question, "Don't understand? What about this one? Explain the central idea of this article."
Again, Black Zetsu remained silent, gazing at another problem that Obito pointed out without uttering a word.
"Still don't know? Can you at least handle the essay? 'There is no such thing as good war or bad peace.' Based on the given materials, write an article with 'peace' and 'war' as the main themes, reflecting your feelings and thoughts. How do you interpret this sentence? Which perspective is better for explanation?"
Black Zetsu continued to respond with silence, turning his attention back to Obito when the latter gazed at him. The two of them entered into a silent exchange, locking eyes with each other. The two fell into a prolonged silence, their eyes locked in an unusual quietness that enveloped the dorm room.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Obito broke the silence, expressing his disappointment, "You don't know this, and you don't know that, You don't know anything! Are you truly the will born from Madara-sensei's book?" Obito sighed deeply, setting down the book in his hand. He looked disappointedly at Black Zetsu before shaking his head and saying, "Little Zetsu, I'm very disappointed in you!"
However, upon hearing Obito's words, Black Zetsu was taken aback, 'Did he just call me 'Little'?'