Zetsu couldn't help but smile, carefully observing the three of them and recalling the information on each individual.
Nagato, the one bearing Madara Uchiha's eyes. Yahiko, the founder of the Akatsuki organization, appeared to be investigating something related to him(Zetsu). Konan, is nothing particularly special, just a student of the village leader. Moreover, both Yahiko and Konan had strong ties with Nagato.
As Zetsu was about to inquire for an interview, Yahiko's curiosity was piqued. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, scrutinizing Zetsu in disguise, and asked, "You look familiar. Have we met before?"
For a moment, Zetsu's cheerful face stiffened, but he quickly regained his composure and chuckled, "Ah, it must be my ordinary appearance that gives you a sense of déjà vu. In any case, I'm here to conduct interviews on behalf of our leader. He sent me specifically to capture this important moment – your graduation."
"Leader?" Hearing that it was Akihiko behind the interview request, Yahiko's doubts vanished, and he nodded casually, saying, "If it's from sensei, then sure"
Zetsu smiled reassuringly, "I only have a few simple questions to ask, so don't be nervous." With their consent, he continued, "First, may I ask, are you all happy at school?"
"Happy!" Yahiko answered promptly, "Thanks to Akihiko-sensei, we've learned a lot here. We've gained knowledge and understood many truths. Plus, the Akatsuki Organization is now recruiting members. Once you graduate from the academy, you can join us and explore the secrets underground and uncover the mysteries of the ninja world!"
"...Please refrain from advertising during the interview, thank you" Zetsu's face stiffened as he requested, disapproving of Yahiko's attempt to promote the Akatsuki Organization.
He also inwardly sneered at Yahiko's proclamation of finding his secret. 'You want to find out about me? Just dream!' he thought. However, he remained polite on the surface and said, "Thank you for your cooperation."
Then he turned to Konan and asked, "What is your dream?"
"To no longer starve and protect everyone," Konan thought for a moment and smiled, "And... protect The Land of Grass!"
"A dream of peace?" Zetsu nodded, "A dream worth pursuing!" Then he shifted his gaze to Nagato, "How do you feel about your eyes?"
The sudden question left everyone puzzled, not understanding why Zetsu was suddenly asking about Nagato's eyes.
But soon, as a student who had received six years of compulsory education, Nagato seemed to grasp the hidden meaning. This wasn't just about his eyes; it was about his vision and ideals. He thought, 'This requires careful consideration! Is it a trap set by Akihiko-sensei?'
With a serious expression, Nagato responded, "Thank you for this opportunity, Akihiko-sensei. In the academy, we not only gained knowledge but also broadened our horizons. We learned to use our eyes to explore and understand the ninja world, and to envision a better future, not just for ourselves but for the entire ninja world!"
Zetsu felt somewhat puzzled. What was Nagato talking about when he asked about his eyes? And Why was he speaking in a high-sounding manner, like Madara-sama? Despite the confusion, Zetsu maintained a smile and thought of asking about his eyes in a different way. He asked, "Have you protected your eyes?"
"By shaping our views correctly, we can establish our ideals and follow the right path!" Nagato replied with conviction.
"...What are your plans for your eyes?" Zetsu persisted, wanting to inquire about Nagato's eyes.
"To use my eyes to observe the world, not only with my physical sight but also with my heart and mind, to perceive and understand," Nagato replied confidently.
Zetsu's mouth twitched in an annoyed manner, "...I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."
"Go ahead! We're listening," Nagato said, wondering what the interviewer wanted to say. Was it about their views or a message from Akihiko-sensei?
"Nagato, Konan, Yahiko," a familiar voice called from nearby, and Zetsu's expression immediately changed. 'Is he here?' he said inwardly as he recognized that voice.
"Thank you for your cooperation, goodbye," Zetsu hastily attempted to slip away. Never mind, it doesn't matter. As long as Madara-sama's eyes are fine, that's good enough. The rest is not his concern! Better to leave quickly before Akihiko catches him.
Hearing Akihiko's voice, the three individuals turned to look at him happily, "Akihiko-sensei!"
"What's going on with you three?" Akihiko asked, puzzled, as he observed the three standing there themselves doing nothing.
"Oh, someone from 'GrassFilm Studio' is taking our interview," Nagato responded, seemingly pointing to where the interview guy was standing before. But when he saw nothing there, a puzzled expression appeared on his face, "Huh? Where is he? He was here just a moment ago?"
Akihiko became perplexed listening to Yahiko and thought, "Did he arrange for someone to interview them? He didn't!"
Akihiko was puzzled for a moment. Could it have been arranged by someone else? Thinking of this, he couldn't help but nod, realizing that this important moment indeed needed to be recorded.
Akihiko patted the shoulders of the three of them and sighed with a tinge of emotion, "You three have also graduated. I still remember when you first came here, you were so small."
Calculating their ages, Nagato was probably only four or five years older than Kakashi. Now, Kakashi is already a well-known genius in the ninja world, while Nagato and the others have just graduated.
After all, when they were found, they were already past the age limit of six for enrollment. Moreover, According to the requirements of a ninja's education, Nagato and the others had actually met the graduation requirements a long time ago, but he just didn't let them graduate. Akihiko recalled this and sighed, "I didn't expect you all to grow up so quickly."
As soon as Akihiko finished speaking, the three of them fell into a reflective silence, their eyes becoming slightly red. Nagato and Konan, in particular, felt the strongest surge of emotions.
For Konan, Akihiko had been the one to rescue her when she was on the verge of starvation. And for Nagato, Akihiko's timely intervention had saved him and his mother from certain death when Leaf Ninjas invaded their home. As for Yahiko, he had almost met his demise while attempting theft in the market, but it was Mubuki who came to his rescue.
Back then, they had believed they would be killed by the adult ninjas, but instead, they were brought to the Land of Grass. They were sent to the academy to learn valuable skills and lead lives free from hunger and hardship.
It could be said that if it weren't for Akihiko, they wouldn't be here now. Despite his occasional annoyance, like giving them homework and testing Nagato's ninjutsu with the flowers he planted, Akihiko had truly been good to them! His guidance and care had shaped them into the people they were today, and they felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude towards their teacher.
It was hard to believe how time had flown by, and they were on the verge of graduation. Tears welled up in their eyes, and their mouths trembled with emotion as they wanted to express their gratitude to Akihiko-sensei.
However, before they could finish speaking, Akihiko interrupted their heartfelt moment with a cheerful tone. "Why are you all crying? We'll still see each other every day! You've graduated from the academy, but that doesn't mean we won't be in touch. I'll continue to be your instructor, and we'll be living in the same village. Besides, Konan, you live in my house, Nagato is just next door, and Yahiko, you're still in the village."
He continued to pat their shoulders, wearing a kind smile, "So, there's no need to worry. Here, take these flowers. You've graduated, be happy about it!" Akihiko handed each of them a bouquet of flowers.
As Akihiko finished speaking, the three of them fell silent, their mouths twitching slightly. They looked at Akihiko with a mix of appreciation and slight grievance. They couldn't help but think, 'Come on, Akihiko-sensei, can't you sense the atmosphere? You're stealing our moment of being moved'
Especially Nagato, as he looked at the familiar flowers in his hand, he suddenly realized where they came from, and his eyes became even more emotional. He couldn't help but gaze at Akihiko with a mix of grief and anger because those were the flowers he had planted.
"Hahaha, my bad. I woke up late and forgot, so I just picked some from your garden," Akihiko chuckled, noticing their expression, He then checked the time. "It's getting late. I'll go up first. Congratulations on your graduation."
With that, he turned and left. The three of them watched Akihiko's departing figure, and despite the initial frustration, their expressions softened. Akihiko may be peculiar and oblivious to atmospheres, but he was Akihiko, the one who saved them and taught them invaluable knowledge and principles.
With grateful hearts, Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko exchanged glances and smiled. Akihiko might be a handful, but he was their teacher and mentor, and they owed him more than they could ever express.
At this moment, with Akihiko's departure, the most important moment had arrived. The solemn and dignified music resounded through the entire academy grounds.
Immediately, all the children, including the parents, fell silent and directed their attention to the flag of The Land of Grass, rising and fluttering like the Grass Shinobi emblem—a tenacious little grass swaying in the wind. Raising the Grass Country flag symbolized the spirit of the New Grass.
As the proclamation of the spirit of the New Grass concluded, Akihiko stepped onto the stage, beaming at the children below. "Congratulations to all of you on your graduation. As the leader of the Land of Grass, I hope that no matter what, you will always remember the educational concept of 'virtue, moral, intelligence, physical fitness, and hard work' instilled by the Land of Grass Academy. Be the champions, the heirs, and the practitioners of the spirit of the Grass. Work diligently, fearlessly climb the peaks, and become the pillars of the Land of Grass, benefiting both the ninja world and its people!"
Looking at the hopeful and visionary children before him, Akihiko couldn't help but feel a touch of emotion. From now on, the Land of Grass would embark on a new chapter. Taking a deep breath, he turned his gaze to Nagato, who was holding flowers below, and said, "Now, let's invite the 'Outstanding Graduate' - Uzumaki Nagato - to the stage to deliver a speech!"
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