Chapter 18: Elite Shinobi Class Formation
The day after the exams concluded, the air in the Hokage's office was thick with anticipation. Iruka-sensei stood at the desk, shuffling the mark sheets in his hands. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, peered over them with keen interest.
"Let's see what our students have achieved," he said, his voice warm yet commanding. As he scanned the paper, his expression brightened. "In theory, we have Sakura at number one, followed by Shikamaru, then Sasuke. And look—Naruto came in seventh!"
Iruka nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty. "And in practicals?"
"Ah, here we are!" Hiruzen continued, a smile growing on his face. "Sasuke first, Naruto second. Quite the impressive showing!"
"They performed well, but Naruto made the most significant improvements," Iruka commented.
"Yes indeed," the Hokage mused, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. "With these results, I can finally form the Elite Shinobi Class!"
Iruka's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Elite Shinobi Class? Are you sure about this, Hokage-sama?"
The Third Hokage, had long envisioned the formation of an elite shinobi class, a concept known among the higher-ups of Konoha. However, Iruka didn't expect it to come together so quickly.
Konoha was suffering from a significant shortage of high-level shinobi, and he believed that by training young geniuses from an early age, they could develop into exceptional warriors.
The village had many talented individuals, but far too many of them failed to reach their full potential. This gap had left Konoha vulnerable, especially after the loss of Itachi Uchiha, whose caliber of skill and intelligence was unmatched.
Since Itachi's departure, no other geniuses had emerged to take his place, and the Hokage knew that if Konoha was to remain strong, it needed to nurture its brightest talents. With the threat of new challenges on the horizon, he understood that extensive training for the next generation of shinobi was crucial to ensure the village's safety and resilience.
The Third Hokage chuckled softly, leaning back in his chair. "I understand your concern, Iruka. I'll explain everything, but first, let's call in a few key individuals."
Hiruzen clapped his hands together, summoning an ANBU black-ops member who had been lurking silently in the shadows. "I need you to gather a few people for me: Danzo, the other elders, Guy, Kakashi, Kurai, Asuma, and.... It's time we discussed the future of our students."
The ANBU nodded and vanished in a swirl of leaves, leaving Iruka and Hiruzen.
Minutes later, the room began to fill with familiar faces. Kakashi strolled in, his trademark nonchalance apparent as he leaned against the wall, flipping through a book.
Guy burst in with his usual enthusiasm, eyes sparkling with excitement. Kurenai and Asuma followed closely behind, the former wearing a serious expression while the latter chuckled at Guy's antics.
Just behind Asuma and Kurenai walked Katsuro Ishida, an expert in Sealing Jutsu with a reputation for his precise control and dedication to traditional techniques. Following him was Botan, the village's finest Kenjutsu master, known for his swift blade.
Haruto Nakamura, a specialist in sensory techniques, entered next, his calm presence and deep knowledge of chakra detection adding a unique strength to the group.
The Medicinal Ninjutsu expert, Rina Saito, joined them quietly, her expertise in healing skills crucial for supporting Konoha's shinobi.
After they entered, they immediately knelt down, including Iruka.
Finally, the three elders, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo Shimura, entered the room. Each elder wore an expression of curiosity, their posture upright and their attention fixed on Hiruzen. As always, Danzo wasted no time.
"What are we called here for, Hiruzen?" he asked sharply, his tone revealing both interest and impatience.
The others perked up, knowing that the reason for this meeting must be significant. Hiruzen Sarutobi, let his gaze drift over each of them, holding their attention.
"You're here because we're on the verge of something vital to Konoha's future," Hiruzen began, his voice carrying both resolve and a sense of purpose. "I've decided to establish an elite shinobi class within the Academy.
We are in need of high-level shinobi, now more than ever. The next generation has potential, but without our guidance, they may never reach it."
The room fell into a thoughtful silence. Hiruzen continued, "Konoha has produced many geniuses, but not all reach their full potential. Since Itachi, no prodigy of that caliber has come forward, and we must change that. We cannot allow Konoha's young talent to be left untrained or untested. This initiative will bring together the brightest young minds, training them under focused instruction to secure our future."
Danzo's eyes sharpened, and Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, their expressions showing they understood the weight of the Hokage's words. Asuma, Kurenai, Guy, and others nodded in quiet agreement, realizing the importance of nurturing Konoha's next generation.
Hiruzen then turned to Iruka, who had compiled the recent exam results and identified students with promise. "Each of you," Hiruzen said to the assembled specialists, "will lend your unique skills to their training. With your guidance, we will shape these students into the best Konoha has ever seen."
Danzo's gaze was sharp as he stepped forward. "How exactly do you expect us to contribute to this… Elite Shinobi Class?"
Before Hiruzen could respond, Koharu Utatane, one of the village elders, raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Are you saying the current Academy is failing to bring out the students' potential?" she questioned, her tone suggesting both doubt and curiosity.
Homura Mitokado, crossed his arms and shook his head slightly. "The Academy's training has been more than adequate for generations," he muttered. "Spending time on this 'elite' class might be an unnecessary investment. Why complicate things?"
Hiruzen took a breath, his eyes firm. "Our current Academy structure is solid, but these are difficult times. Konoha has endured significant losses in recent years. Our numbers of high-level shinobi are dwindling, and we cannot afford to lose sight of the future. We need a generation of shinobi who can excel beyond ordinary training."
He continued, addressing all in the room. "By selecting students who demonstrate exceptional skills early on, we can ensure they receive the focused attention and resources they need to reach their full potential."
Iruka nodded thoughtfully. "So, we're looking at intensive, specialized training—ninjutsu, taijutsu, genjutsu, kenjutsu, and so on—each area tailored by us to meet the needs of these top students."
Hiruzen nodded, confirming Iruka's words. "Yes, and elite shinobi class will span five years, with the goal that those who graduate would at least have the power and abilities of the chunin."
Everyone listened closely as the Third Hokage continued, "In the first year, students will focus heavily on taijutsu, taught by none other than Guy, followed by basics of ninjutsu and genjutsu. And they'll also study theoretical subjects, though this won't be like the ordinary academy classes. By the end of this year, each student must match genin in Taijutsu skill and complete five E-rank missions to reach second year."
Seeing a few puzzled expressions, Hiruzen clarified, "There are certain D-rank missions that can be handled within the village boundaries. These can be performed by students in training as even kids can complete them, so we'll be designating them as E-rank for the elite class. The remaining curriculum will be revised each year and tailored to fit the progress and needs of the class."
A wave of understanding passed through the room as the specialized and rigorous nature of this program became clear to everyone.
Hiruzen turned to Danzo with a firm look. "Danzo, I didn't call you here for assistance. I called you here to make it clear that the students in the elite class are off-limits for your Root organization."
Danzo's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists, but without another word, he turned and left the room, a sour expression on his face.
The other elders nodded in understanding; they knew Konoha's current state was fragile. The village had lost much of its strength recently: the Fourth Hokage was gone, the Uchiha clan had been nearly wiped out, and Hiruzen, while a capable leader, was no longer in his prime. Konoha's young jinchuriki, Naruto, was still just a child, far from ready to protect the village.
Breaking the tension, Kakashi finally spoke up. "Hokage-sama, if this is an assembly of instructors for the elite class, why am I here? I'm still an active member of the ANBU."
Hiruzen's expression softened. "Kakashi, I believe that remaining in ANBU is not the best path for you right now. You need time to recover, both mentally and emotionally, from the past few years. That's why I'm assigning you to be the ninjutsu instructor for the elite academy class."
Kakashi's visible eye widened in surprise, and he opened his mouth to protest, but before he could, Guy slapped him on the back with a hearty laugh. "Kakashi, this will be good for you! Besides, our students need to see your skills firsthand."
Asuma joined in, nodding. "The village needs your guidance on the frontlines of teaching, Kakashi. You'd be a tremendous influence."
Kurenai smiled softly. "The students will benefit greatly from someone with your experience."
With no other choice, Kakashi sighed and gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. I'll do it."
Homura gave Kakashi an approving nod. "Good decision, Kakashi," he said, before turning his attention back to Hiruzen. "Hiruzen, have you selected the students for this elite class, or is that yet to be done?"
Hiruzen smiled. "I've already compiled a list of students and will start the classes from the next week, but I believe in giving every child a fair chance. Therefore, we'll be holding an open test in one month. The exam will focus primarily on practical skills, allowing us to see their potential firsthand."
The other instructors nodded, understanding the importance of making the selection transparent. Hiruzen continued, "The villagers should also be informed of the class, so families know about the opportunity and encourage their children to put forth their best effort. This class will be an honor, and the students who pass will know they've earned their place."
Guy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is excellent! The youth of Konoha will push their limits and reach new heights!"
Kurenai agreed, adding, "It's a brilliant way to let the young ones prove themselves. Those who make it into the elite class will feel a stronger sense of pride and responsibility."
Hiruzen looked around at the group, satisfied by their enthusiasm. "Then it's decided. We'll set up the exam details and inform the village tomorrow." He turned to Iruka, "Start preparing the academy for this. The elite class will be an intensive program, and I want the groundwork ready."
Iruka nodded, already thinking of how best to prepare. "I'll see to it, Hokage-sama."
The room buzzed with determination as each of the assembled shinobi prepared themselves mentally for their roles in shaping Konoha's future elite.
End of the chapter. _________________________________________________________
Power stones, please