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The original purpose of establishing the tutoring class was not only to allow families with sufficient financial means to send their children in for extra training but also to address the income issues of some ninjas and improve the Uchiha clan's reputation.
At the very beginning, not many parents signed their children up for the tutoring class. Most were skeptical about its effectiveness. However, as the children who enrolled received targeted instruction and their abilities steadily improved, the tutoring class grew increasingly popular. Over the past few years, the facility had already undergone two expansions.
Unfortunately, a tutoring class was just that—a tutoring class. It could never replace the Ninja Academy. While its scale could be increased, unchecked expansion was out of the question.
"But this will leave many children out."
Shisui frowned, conflicted. He didn't care about how much money the tutoring class could make. What concerned him was the opportunity to guide more children, strengthen their foundational skills, and reduce the sacrifices they might face in the brutal world of shinobi. If this could also help change people's prejudices against the Uchiha, even better.
"Shisui."
Kazuki rapped his knuckles on the desk, his tone firm.
"The tutoring class was established to solve the financial struggles of some ninjas, provide an additional path for students to grow stronger, and incidentally improve the Uchiha's reputation. You can't expect to take in every child who wants to enroll. The expansion of the tutoring class has already begun to interfere with the Ninja Academy's education. Many teachers have complained to the Hokage, demanding restrictions on its scale. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Compared to the broad, generalized education of the academy, the tutoring class offered a more personalized approach. The instructors tailored learning methods to each student's individual needs, taught them techniques and knowledge not covered in the academy, and shared valuable real-world experience—things that couldn't be learned in a standard classroom.
Over time, many students who attended the tutoring class began to disregard their academy studies entirely, even openly questioning their teachers.
"Everything has two sides. The fact that the tutoring class has been able to expand continuously proves its value. However, the foundation of shinobi education must always prioritize the Ninja Academy. Only a limited number of students can join the tutoring class, whereas the academy's education is accessible to far more children."
"...Understood."
Shisui knew this was a complicated issue. The Ninja Academy's resentment toward the tutoring class was no small matter. Yet, over the years, the tutoring class had developed rapidly and steadily—all because Kazuki had shouldered the pressure on its behalf. Without him shielding it, the tutoring class would never have reached this point. Shisui couldn't ask for more.
"Good. Make sure the other instructors understand this as well. They should teach only as many students as they can handle properly. Greed must not take over. From now on, the number of students in the tutoring class must not exceed the set limit."
Not every instructor in the tutoring class was as pure-hearted as Shisui. Many wanted to keep accepting more students not for the sake of education but for profit. The more students they took in, the more money they made.
"Yes, but..." Shisui scratched his head awkwardly. "Some instructors might..."
"Then they can get the hell out!"
Kazuki's expression darkened as he snapped,
"Anyone who has a problem with this can pack up and leave. The tutoring class won't collapse without them. There are plenty of ninjas in Konoha who'd kill to take their place."
He wasn't exaggerating. The instructors' earnings from the tutoring class were substantial. Though each individual commission seemed small, with enough students, their income surpassed what many ninjas earned through dangerous missions.
This was why the tutoring class instructors had gone from being an overlooked group to one of the most sought-after positions in the village. Who wouldn't want a job that paid well without life-threatening risks?
"Tell them they have three days to prepare. After that, I'll conduct a personal review. Any instructor who fails will be removed immediately, and we'll recruit new ones from outside. Do they really think I'm a pushover just because I stay quiet?"
After years of comfortable living, some people had started getting bold, huh? Fine. He'd establish a strict evaluation system. From now on, regular assessments would be held. Those who didn't meet the standards would be kicked out—no exceptions. There were plenty of replacements waiting in line.
"..."
Well, not only had his proposal for expansion been rejected, but he'd also managed to piss off the elder. Shisui smiled bitterly and nodded.
When orders came down, he had no choice but to obey. He even had to worry about whether he might be cut in the review.
"Shisui, human greed is uncontrollable. I know you want to maintain good relationships with your colleagues, but being too accommodating isn't always a good thing."
Being easily influenced and overly agreeable were Shisui's fatal flaws. The fact that he was standing here now was undoubtedly the result of his fellow instructors pressuring him into being their spokesperson.
"Understood."
Shisui straightened his posture, his expression serious.
"If there's nothing else, you can go now."
Just as Shisui reached the door, Kazuki suddenly remembered something and called out to him.
"Oh, and stop foolishly donating all your money. No one remembers your good deeds. Save it up—I'll have a surprise for you in a few days."
"..."
Shisui scratched his head, slightly embarrassed.
Was he truly a good person, or just a naive one? Kazuki wasn't sure how to define Shisui. Over the years, aside from his own living expenses, Shisui had donated most of his earnings to those in need.
Kazuki didn't oppose Shisui's kindness. But if he was going to do good deeds, why go out of his way to ensure no one knew it was him? What was the point?
"Shisui."
"Itachi."
As soon as Shisui stepped out of Kazuki's office, he looked up and saw Itachi walking toward him. The two, who hadn't met in a long time, exchanged greetings. But as they took in each other's appearances, an awkward silence fell.
Shisui had deliberately styled himself to look plain and unassuming, while Itachi had… well, put effort into looking more—
Handsome?
It was Fugaku's demand, and Itachi had no choice but to comply.
But when two acquaintances met like this, the atmosphere turned a little strange.
"You're here to see the elder too?"
Shisui laughed and gave Itachi a hug. Itachi patted his shoulder and nodded with a smile.
"I have some matters to discuss with him. You…?"
"Ah, don't even ask. I just got chewed out over the tutoring class."
Shisui chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Should I bring out two chairs so you two can sit and chat properly?"