"Alright, Naraku, I have to admit that everyone has been underestimating you."
Tsunade examined the proposal in her hands, nodding with genuine approval as she read through each page. The document was thorough, well-thought-out, and surprisingly practical.
To be honest, she had expected competent work from him in other areas, but Tsunade truly hadn't anticipated that Naraku, despite his recent appointment to the Ministry of Education, could produce such useful and actionable suggestions so quickly. The man was not only incredibly powerful as a shinobi but also demonstrated remarkable intelligence in administrative matters. Was there anything this guy couldn't do?
"Actually, many people have noticed that some of the school's rules and regulations have become outdated," Naraku replied thoughtfully. "The problem is that most people lack the authority to report these issues to their superiors. In the past, no one really paid much attention to school affairs. Everyone was too focused on identifying and nurturing those with exceptional talent, which caused them to overlook these more obvious structural problems."
"You're absolutely right about that," Tsunade agreed, setting the proposal down on her desk.
"When the Second Hokage established the Konoha Academy, he undoubtedly had to make many compromises during those early days," Naraku continued. "The village was still finding its footing, and resources were limited. But there's no need to be so cautious anymore. We've grown stronger and more stable. It's time to address these longstanding issues properly."
"That's exactly what I was thinking," Tsunade said, leaning back in her chair. "However, with so many problems to tackle, there's no need to start a massive overhaul right away. That could cause more disruption than improvement."
She paused, considering the best approach. "How about this – we can order corrections for some of the more obvious mistakes first. Your suggestion about taking a gradual approach makes sense. I'll have people begin preparing for the initial changes."
"That sounds like a solid plan," Naraku agreed.
"However," Tsunade continued, "the preparation of new school teaching materials can't be completed overnight. Let's start by following your suggestion to gather all the teachers together and have them contribute their ideas and experiences. They're the ones working with these systems every day, after all."
"Understood. I'll take care of organizing that," Naraku replied with a respectful nod.
Later that evening at the Konoha Academy, the familiar sounds of students preparing to leave filled the air.
"Goodbye, Iruka-sensei!" called out several young voices.
"Walk, don't run on your way home!" Iruka called back, his voice carrying the practiced tone of someone who had given this reminder countless times.
"Hey, you guys over there, stop causing trouble!"
"Be careful with your bags – everything's going to fall out if you're not more careful!"
Umino Iruka stood positioned at the main gate of the Konoha Academy, keeping a watchful eye on his students and offering gentle reminders to those who needed them. His dedication was evident in every interaction, every concerned glance, every patient correction.
As a teacher at the ninja academy, Iruka was undoubtedly among the most qualified and dedicated educators in the village. His genuine care for his students showed in everything he did.
As the sky gradually darkened and the sun began to set behind the village walls, parents and guardians arrived one by one to collect their children. The once-bustling school gate slowly grew quiet as families departed for their evening routines.
"Let's go, Iruka!" called one of his fellow teachers.
"Right, I'll be there in just a moment," Iruka replied.
He took one final look around the school grounds, checking to make sure nothing had been left behind and that all the students had been safely picked up. Satisfied that everything was in order, he quickly hurried to catch up with his colleague.
"Iruka, do you have any idea why we've all been asked to gather like this?" his colleague asked as they walked together toward the main building.
"I'm not entirely sure," Iruka admitted, "but Lord Naraku just became the Minister of Education recently, so it probably has something to do with that appointment."
"Wait, Lord Naraku is going to be there too?" the other teacher asked, eyes widening with excitement. "I wonder what such an important and powerful person is actually like in person!"
Seeing his colleague's eager and somewhat nervous expression, Iruka couldn't help but smile. Although he and Shihouin Naraku weren't particularly close or familiar with each other, they had encountered each other on several occasions around the village, so the man wasn't completely unknown to him.
"From what I've observed, Lord Naraku seems to be quite kind and approachable," Iruka offered reassuringly.
"Really? Is that so?" his colleague asked with surprise.
"But I've heard from others that Lord Naraku is supposed to be a very serious and intimidating person," another teacher chimed in, having overheard their conversation. "After all, someone great enough to dominate on the cruel battlefield can't be too gentle or soft-hearted, right?"
"Well..." Iruka paused, thinking back to his few personal encounters with Shihouin Naraku. The man hadn't seemed particularly serious or stern during those brief meetings, but there was definitely an unmistakable aura of strength and authority surrounding him. Those encounters, however brief, had certainly left a lasting impression.
"Let's just go quickly and see for ourselves," Iruka suggested diplomatically. "When you actually meet Lord Naraku later, you'll be able to form your own opinion about what he's like."
"You're right, let's head to the gathering now," his colleague agreed eagerly. "We definitely can't keep someone of his importance waiting for us!"
Iruka and his companion quickened their pace, making their way toward the designated meeting room. Along the route, they encountered more of their colleagues, all heading in the same direction with similar expressions of curiosity and nervous anticipation. Everyone managed to gather in the conference room well within the specified time limit.
"Hey, didn't you request leave for today?" one teacher asked another as they filed into the room. "Why are you here?"
"How could I possibly be absent from such an important meeting?" came the reply.
"This really is quite spectacular," someone else observed quietly. "It looks like every single teacher in the entire school has been gathered here."
"Keep your voices down," another colleague warned in a whisper. "I can see that both the principal and the director are here as well."
As more time passed and the room filled completely, Konoha's school principal and education director walked into the meeting room, taking their positions at the front. The atmosphere grew more formal and expectant.
Soon after, the main door to the conference room opened with a soft creak.
Shihouin Naraku stepped through the doorway, taking the lead as he entered. Immediately, the entire conference room fell into a tense and respectful silence. His presence alone seemed to command attention and respect from everyone present.
"Lord Naraku!" voices called out in unison.
"Lord Naraku!" others echoed.
"Minister!" some added with formal respect.
Every person in the room immediately stood up from their seats and offered respectful greetings to Shihouin Naraku. In their focus on showing proper respect to the new Minister of Education, they seemed to completely overlook Deputy Minister Harada Shiramizu, who had been the one to actually open the door.
"Please, everyone take your seats," Naraku said with a gesture toward the chairs.
He glanced around the room carefully, taking note of the attendance. Good – it appeared that no one was missing from this important gathering.
This level of attendance was quite normal and expected, he reflected. When the Minister of Education issues a direct order for a meeting, especially when Shihouin Naraku himself plans to attend, even those teachers who had requested leave for the day would rush back to participate.
"I know everyone has been working hard all day, so I won't waste any more of your valuable time," Naraku began, dispensing with lengthy introductions and getting straight to the heart of the matter. "It has been several decades since the Second Hokage first established the Konoha Academy. Many of the rules and regulations that seemed reasonable and necessary at that time have now become somewhat outdated and no longer serve our current needs effectively."
"Please distribute the materials!" he called to the staff members waiting nearby.
The administrative staff immediately picked up several thick stacks of documents and began distributing them to everyone present, ensuring each teacher received a complete copy.
"These documents contain the rules and regulations that we believe need to be reviewed and potentially updated," Naraku explained as the papers were handed out. "Please take some time to look through them carefully and don't hesitate to raise any concerns or different opinions you might have."
"I want to assure everyone here that all of these rules and regulations exist for the sole purpose of making our school better, cultivating more talented shinobi, and providing our children with the best possible education and development opportunities."
"Every opinion and suggestion you offer here today will have a direct impact on every aspect of our children's daily lives in the future, including your own descendants who will one day attend this academy. Therefore, I sincerely hope that everyone will feel comfortable speaking up and sharing their thoughts freely."
"Please understand that changes to these bylaws won't be implemented all at once," he continued reassuringly. "The village leadership will carefully listen to everyone's opinions and suggestions, and we will ultimately make a comprehensive consideration of all viewpoints before making any final decisions."
After delivering his explanation, Naraku gave a respectful nod to the assembled teachers and quietly left the meeting room, leaving behind a group of educators who looked both confused and nervous about this unexpected development.
Many of the teachers exchanged puzzled glances. Why had he left so quickly?
Naraku understood the psychology of the situation perfectly. He knew that with his high status and intimidating reputation, it would be very difficult for these teachers to speak openly and honestly if he remained in the meeting room. His presence might inadvertently stifle the very discussion he was trying to encourage.
The best approach was to let them discuss matters among themselves first, allowing for open and honest dialogue. When it came time for the final summary and conclusions, that would be the appropriate moment for him to return and participate.
Sure enough, as soon as Naraku and Harada Shiramizu stepped out of the meeting room and closed the door behind them, the noise level inside immediately rose as animated discussions began.
"Harada," Naraku said, turning to his deputy.
"Yes, Lord Naraku," Harada Shiramizu replied attentively.
"The Ministry of Education is going to be extremely busy in the coming months," Naraku explained seriously. "You must be prepared to work very hard and shoulder significant responsibilities. Remember this clearly – whether you can make meaningful contributions to the village and advance your own career depends entirely on your own efforts and dedication."
"Yes, sir!" Harada responded with obvious enthusiasm.
"Thank you so much for this opportunity, Lord Naraku!" he added, bowing deeply with genuine excitement.
Harada Shiramizu understood the implications of Naraku's words perfectly. This was clearly an indication that he was being considered for promotion and greater responsibilities within the ministry.
Besides, everyone in the village knew that the Hokage wouldn't keep Lord Naraku assigned to the Ministry of Education permanently. While his current work there seemed highly appropriate and effective, it would ultimately be somewhat wasteful to keep the most powerful shinobi in the world focused on educational administration rather than utilizing his exceptional combat abilities when needed.
Keeping such a valuable military asset permanently stationed in an administrative role would be almost criminal in its inefficiency.
So it was easy to understand why Harada Shiramizu felt such excitement and gratitude for this opportunity.
Even when Shihouin Naraku eventually left the Ministry of Education for other duties, Harada's current qualifications might not be quite sufficient for immediate promotion to the top position. However, as long as he could demonstrate real contributions and effective leadership during this crucial period, he wouldn't need to worry about his future career development and advancement within the village's administrative structure.
Observing his subordinate's enthusiastic and grateful expression, Naraku smiled with quiet satisfaction.
This was exactly the kind of motivation he had hoped to instill. The specific details of implementing these educational reforms could now be safely delegated to Harada Shiramizu. With such a clear incentive dangling in front of him, there was no need to worry about whether this particular subordinate would work hard enough to see the project through to success.
"Alright, it sounds like there's quite a lot of animated discussion happening in there," Naraku observed, hearing the rising volume of voices through the door.
"Just in case their debates become too heated and they start arguing unproductively, we should probably go back inside and help guide the conversation."
"Yes, sir!" Harada agreed immediately.
Shihouin Naraku raised his hand and knocked firmly on the conference room door, but the sharp sound of his knocking failed to penetrate the increasingly loud and passionate discussions taking place among the teachers inside.
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