Chapter 194: 194. Chapter 191: Expanding the Selection, Sima Yi's Return

194. Chapter 191: Expanding the Selection, Sima Yi's Return

Konoha is divided into the interior, the core, and the outer districts.

Except for the Uchiha who moved to the outer area for special reasons, other residents of the outer area are not eligible to participate in the Ninja Academy selection.

This means that people in Konoha's outer area have almost no chance of becoming ninja.

For Konoha's original inhabitants, this is an encouraging policy; the distinction justifies their willingness to risk their lives on the battlefield.

But for Shisui, who has become Hokage, this matter can only be said to have both advantages and disadvantages.

"Is there any way for the outer people to also enter the Ninja Academy?"

The Ninja Academy recruits as few as a few dozen and as many as over a hundred students each year; to strengthen Konoha, the number of ninja is always the primary task.

However, after all that has happened, Shisui has become much more composed and has not made any direct changes.

A few days later, after the Ninja Academy enrollment ended, Shisui deliberately found a reason to gather the senior officials of each division together. An Benwenxiong, holding a document, suddenly spoke: "Hokage, the situation arose suddenly; during this Ninja Academy enrollment period I compiled past records and unexpectedly uncovered a serious problem. If it is not resolved, Konoha's extinction is not far off!"

Hiss— the crowd inhaled a cold gasp at his words, casting strange looks at An Benwenxiong.

Being summoned early in the morning to hear such explosive news left them a bit unaccustomed; after they recovered, they began to carefully consider An Benwenxiong's meaning.

"Konoha's extinction? Wenxiong, what are you talking nonsense about? Under the Fifth Hokage's leadership, Konoha repelled the Cloud Village and struck the Rock Village. Moreover, we have just eradicated internal strife; Konoha is thriving—how could it be doomed?"

Seeing An Benwenxiong's alarmist words, someone immediately stepped forward to oppose.

Shisui glanced at the person who leapt forward and suddenly realized that qualified ninja do not necessarily have the ability to govern Konoha; he should carefully consider the choice of ruler.

However, most ninja, being accustomed to caution, remained silent and did not speak up.

"Haha, you can't say it that way; Konoha's present state owes itself to everyone's contributions and counsel. Every spark of Konoha's light must gather together to illuminate the Village.

Jonin An Benwenxiong, devoted to the Village, likely isn't being alarmist; if you have any findings, feel free to state them directly."

"The Hokage is wise."

The crowd sighed and looked at An Benwenxiong, who said in a deep voice: "Since the Third Ninja World War, the Ninja Academy's annual intake has been decreasing. Apart from the time of the Fourth Hokage, there has never been any sign of easing. This time there are only about 80 recruits. If this continues, not only will we fail to restore the First Hokage's glory, but the next Ninja War may mark Konoha's day of extinction."

Even farming—fewer people tilling the fields means a natural decline in harvest, let alone bearing children.

During Ninja Wars, almost every household had someone leave Konoha; during intense periods, even children were sent to the battlefield, so population growth naturally could not keep up with the losses.

Moreover, over time the gap only widens.

The listeners' expressions varied; some nodded in agreement, others were indifferent.

"Hokage, the Ninja Academy system has always been like this since its establishment. Even though this year's intake is small, now that the war has ended, it will recover in a few years; each previous Ninja War was endured in the same way."

The statement was true, prompting the crowd to nod silently.

"In just a few decades, three Ninja World Wars have broken out, yet this year's enrollment is only about eighty. Who knows when the next Ninja War will erupt—three years? Five years? At this rate, how many ninja can we train? How many years will it take to recover? It may still be insufficient to replace the ninja lost in this war. Consequently, how can we survive the next Ninja War? How can we protect Konoha?"

"Even if we survive the Fourth Ninja World War, what then? Could we also get through the Fifth, the Sixth?"

"Don't you all know Konoha's performance on the battlefield?"

Now no one objected; they carefully recalled Konoha's performance in each Ninja War and also recognized this issue.

Konoha's situation is deteriorating; although the number of ninja may not have decreased, their battlefield performance declines each time, a well‑known fact.

"Then, does Jonin An Benwenxiong have any solution?"

Shisui's expression changed, and he quickly asked.

"Please, Hokage, lift the restrictions and allow outer‑district villagers to participate in the Ninja Academy selection, expand enrollment, and increase the number of ninja!"

"Impossible!"

Before Shisui could respond, someone leapt forward and retorted: "Hokage, this move is absolutely unfeasible!"

After speaking, the person realized his reaction was a bit harsh and quickly apologized while half‑kneeling.

Ninja from each division stirred a bit, clearly not very supportive of the proposal.

Not only these ninja, but even Shuitumen Yan frowned, and Nailang Zhuque silently turned his gaze back, signaling his refusal.

Shisui silently noted it all, then smiled and said: "Everyone acts for Konoha; any opinions can be voiced. No need for this—please stand up now."

"Thank you, Hokage."

When that person stood up, Shisui gently added: "I've been Hokage only a short time, and there are many things I still don't understand. Please feel free to share any opinions; I will listen carefully."

Having received Shisui's permission, the person hurriedly explained: "Hokage, it's not that we don't want Konoha to be strong; this method's negative impact is too great. I can list three points myself."

Shisui's interest was piqued, "Tell me, I'm listening."

"First, many outer‑district people are merchants; they move in and out of Konoha frequently, their whereabouts uncertain, and their origins unknown, making it easy for foreign spies to blend in. If we let them enter the Ninja Academy, they could later infiltrate the Village's interior, even reach senior ranks, and access classified information—this is extremely dangerous for Konoha.

Second, the distinction between inside and outside has been policy since the Second Hokage; only internal villagers are true Konoha citizens—this is our consensus. Everyone has made great sacrifices for Konoha in each Ninja War. If we arbitrarily change the policy to treat insiders and outsiders equally, it will inevitably provoke villagers' discontent.

As for the third point: although ninja numbers have decreased after the war, this is only a comparison to the number of ninja. Compared to the number of missions, the gap is actually small; there are many ninja but few missions.

However, we are all villagers of Konoha and can tolerate each other, but if outside ninja join and compete with internal ninja for mission shares, it could cause serious internal strife, even drawing swords against each other."

After the three analyses, the crowd nodded and agreed: "Indeed, Hokage, the ninja number issue is only temporary, but changing the policy would bring endless repercussions; we must not agree!"

Even Nailang Zhuque wanted to speak up with a word of advice.

After all, when the law was previously revised, only a small minority opposed it; expanding ninja numbers conflicts with all ninja's interests, so no one would support Shisui.

Shisui's eyes flickered at the sight, but he did not forcefully push ahead; he simply nodded slowly, going along with it.

"Since everyone finds it inappropriate, let's discuss this later. Of course, Jonin An Benwenxiong's concern for Konoha and his effort to pinpoint its current problems earn our respect. Everyone should keep this matter in mind; if anyone can find a solution, it would set an example for the whole Village."

The crowd nodded repeatedly, and none offered a tactless rebuttal to Shisui.

As for what An Benwenxiong mentioned, it was just a small side story; they didn't care.

Compared to that, they suddenly realized that since Shisui became Hokage, their importance seemed to have risen considerably. Shisui often summoned them for meetings to discuss Konoha's policies. Such occurrences were rare during the Third Hokage's era, when major matters were discussed in small meetings between the Third Hokage and a few advisors, and they were merely messengers.

This gave them a sense of being valued and having a voice.

Shisui naturally does not know their feelings; at this moment in the office, Nailang Zhuque did not leave, but wore a

conflicted, asked: "Hokage, can you give me a straight answer—are you planning to expand the enrollment scale?"

He didn't believe An Benwenxiong had the vision and courage to raise such a matter; it could only have been prompted by Shisui.

【61】 Shisui nodded naturally, "Exactly."

Seeing Shisui's straightforward and decisive acknowledgment, Nairan Zhuque didn't know how to react, and for a moment his feelings were a tangled mix of five flavors.

Shisui smiled and said, "I told you before, Senior Zhuque, if you have any problem just speak up, I won't lie to you."

"Thank you, Honorable Hokage, for your trust, but there's nothing I can do about this. Once any sign appears it will cause all the Village's ninja to reject it, and if Danzo learns of it he might take the opportunity to do something."

"Rest assured, I'm not that reckless, I won't act rashly. As for Danzo, the Iwagakure ninja from the Grass Country should have dealt with it almost completely, and it's time to bring him back; send someone to mention it."

"Yes."

Shisui's leap in thinking left Nairan Zhuque a bit baffled, but he had already given the instructions he needed to, didn't want to ask further, took the order and left on his own.

That night, Shisui told Yan Shifan the reactions of the various ninja divisions; Yan Shifan didn't react much, merely saying, "Everything needs a beginning, an opening. Since we can't bring everyone in, let's select a batch."

"Select a batch?"

Shisui lowered his eyes, pondered for a moment but couldn't find a method, and continued, "But didn't the teacher teach me not to worry about scarcity but about inequality? If we arbitrarily select a batch, wouldn't we please neither side?"

"Superficial!"

Yan Shifan stood up, hands behind his back, and loudly declared, "The way of Heaven reduces the excess to supplement the lacking. The way of man reduces the lacking to serve the excess."

"The Leaf lacks people, but obviously we can't focus on replenishing ninja now. Does the Leaf only lack people?"

"What else does the Leaf lack besides people? Of course, money!" Shisui instantly realized and kept thanking.

Yan Shifan waved his hand, signaling him to leave; he had other matters to attend to, and this little issue of the Leaf was just for Shisui to practice.

Shisui didn't mind; he had just attained enlightenment and was impatient to leave and contemplate the next strategy.

After he left, Yan Shifan finally opened the intelligence sent from Kyoto.

One letter concerned Song Ye Li, the sister of Song Ye Qingzhi, a daimyo's concubine and mother of his second and sixth sons.

The letter mentioned that she has not only two sons but also a daughter, who will be fourteen at the end of the year.

"Fourteen years old."

Yan Shifan's eyes flickered, a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, then he burned the information and turned to the second letter.

The letter was sent by Shiliu Ye, reporting the contact with Song Ye Qingzhi and the construction progress of the underground arena.

Song Ye Qingzhi was very wary of this strong person from the Leaf, but he didn't drive him away; each day they chatted, each day they entertained, yet he never mentioned important matters. To him it was just an extra pair of chopsticks. Such a kaleidoscope‑opening strong individual, even in Kyoto, he has heard of him.

Yan Shifan could tell from the brief words in the letter what this guy intended, but he didn't plan to urge Shiliu Ye; when the time comes, the other side will be more proactive than they are.

A few days later, after devising a plan, Shisui deliberately waited a few more days, then reconvened the various ninja divisions.

"Honorable Hokage, the Leaf's crisis is imminent, the ninja academy's opening is at hand, please lift the restrictions!"

When An Benwenxiong brought up the old matter again, everyone immediately rebutted; although they couldn't think of a good solution, keeping it unchanged was clearly better than changing.

An Benwenxiong didn't care about the opposition, lifted his head and alone extolled the many benefits of changing the policy, while everyone feared Shisui would be persuaded and kept enumerating the many disadvantages after the change.

After a while, both sides grew tired, voices grew softer, and then they noticed Shisui had remained silent; sensing the odd atmosphere, everyone stopped and looked at Shisui.

"Everyone's suggestions have some merit; if we rashly change the policy the aftermath could be huge, but if we don't change it's hard to avoid accusations of negligence. How about this: release some slots and sell them at high price as tuition to peripheral merchants."

"First, the tuition these merchants provide each year can offset part of the Village's deficit. Second, it can increase the number of ninja in the Village. Of course, these people all come from wealthy families, so they don't need to risk fighting for missions with the Village's ninja."

"What does everyone think?"

Nairan Zhuque's eyes lit up at the words and quickly said, "Honorable Hokage, your wisdom means that the number of people sent out each year can be controlled by us, preventing overflow."

"But what if spies slip in?"

Someone also frowned and asked.

"Then add restrictions: only those whose families have lived in the Leaf for more than three years can purchase a slot; the longer the residence, the higher the priority."

Before Shisui could speak, someone else suggested first, instantly earning everyone's approval.

With the topic opened, someone quickly raised a new question.

"What price would be appropriate?"

Shisui had already considered this; with a serious expression he said, "As for price, I plan to have the Mizuto Gate consultant send people to investigate before confirming."

Mizuto Gate Yan, seated nearby, immediately agreed.

Shisui said in a deep voice, "I have only one request: it must not be too expensive, nor should ordinary villagers be able to scrape together the money with gritted teeth."

A parent's love for their child is far‑sighted.

It's not that Shisui is heartless denying civilians a chance; rather, a ninja's cultivation requires either extraordinary bloodline, extraordinary wisdom, or extraordinary wealth.

But their families have never produced a ninja; how many have talent? As for wealth, even tuition is scraped together with teeth—how can they support a child's training? There's no replenishment, only consumption; soon the person will be exhausted, and even if they graduate by luck they're just cannon fodder. Better to be an ordinary person; at least being near the Leaf, safety is assured.

Few understood the depth of Shisui's intentions, but since they had largely eliminated any impact on the Village's ninja, they did not refuse.

After all, who isn't for the Leaf? Solving this matter, Shisui was in great spirits, and two days later a letter from the north brought him even more excitement.

Sima Yi is returning! (End of chapter)