Chapter 139: Reform of the Ninja Academy!

"The ninja clans cannot be completely dismantled; doing so would cause kekkei genkai to grow increasingly rare and deprive the village of its true top-tier strength."

Tsunade said gravely, "But Genma’s method is viable."

"Marriage alliances would allow ninja clan power to flow outward appropriately—though it might also cause their strength to spread beyond the clans."

"For example, the Uchiha and Hyuga clans possess powerful kekkei genkai."

Minato Namikaze pondered after hearing this: "This is indeed a possibility, with both advantages and drawbacks."

Both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans remain cautious even when forming marriage alliances with outsiders.

That means the individuals chosen would certainly be elites.

In this way, their influence could be expanded.

Fujinaka Genma smiled at this point: "I think Itachi’re all overthinking this. If this method can gain them influence, why wouldn’t the Hyuga and Uchiha clans do it themselves?"

"Kekkei genkai ultimately belong to a minority."

"The vast majority are ninja without kekkei genkai."

Fujinaka Genma shifted his tone: "The Second Hokage was the first to propose de-clanization. The policy he implemented, I believe, was the Ninja Academy."

The Ninja Academy?

All four people in the room froze.

Wasn’t the Ninja Academy established to systematically train more ninja? How is it connected to de-clanization?

"The clans’ advantage lies in their secret techniques and kekkei genkai, and systematic ninja knowledge. The Ninja Academy must break the monopoly on ninja techniques."

"Otherwise, de-clanization and dismantling the clans would be like cutting off your own feet."

Fujinaka Genma shook his head: "But the Great Ninja Wars likely interrupted the Second Hokage’s plans. The brutal wars accelerated the collapse of the Senju clan—perhaps the Second Hokage never intended to fully dissolve the Senju clan."

"Second, the Great Ninja Wars also halted the development of the Ninja Academy."

Hearing this, Minato Namikaze, who understood Fujinaka Genma, caught the implication and asked: "Genma, Itachi don’t seriously think the current Ninja Academy needs major reform, do Itachi?"

Fujinaka Genma turned the question back on the four: "Master Minato, don’t Itachi think the Ninja Academy’s atmosphere is too lax?"

All four stared at him with strange expressions.

Is this even human speech?

Kushina Uzumaki laughed: "Genma, Itachi’re too cruel."

"Besides, isn’t the village’s goal to keep children off the battlefield until they’re older?"

Fujinaka Genma shook his head: "Master Kushina, that’s true—but it doesn’t mean we should embrace happy education."

"They will grow up and still become ninja."

"They enroll at six, graduate at twelve—that’s normal. Students from ninja clans often graduate early and still possess solid strength."

"But commoners? Aside from a few with exceptional talent and strong self-discipline, after graduation they can only manage the Three Body Techniques."

"They’re pathetic!"

Jiraiya rubbed his chin: "Genma, your words are too extreme. The Ninja Academy’s goal is to lay a foundation—they still need to train under a team leader afterward."

"Outside of war, the adaptation period is long enough for them to grow into competent genin."

Fujinaka Genma asked in confusion: "Why can’t this process happen inside the Ninja Academy?"

"Like the missions completed within the village."

"Like water-walking and tree-climbing exercises to train chakra control."

"Six years is plenty of time to incorporate these—wouldn’t the curriculum still be manageable?"

Fujinaka Genma believed missions like catching cats or weeding posed little danger within the village and could easily be turned into extracurricular activities at school.

It’s far better than students playing ninja games after school.

Minato Namikaze and the others exchanged glances—it seemed feasible?

"Genma, adding some training exercises is fine. But assigning missions—even village missions—requires too much manpower. We don’t have enough teachers."

Minato Namikaze said.

"Do village missions really need teachers to lead them?"

Fujinaka Genma sneered: "This kind of course could be introduced in the final year—or the last two years—around age eleven."

"Three-person teams handling missions won’t be a problem. And team formation could begin earlier—perhaps introduce group courses in the third or fourth year."

"Team-based combat, just like the Chunin Exams."

"Instill team awareness and synergy early."

Kushina Uzumaki raised her hand: "I support Genma!"

"This is a good way to narrow the gap between commoner ninja and clan ninja."

Tsunade nodded: "Suffering more in school means surviving better as a ninja. I believe they’ll thank us when they grow up."

Minato Namikaze smiled: "Genma, Itachi’d make a good headmaster of the Ninja Academy."

Fujinaka Genma grinned sharply: "If I were headmaster, they’d suffer even more."

He had also considered establishing a higher-level training school, but in reality, the Root’s training system already functions as a school for Chunin advancing to Jonin.

After all, only Chunin are selected for Root training.

Fujinaka Genma’s special training could be expanded and made available to other Chunin.

For example, launch a short-term training program.

But.

This can’t be placed under Root’s authority anymore—otherwise, all talent would originate from Root, creating serious problems.

So Fujinaka Genma directly advised Minato Namikaze: have the Hokage’s office organize short-term special training for Chunin.

Minato Namikaze immediately replied: "We can involve Root in this."

Fujinaka Genma shook his head: "This policy must be sustainable long-term. We must consider the future."

"Root’s authority cannot be too great, or we risk another situation like Danzo’s."

Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Kushina Uzumaki all nodded.

Minato Namikaze sighed helplessly.

He knew this well—but he trusted his student and wanted to set an example.

"It seems some ideas are still too naive!"

Minato Namikaze smiled inwardly.

After a flurry of brainstorming, the policy was largely shaped.

The ninja clans within Konoha cannot be fully dismantled.

But their superior bloodlines can be spread throughout the village through marriage alliances.

This is also a way to strengthen the village’s cohesion.

Second, reform the Ninja Academy by increasing investment and intensity.

Third, enhance training and advancement for Chunin—this primarily targets commoner ninja, offering them experience and technique support.

Though not everyone can become Special Jonin or Jonin, at least at the Chunin level, they can acquire more skills and experience.

Any improvement, however small, adds up over time.

Finally, Fujinaka Genma said: "The Root reorganization is nearly complete. With Hizashi’s help, I should now make a trip to the Rain Village."

Jiraiya quickly said: "Genma, I’ll go with Itachi!"

"No."

Fujinaka Genma and Tsunade spoke in unison.

Jiraiya’s face immediately fell.

Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki couldn’t help laughing; the former then asked: "Genma, when will Itachi leave?"

Fujinaka Genma thought for a moment: "The day after tomorrow. Better to go and return quickly—I’ll take a small team."

"More people would make movement harder."

Minato Namikaze nodded, saying nothing about bringing more people.

Fujinaka Genma’s strength meant the number of companions made no difference.

With the schedule set, Fujinaka Genma suddenly remembered something and turned to Tsunade: "Master Tsunade, has your blood phobia been resolved?"

Tsunade’s face instantly darkened.

This brat… truly annoying…

Tsunade clenched her teeth, forced a grim expression, and said: "No—but I’ll resolve it soon."