Battling for Everyday Maintenance!

After a considerable amount of time, Kushina finally recovered from the impact.

Still unwilling to fully accept the situation, she found a loophole in Natsuhiko's explanation and subconsciously asked, "Then, how did Biwako-sama allow so many people to enrol in this course at first?"

If the ultimate goal is to reduce the number of students, why not limit the number from the beginning?"

"Of course, it's to select students with innate talent for Sealing Jutsu," Natsuhiko calmly replied to Kushina's question.

"Sealing Jutsu is not just for showcasing cool techniques like sealing monsters. In many cases, it is used in constructing and maintaining various barriers, creating Explosive Tags, storage scrolls, and other practical Ninja Tools for unremarkable tasks."

"Behind these dull tasks, there are numerous hidden Sealing Jutsu ninjas working diligently."

"As a significant source of revenue for the village, Sealing Jutsu ninjas are always in high demand. That's why the Academy offers this course, teaching basic Sealing Jutsu knowledge to ordinary students."

"However, identifying individuals with innate talent for Sealing Jutsu always remains a challenging task for the Academy."

Natsuhiko continued, flipping a card used by students to practise picture talismans.

"My technique can significantly reduce the cost of learning Sealing Jutsu at the Early-Stage. Therefore, Biwako-sama and others naturally changed their recruitment strategy, casting a wide net to select more Sealing Jutsu talents. Investing money for the future of Konoha is nothing to be worried about."

Kushina who struggled to understand Natsuhiko's words, now realised that there were many considerations behind establishing the Sealing Jutsu course.

As a disciple of Sealing Jutsu Master Mito, who was obviously familiar with various barrier talismans, Kushina had never seriously thought about where they originated from, not knowing that there was a group of unknown Sealing Jutsu ninjas working behind the scenes.

However, she couldn't dwell on these thoughts at the moment because she had a more important question.

"What about the students who are deemed to lack Sealing Jutsu innate talent?"

Kushina couldn't help but think of Obito, who had pledged to study diligently just moments ago.

"After the selection,the rejected ones can leave, as it is not cost-effective to invest further in those without enough innate talent. It's a practical, rational, and the most correct approach, both for themselves and for the Academy."

Kushina felt a chill in her heart as she listened, opening her mouth but finding no words to refute.

Just then, a soft "but—" sounded in the quiet office.

Although just two words, they seemed like a heavenly melody to Kushina, making her look towards Natsuhiko.

Natsuhiko, with a somewhat playful smile on his face, continued, "But innate talent is something challenging to quantify. It's impossible to judge solely based on initial performance."

"Even someone like Obito, currently the lowest ranking, might become a formidable ninja in the future. Who knows?"

"Even the legendary Sannin Jiraiya-sama, once the lowest ranking at the Academy , might not have become the renowned hero in the Ninja World without the discerning eye of the Third Hokage."

"So, while I agree that those without innate talent should not waste too much time on Sealing Jutsu, I think there's no need to make such judgments so early."

"At least by the time they reach the fourth grade, it won't be too late to determine whether they are suitable to continue studying Sealing Jutsu."

"As long as the teaching content is well-organised, even if they don't continue with Sealing Jutsu, what they learned before will provide assistance in various aspects. It won't be in vain."

At least more useful than the Will of Fire course...

The more Kushina listened, the more she found Natsuhiko's words reasonable. Her eyes brightened, and she nodded repeatedly.

"Natsuhiko, what you said truly makes sense!"

Natsuhiko slightly smiled and added, "However, to achieve this, the course must be somewhat self-sustaining and not entirely reliant on the funds provided by the Academy."

"And this business of mine is one of the attempts to support it."

"I have already drafted a 'School-Enterprise Strategic Cooperation Framework Agreement' with Biwako-sama, confirming that my tavern and any future industries will have deep collaborations with the Academy."

"For instance, if the Shinobi Tavern can expand throughout the Land of Fire, the production of gaming consoles, requiring many simple components, can be assigned to senior students. I call this 'working part-time while studying.'"

"After graduation, students can directly enter the gaming console production factory. They can start to work right after graduation, everyone will have a bright future."

"If this happens, students won't only get training but also receive rewards. The funds provided by the tavern will serve as the Academy's income, partially subsidising this course, while maintaining its current scale and impact."

"It's a win-win situation."

"Of course, this is just my speculation. Kushina, you don't know how strange Biwako-sama's expression was when I had her sign that agreement. It was as if I had promised her a feast."

While imagining Kushina being amused, Natsuhiko looked toward her, but was surprised by what he saw.

"Hey, Kushina, what's wrong?"

Seeing Kushina with red eyes, a mix of emotion and guilt in her gaze, Natsuhiko didn't expect this reaction.

Kushina absolutely didn't expect that someone like Natsuhiko, who left after class and worked after school, had done so much for the students behind the scenes.

Thinking about how proud she felt because of Obito and now feeling ashamed, the blend of emotions prompted Kushina to make a decision quickly.

"Natsuhiko, I've made up my mind. I actually have some savings. Why not invest them all in this tavern?"

Kushina decided to contribute a modest amount to assist Natsuhiko's noble goals.

Even though she wasn't very optimistic about the tavern's prospects, and she had no idea how much Natsuhiko's blueprint would materialise, the dedication he showed toward the students made the investment worthwhile.

"Of course, no problem."

Hearing this, Natsuhiko smiled and extended his hand to Kushina.

After talking for a long time, it was clear that he intended to bring Kushina on board.

After all, Natsuhiko was extremely confident in his business. In his previous life, whether it was the physical card game or the virtual Hearthstone card game, they were both money-making monsters.

Even if it didn't adapt well to the Ninja World, with a few adjustments, the wealth accumulated would be enough to make anyone envious.

As a commoner with no background, Natsuhiko, to avoid potential troubles, naturally needed to secure support in advance.

Although Biwako hinted wildly with her eyes, indicating her willingness to invest in the Academy and the tavern, giving off a sugar mama vibe. Natsuhiko knew she was actually extending an olive branch on behalf of the Sarutobi Clan.

However, fearing he might be devoured entirely, Natsuhiko decided to decline the wealthy older woman and instead embraced the arms of the Little Rich Lady.

While Kushina didn't have much money now, as the heir to Uzumaki Mito's fortune, her wealth was as promising as her petite stature!

Natsuhiko chose Kushina as his partner not for her money, but for her background. After all, she was not only Mito-sama's most beloved offspring but also had a good relationship with Princess Tsunade and was the first candidate for the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

In Konoha, she was practically an existence with an invincible cheat.

Although it was unclear how long this cheat would last, as long as Natsuhiko safely navigated the initial development phase, he would be fearless against any challenges.

With the Academy as the source of talent, Kushina as the well-connected partner, and Natsuhiko possessing the core technology, the three formed the foundation of Natsuhiko's grand blueprint.

Natsuhiko's business layout was also taking shape.

After the preliminary discussion of investments, Kushina, as if making a decision in her heart, suddenly said to Natsuhiko:

"Natsuhiko, there's one more thing I want to ask you for."

"What?" Natsuhiko inquired.

"I want to know how much strength I really have," Kushina said with a serious expression.

The conversation with Natsuhiko just now had instilled a sense of urgency in Kushina.

She couldn't afford to be muddled any longer.

Even if her current daily life suddenly collapsed, she realised she had no residual strength to resist.

To maintain her current routine, she had to lend a helping hand to Natsuhiko.

To assist him in realising that seemingly far-fetched plan.

Since she couldn't contribute much in terms of management, at least she couldn't lag behind in strength.

For the sake of preserving her current daily life!

Kushina stated firmly, "Natsuhiko, I want you to help me with training!"

(End of this chapter)

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