CH - 224 The Shinobi Times!

"It seems like this device is actually effective," Akihiko remarked with a satisfied nod while reviewing the experiment report in his grasp.

Undoubtedly, Kabuto's ingenuity was commendable for devising such a tool to aid with homework, and to see it function successfully was impressive. Nevertheless, such misconduct needed to be addressed and critiqued accordingly.

On a related note, while Akihiko imposed a substantial workload, he never reprimanded those who failed to complete it post-graduation. Take, for instance, Yahiko and his peers; even after graduating, they still harbored piles of unfinished test papers at home.

Interestingly, Kabuto eventually inherited Yahiko's test papers, whereas Nagato and Konan's remained unclaimed, perhaps awaiting the day when Karin and Naruto would mature enough to assume responsibility for them.

After extensive training, Yahiko and others have evolved into more composed individuals. Confronted with challenges, they now exhibit a newfound calmness. Moreover, they have mastered the art of executing various jutsu with a mere clap of their hands.

Obito, on the other hand, has tempered his recklessness over the years of training. When confronted with obstacles, he adopts a more cautious approach, as evidenced by the Danzo incident where he opted to abduct him and make a strategic retreat. Even in combat, he exhibits a calculated and cunning fighting style, exemplified in his duel with Kakashi.

Gone are the days when he would easily succumb to anger in the face of Kakashi's taunts. Instead, he now employs strategy rather than impulsivity, demonstrating a newfound maturity.

Kabuto, on the other hand, proves to be an astute mind. Regardless of bloodline limits or Sharingan, he outsmarts even the renowned genius Nagato. When confronted with challenges, Kabuto consistently identifies optimal solutions.

Notably, he grasped the true nature of the overwhelming homework load – it wasn't meant to be completed. In response, he ingeniously crafted a machine and discreetly entered the market with it. He understood that even if discovered, the consequences would merely entail more homework, which he couldn't realistically complete anyway.

Furthermore, he entertained the notion that if his father, Mubuki, were to adopt another son, Kabuto could conveniently pass on the homework burden to him. Thus, he harbored no real concerns regarding the consequences of his actions.

Nevertheless, he miscalculated. Believing that others had misunderstood him as a spy, he attempted to clarify the situation. Yet, those privy to the truth remained unfazed.

Ultimately, he slipped and revealed his father's name, sealing his fate with secure bindings. It appears that he failed to embody his father's genuine old-school Grass Ninja spirit.

Conversely, Obito executed a commendable escape strategy this time. Drawing from his myriad experiences, he realized that fleeing was often the wisest course of action. Perhaps he wagered that the specifics of his acquisitions would remain unknown even if he was apprehended.

Despite his calculated approach, Obito found himself caught red-handed in the end. Now, his amassed test papers may need to await Naruto's school attendance or Sasuke's arrival for inheritance.

In a few years, there might emerge a graduating class bestowed with the responsibility of inheriting these test papers. Picture a graduation ceremony where a student boldly declares in front of peers and educators, "Want my treasure? If so, it's all yours. Go seek it out! I've concealed all my treasures there!" Thus heralding an era of considerable internal turmoil.

On the other hand, With the impending installation of new equipment and preparations for the graduation ceremony, the arrival of graduation season looms near. This year, Obito will also join the ranks of graduates, marking nearly six years of his presence here. Meanwhile, Rin, his peer, has already completed her studies and graduated early.

Meanwhile, Black Zetsu remained stuck in a perpetual cycle of repeating grades, with graduation seemingly distant. Who would have anticipated that the once-hidden mastermind behind the ninja world's turmoil would now find himself lingering in the first grade? It stirred a desire in him to encourage Black Zetsu to aspire for more. If Konoha were to remain intact, how could he fulfill his mission to save his mother? Was there still time for idleness?

Akihiko let out a weary sigh, shifting his gaze to Mubuki. "How's the progress with the 'Talent Recruitment Plan'?"

The 'Talent Recruitment Plan' and the 'Grass Land Development Plan' were integral initiatives devised during the early stages of Grass Village's reconstruction, serving as cornerstone policies for the Grass Village.

Following the conclusion of the Ninja World Tournament, there had been considerable publicity surrounding the strength of the Grass Village. It was anticipated that numerous wandering ninja clans or those unable to find a place within their original villages would be enticed by the Grass Village's generous talent recruitment program and migrate here.

As soon as Akihiko finished speaking, a slight twitch marred Mubuki's expression, indicating a momentary lapse in composure. He hesitated, struggling to find the right words to continue. Eventually, he lowered his voice and confessed, "This... I'm not sure when it started, but rumors have spread throughout the ninja world accusing us of fraudulent recruitment."

Allegations abound that the promised benefits of talent recruitment are mere fabrications, with salaries inadequate to sustain basic needs. Once lured in, recruits are allegedly exploited mercilessly, and treated more as expendable assets than genuine ninjas. These rumors have proliferated throughout the ninja world, tarnishing the reputation of the Grass Village.

Mubuki, overcome with frustration, slammed his hand onto the table. "It's disgraceful! I suspect the Five Great Ninja Villages are behind this. Spreading lies to smear our Grass Village is a despicable act. Aside from past transgressions like selling counterfeit intelligence and betraying allies, what else have we done to deserve this slander?"

A heavy silence enveloped the room. Contemplating Mubuki's impassioned words, there was an undeniable shadow cast upon the Grass Village's image. Pakura, also present at the meeting, rolled his eyes and offered a wry smile, choosing to remain silent and observe the unfolding discussion.

Upon hearing Mubuki's impassioned speech, Akihiko lapsed into silence. He cleared his throat several times before releasing a deep sigh. "Mubuki has articulated the situation eloquently. It's evident that the Five Great Ninja Villages still harbor malicious intentions towards us."

Mubuki nodded in agreement with Akihiko's assessment. "Exactly. It's common knowledge that our Grass Nation offers a generous monthly salary. Day-to-day life revolves around routine work, timekeeping, and managerial duties. Due to the limited population, newcomers can swiftly ascend to executive positions, even with modest abilities. Moreover, opportunities for business ventures are abound here. Therefore, simply arriving here ensures access to wealth and a sense of belonging."

Akihiko's mouth twitched, a subtle indication of discomfort as he absorbed Mubuki's words. Why did Mubuki's explanation sound like a sales pitch? Their Grass Ninja Village was a legitimate entity, not some elaborate scheme. Akihiko shot a complex expression in Mubuki's direction, silently urging him to cease exacerbating the situation.

However, During this period, the Grass Village's aggressive talent acquisition efforts had indeed put the Five Great Ninja Villages on edge. While it wasn't easy for their ninjas to be lured away by the Grass Village's recruitment, the constant poaching was irksome. Consequently, they resorted to spreading rumors.

Moreover, since the First Shinobi World War, there have been lingering misunderstandings about the Grass Village throughout the ninja world. Despite recent reforms under Akihiko's leadership, which included ceasing the sale of counterfeit intelligence and goods while expanding Grass Ninja Manufacturing's influence, misconceptions persisted.

Thus, it seems like the Five Great Ninja Villages feared a resurgence of trouble from the Grass Village and thus engaged in clandestine smear campaigns.

'Are they gearing up for a propaganda war?' Akihiko's eyes narrowed slightly as he interlocked his fingers in front of his chin. "It appears that we may need to establish our own newspaper."

"A newspaper?" There was a brief moment of frozen expressions among the group. While they were acquainted with the concept of newspapers, having seen them in the neighboring Fire Country, their perception of them was somewhat dismissive. These newspapers were said to have surfaced just after the Third Great Ninja War, offering rudimentary news and occasionally featuring ninja-related information. However, since they were operated by civilians, the depth of information regarding ninjas was lacking, and valuable intelligence was scarce. Consequently, they rarely garnered attention. Yet, here in the Land of Grass, such publications were nonexistent. Why was their leader suggesting this?

"Indeed," Akihiko affirmed, his gaze focused. "I've even devised a name for it. Let's call it... the 'The Shinobi Times!'"

Confusion rippled through the group upon hearing Akihiko's proposal.