CH - 25 Akatsuki!?

Early in the morning, the Land of Grass was covered in a thick layer of snow, creating a frigid atmosphere. Akihiko, feeling the chill outside, decided to stay indoors and take a day off. It had been a busy period for him, with the responsibilities of nation-building and personal missions taking up much of his time.

Initially, the Land of Grass had a limited number of capable individuals who could assist him, such as Kana, Ryuushikei, and Mubuki. However, most of the other Grass shinobi lacked strength or held onto outdated methods, which concerned Akihiko. Even Mubuki, whom he reluctantly relied on due to a lack of options, had the potential to cause significant trouble.

However, the situation had considerably improved. With the Uzumaki Clan and the Chinoike Clan joining forces, the Village Hidden in the Grass now had a larger pool of skilled shinobi. Moreover, the newfound spirit of the nation had inspired many Grass shinobi to strive for self-improvement and embrace the progressive Grass ideology promoted by Akihiko. They were becoming pioneers in shaping the new era of ninja in the Land of Grass.

Akihiko was hopeful that this would help change the stereotypical impression of Grass shinobi in the ninja world, which had been tarnished by their past actions.

But... Akihiko had initially planned to enjoy a peaceful day of rest at home.

However... "Apologies for disturbing you, Akihiko-sensei!"

Konan entered the room accompanied by two young children. Yes, early in the morning, the kids had come to his house, disrupting his plans for relaxation.

"I told you, my father, Mubuki, said that Akihiko-sensei would definitely be sleeping in at this time," whispered Yahiko to Nagato and Konan, his voice lowered as he saw Akihiko yawning. "My father mentioned that he's the kind of person who avoids work as much as possible. During the chaos in the Land of Grass, if it weren't for my dad, it would have taken another seven or eight years to rebuild the Land of Grass!"

Although Yahiko intended to speak quietly, they were in such close proximity that Akihiko, being a shinobi, couldn't help but overhear.

Akihiko cursed inwardly and thought, 'That shameless Mubuki... really? Thanks to him?!' He doubted that the Land of Grass would have needed rebuilding if it weren't for Mubuki. This guy was even lazier than him and always the first to run away when there was danger. Rely on him? Akihiko doubted it. Truly an elite Grass shinobi! Really shameless!

Raising an eyebrow, Akihiko accepted the hot tea handed to him by Konan and took a sip, maintaining the demeanor of a teacher. With a serious tone, he addressed the children, "Both of you were supposed to be on vacation. Why didn't you go out and play? Do you think you have too little homework?"

Nagato and Konan fell silent, taking their seats beside Akihiko without uttering a word. As for Yahiko, he scratched his head, appearing slightly embarrassed.

Curiosity piqued, Akihiko inquired, "What's the matter? Are you in love or something?"

"...No!" Yahiko responded, a perplexed expression on his face.

Then, he joined them on the seats, hesitated for a moment, and leaned forward, speaking in a mysterious tone, "Akihiko-sensei, you must have heard about it too!"

"???" Akihiko was momentarily taken aback by his words.

"It's about that mysterious ghost student who has a fondness for... poop~!"

Akihiko's mouth twitched as he listened to Yahiko's words. He had almost forgotten about it amidst the numerous events that had taken place since his return. It was understandable to forget in such a busy time.

But he didn't expect... It had been so many days, and these kids still remembered! About to give a lecture, Akihiko was interrupted by Yahiko, who had a mischievous expression on his face. "Wait, wait, wait! Let me explain first, Akihiko-sensei!"

Curious, Akihiko looked at Yahiko and allowed him to continue.

With a sneaky tone, Yahiko said, "Akihiko-sensei, you might be mistaken this time. At first, I also thought it was fake, like the academy being built on a graveyard."

Akihiko remained silent, waiting for Yahiko to elaborate. Yahiko continued, "But because so many classmates claimed to have seen it, I decided to establish the Akatsuki organization to investigate the students who had witnessed it..."

Before Yahiko could finish his sentence, Akihiko couldn't hold back his reaction.

"Pfft!!!" Tea sprayed out of Akihiko's mouth because he was so surprised for a moment, and his expression couldn't help but become a little strange.

He was so confused, What did he just hear? Yahiko had established what? Wiping his face with a resentful expression, Yahiko looked at Akihiko, who seemed surprised, with confusion. Then, he proudly explained, "The Akatsuki organization! Doesn't it sound great? We're all about unveiling the truth, exploring mysteries! That's why I named it the Akatsuki organization! I came up with it myself!"

Akihiko tried to compose himself and responded, "Uh, that's great! That's great!"

Even though they were now in the Land of Grass, they had still established the Akatsuki organization. The unexpected turn of events left Akihiko speechless for a moment.

Still recovering from his strange expression, Akihiko turned to Nagato, who was calmly sipping tea beside him, and asked, "And what about you? Did you join too?"

"No," Nagato replied calmly. Though he didn't understand why Akihiko-sensei seemed a bit strange, he stated, "I found it boring, so I didn't join."

Konan nodded in agreement. "I didn't join either."

The second-in-command of the Akatsuki organization and the little rich girl didn't join?! Akihiko couldn't help but sigh, concerned about the organization's future.

Meanwhile, Yahiko, noticing his little companions' lack of enthusiasm for the organization he created, felt dissatisfied. "Hey, hey, hey! I'm still here!"

Scratching his head, Yahiko suddenly remembered something. "Anyway, that's not the point now. I almost forgot the important thing. Well, Nagato and Konan will definitely join in the future!"

He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket and looked mysteriously at the three of them. "After our investigations in the Akatsuki organization, we've found evidence of the existence of this mysterious ghost poop student. It's all right here."

Yahiko unfolded the piece of paper, revealing its contents as he slapped it on the table. "Pa!" The sound of Yahiko's hand slapping the table resonated in the room.

Curiosity piqued, the three of them lowered their heads and focused their gaze on the paper. To their surprise...

It was a delicately drawn picture of a piece of poop!

The three of them were speechless and didn't know how to react for a moment.

A brief silence enveloped the room as the three of them processed what they were looking at. Breaking the silence, Yahiko proudly declared, "This is the artwork left behind by the ghost. Even teachers and many students claim to have seen it themselves. So, this time it must be real!"

Akihiko's eyebrows twitched. He paused for a moment, contemplating how to dismiss this absurdity, when Nagato spoke up.

"You can tell it's fake at first glance!" Nagato expressionlessly rubbed the paper and raised his right index finger. "Would a ghost use ordinary paint and a brush to draw?"

As soon as Nagato finished speaking...

Yahiko was taken aback. He also rubbed the drawing and looked at the colors on his hand. After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Perhaps... the ghost also prefers this kind of paint and brush?"

Nagato and Konan exchanged amused glances. They both had one thought: That's highly unlikely!

Sensing the opportunity, Akihiko cleared his throat and spoke in a firm tone. "Don't believe in rumors, don't spread rumors! We must..." However, before he could finish his sentence.

"No! The ghost student definitely exists!" Yahiko shook his head firmly. "So many people have claimed to see it! Although this drawing may be fake, there must be a ghost student!"

With that, he picked up the paper, turned around, and declared, "I will find them and prove that I'm right!"

Just as he was about to leave... "Hold on!" Akihiko's stern voice halted Yahiko in his tracks.

He wants to continue the search? Not a chance! Besides, if they were to find Madara, an old man, what would they do? For the stability of the Land of Grass, wouldn't they have to remove him from the equation? And Madara may be responsible for weakening Konohagakure? Although they were allies with the Land of Grass... A weakened Konoha is the best Konoha!

Akihiko's face then transformed into a friendly smile. "Since you're here... why not write two exam papers before you leave? I've prepared the 'Grass Ninja Secret Exam' just for you. The questions are intriguing, making learning enjoyable. Other regular students don't have this opportunity! So, how about writing two papers before you go?"

Yahiko's eyes widened, and he looked at Akihiko with a mix of surprise and disappointment. "Exam papers? But... but we were supposed to investigate the ghost student!"

Akihiko chuckled and patted Yahiko on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Yahiko. The ghost student can wait. Education is just as important, if not more. Besides, by completing the exam papers, you'll sharpen your minds and become even better investigators in the future!"

Yahiko hesitated for a moment, torn between his curiosity about the ghost student and the prospect of showcasing his skills through the exam papers. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. "Alright, Akihiko-sensei. We'll write the exam papers first. But remember, we're not giving up on the ghost student!"

Akihiko smiled and nodded. "Of course, Yahiko. Once you're done with the papers, you can continue your investigation. I'll be looking forward to hearing your findings."

Indeed, it seemed like there was still a shortage of homework! Who had time to be concerned about a poop ghost in such a situation?