CH - 65 Literacy Campaign

A/N: I am grateful to James Fleming and Savage Scorpion for becoming a patron on my Patreon. Thank you for your support as they enable me to continue creating and providing valuable content.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Before the arrival of the Otsutsuki on Earth, humans did not possess chakra. It was only through the efforts of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, who created Ninshū and spread chakra throughout the ninja world, that the unique order of the ninja world began to evolve and develop.

The concept of chakra is indeed fascinating. Take the Tailed Beasts, for example. Initially, they were small and adorable, but over thousands of years, they grew into massive creatures. This demonstrates that chakra has the potential to increase and is not fixed until it reaches a critical point. After Hagoromo spread chakra, almost everyone in the ninja world became capable of harnessing it, with variations in the amount and possession of kekkei genkai.

Speaking of the Otsutsuki, their pursuit of chakra fruit seems quite misguided. If chakra can naturally increase over time, why go through the trouble of producing chakra fruit? It would be more logical for them to develop a method of creating chakra fruit from the existing chakra. After all, they already possess the ability to absorb and manipulate chakra. This way, they could continue the cycle of absorbing chakra, leaving some for redistribution, and repeating the process indefinitely. It would be a more sustainable approach, avoiding the need to destroy a planet for a chakra fruit every thousand years.

The refinement of chakra is a skill that can be learned by almost anyone. Some individuals may have a natural talent and possess larger chakra reserves, while others can become proficient in taijutsu through hard work and dedication. Although pure taijutsu has its limitations, it remains an essential ninja skill. Not everyone can possess the innate gifts of someone like Hashirama Senju.

In the Land of Grass, where the need for missions or assassinations is not as prominent, the focus should be primarily on chakra refinement and the development of "production" ninjutsu skills. Chakra, with its unique nature, has the potential to bring forth geniuses even among ordinary individuals. It offers a special pathway for advancement and growth in the ninja arts.

At this moment, Akihiko's plan left everyone astonished. They were well aware of how highly ninja knowledge was valued in the ninja world. Ordinary people were not granted access to such knowledge. Even civilian ninjas from the Five Great Shinobi Villages only received basic education in the academy as children and were not taught any C-rank ninjutsu.

The transmission of ninjutsu primarily occurred within families or through master-disciple relationships. Unless one achieved significant merit, the village might reward them with ninjutsu. otherwise, it was possible to go through life without ever learning a single ninjutsu.

However, the leader not only provided his own ninjutsu as teaching materials in the academy but now also proposed this "Ninja Literacy" campaign for ordinary civilian adults. It was truly shocking and difficult to comprehend. The leader's thoughts were often challenging to keep up with. Even the god of the ninja world only distributed Tailed Beasts, he did not share such extensive knowledge.

Nevertheless, Takeshi Chinoike, who had remained silent until now, hesitantly expressed his thoughts, "Having an excessive number of ninjas in the Land of Grass may not be a favorable situation. Ninjas, in a sense, can be a source of chaos. If someone with power harbors malicious intentions, it could lead to disaster for the village and the country. Furthermore, if the Five Great Shinobi Villages were to find out, it could potentially escalate into a war!"

The possibility of a war against the Land of Grass or even a large-scale conflict was a grave concern. As Takeshi spoke, everyone nodded in agreement. It was indeed a valid and worrying point. Therefore, as the root of potential chaos, ninjas were not always welcomed in certain regions. Some users of kekkei genkai were even regarded as demons.

The leader's current plan had a direct impact on the interests of all ninjas. However...

"I have also taken this into consideration, but if we want to progress, we need to prioritize the promotion of ninja education," Akihiko sighed and looked at the hesitant faces of the crowd.

In the future, with the widespread use of scientific ninja tools, the role of ninjas and the value of their knowledge would gradually diminish. Of course, top-tier ninjas would always be crucial. So, if this is the direction in which the world is heading, why not adapt to it gradually from the beginning?

"Therefore, we must strengthen the education of ideology and moral character, focusing on chakra refinement and related 'production' skills. Simultaneously, we can selectively choose suitable individuals to teach. We can start with small-scale experiments. Even if challenges arise in the future, there will always be individuals who step forward to protect this country! As for the possibility of war..." Akihiko paused for a moment, contemplating the fact that ninjas were akin to aristocratic families or academic cliques that monopolized knowledge.

He continued with a bitter smile, "To be honest, even if we refrain from taking this step, wouldn't the Five Great Shinobi Villages still consider attacking the Land of Grass if they desired to?" Akihiko's expression displayed unwavering determination. "We can only rely on self-improvement to maintain our own peace! Entrusting our peace to others would be foolish!"

As he finished speaking, everyone was initially shocked but soon exchanged glances. Gradually, relieved smiles appeared on their faces, signaling their acceptance of the leader's resolve.

"Leader, your wisdom surpasses that of the Shinobi Gods and the entire ninja world!" Uzumaki Yoshinori sighed emotionally. Then, his expression turned serious. "Whatever orders you give, the Uzumaki Clan will faithfully obey!"

"The Chinoike Clan stands united with the leader!" Takeshi nodded, confirming his unwavering support for the decision.

"In retrospect, it has become clear that the leader's decisions have always been right!" Mubuki said after contemplating for a moment. Every seemingly unconventional choice made by Akihiko had proven to be correct.

The rest of the council members also nodded in agreement, expressing their unwavering trust in Akihiko's leadership.

"If that is the case..." Akihiko saw the unanimous agreement and felt a sense of relief. "The meeting is adjourned! Everyone, carefully consider how to execute this plan! It is an important undertaking, on par with the significance of the 'Talent Acquisition' plan! In the Land of Grass, we are navigating through uncharted waters. We must proceed with caution!" He spoke with a serious tone. "There is no room for error."

"Yes!" Everyone responded to Akihiko's instructions and left the meeting with a determined sense of purpose. Once a decision was made, they were ready to devote their utmost effort to ensure its success.

However, Akihiko suddenly called out to Mubuki, who was about to leave with everyone else. "Mubuki, please wait a moment!"

Confused, Mubuki turned back to face the leader, wondering why he had been singled out. He quickly ran through his recent actions in his mind, trying to figure out if he had done something wrong. Why was the leader addressing him as "Comrade" again?

"Ah, you are aware of Yahiko and the others, right?" Akihiko sighed and continued, "The Land of Rain is embroiled in war, and I don't know what they are up to over there. They haven't returned for such a long time, and their families are worried. As a parent of one of them, you must be concerned too. Besides, they are just children, and falling behind in their studies would be detrimental to their development."

"So, what exactly does the leader want me to do?" Mubuki asked hesitantly, although he inwardly grumbled about the difficult task that Akihiko might assign him this time.

"I need you to go and bring those three kids back! It has been quite a while, and they might have missed out on a lot of important knowledge. Their homework must have piled up, so ensure that they come back and complete it! Otherwise, I'll assign all of their missed homework to you!" Akihiko said with a mischievous smile, his tone slightly teasing.

"Actually, I just remembered that I have many other pressing matters to attend to, so is there any way I could..." Mubuki attempted to find an excuse, hoping to escape this particular duty, especially when faced with that devilish smile from Akihiko.

"No, you can't! Get ready and make preparations to go. Remember to bring back those three little troublemakers!" Akihiko interrupted him, still sporting a playful smile on his face.

…

After a week had passed since the last meeting in the Land of Grass, the decisions made during the meeting remained undisclosed, leaving everything unchanged. In the scientific ninja tool processing factory, Koujou stretched his tired limbs and let out a contented yawn. Despite the weariness, a gentle smile adorned his face.

Having acclimated to life in the Land of Grass, Koujou witnessed the gradual realization of the leader's plans. However, there was one lingering concern that tugged at his heart.

"I wonder how we can enroll Ruko in school. Perhaps I haven't been working hard enough," Koujou pondered, aware that both he and Shuko worked diligently in the factory while their daughter had to occupy herself playing in the living area.

Although Ruko had other children to keep her company, Koujou and Shuko, like many other fathers in the vicinity, shared a heartfelt desire for their daughter to have the opportunity to attend school. This longing was not a complaint or dissatisfaction but rather a deep-seated wish for their children's future.

The leader had already fulfilled numerous promises, instilling a sense of hope, eliminating hunger, and ensuring security from the ravages of war. The people of the Land of Grass were genuinely grateful for these positive changes brought about by the leader's guidance.

"I must redouble my efforts! It's lunchtime now, and Ruko must be hungry," Koujou's smile brightened as he imagined his daughter enjoying her meal. "I heard we can apply for a short vacation to explore the Land of Grass. I'll take some time off and accompany Shuko and Ruko on an adventure. Then, I'll return to work with renewed dedication!"

As Koujou prepared to leave, he was interrupted by a familiar voice calling out his name. "Koujou!"

Surprised, Koujou turned around to see Yamafuji, a Grass Shinobi and the leader of their small team, approaching him. He quickly inquired, "Lord Yamafuji, is there something I can assist you with?"

Yamafuji, known for his kind demeanor and willingness to explain things to Koujou, corrected him with a chuckle. "I've told you to call me Captain Yamafuji! But that's alright." He patted Koujou's shoulder before gesturing towards the other workers nearby. Leading Koujou aside, Yamafuji adopted a serious expression. "There is something...," he began, but before he could finish his sentence.

"What is it? Please tell me!" Koujou spoke earnestly, indicating his willingness to take on any task without hesitation. "Whatever it is, I will diligently complete it."

Yamafuji smiled and reassured Koujou, sensing his serious demeanor. "No need to be so serious! It's good news!" He glanced around, ensuring privacy, and lowered his voice slightly. "Recently, the higher-ranking officials have decided to start a literacy class to teach everyone about ninja knowledge..."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

.

.

You can read +5 chapters ahead of everyone on my Patreon

p@treon.com/Kaiszer

(replace ' @ ' with ' a ' for the link)