"New-Style Ninja School?"
"Right now, Ninja Schools in each village generally have a six-year education period, with the possibility for outstanding students to graduate early. But I'm cancelling that privilege, and on top of the original years, I'll add another three years of schooling."
Since early graduation won't be allowed, the original six years, plus three more, makes for nine years of education.
"Of course, if someone is truly a prodigy and finishes their studies early, I'm also planning to set up a more special education institution to select those exceptionally gifted students, gather them in one place, and teach them even more profound knowledge and power."
No matter what, the nine years of education must be completed, whether they're an ordinary ninja or a genius.
No one can avoid that restriction.
It's just that those genius ninja will be picked out for elite training.
Start school at six years old, and only be allowed to graduate at fifteen.
"The required abilities for a Genin don't take that long to learn."
Ruri frowned.
Back when she was in the Ninja School, it basically took her half a year to master basic ninja skills.
Even for those of normal aptitude, six years is enough to finish their studies. Nine years just drags things out too much.
"That's exactly what I want to explain. Don't you think for those kids, being forced at that age to learn all kinds of ways to kill—do you really think that's right?"
Hakushi placed a file in front of Ruri.
Ruri opened it to look.
"This is...?"
"It's an investigation report on the psychological health of Konoha Ninja. When these ninja are alone, they often get irritable, miserable, frustrated, and sometimes, during missions, they even lose control and kill their own teammates. The only thing they all have in common is... they witnessed brutal battles from a young age, and were forced to learn how to kill with weapons. The reason I added those extra three years is to help establish their values for life, not just teach them how to use ninja power."
Ninja is just their profession, but it's absolutely not everything in their life.
Before they become ninja, they're living, thinking human beings—not just tools of war.
If circumstances allowed it, Hakushi wanted to delay the graduation age to eighteen.
Ruri read through the file carefully. Each record was very detailed—date, place, people, and psychological symptoms.
The more she read, the more shocking it became. Her expression grew heavier and heavier.
If this is already the situation for ordinary ninja, then for Uchiha Ninja with the Sharingan, it'll only be easier for them to be influenced by negative emotions in the world, and plunge into darkness and despair.
"I've never paid attention to these problems before."
Ruri sighed.
It wasn't just her. No one really pays attention to these kinds of problems.
Because Konoha's method of dealing with these problems was to forcibly lock up, or violently 'eliminate' those who had issues, considering that the 'correct' solution, rather than addressing their psychological or personality disorders.
There's never any guidance, not even any early prevention.
It's never a part of the Ninja School's curriculum either.
All that was taught there was ninja knowledge—how to use Ninja Techniques and how to fight and kill.
"With those extra three years, I plan to set up classes on values, psychological counseling, and so on. I believe a healthy ninja doesn't just need powerful strength. It's only with a strong mind to control that power that you can be a true ninja."
"Will that really prevent it?"
Ruri couldn't help asking.
She really wished the people of the Uchiha Clan could step out of that shadow of despair when they awakened their Sharingan.
"I can't guarantee it. But at the very least, when they're lost or tormented, they'll have enough awareness and judgment, and use a mature mindset to ponder their self-worth. They won't just get drunk on the ninja powers, chasing a temporary high that leads to irreversible mistakes."
Hakushi spoke plainly.
Because everyone's abilities to learn, to withstand stress and hardship, all differ.
All Hakushi could provide is that, when they're confused, they have a more mature way of seeing the world, not just fall into deadlocked thinking—going to extremes, hurting themselves, and others.
"Also, all students entering the New-Style Ninja School will have to sign a secrecy agreement."
"Secrecy agreement?"
"Ninja are a nation's military force—information that can't just be disclosed. Because I plan to teach the cultivation method for Natural Energy at the New-Style Ninja School. This secrecy agreement is actually a form of Sealing Technique. I've already asked people from the Uzumaki Clan to research it. After signing this 'secrecy agreement,' it won't restrict their personal freedom, but they won't be able to speak a word of any secret related to Natural Energy."
Hakushi knows what kind of horrifying things could happen if the Natural Energy training methods ever got leaked.
Until his own forces are strong enough, it'll only be supplied to his own inner circle.
Ruri nodded, understanding the deep meaning within.
"One more thing—have you noticed the difference between Natural Energy and Chakra?"
Hakushi asked with a smile.
"Difference?"
"Think back. When you're training in Natural Energy, what's your mood like?"
Following Hakushi's train of thought, Ruri recalled that back then, both her body and mind would enter a mysterious, empty state.
A fascinating feeling of merging with the world.
"Calm and peaceful."
Ruri described how that feeling was.
"That's right. Not just for us—everyone in the organization who's trained in Natural Energy feels the same. This detached, calm mindset helps with emotional regulation and good self-control. I think, if Uchiha people practiced this kind of energy, even when they awaken their Sharingan, their emotions would stabilize a lot—they wouldn't lose control so easily."
Uchiha Clan members who practice Natural Energy, combined with long-term values and psychology training, Hakushi didn't believe the negative effects of the Sharingan couldn't be overcome.
The topic was just about over—by now it was late, time to rest.
Because of the alcohol, Ruri's skin had taken on a rosy blush.
How should he describe just how enchanting she looked?
Even though it wasn't the first time Hakushi had seen Ruri tipsy with a flushed face, every time, he felt it was a different kind of beauty.
He hugged Ruri's petite body from behind.
"You're really awful..."
Ruri glanced back at him. She struggled a little at first, but quickly gave up—half resisting, half giving in.
"You've worked hard these past few days. Now, Ruri, it's time for you to relax."
As Hakushi spoke, he slowly unbuttoned her pajamas and slid his hand inside.
A light fragrance rose from the thick black hair.
Passionate kisses and embraces, devouring each other's presence.
"Wait a minute..."
Ruri caught her breath, her face very red.
"What is it?"
"When I wasn't at home these past few days, that Byakugan woman—she didn't come and seduce you, did she?"
"Why are you asking that?"
Hakushi's movements slowed down.
"My intuition tells me that woman wouldn't be so well-behaved."
Ruri said that.
Just as Hakushi was about to answer, their positions reversed—Ruri was now on top.
Her obsidian eyes were lowered.
"I'm in a really bad mood. Tonight, you're underneath."