The next day, at the Konoha Ninja Academy.
Ebisu looked at the tall school gate, his expression very complex.
If it were the old him, he would have certainly looked down on the work at the Ninja Academy. Even if the Hokage-sama gave the order, he would have absolutely refused.
But recently, whenever he clung to his past beliefs, the figure of "Masahiko Yagyu" would involuntarily pop into his mind.
If commoners cannot become elites, then what about Masahiko Yagyu?
For his first sixteen years, he was at most diligent in the basics and taijutsu, achieving some results, but the rest could be described as utterly ordinary.
And this very person.
After being promoted to Chunin, he emerged like a hidden dragon from the depths, soaring straight to the heavens.
In just over a year, the other had become someone he needed to look up to, and was now his direct superior at work.
Thinking back to when they took the exam together, how could Ebisu not sigh with emotion?
He was silent for a few seconds, but finally mustered his courage—whether he stuck his neck out or pulled it back, the axe would fall anyway.
There was nothing to fear!
He straightened his back, held his head high, and entered the academy gates.
A moment later, Ebisu stopped.
In the distance, many children were sparring together, their fists and feet colliding fiercely, but not one cried out in pain or complained of being tired.
On the other side—
On the playground, a group was running laps, competing fiercely against each other.
Looking further ahead————
Thud, thud, thud!
Several shuriken flew out one after another, landing on the target.
This was noon.
Were the academy students already this hardworking?
Ebisu adjusted his glasses, hiding the shock in his eyes, and then he saw a figure sprinting wildly across the playground.
While running, that guy was also laughing maniacally.
Uzumaki Naruto?
Ebisu stared for a long time, finally suppressing the impulse in his heart.
"Actually, Naruto has been doing alright lately, not causing much trouble on the streets. The graffiti and such———— are mostly the type that's relatively easy to clean up and deal with."
A voice came from behind.
He turned around, about to bow in greeting————
"Ebisu-senpai, in matters of education, you are the senior. This time is mainly to help me, so formalities are unnecessary."
Masahiko smiled.
Ebisu felt a mix of emotions, nodded slightly, and then looked towards Uzumaki Naruto.
Indeed.
Recently, Naruto wasn't so detestable anymore.
"Senpai, the main reason I asked you here is to substitute teach when I'm absent, and also to provide special tutoring for outstanding and elite students."
Masahiko said as he walked.
Ebisu interjected, "What are the criteria for 'outstanding' and 'elite'?"
"First place or top three in each category!"
Masahiko laughed, "If you don't strive for first, how can you be considered outstanding? If you don't make the top three, can you be called elite?"
"This———— isn't the standard a bit too high?"
"Scarcity adds value. This kind of incentive can make the students work harder. Of course, the evaluation criteria will be based mainly on what the school teaches."
Masahiko added.
Ebisu nodded repeatedly. After walking for a while, a look of admiration gradually appeared on his face.
"Under this policy, the students would have strong motivation."
"Regular teaching must also take care of the average students, the commoners, so everyone can see hope. Otherwise, it will gradually lose its effectiveness."
Masahiko said.
Ebisu was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but fall into thought.
Hope?
He felt somewhat hesitant.
Seeing this, Masahiko said directly, "What do you want to ask?"
"Uh, I want to know, what was the hope that kept you going back then?"
Ebisu asked.
Masahiko thought for a long time, finally sighing softly, "I couldn't bear the thought of being a Genin for life. At the very least, I had to become a Chunin and learn Ninjutsu, so the next generation wouldn't have to struggle so much."
Hearing this, Ebisu was stunned for quite a while.
Masahiko looked at him, "Many people aren't without talent; it's that they don't have access to higher-level knowledge, lacking the accumulation that elites should possess."
"If the parents are Chunin or Jonin, then the child can receive stronger Ninjutsu guidance, giving them a higher starting point later on————"
"Then, perhaps they can become an elite."
Afterwards, he looked towards the playground.
"Many children and families are like this, accumulating generation after generation, finally getting the chance to go from ordinary people to elites."
Ebisu was deeply moved inside.
Although he wasn't from a Ninja clan, both his parents were elite among Ninjas, with many connections and accumulated resources.
Previously, the commoner he had the most contact with was Might Guy.
Guy only knew how to train; he didn't have these concepts, and certainly wouldn't discuss these things with him.
Masahiko was also a miracle among commoners, but his thoughts and considerations were clearly more numerous, more comprehensive than Guy's, and even more shocking to Ebisu.
After a long while, he bowed deeply and said sincerely, "Thank you for your guidance. I will do my utmost to teach these children!"
"Just an exchange of ideas, no need for thanks."
Masahiko smiled.
Ebisu looked at the children, a contemplative expression on his face, and then————
He looked at Masahiko.
"Can I walk around the school?"
"Of course. From now on, you are a specially appointed teacher at the Ninja Academy. Feel free to look around."
Masahiko nodded.
Ebisu politely expressed his thanks and then headed towards the school building.
Compared to when he first entered the gate, he was now full of motivation!
Masahiko smiled, about to leave the school grounds.
Suddenly, a strange feeling enveloped his mind.
Masahiko faintly felt that he might have entered an illusion!
The next second, Kurama Yakumo appeared out of thin air.
"Teacher, are you leaving?"
"Hmm?"
Masahiko looked at her, "Of course not. I just have other missions, so I need him to temporarily take over."
"Liar."
Yakumo's mood was low.
A second later, she said, "Teacher, you don't trust me. You took Sasuke Uchiha, but you're unwilling to take me!"
"Yakumo, Sasuke's situation————at school, he really can't learn anything more."
Masahiko said.
Yakumo said, "I can't learn anything more either, Teacher. I want to help you!"
She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Teacher, I know everything!"
"Know?"
Masahiko couldn't help but laugh, "What do you know?"
"You have lofty ambitions. You definitely won't stay at the Ninja Academy as an ordinary teacher."
Kurama Yakumo said, "I can help you!"
Masahiko thought for a moment and said, "You focus on adjusting your health. In a while, I will indeed have a need for you."
"You're not lying to me, are you?"
"I won't. Your abilities are very useful; you are the talent I urgently need right now. But this requires you to be in good health."
After Masahiko finished speaking, he briefly explained what he needed Yakumo to do.
The Kurama Clan's Bloodline Limit was very suitable for simulating certain scenarios.
After hearing this, Yakumo was immediately satisfied.
The illusion vanished. She was leaning on the second floor, waving at him with a giggle.
Masahiko helplessly returned a smile, then waved and left the academy. After exiting, his smile faded.
The investment still had returns.
Yakumo trusted him quite a bit now. With a little more deepened "care," she should be useful in the future. He quickened his pace, heading towards the Hokage Building.
At noon, he left Konoha.
For the base location and the personnel needed to be recruited, he had several alternative plans in mind, but all required personal inspection to decide.