"New-Style Ninja School?"
"Currently, the Ninja Schools across various Ninja Villages generally have an education span of six years, and those with outstanding grades may graduate early. However, I plan to cancel this privilege and add three more years to the original duration."
With no early graduation allowed, the original six years, plus an additional three, amounts to nine years of education.
"Of course, if someone truly is a genius and can complete their studies ahead of time, I also plan to set up a more specialized educational institution to gather those exceptionally gifted students in one place and teach them deeper knowledge and power."
Regardless of the circumstance, completing nine years of education is mandatory, whether they're ordinary Ninjas or prodigies.
No one can escape this requirement.
Only the prodigious Ninjas will be selected for elite education.
They will attend school from six years old and can only graduate at fifteen.
"The essential skills for a Genin don't require such a long time to learn."
Ruri furrowed her brow.
When she was in the Ninja School, it took her only about half a year to master the basic Ninja skills.
Even those with average aptitude can complete their studies in six years; nine years seems overly prolonged.
"That's precisely what I want to address. Do you really think it's good for those kids to learn various killing techniques at that age?"
Hakushi placed a document in front of Ruri.
Ruri opened it to take a look.
"This is..."
"The psychological health survey data of Konoha Ninja. When alone, these Ninjas are prone to agitation, pain, annoyance, and sometimes, they might even lose control and kill their companions during missions. The one common feature among them is... they witnessed brutal battles at a very young age and were forced to learn how to use weapons to kill. The reason I added those three years is to establish their life values, not to teach them how to wield Ninja power."
Ninjas are merely their profession, not their whole existence.
Before becoming Ninjas, they are living human beings with thoughts, not just tools of war.
Had circumstances permitted, Hakushi would have liked to delay the graduation age to eighteen.
Ruri read through the document carefully, noting every detailed record, the time, place, people, and psychological symptoms.
The more she read, the more horrifying it became, and her expression grew heavier.
Ordinary Ninjas are already like this, then Uchiha Ninjas, who possess the Sharingan, are even more susceptible to the world's negative influences, leading them into a dark and pessimistic world.
"I never used to pay attention to these issues."
Ruri sighed.
Not just her, presumably no one else would have the mind to notice such issues either.
As Konoha discovered these problems, they used forced confinement and violence to 'solve' those who showed issues, considering it a correct solution, rather than addressing the psychological and character barriers of the troubled individuals.
They never tried to guide or even preemptively make precautions.
In the Ninja School, such issues were never part of the curriculum.
What they learned there was only Ninja knowledge, how to perform Ninja Techniques and combat skills for killing.
"For the extra three years, I plan to establish courses on ideology, psychological problem counseling, etc. I believe a well-rounded Ninja doesn't just need to master great power, but must also use a strong mentality to control such power truly."
"Will this prevent issues?"
Ruri couldn't help but ask.
She hoped that members of the Uchiha Race could step out of the shadow of pessimism when awakening the Sharingan.
"There's no guarantee. But at least when they feel lost and troubled, they will have enough awareness and judgment to assess their own value with maturity, rather than indulging in the fleeting thrill of Ninja power, leading to irreversible mistakes."
Hakushi spoke truthfully.
Because everyone's capacity for learning and psychological endurance differs.
What Hakushi can provide is merely the maturity for them to observe the trends in matters when confused, avoiding a deadlock in thought, and not choosing extreme paths that harm themselves or others.
"Additionally, any student entering the New-Style Ninja School must sign a confidentiality agreement."
"A confidentiality agreement?"
"Ninjas are the military force of a nation, not something to be easily leaked. Because I intend to spread the method of training Natural Energy within the New-Style Ninja School. This confidentiality agreement is actually a form of Sealing Technique. I've asked the Uzumaki Clan to research it. Signing this 'confidentiality agreement' will not restrict their freedom but will prevent them from divulging any secrets about Natural Energy."
Hakushi knows what terrible things could happen if the method of cultivating Natural Energy were leaked.
Until his power is strong enough, it will only be made available to his own insiders.
Ruri nodded, understanding the deep implication.
"One more thing, have you noticed any differences between Natural Energy and Chakra?"
Hakushi asked with a smile.
"Differences?"
"Think back, what was your state of mind while practicing Natural Energy?"
Following Hakushi's line of thought, Ruri recalled that her body and mind had been in a sort of emptied, mysterious state at that time.
A wondrous feeling of being one with the world.
"Calm and peaceful."
Ruri described what that state of mind was like.
"Exactly, not just us, but everyone in the organization who practiced Natural Energy experienced this state. This calm and peaceful mindset is beneficial for emotional guidance and has an excellent self-regulation function. I think, if members of the Uchiha practice this energy, even when they awaken the Sharingan, their emotions will stabilize significantly and won't lose control easily."
Combining the Uchiha clan's cultivation of Natural Energy with long-term ideological counseling, Hakushi believes this can resolve the negative issues brought on by the Sharingan.
The conversation reached about this point, it was late, and it was time to rest.
Due to the alcohol, Ruri's skin took on a rosy glow.
How could one describe this extraordinary allure?
Even though it wasn't the first time Hakushi had seen Ruri's slightly intoxicated blush, each time evoked a different feeling of wonder.
He moved over to embrace Ruri's petite frame from behind.
"You're such a rascal..."
Ruri glanced back at him, but after a minor struggle, she gave in, a bit unwillingly.
"You've worked hard these past few days. I'll let you relax now, Ruri."
As Hakushi spoke, he slowly unbuttoned her nightwear, slipping his hand in.
A faint fragrance wafted through the strands of her black silky hair.
Passionate kisses and embraces, intertwining and devouring each other's presence.
"Hold on for a moment..."
Ruri caught her breath, her face flushed.
"What's the matter?"
"These past few days while I've been away, that Byakugan woman hasn't been trying to seduce you, has she?"
"Why do you ask that?"
Hakushi's movements slowed down.
"My intuition tells me that woman wouldn't be that honest."
Ruri stated.
As Hakushi was about to respond, the position shifted, with Ruri now on top.
Ruri's dark eyes lowered.
"I'm in a bad mood. Tonight, you stay beneath me."