Eleven months later
It had been eleven months since Akira graduated from the Ninja Academy, and in that short time Konoha had changed rapidly.
The most obvious change was its size—Konoha had expanded to more than twice its original area. Many things had grown along with it.
The Ninja Academy itself had been expanded, and three additional academies had been established. These weren't ninja academies, however; they were built for people who had no chakra.
So what would these new academies teach? Their curriculum focused on Science, Mathematics, Politics, Economics, and many other civilian subjects. As for the idea behind them—well, it came from Akira.
He had been inspired during Konoha's reconstruction, when he noticed that most of the workers were non-ninjas brought in from the Fire Nation. Konoha was heavily dependent on them for construction, architecture, and similar fields.
So Akira proposed the concept to Tsunade, who then discussed it with the other clan leaders and elders. The decision was unanimously in favor of establishing three civilian academies.
These academies would teach all the non-ninja subjects, while also offering an optional Ninja Academy extracurricular class for interested students. Akira was pleased by this development and fully supported it.
Another major change was the complete restructuring of Konoha. With the Hokage office as the center, the entire village layout had been redesigned.
Thanks to the combined strength and financial capability of Akira, Fugaku, and Itachi, the Uchiha clan expanded significantly and obtained the largest share of the new districts.
As for whether other clans were unhappy about it—well, this was no longer the era of the Third Hokage. The Uchiha clan was now the strongest in Konoha, and no one voiced any objections.
After that came new infrastructure, and then the technological advancements. Konoha began integrating advanced technology into the village.
This was largely due to Akira's help in restoring the Snow Country's princess to her throne. As a result, Konoha and the Snow Country formed an alliance—Snow Country received Konoha's ninjutsu and financial support, while Konoha received workers and technology.
Now, Konoha had become a blend of tradition and technology. Many new buildings rose across the village, symbolizing a new era.
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Akira was wandering through Konoha, wondering to himself, How come so many casinos are opening here?
No, I have to discuss this with Patriarch Fugaku. We should invest in these casinos too. If Tsunade goes to one, it'll definitely become world-famous for making money. We can earn a share as well.
With that thought, Akira turned toward the Uchiha Clan Estate, but an ANBU captain appeared in front of him.
"Akira-sama, Hokage-sama has called for a meeting."
Akira paused for a moment, then nodded. "Okay, I'll go."
He changed direction and headed toward the Hokage's office.
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Hokage building
Meeting hall
Inside the meeting room, he found it already filled. All the clan leaders of Konoha were present, along with one elder. Akira also saw Itachi and Fugaku there. He nodded to them and found his seat. The other clan leaders and juniors greeted him politely.
Akira's reputation in Konoha had grown considerably. His missions in the Land of Snow and the Land of Waves—where he defeated elite shinobi and even the tyrant ruler of the Snow Country—had earned him major recognition.
In the months that followed, he continued to perform brilliantly and became a Jonin at the age of eleven, just like Kakashi.
As for Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke—they had chosen to wait and participate in the upcoming Chūnin Exams instead of being promoted early.
Just as Akira sat down, the door opened again and Tsunade entered the room, taking her main seat beside Jiraiya.
Tsunade cleared her throat. "Well, as you all know, the joint Chūnin Exam will be held in one month. This meeting is about that exam."
Everyone straightened. This event was extremely important for Konoha—an opportunity to gain reputation and recognition from the entire ninja world.
"So," Tsunade continued, "regarding the Chūnin Exam, does anyone have suggestions?"
Hyuga Hiashi spoke up first. "Tsunade-san, how about we do it the usual way? First a written exam, then the Forest of Death, and finally the tournament to choose a champion."
Many nodded in agreement, but a few frowned. The traditional format was too predictable and had grown boring.
Then Akira raised his hand.
"How about we change it?"
The room quieted immediately. No one dismissed Akira despite his young age. Everyone here knew he had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan and had once faced the legendary Sannin, Kakashi, and Patriarch Fugaku in a spar by himself. No one dared underestimate him.
Akira continued calmly, "Let's change a few things. First: for the written exam, we'll make it an illusion test.
After that ....
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The meeting lasted for three long hours before Tsunade finally concluded it.
"So, we'll proceed with everything as discussed," she said. "Now, as for who will lead the entire joint Chūnin Exam, we will decide that by vote."
One by one, the clan leaders and officials cast their votes. Many voted for Jiraiya, many for Kakashi, many for Akira, and many for Itachi. When the ANBU member began counting the votes, Jiraiya suddenly spoke up.
"Well, I won't be taking the lead in this," he said, waving his hand dismissively. "It's time for you younger ninjas to gain more experience. I'll stay out of it."
Following Jiraiya's decision, Itachi and Kakashi also withdrew one after another. With them stepping down, the remaining votes placed Akira firmly in the lead.
Thus, Akira became the official leader of the entire joint Chūnin Exam event.
Tsunade nodded and announced, "Since the idea for the joint Chūnin Exam came from Akira Uchiha, and he also received the highest number of votes in today's meeting, he will be in charge of conducting the entire exam. I expect all clan leaders and department heads to cooperate with him fully."
Everyone expressed their support and agreement.
And just like that, the meeting came to an end.
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