Chapter 399: Potential Development
"Is that so? That's truly wonderful."
Hearing this, Guy flashed a brilliant smile. Rock Lee had already grown up, and now it was time to look toward the new generation of junior ninja. If they had better conditions, they would surely achieve even greater things—especially since Guy knew exactly how strong Tobitake Tonbo was.
Tonbo was simply too brilliant.
"Don't worry, I'll have everything ready. I'll get Kakashi to cooperate with me; even though he's the Hokage, he'll listen. I heard you've already qualified as a One-Star Intellectual Ninja. I didn't see that coming—you actually have a knack for this," Tonbo said to Guy after finishing some of the planning talk.
An "Intellectual Ninja" was a title awarded to those dedicated to teaching and nurturing others. One needed to make significant contributions to the education of the younger generation and have produced outstanding disciples. It seemed that due to the achievements of Neji, Lee, and Tenten, combined with his contributions to Taijutsu, Guy had actually managed to earn the One-Star Intellectual title.
The thought of a future filled with green spandex everywhere made Tonbo shudder slightly. He didn't discriminate against fashion... but still...
"Yeah! Guy-sensei is a One-Star Intellectual Ninja! My dad said only very smart people can become one," a student chirped.
Hearing this, Guy held his head high, his youth appearing more vibrant than ever.
"By the way, besides the development of the Scientific Ninja Tool I mentioned, I'm also planning to create a 'Taijutsu Training System' specifically designed to train a ninja's physical techniques," Tonbo told Guy.
"A Taijutsu Training System? Is it something like the Genjutsu Training System?" Guy's eyes lit up. To a Taijutsu specialist, this sounded like a godsend.
"It's different. The Taijutsu Training System is designed to enhance a ninja's physical durability and strengthen their techniques. This system will include the self-healing Scientific Ninja Tool we discussed. When the time comes for development, I'll need help from you and Lee to test the system and provide your most direct feedback."
Tonbo spoke with purpose. Taijutsu was a vital project for increasing the Shinobi world's foundation against the Otsutsuki, and he intended to develop it heavily. With a powerful physical base combined with the amplification of the Eight Inner Gates, the new generation would surpass Guy by a wide margin.
Imagine a future where an enemy appears with the ability to absorb ninjutsu, only for a group of Taijutsu ninja to step forward—each opening the Gate of Death. It would be magnificent. With Orochimaru's research, he might even be able to let them open the Gate of Death without dying. They would be literal war machines.
"No problem! Just hearing about it makes my blood boil! I'll make sure Lee and Neji come to experience it as well," Guy said, his excitement reaching a fever pitch. He wished the development was finished right now.
The lead teacher nearby listened, feeling that the Ninja Academy was about to undergo yet another transformation. Wait, I have to fight for a spot in this. This could mean a new position, which translated to a promotion and a raise. He heard that the ninja teachers currently managing the Genjutsu Training System had all been promoted. Though most were still Chunin on paper, their salaries had reached the level of Jonin due to the system's importance and the various benefits involved.
The lead teacher was green with envy. Hearing this news, he felt he finally had something to strive for. Tonbo sensed his emotions but said nothing. Everyone would have to work for it; he wouldn't be handing out shortcuts.
"Well then, that's it for today. We'll catch up properly another time; I'm going to look at the rest of the school."
Besides the Taijutsu system, what else could be developed within the Academy? The school was massive now. It took Tonbo a long time just to do one lap. However, he wasn't in a rush. This was his time to enjoy a leisurely pace and reduce his stress. Otherwise, as Orochimaru warned, his heart would become too anxious, causing him to lose his cool.
Watching the children train, play, and get scolded by their teachers helped Tonbo release a lot of pressure. Much of his stress was indeed born from unnecessary imagination. Tonbo understood this, but understanding didn't mean he could let go of it completely. He wasn't a god, nor was he some "invincible protagonist" from a web novel. He was just a ninja with talent and ideas. He was human.
And humans have their own burdens. Sometimes Tonbo truly wished he had a "cheat" or a "System" that gave him things for free. It would be much better than having to rely on this brain. No matter how good a brain is, it has limits. For example, without Orochimaru, it would have taken him a long time to come up with ways to counter "future sight." If he had a System, it would probably have shielded him automatically. That's how the novels usually went.
The changes to the Ninja Academy were profound. Since the Fourth War and the establishment of the World Ninja Association, the rise of "Construction Ninja" had made school layouts more efficient, concise, and professional. The design was far superior to the old days. Some aspects even looked like futuristic technology—things that even his previous world couldn't achieve, yet were performed perfectly through the use of chakra.
The Principal's office was now highly digitized, located in a high-rise building equipped with elevators, screens, and surveillance... it was a total "Super School."
"Subjects like Genjutsu, Nature Transformation, and Kekkei Genkai development can now be integrated into the Academy curriculum."
It wasn't that these didn't exist before, but the courses were sparse, merely giving students a brief overview. Regarding Genjutsu, Tonbo planned to personally compile a "Genjutsu Encyclopedia" for the teachers to study. While Taijutsu countered the Otsutsuki's ability to absorb chakra, it was too one-dimensional. They needed support from ninjutsu-type ninja. After all, if an enemy hid in another dimension, a Taijutsu ninja would be useless regardless of their strength.
"Tonbo-senpai, Iruka-sensei and the others are waiting for you. Shall we...?" the lead teacher prompted. They were already at the administrative wing.
"Let's go in. I'll ask Iruka and the others if they have any suggestions. I want to fully develop the potential of the Ninja Academy."
Tonbo strode inside.
"Fully develop the potential of the Ninja Academy?" The lead teacher was puzzled. Could the school's potential be developed even further? Was it even necessary? Development everywhere in Konoha required massive investment and funding, and this wasn't an era of war.
Wait, what am I thinking? If the school's potential is developed, doesn't that mean my room for promotion increases? Just like how Iruka-sensei became the Dean!
The lead teacher hurried to catch up, a look of excitement plastered on his face.
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