Sakuraus and ManyFacedAssassin: Thank you very much.
Looking at the younger woman besides Tsunade for the first time, Jiraiya smiled, "Shizune? She has grown since I last saw her, I must say. And she's grown in all the right ways."
Jiraiya said that last sentence with a lecherous grin. The perverted implication of it was not lost on either of the women. Shizune gave him a disgusted look while Tsunade's eyebrows twitched violently. With an irritated expression, she said, "No matter how old you become, you won't learn, will you? Maybe I should give you another lesson."
Sweating at Tsunade's cracking knuckles, Jiraiya pleaded with his arms raised in a placating manner, "Now, now, surely you don't want to start a scene here of places?"
"Hmph! Remind me to suggest to Sensei to have the hot springs manned to give the women inside some privacy.", she said, calming down a little, but not leaving that irritated expression.
Jiraiya gave a sigh of relief. Inside he was crying at the prospect of not being able to conduct research.
When Shizune left to pack her and Tsunade's things, the former teammates continued to chat.
"So Shizune is your apprentice?", asked Jiraiya.
"I've taught her everything I know. As of now, in terms of abilities, no one can beat her except for me. And even that is because I have more experience than her, especially battlefield experience."
Jiraiya agreed. Tsunade's medical expertise had proved invaluable in the second great war, especially against Sunagakure.
"By the way, from your words, it seems as if a lot of changes are taking place in Konoha?"
Jiraiya was pulled out of his distraction by Tsunade's enquiry. "Yes. And I won't say anything right now. You'll come to know when you return to the village."
The former teammates continued to chat and reminisce until Shizune returned.
"Tsunade-Sama, Jiraiya-Sama, everything's ready. Let's leave. I can't wait to see my old friends."
"Sure. Tsunade, Shizune, meet me at the gates of this village", said Jiraiya. Tsunade and Shizune nodded and went to get their things while Jiraiya went to the gates, awaiting them.
Hiruzen was in his office doing his daily paperwork when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in", said the Hokage.
The door opened to reveal the secretary. She entered and bowed to the Hokage.
"Sandaime-Sama, team 5 and their Jounin Sensei Akimichi Chouharu are here to give a report of their latest completed mission."
"Very well, send them in."
"Yes, Hokage-Sama.", Saying so, the secretary exited. Team 5 entered the office soon after.
The Jounin Sensei of team 5, Akimichi Chouharu gave the verbal mission report to the Hokage: "Hokage-Sama, team 5 have completed the garden weeding mission assigned to them."
"Very well Chouharu-san. You may submit your mission report to the missions office and take your pay there. Meanwhile, do you want your team to do any more missions?"
"One more mission won't hurt, Hokage-Sama".
"Very well then. The Harunos need some grocery delivered, the Inuzukas need their kennels cleaned out and the river needs to be cleaned of the trash. Which one do you wish to take?"
Chouharu was about to make his choice when the irritated voice of one of his Genin disrupted him from his thoughts.
"Enough. How many stupid D-Ranks are we supposed to do? Sensei, you must ask for a better mission. We are ninjas, not delivery boys or Janitors."
Hiruzen had enough. The arrogance of the Genin needed to be taken down, harshly if necessary. He blasted the three Genin, especially the one that had spoken out with substantial killing intent, not enough to kill him or cause permanent damage, but enough to make them feel sick and want to throw up. "Understand your limits, Genin. These missions are not for your personal satisfaction. They are supposed to provide a source of income to the ninjas and to the village. Be happy that you are playing your part in maintaining the economy of the village. And do not be in a fantasy world where you think you can demand your Sensei, your superior in rank to give you a higher ranked mission. When he feels you are ready, he will ask for a higher ranked mission for you. If you dare to demand a mission to satisfy your desires again, I'll be removing you out of the Ninja ranks immediately. You are not even one year out of the academy, and you have the gall to think that you can demand missions? Remember that this attitude won't be tolerated any longer." He relaxed as he spoke to their instructor, "So, Chouharu-san, which mission do you wish to take?"
"We will take the trash cleaning mission, Hokage-Sama." said the Jounin. While he wasn't as affected as his Genin by the Hokage's killing intent, since he was a Jounin and therefore, much tougher, he was still taken aback by the reprimand. This was not the kind grandfatherly figure everyone knew the Hokage as. This was the professor, the veteran who had seen three wars. He was a kind old man, but you didn't want to anger him at any costs. "And I also apologise for my student's attitude. I assure you that it won't happen again."
"See that it doesn't.", said the Hokage. "Team 5 is dismissed. Complete your mission and return to give your report."
"Yes, Hokage-Sama.", saying so, the team left with their Sensei, the Genin having barely recovered from the talking down and being subjected to the killing intent. Hiruzen, for his part would make sure to reprimand every single Genin team if they go out of line. It was time to make them understand their role in the welfare of the village. He returned to his paperwork.
Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shizune (who was carrying tonton) wasted no time reaching the gates of Konoha. They reached the village around half an hour before sunset. They were stopped by the gatekeeper pair as soon as they entered
"Halt and state your business."
"Jiraiya along with Tsunade and her apprentice Kato Shizune reporting."
The gatekeepers were stunned to see the second of the Sannin, the princess Tsunade return to the village. It would be good for the village supposing that she had returned to stay. "Very well. Welcome Jiraiya-Sama, Tsunade-Sama. You may go to see Hokage-Sama."
The trio reached the Hokage's office in no time. Upon being granted permission by the secretary, the entered the office.
"Welcome back Jiraiya. And I see that you have succeeded in your mission. Well done. It's good to see you again, Tsunade. And is this Shizune. She sure has grown, hasn't she?"
"Yes, Sensei. This is Shizune. And while it is good to see you again too, I certainly do not appreciate you threatening me to return."
"I had to do it. It was necessary for you to return. I have plans for the village and for them to come to fruition, your contribution is necessary."
"Jiraiya did tell me that a number of changes will be happening in the village. Although, he did not elaborate further."
"He's right. The village has not recovered from the third war and the attack by the 9-tails. It will take time to bring the village manpower back to a respectable level but we can compensate for it with quality. And to that end many changes are due to occur." He explained about all the political changes that had taken place and the plans to restructure the academy curriculum. "Infact, I had to reprimand a Genin severely for going out of line today morning."
Needless to say, Tsunade and Shizune were surprised. "But where do I come in this, Sensei?"
"For now, you and Shizune must help at the hospital. Sometimes there are injuries which only you can heal, Tsunade."
Jiraiya immediately understood that this was a bad idea. "Sensei, what about her Haemophobia? Is it wise for her to be around patients?"
Hiruzen mentally berated himself for forgetting that. "Very well, Jiraiya. It is your responsibility to get her out of his fear. And start immediately. Tsunade, you must let go of it. The hospital needs you, the patients need you, the village needs you."
"Very well, Hokage-Sama." She said a bit nervously. Seeing blood again would not be pleasant. But she understood that if she wanted to back up her reputation as a medic, she had to go through this therapy. However, it was at this point that she realised the wording to the Hokage's instructions.
"By the way, what do you mean, 'For now'? Do you have future plans for me as well?"
"Yes, Tsunade. It's time that you pass on your knowledge to more Shinobi than just Shizune. The village will benefit greatly in the long run. What I want you to do from next year is to accept interested Genin with high scores in Chakra control and teach them Medical Ninjutsu. Are you willing to do this?"
"If I get rid of my fear enough to work at the hospital, then yes, I'm willing to do this."
"Good. You are dismissed. Tsunade, start your therapy immediately. Shizune, report to the hospital at once."
"Sensei, are me and Shizune allowed to visit their graves first?"
After a brief thought the Hokage agreed, "Very well, but don't spend too much time there. Your duties are necessary. We can't have our Shinobi moping around."
"Yes, Hokage-Sama.", said the trio and departed the office, leaving Hiruzen with his paperwork. He noticed that Tsunade and Shizune had left their luggages behind, but didn't call them back. 'They will realise it eventually', he thought.
Jiraiya, Tsunade and Shizune walked along the streets of Konoha on their way to the war cemetery. On the way, the citizens pointed towards them with barely disguised glee.
"Hey is that Tsunade-Sama?"
"Yes, it is. I wonder what she's doing in the village."
"If she's here to stay, our village will be greatly benefited."
"Yes. Two of the Sannin back shall boost our village's reputation."
"Who is that young woman beside her?"
"Don't know. Must be her relative, or at any rate someone close to her."
"I have a feeling that she might be Tsunade-Sama's daughter."
At the last one Tsunade couldn't help but glare at the man who suggested that. He immediately silenced himself.
The trio reached the war cemetery. Jiraiya led Tsunade and Shizune to the graves of their loved ones who had died in the wars.
Tsunade and Shizune knelt before the first grave, closed their eyes, joined her hands and said a silent prayer. After they were done with the first grave, they repeated the procedure with the second. After they were done Tsunade addressed both the graves.
"Hey Nawaki, hey Dan. It's me, Tsunade. I have returned to Konoha. Shizune is with me too. I had no choice. Sensei threatened me with consequences if I didn't. I don't know why I returned to this place. But I know that both of you are disappointed with my behavior until now. I wish to make amends, and make you both proud. I hope you are watching me from wherever you are. Forgive me Nawaki, forgive me Dan." Tsunade's voice broke as she apologized to Nawaki and Dan. Jiraiya placed a hand on her shoulder with a sympathetic look on his face. Tsunade got up and immediately hugged her teammate.
Jiraiya may be a pervert, but he knew when to have consideration for others. He hugged Tsunade back and comforted her, stroking her back as she cried on his shoulder.
Meanwhile, Shizune knelt in front of Dan's grave, and said, "Hello uncle. It's me, Shizune, your neice. I hope you are proud of me."
After they were done, the trio departed from the cemetary, as Tsunade and Shizune made their way to report at the hospital and Jiraiya made his way to the Hokage's tower.
"Thanks for comforting me back there Jiraiya."
"Don't think much about it. You are my teammate after all."
Jiraiya thought about making a perverted remark to tease her, but thought better than going ahead with it. Tsunade was talking to him in a friendly manner and he had no desire to ruin it by being... himself.
"By the way, Tsunade, don't you have your luggage in the Hokage's office?"
"Oh right. How could I forget? Let's go to Sensei's office then."
The trio visited the office again to take the luggage. Hiruzen gave Tsunade a smirk when she entered.
"So, let me hear that you left your luggage here in purpose?"
"Actually, no Sensei. I was in such a hurry to visit Nawaki and Dan, that I forgot it here."
His smirk having vanished, Hiruzen shook his head at her absent-mindedness.
"By the way, where are Tsunade and Shizune supposed to live, Sensei?" asked Jiraiya.
"Dont worry, I have an apartment rented for both of them. Neko!" he called out to one of his ANBU.
"Yes, Hokage-Sama", said the ANBU, materialising into the office.
"Please take Tsunade and Shizune to their apartment.", said the Hokage, handing Neko a piece of paper.
"Very well, Hokage-Sama. Tsunade-Sama, please follow me."
Tsunade nodded, bid goodbye to her Sensei, and went off with the ANBU and Shizune. Jiraiya was now alone in the office along with Hiruzen.
"So, do you have any new orders for me, Sensei?"
"Yes. When you visited the last time, you mentioned that Orochimaru has aligned himself with this mercenary group called the Akatsuki, all if whose members are likely S-rank missing nin, didn't you?"
"I did. And I was keeping an eye on them, ever since I discovered them."
"Very well. Keep me updated on their movements on a monthly basis. Can you do that?"
"Sure can. Although the first report I will need to send you will be to mention that I have retraced them. And I don't know how much time that will take."
"Very well then. Send me the first report when you have retraced them, the second report at the end of that month, and then I will need monthly updates."
"Will do, Sensei."
"Very well. You are dismissed."
Jiraiya gave a bow and Shunshined out of the office.
The Hokage, the Hokage's council and the Shinobi council was seated in the council hall for the Wednesday meeting. The Shinobi council was distributed on both sides of the table that day. Shibi, Chouza, Hiashi and Tsume were seated on the left while Shikaku, Asuma, Fugaku and Inoichi were seated on the right.
The Hokage addressed the council once everyone was present, "I welcome all the council members to today's meeting. In the previous meeting, we had the academy staff give an overview of the curriculum being taught in the academy. I also have a written report with me which was submitted to me by all the academy instructors yesterday. However, I hope that you remember whatever the staff said in the previous meeting. Therefore, I would prefer to know your opinions and/or complaints on the present curriculum. I shall start with my own council. Homura, Koharu, Danzou, what are your opinions?"
Homura said, "From what the instructors said on Monday, me and Koharu were right in assuming that the issue lies in the academy training. The academy during our days as students had much better standards. This is not what Nidaime-Sama would have wanted the academy to be. Apart from the inadequate curriculum, the exams are too easy. Even the hopeless cases somehow graduate when they shouldn't."
Koharu spoke next, "Apart from the fact that the exams are too easy, the students are apparently not punished properly for indisciplinary actions. They get away with scolding or grounding. It's simply not enough. Many of the girls training to be kunoichi waste their time on their looks and trying to attract the attention of their male classmates who they are infatuated with, time that they could utilise for training themselves."
Danzou spoke next, "Also, many wrongdoings go unpunished or ignored. What Koharu mentioned about the girl students is just one example. Moreover, the students are not taught to control their emotions. This tends to hurt them when they finally graduate. For a start, have you seen how new Genin react when their Jounin Senseis tell them about the Genin test which they are to conduct? The Genin react as if they have been asked to murder their families. Ninjas face countless situations where they come across circumstances they do not expect. Should they be overreacting like that every single time?" Not only is this unprofessional, it can be dangerous and jeopardize the mission at times. Emotional control training should begin from the academy itself."
The Hokage said, "So, going by what you three said right now, there are two things we need to do: Intolerance for even minor disciplinary breaches and Emotional control training for the students."
The three nodded.
"Very well. I have put that on the agenda. We will discuss about this at the end. First we must discuss what is lacking in the curriculum and how can we change it. I say that we go about this subject by subject."
Everyone nodded. Danzou said, "Permission to speak, Hokage-Sama?"
The Hokage nodded and gestured for him to speak. Danzou said, "One change I would like to recommend is to increase the academic career of the students. At present, the students start their training at the age of eight and finish at the age of twelve. Surely they can start it a bit earlier. How about from the age of six or even four?"
"Four is too young Danzou.", said Hiruzen, frowning. "Six sounds much better. And why not five?"
Koharu said, "I believe it will be easy to distribute the curriculum along even number of years rather than odd."
The Hokage nodded. "Very well. However we will have a vote on whether the academy time is to be increased in the first place, if at all. All in favour?" Everyone raised their hands. All were in favour. Hiruzen was almost going to ask 'All opposed?', but it was foolish when everyone, without an exception agreed to the proposal. He was happy that the civilian council had been stripped of their authority. Although with the Shinobi council and the Hokage's council giving their assent, the motion would have been passed even if the Civilian council collectively opposed to it. But, it was good for things of things of such importance to go smoothly. "Very well, the academy time shall be increased. Now for the next vote. All those who are in favour of starting academy training of students from the age of four?" Homura, Koharu, Danzou, Hiashi and Fugaku raised their hands. "All in favour of starting academy training from the age of six?" Chouza, Inoichi, Tsume, Shikaku, Asuma and Shibi raised their hands. "6-5 in favour of option two. The academy training shall start from the age of six."
Even though he believed that the students would learn more if the starting age was four, he had nothing to complain. After all, he was the one to suggest six as an option.
The Hokage continued, "Now that we have got that out of the way, we are in a position to expand the syllabus. As to the work of redesigning the syllabus, I suggest that we go about it subject by subject, and deal with each subject seperately."
Hiashi asked, "Permission to speak, Hokage-Sama?"
Hiruzen gestured towards him in agreement. Hiashi said. "Hokage-Sama, many times a number of subjects are interrelated. Certain things need to be learnt in a fixed order. If we isolate all subjects, and deal with each of them without a concern for the others, won't that create confusion?"
Hiruzen nodded, "You make a valid point, Hiashi-san. And indeed once we have designed the syllabi for each subject, we will, in the end, compare them all to see if they are compatible with each other."
Hiashi nodded in agreement, satisfied by the response.
Hiruzen continued, "Now then, the first subject I am bringing up is Theory. Before I give my inputs, and we finalize matters, I would like to know your suggestions."
Shibi spoke up first, "Hokage-Sama, I suggest that we divide the subject of Theory itself into two major categories: Information theory and Ninja arts theory."
"And what should each category include, Shibi-san?", asked the Hokage.
"Information theory should include History, Geography, Survival tactics, etc and Ninja arts theory should include theory related to Chakra control, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, Ninjutsu and trap laying."
Hiruzen personally noted down all the points Shibi made. "Quite reasonable.", he said, "However, looking at this and recalling what Naomi-san told us on Monday, I hardly see anything more to add to what we have here."
Tsume spoke next, "Of course, there is no need to add anything more. Rather, I suggest that certain portions be removed permanently."
Hiruzen gave her a curious look and said, "Can you please elaborate, Tsume-san?"
Tsume nodded and continued, "What matters on the field when the students become ninjas is their practical knowledge and experience, not what they learn from their books. Things like chakra control and trap laying can be learnt without any theoretical knowledge. Infact, it is outrageous that the academy teaches trap making on a theoretical level but does not train the students in actually designing them. Many times, ninjas need to prepare traps in unknown and unfavorable environments with limited resources. Bookish knowledge will only help them so far Hokage-Sama. As regards chakra control, I really don't see any need for it to be explained theoretically. It can be simply taught once the students have unlocked their chakra."
Hiruzen said, "So what you are suggesting is, that we permanently remove the theoretical portions of these two subjects?"
"Precisely, Hokage-Sama. And I was going to suggest making traps as apre extensive practical subject. However, I'll bring that up when we get to it.", said Tsume, giving the Hokage a smile.
"Very well.", said the Hokage. "However, we should have a vote on this. All in favour of removing chakra control and trap theory?" Everyone raised their hands. And Hiruzen agreed on a personal level as well. Tsume did bring up valid points. Chakra control and trap laying would become purely practical subjects now. The time which had been so far wasted in teaching their theories would be put to more constructive use. "Very well. Motion passed."
"Thank you Hokage-Sama.", said Tsume.
Hiruzen nodded. "Any other suggestions?"
Shibi said, "In addition, I suggest that the theoretical portions of Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and Genjutsu be merged with their practical lectures. At present, both portions are taught seperately. I believe that if the theoretical parts were taught to the students as they would be practically learning the Jutsus, it will be an effective teaching method and also a timesaver."
"Thank you Shibi-san. Your point has been noted. Before I ask any more inputs from you all, I wish to put in my own. Based on Shibi-san's categorisation of theory, we have decided on what to do with the second category. Now about the first category. I have decided that history will be taught across all 6 years, Geography and survival tactics will be taught across the last three years. And they will go hand in hand, since in most cases, geographical conditions influence survival tactics. Everyone agrees?"
"Yes, Hokage-Sama.", said everyone in unison.
"Good. Now, starting with history. Any opinions on how we should divide it across six years?"
Homura spoke up, "Hokage-Sama, firstly, the history of Konohagakure must be given priority over everything. The histories of other villages must be taught only if they have had any effect on Konoha. What events must be included are, in order, the events of the warring states period which have affected the clans living in Konoha, the founding of Konoha, the three Shinobi world wars, other events like the 9-tails attack, and biographies of all the Hokage who have ruled the village. Each event must be spread across 1 year, except for the 9-tails attack."
Hiruzen widened his eyes, "So, what you are suggesting is, the first year should include the warring states period, the second year should include the founding of Konoha, the third year should include the first Shinobi world war, the fourth year should include the second Shinobi world war, the fifth year should include the third Shinobi world war, and the last year should include the biographies of the four Hokage and the 9-tails attack?"
"Yes. And in addition, the histories of other villages may not be taught, but their battles during the world wars, whether they included Konoha or not, must be taught."
"And how do you suggest using a full year for teaching the students about one ninja war?"
"The history of Ninja wars should include all the battles, tactics, Shinobi involved, the Shinobi who distinguished themselves with their actions, etc in extensive detail. No known information must be left out. That should surely take an entire year."
Hiruzen agreed. "And about the final year?"
"Like I said, the final year must include the biographies of all the Hokage. The 9-tails attack can be included as part of the biography of the Yondaime-Sama. Your and Yondaime-Sama's biographies should also include the history of Konoha after the third Shinobi world war. Everything, from the 9-tails attack, the Hyuuga affair and Orochimaru's defection must be included."
Personally, Hiruzen saw merit in Homura's suggestion. He was going to go for a vote to see if the whole council was on board with the idea. Before he could do so, however, he was interrupted by Hiashi.
"Permission to speak, Hokage-Sama?"
When Hiruzen gave his assent, Hiashi asked, "Mitokado-Sama, you said the the histories of the clans during the warring states period must be included. Are you suggesting that we give up clan secrets?"
Homura replied, "I'm not asking you to give up your clan techniques. However, I ask that you reveal your clan histories. Surely all important clans document their histories, don't they?"
"We do, Mitokado-Sama.", said Fugaku. "However, many times, the history of the clan and the secret techniques go hand in hand in single
You may have noticed inconsistencies in punctuation throughout the fic so far. I apologise and will try to be more consistent from here on. See you at the end of May. γΎγγγ