"Too rigid?"

Tsunade summarized.

Kyohiko nodded, "Yes. In my opinion, elite ninjas need a lot of theoretical knowledge, but for genin and chunin levels, practice outweighs theory." He then gave examples of tree climbing and water walking.

"As a genin, do I really need to know why climbing trees and walking on water improve chakra control? No. I just need to know that doing it will make me stronger!"

Tsunade fell into thought.

Kyohiko’s words...

She hadn’t considered it before, but hearing it now, it made a lot of sense.

For most genin, much of the theoretical knowledge had little use, and studying it in-depth was meaningless.

But...

For a genin to become a chunin, some knowledge was essential.

"But this was created by the Second Hokage..."

"The Second Hokage was great, but he also had limitations. Systems should evolve with the times."

"But a lot of this knowledge is useful," Tsunade frowned, debating not just with Kyohiko but with herself.

Changes like this needed careful consideration, and she had to be sure it would go in a positive direction.

"You think this knowledge is necessary for chunin, right?"

Kyohiko replied.

Tsunade nodded.

"But, as you said, it’s only necessary for chunin. So it shouldn’t be taught in ninja school; it should be something that genin work on afterward, as needed."

Kyohiko said.

Tsunade thought about it and found herself agreeing.

For genin...

In practice, what was most useful were a ninja's experience and battle techniques.

"Separate it by category and level..."

Tsunade’s thoughts were gradually becoming clearer.

The ninja academy had crammed a lot of theory into the curriculum, but for most kids from civilian backgrounds, that theory didn’t “satisfy” their needs or make them stronger.

From their perspective—

Rather than studying all that, it would be better to get the basics down and spend more time improving their skills. At least this way, they would be able to survive the battlefield and missions after graduation.

Surviving is the first step to having a future.

The approach was sound.

Tsunade thought for a while and said, "Your idea is good. Anything else?"

"I’m just sharing my experiences and thoughts. How to implement it... I have no idea."

Kyohiko laughed sheepishly.

Tsunade rolled her eyes.

"So you’re telling me this just because?"

"Of course! Aren’t you waiting around the village for news? Better to keep busy with this than losing money at the gambling den."

Kyohiko responded naturally.

At first, Tsunade agreed, but soon enough, her patience wore thin, and her veins pulsed.

"Kid, you want a beating?"

Such words!

Does he think I always lose?

But thinking of her luck...

Fine.

Winning? Probably less likely than losing.

Calming herself, Tsunade said, "Move this inside. This is all I have for now, but I’ll get more once you’re done."

"More?"

Kyohiko clicked his tongue.

Tsunade nodded, "Of course. Without enough knowledge and practice, how else could so many jutsu be created?"

She sat nearby, calm as ever, with no intention of helping.

In reality, though, Tsunade was reflecting on Kyohiko’s words.

The jutsu taught at the ninja academy were basic, and the combat skills covered were limited to kunai throwing and fundamental taijutsu—hardly much combat training at all.

It wasn’t as much of an issue for those from established clans.

But for civilians, it was a disadvantage.

Kyohiko's suggestion...

Was clearly urging her to push for reform in the ninja academy.

Tsunade had the influence to do it, but she also had her reservations.

Kyohiko was engrossed in his books beside her, and she continued her contemplation without interruption.

A long time passed before Tsunade rose.

"Take your time with the books. I’ll be leaving now. If you have any questions, ask your teacher."

"Alright."

Kyohiko didn’t look up, too absorbed in the pages.

The journal in his hands was filled with scattered thoughts and knowledge organization, and from the notes, he guessed it had something to do with creating shadow clones.

"Tobirama Senju was truly a genius!"

Kyohiko couldn’t help but sigh.

Before he knew it, a loud grumble came from his stomach.

He was hungry!

Looking outside...

The sun was blazing high, the heat intense, and he was already drenched in sweat.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"Is it already noon?"

Kyohiko couldn’t believe it.

Looking down...

He’d only gotten through four or five notebooks...

How was he supposed to finish all this?

"Prioritize what's most important. I need to focus on what’s necessary and tackle the rest gradually."

Kyohiko regained his clarity.

These books were precious, but also time-consuming, and he didn’t have the leisure to read them all thoroughly.

The most crucial thing for now...

Was the Shadow Clone Technique.

He left the house, grabbed a meal, and eventually found Jiraiya at home, ink smudges still on his hands.

"What’s up?"

"Sensei, I want to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu."

Kyohiko said.

Jiraiya paused, "You plan to use it for studying?"

"Yeah, I’ll practice the techniques I need while the clone studies. Best of both worlds."

Kyohiko nodded.

Jiraiya's expression turned serious, "It’s a good strategy, but risky. Mishandling it could be fatal. You must control it, don’t push yourself."

"I understand."

Kyohiko nodded.

Jiraiya immediately taught him the hand signs and key points of the Shadow Clone Technique.

Its difficulty was B-rank.

Kyohiko had read up on the jutsu, so with the hand signs and key insights, he could skip a lot of personal experimentation.

Back home, he studied it for a while and tried it out...

Thanks to his improved chakra control and Tobirama’s notes, he quickly grasped the essentials.

Soon enough...

The skill panel showed the ability for “Shadow Clone.”

He practiced it a few more times, getting a feel for it.

It reached “proficient” level.

“These insights and tricks help me improve faster and save a lot of time.”

Kyohiko nodded to himself.

This fueled his motivation to keep reading.

Shadow Clone Jutsu!

With a clone materialized, they exchanged glances and silently sat down with a book.

Kyohiko then began his training.

Following Tobirama Senju’s notes and his own ideas, he practiced chakra nature transformation as an exercise in chakra control.

By evening, Tsunade found Jiraiya again.

"How’s it going?"

"I thought it over and I think it’s feasible. Here are some of my ideas, and the resistance shouldn’t be too intense."

Jiraiya handed her his notes.

They listed:

Tree climbing and water-walking training.

Basic jutsu practice.

Taijutsu.

Team coordination.

Tsunade also handed him her own notes, detailing what she thought could be changed—

Early Specialization!

Jiraiya was surprised.

“Advance training for those suited to becoming medical ninjas?”

“Specifically, advance training for those with interest and talent. A lot of the medical knowledge takes time and isn’t something learned overnight.”

Tsunade explained.

Jiraiya nodded.

He understood, though Tsunade’s ambitious plan surprised him—it wasn’t just about adding to the curriculum; it would directly reshape the academy’s system and operation.

This woman had been so demotivated before, but now she was full of drive.

Is Kyohiko that influential?

Will they rely on him to keep her here?

Jiraiya pondered.

Tsunade spoke in a low voice.

“My worry is with the Old Man, the elders in the Anbu, and those two advisors. They’re all very traditional. They didn’t support me back when I first proposed training medical ninjas.”

"Ahem, don’t refer to Danzo like that. He was also the Second Hokage’s student and has done a lot for the village."

Jiraiya coughed softly.

Tsunade scoffed.

"That was then. Now? Ha, what are they doing?"

"Well..."

Jiraiya sighed, knowing Tsunade had a point.

If nothing else...

With Sakumo Hatake’s situation, the Third carried some responsibility for indifference and inaction, while the head of Anbu... well, that was even harder to defend. At the time, Jiraiya had sensed something was wrong, but he hadn’t expected Sakumo to go to such extremes.

Talking about it left him and Tsunade feeling disappointed.

But...

Looking at their notes, Jiraiya and Tsunade were reinvigorated.

"Should we ask Orochimaru about this?"

"Him?"

Tsunade thought about it, then nodded, "Sure. If we can get his support, the three of us submitting this together will almost guarantee it."

"Alright."

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