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The List of The "ANBU" Member:
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Kazuki rolled his eyes dramatically at Tsunade and walked over to a nearby sofa, plopping himself down.
Shizune, ever attentive, poured him a glass of water.
"Thanks," Kazuki said, taking a sip and setting the glass down.
"I'm here because I forgot about something. I need to discuss it with you," he began. "If handled properly, it might even silence the complaints from the clans."
"Speak quickly!"
Just moments ago, Tsunade had looked uninterested, but now she was immediately energized.
Although the transparent election process had shut up some of the smaller clans and prevented them from stirring up trouble, Tsunade preferred to avoid creating unnecessary enemies. If there was a way to achieve a win-win outcome, she was all ears.
Just as I thought, you couldn't wait.
Kazuki shook his head slightly.
Few Hokage had found themselves in a mess like Tsunade's. Taking over a village in turmoil meant she had to personally address countless issues.
"Didn't I propose something earlier?" Kazuki said. "If we can support civilian ninjas, we can also support clan ninjas—or both at once—by setting up a tutoring program. We could have skilled ninjas teach kids whose parents are willing to pay for supplementary lessons."
Tsunade remembered Kazuki mentioning this before but hadn't thought much of it at the time.
"Kazuki, your idea isn't bad," Tsunade said, frowning slightly, "but have you considered that when the quality of the ninja academy improves, parents might no longer feel the need to pay for extra lessons?
"Clan kids probably won't spend the money, and as for civilian families... how many can even afford it?"
This was why she had doubts about the proposal.
"They will if they can afford it," Kazuki replied confidently. Tutoring programs had been proven effective in his previous life, and he was sure the same would apply here. Even the ninja clans would be willing to pay.
To illustrate, Kazuki said, "For example, if I have some of the Uchiha jonin teach at the tutoring program, and you had a child, wouldn't you want to enroll them?"
"???"
Tsunade gave him a skeptical look, as if to say, 'Are you calling me single indirectly?'
"Pfft—!" Shizune couldn't hold back her laughter.
Kazuki's example was hilariously on point.
"You brat! What did you just say?"
Tsunade slammed her hand on the desk, glaring at him. "If you're giving an example, why use me? Are you trying to mock me?"
"It's just an example," Kazuki said with an exasperated wave of his hand. "We all know that Uchiha ninjas excel in swordsmanship, taijutsu, genjutsu, and fire-style jutsu. If you were a parent, wouldn't you pay to send your child to learn from them, even if..."
"Stop! Stop!!" Tsunade interrupted, clutching her chest in mock distress. "I get it already. You're saying that even clan families would be willing to pay for these classes if the tutors are skilled enough, right?"
"Exactly."
Kazuki snapped his fingers. "If a student gets noticed by a tutor, the tutor might even teach them advanced techniques—ninjutsu, taijutsu, swordsmanship, you name it."
At the ninja academy, teachers wouldn't go that far, but private tutors might, especially if they saw potential in the student.
For civilian ninjas, this could be a rare opportunity to learn jutsu, as their access was usually limited by the need to earn points to exchange for techniques.
With a tutoring program in place, civilians would have an additional avenue to improve their skills. While it wouldn't guarantee success, it would at least provide hope.
Would families be willing to pay for that? Absolutely.
Even clan ninjas would likely pay for their children to learn from experts in other clans. Spending money on quality education wasn't a big deal if it benefited their children.
"If we open the tutor positions to ninja clans, it would also be a way to appease them," Kazuki added.
Tsunade nodded in agreement. This plan seemed feasible.
But she wasn't naive. She could tell Kazuki had ulterior motives beyond just helping the clans.
You sly fox.
She raised an eyebrow at him.
Kazuki didn't bother hiding it.
"The Uchiha clan doesn't have the best reputation in the village," he admitted. "So, I want to use this opportunity to have a few Uchiha serve as tutors. Over time, this might help improve their image."
Kazuki wasn't just throwing out ideas—he already had candidates in mind. He planned to discuss this with Fugaku when he returned, confident Fugaku wouldn't object.
Improving the Uchiha's reputation was too good an opportunity to pass up. Fugaku would only refuse if he'd been hit in the head by a door—or perhaps by Mikoto.
"Fair enough."
Satisfied with his honesty, Tsunade was on board.
"As long as you're not scheming behind my back, I'll support you. Just don't fill the program with too many Uchiha. It's not discrimination, but... well, let's face it, your clan members are difficult to deal with."
Worried Kazuki might misunderstand, Tsunade quickly clarified.
Kazuki chuckled, unfazed. "I understand. Many of our stronger clan members are proud and stubborn. It's hard enough to get them to teach our own kids, let alone outsiders. But I'll take care of it."
Unlike other clans, the Uchiha weren't financially strained. Even those who struggled had the clan's support.
The Uchiha clan's businesses provided benefits to their members. Without those perks, who would be willing to work for the clan's interests?
"Good. I'll leave this to you, then."
Tsunade was more than happy to delegate. The less work for her, the better.
But just as she started to feel relieved, she glanced at the pile of documents and scrolls on her desk and let out a dramatic groan, slumping over as she gave Kazuki a pitiful look.
"..."
Under Tsunade's helpless, pleading gaze, Kazuki felt a shiver run down his spine.
What the heck?! You're a grown woman. Don't look at me like that—it's unnerving!
Sure, Tsunade was stunning and had an amazing figure, but ever since they met, Kazuki had viewed her as someone from his grandmother's generation.
Seeing her act so pitifully now made him feel downright uncomfortable.
"Don't look at me like that. It's unsettling. If you have something to say, just say it."
"Buy me barbecue."
Tsunade didn't care about Kazuki's discomfort. She was laser-focused on her goal, and judging by his reaction, it seemed to be working.
"..."
'Are you kidding me?!'
'Tsunade Senju, the Fifth Hokage of Konoha, wants ME to buy her barbecue?! Where's the justice?!'
"Where's your money?"
"Spent on debts. If it weren't for the Hokage office doubling as my shelter, Shizune and I would probably be sleeping on the streets. Our old house is so run-down it's unlivable."
"..."
Kazuki sighed internally. 'Fine, Tsunade. I'll admit it—you're officially the most pitiful Hokage in history.'