Chapter 379: Classification!

The Ninja Academy's assessment continued after Uzumaki Naruto's dismissal. Following this, the students who eagerly awaited their evaluations included both children from civilian backgrounds and those from ninja clans. As expected, the most outstanding performers were still from the ninja clans.

A few hours later, the graduation assessment came to an end. With the conclusion of the final battle, the Ninja Academy's evaluation was officially over.

Although the exact results were not yet announced, the children had a general idea of their performance in actual combat. Some, feeling that they had performed poorly and had little hope of passing, left the examination room early.

"Hmph!" Uzumaki Raiden stood up from his seat, lightly tapped the microphone beside him, cleared his throat, and instantly, the previously noisy playground fell silent as everyone pricked up their ears.

"The results of the written test have been posted, and the results of the practical exam will be announced at the school gate tomorrow morning!"

"Tomorrow at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the school will invite the Fifth Hokage and Namikaze Minato to distribute the headbands to the students who pass the examination."

"At the same time, after the headbands are distributed, the assigned Jonin leaders will come to take you away."

"Whether it was the written or practical exam, those who pass will officially become Konoha Genin."

"Here, I wish all those who passed the assessment a bright future and hope you do not disappoint the effort you have put in during your years at the Ninja Academy!"

"For those who did not pass, do not be discouraged. Work harder and aim to succeed in next year's assessment."

"That concludes the evaluation—dismissed!"

Uzumaki Raiden briefly explained the next steps before dismissing everyone. He then left the stage and walked toward his office, exchanging a few cheerful words with his companions along the way.

"We must find a way to investigate the matter regarding the unusual chakra."

"With Naruto graduating, I need to stay vigilant. It's likely that Konoha will not remain as peaceful as it is now."

After returning to his office, Uzumaki Raiden reclined in his chair, closing his eyes in thought. The quiet atmosphere of the Ninja Academy today provided him with the perfect environment to reflect.

With Uzumaki Naruto's graduation, certain troubles would soon arise in Konoha. According to the timeline, the Akatsuki organization would slowly emerge. Within the next three years, the entire ninja world was expected to plunge into another major war. Before that happens, Uzumaki Raiden needed to make thorough preparations.

"In recent years, I haven't interfered too much in the growth of Shisui or Itachi."

"But judging by their surroundings, neither of them has suffered personal loss, meaning their Mangekyō Sharingan likely hasn't awakened yet."

"While it's a good thing that they haven't experienced tragedy, the impact of a mere Three-Tomoe Sharingan in battle is quite limited."

"If they were to lead a squad, could that potentially trigger their awakening?"

Uzumaki Raiden tapped his fingers on the table and slowly opened his eyes. Without hesitation, he got up, opened the window, and disappeared from the office.

In the Hokage's Office: Village Expansion Plans

"The village needs expansion. With Konoha's current population and industry, the existing space is no longer sufficient."

"The southern outskirts had been reserved for development in past years, but now, if we want to expand, we must dismantle the outer wall and extend the village's borders."

"The outer wall is linked to the protective barrier. If the wall is removed, the barrier must also be redesigned."

"Every aspect of this is a significant undertaking, Minato. You will need to make the final decision."

In the Hokage's office, Nara Shikaku placed a village expansion proposal on Namikaze Minato's desk and explained the details. Minato flipped through the report, his brows furrowing.

"The barrier was originally set up by Uzumaki Mito, the wife of the First Hokage. Since Konoha's founding, we've relied on that same barrier."

"Subsequent maintenance has always been based on Mito-sama's design. If we dismantle the outer wall, the barrier will be broken."

"Who could create a barrier of such strength now?"

"Moreover, a new barrier would change the entry and exit protocols. All ninjas outside the village would have to relearn these procedures, which would place a heavy burden on operations."

"Another concern is Konoha's geographical layout. It is fan-shaped, with the south being at the edge. Expanding and rebuilding the city walls would require an enormous amount of manpower and funds. Can the village's finances sustain such large-scale expansion?"

Minato voiced these concerns as he examined the proposal. The issues he raised were all serious challenges. Without solid solutions, he couldn't approve the expansion.

"I'm not worried about the barrier. If no one else can handle it, Uzumaki Raiden can," Shikaku replied confidently. "He's mastered sealing techniques since childhood and has inherited Mito-sama's knowledge. If anyone can reconstruct the protective barrier, it's him."

"In recent years, rogue ninja activity has increased, and figures like Orochimaru—one of the legendary Sannin—are now exiled."

"He even infiltrated the village once in an attempt to steal the Scroll of Seals."

"Upgrading the barrier will enhance the village's defenses. This kind of intrusion should never happen again."

"Regarding funding, take a look at this."

Shikaku pulled another document from under his arm and placed it on Minato's desk. Minato glanced at Shikaku, then quickly scanned the document.

"This is a personal profile. Who is this Kado?" Minato asked with a puzzled expression.

"What does this have to do with the financial issues I mentioned?"

Minato was confused. From the profile, all he could tell was that Kado was a wealthy businessman. But how did that help Konoha?

"It's very relevant," Shikaku said. "On the surface, Kado is a shipping magnate, but in reality, he's a criminal."

"He and his subordinates control nearly all maritime trade around the Land of Waves. His business isn't just about goods—he's involved in human trafficking, arms dealing, and has amassed a private army."

"He crushes any opposition mercilessly."

"According to my intelligence, in the Land of Waves, this man has monopolized the people's livelihoods."

"If we take him down, we can seize his wealth to fund the village expansion!"

"Furthermore, Konoha can take over his business—but legally. Instead of allowing criminals to profit, we can establish a legitimate shipping industry and create a stable financial resource for the village."

As Shikaku spoke, he pulled out another file detailing Kado's criminal activities, complete with photographic evidence. His crimes were extensive.

"I see. So this is your proposed funding source?" Minato mused.

"But what justification do we have? We can't send Konoha ninjas into the Land of Waves without reason. We also have to consider how the Hidden Mist might react."

Shikaku smiled. "Don't worry. My people have already reached out to contacts in the Land of Waves. I believe certain influential figures there will soon invite Konoha's assistance."

Just then, a knock came at the office door. Minato and Shikaku exchanged glances before setting the documents aside.

"Come in," Minato called.

The door opened, and Uzumaki Raiden stepped in, wearing a gray-black robe. Seeing him, both Minato and Shikaku sighed in relief.

"What were you two plotting that made you so tense?"

"Did I come at the wrong time? Should I leave?" Raiden asked, raising an eyebrow.

Minato waved him over. "No, you're just in time. I'd like your opinion on something."

Raiden shrugged. "I'm actually here for something else. I don't have time to be your strategist."

Despite his words, he still closed the door and walked over to Minato's desk.

Minato ignored his complaint, retrieved the file, and handed it to Raiden. Meanwhile, Shikaku explained the village expansion plan and the proposal to control the Land of Waves' shipping routes.

After quickly absorbing the information, Raiden nodded. "I support the village expansion. Don't worry about the barrier—I can handle it."

"As for funding, Shikaku's plan is solid."

"And the excuse to act? That will come to us soon enough."

Raiden glanced at the photo of Kado and smirked. Even after all these years, he hadn't forgotten that face.

Wasn't this the same villain from Uzumaki Naruto's mission to the Land of Waves?

Nara Shikaku was puzzled as to how Uzumaki Raiden already knew that the justification for Konoha's involvement would come on its own. Before he could ask, Minato spoke up, "Since you're in agreement, then so am I."

"Shikaku, finalize the village expansion plan as soon as possible, and once it's ready, we'll convene a meeting with the clan leaders."

"Raiden, speaking of which, what brings you here?"

After finishing his statement, Minato turned to Raiden. The man standing before him was a rare visitor to the office—he only came when there was something important.

"There is something," Raiden admitted. "Didn't you assign Kakashi and Guy to lead teams?"

"I'd like to arrange for Shisui and Itachi to lead teams as well."

"Shisui never experienced life in the Ninja Academy as a child, and Itachi's experience was similar. Their missions have always been classified, often completed in pairs."

"I don't think this has been ideal for their growth. I wonder if leading a squad will add a new dimension to their ninja careers."

"No, I came here specifically to discuss this."

Raiden casually flopped onto the office sofa as he spoke. Upon hearing his proposal, Minato and Shikaku exchanged surprised glances.

"Raiden, there's nothing inherently wrong with assigning them, but what about the Uchiha clan?" Minato asked.

"For a long time, the Uchiha have preferred to operate as their own separate teams."

Minato expressed his concerns. While Fugaku had made significant efforts over the years to integrate the Uchiha into the village, their innate pride remained a factor. Many Uchiha struggled to cooperate in mixed teams, resulting in most being stationed within the village as police force members. Only a select few were dispatched on missions alongside others.

"It's fine," Raiden said dismissively. "Itachi and Shisui are my disciples—Fugaku won't object."

"Besides, transferring them out of Anbu is a good thing."

Seeing Raiden's confidence, Minato sighed and nodded in agreement.

Raiden didn't linger in the office for long. Once Minato approved his request, he disappeared in a flash.

That evening, the instructors at the Ninja Academy compiled and submitted the final list of students who had passed the graduation assessment to the Hokage's office. From there, the Hokage would determine the team assignments.

There were quite a few students who had passed the assessment. Minato personally selected the highest-ranking students, while the rest of the student information was handed over to Shikaku, who was tasked with organizing the remaining class assignments. After all, as Hokage, Minato couldn't personally oversee each and every placement.

Later that night, Shikaku returned to the office after making arrangements, only to find Minato's desk covered in student photographs. The Hokage sat behind the desk, rubbing his chin in contemplation.

"Shikaku, just in time," Minato said as he picked up three photos from the table and set them aside. "Who do you think should instruct this year's Ino-Shika-Cho trio?"

"Huh? This kind of thing…" Shikaku hesitated before shrugging.

"Asuma should do fine. Our families have been close for generations, and he's more than capable. He'll guide them well."

Initially, Shikaku wanted to remain reserved, but he quickly realized it wasn't necessary in front of Minato, so he spoke plainly.

"Asuma, huh? That does seem like a good choice. Alright, it's settled," Minato agreed.

"Since you're here, help me with the team assignments. These students performed exceptionally well in the assessment, and they all have potential."

"We need to ensure they're paired with the right teammates to maximize their growth."

"Two heads are better than one—let's figure this out together." Minato smiled and gestured for Shikaku to join him.

Shikaku, intrigued by the task, pulled up a stool next to Minato and began offering his input.

As the two continued finalizing team assignments, they became so focused on their work that they completely forgot about their prior arrangement with Kakashi. Without realizing it, they ended up assigning an extra team to him.

(End of Chapter)