The original purpose of the tutoring program was to provide extra education for families who could afford it.
It also helped some ninjas earn extra income.
And, of course, it was meant to improve the Uchiha clan's reputation.
At first, not many parents were willing to enroll their children.
Many were skeptical about whether it was worth it.
But as the kids in the program kept improving, its popularity skyrocketed.
Over the years, it had already expanded twice.
But no matter how successful it became, it would always just be a tutoring program. It could grow, but it couldn't endlessly expand.
"But if we stop, a lot of kids will be left out."
Shisui was a bit conflicted.
He didn't care how much money he could make—what mattered to him was teaching more kids.
Helping them build a stronger foundation so fewer of them would end up as casualties in the harsh ninja world.
And if that could also change how people saw the Uchiha, that would be even better.
"Shisui."
Yan knocked on the table and warned him:
"The tutoring program was created to help some ninjas with their income, give students another way to grow stronger, and improve the Uchiha's reputation along the way.
You can't just accept every kid who wants to join."
"The expansion of the tutoring program has already started affecting the education at the ninja academy. A lot of teachers have complained to Hokage-sama, asking to limit its size.
Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Compared to the academy's broad teaching approach, the tutoring program was more personalized.
Each teacher adjusted their methods based on the student's individual situation.
They also taught extra skills that weren't covered at the ninja academy—like Ninjutsu.
And they passed down valuable real-world experience.
These were things the academy just couldn't provide.
Over time, many students in the tutoring program stopped taking the academy seriously.
Some even started questioning their academy teachers.
"Everything has two sides. The fact that the tutoring program keeps growing proves its value, but at the core, the academy must remain the priority.
The tutoring program can only take in so many students, but the academy reaches a lot more kids."
"Yes, I understand."
Shisui knew this wasn't easy. The academy's resentment toward the tutoring program wasn't small.
But for the past few years, the program had been growing steadily, and Yan had been taking all the pressure for it.
Without Yan shielding them, the tutoring program wouldn't be where it was today, so Shisui couldn't ask for more.
"Good, as long as you understand. Go back and tell the other teachers—teach only as many students as you can handle, and don't get greedy.
From now on, the number of students in the program must not exceed the limit."
Not every teacher in the program had pure intentions like Shisui.
Many of them wanted to keep taking students—not for education, but for money.
The more students they had, the more they earned.
"Understood."
Shisui scratched his head awkwardly. "Elder, but if we do that, some teachers might..."
"Then they can get the hell out!!!"
Yan's face darkened as he shouted:
"Anyone who has a problem with this can leave! The tutoring program won't collapse without them. There are plenty of ninjas in Konohagakure who would jump at the chance to become teachers."
Yan wasn't exaggerating—the pay for tutoring teachers was really good.
At first, the commission per student didn't seem like much, but once the numbers added up, they were making more than many ninjas who risked their lives on missions.
That was why the job went from being looked down on to being one of the most sought-after.
Making good money without having to risk your life—who wouldn't want that?
No one really wants to risk their life against an enemy, right?
"Go back and tell them—they have three days to prepare. After three days, I will personally conduct an evaluation. Any teacher who fails will be kicked out, and we will recruit new ones from outside."
Did they really think I was weak just because I've been quiet?
They've had a few peaceful years, and now they think they can start acting out?
Fine, then. I'll set up an evaluation system. From now on, there will be regular assessments. If they fail, they're out. There are plenty of people who want to join—we don't need to rely on them.
"..."
Well, not only did the proposal to expand the tutoring program get rejected, but they also ended up angering the Elder.
Shisui smiled bitterly and nodded.
An order was an order. He had no choice but to follow it. In fact, he even had to worry about whether he himself would pass the evaluation.
"Shisui, people's greed is something you can't control. I know you want to maintain good relationships with your colleagues, but sometimes, being too easygoing isn't a good thing."
Being too trusting, too easy to talk into things—these were Shisui's biggest weaknesses.
He was probably here today because all the other teachers had pushed him forward as their representative. He had no choice but to come to the Hokage's office.
"Yes."
Shisui straightened up, standing at attention.
"If there's nothing else, you can go back now."
Oh, right—just as Shisui was about to reach the door, Yan suddenly remembered something and called out to him:
"And stop stupidly donating all your money. No one will remember the good things you've done. Save it up for now—I have a surprise for you in a few days."
"...."
Shisui scratched his head, looking a little embarrassed.
Yan wasn't sure whether to call him a truly good person or just a pushover.
Over the past few years, most of the money Shisui had earned—aside from what he needed for himself—had gone to people in need.
Yan had no issue with him helping others.
But doing good deeds while making sure no one even knew it was him—what was the point of that?
"Shisui."
"Itachi."
The moment Shisui stepped out of Yan's office, he looked up and saw Itachi walking toward him.
It had been a while since they last met. They greeted each other, then fell silent as they took in each other's appearance.
Shisui had deliberately dressed to look as simple and honest as possible, while Itachi, on the other hand…
Well, he was trying to look stylish.
That was Fugaku's request, and Itachi had no choice but to follow it.
Still, the atmosphere between them felt a little off now that they'd run into each other.
"Are you here to see the Elder too?"
Shisui laughed and gave Itachi a hug. Itachi patted his shoulder and smiled.
"I had something I wanted to ask the Elder about. Shisui, you..."
"Ugh, don't even bring it up. I just got chewed out by the Elder over the tutoring program."
Shisui let out a self-mocking laugh.
"Do you want me to bring out a couple of chairs so you two can sit down and chat properly?"
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