Can Ninja Became an Academic Qualification

For a nation to be stable, peaceful, and harmonious, establishing a unified government is essential. At the same time, the clan-based governance of the Land of Whirlpools is both its strength and weakness. 

The advantage is that within the clan, there is relatively less conflict, and the voice of the feudal lord or clan leader carries significant weight. However, the disadvantage is the small population. Not to mention anything else, just assembling the seven basic ninja abilities would be challenging. Perhaps it's manageable with a few individuals, but if a large number of people is required, the Land of Whirlpools might struggle to meet the demand.

Yet, for the Land of Whirlpools to develop, a substantial number of ninja is necessary!

Observing the evolution of Earth's industries is essentially finding different ways to boil water, or in other words, changing energy sources. Although the Ninja World has found a solution for energy in the form of chakra, which is its advantage, fossil fuels like coal and oil could be used in special cases. However, since there is an unlimited and pollution-free energy source, why reject the Ninja World's advantage? Transforming ninja from war machines into production personnel, however, is no easy task.

Throughout the Naruto series, their technology appears quite advanced, especially in Boruto, where they have reached a level of modernization to some extent. Yet, they still rely on running to travel and shouting to communicate!

Although not explicitly mentioned in Naruto, glimpses of scenes suggest they have undergone an industrial process, such as factories emitting exhaust fumes.

So it seems that ninja will likely continue their traditional roles without much change. This may be fine in the short term, but over time, the Ninja World will inevitably undergo transformations. After all, how can the once highly-regarded ninja accept having no purpose or value?

Especially when the value of ninja diminishes, they may be ostracized by the people. But ninja are not the type to change easily, and they will likely resort to war to assert their authority in the Ninja World.

Therefore, developing a second profession or function for ninja is a historical inevitability. Simultaneously, promoting ninja education is of utmost importance. Only when being a ninja becomes an academic qualification and a profession can the Ninja World gradually dissolve the conflict between ninja and ordinary civilians to some extent.

Ah, this could be considered a class conflict!

If chakra is an external energy source, then natural energy is the Ninja World's original, mystical, indigenous power. However, natural energy is too difficult to learn and even dangerous in certain aspects, which led to its gradual replacement by the more accessible chakra. Thus, natural energy cannot drive industrial development.

Nevertheless, to preserve the Ninja World's unique character, natural energy could be prioritized for research. After all, having a distinct feature could provide an advantage against potential extraterrestrial threats.

In Boruto, compared to the Otsutsuki clan's advantage, the Ninja World's strength lies in ninjutsu. Ninja have utilized the external energy source of chakra to its pinnacle, primarily through ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. Their diverse applications outshine the Otsutsuki clan's more monotonous usage. 

The issue is that there are too few top-tier ninja in the Ninja World. Even with all their elite forces gathered, they barely managed to fend off the four Otsutsuki clan members sent, let alone their entire race that can traverse the universe, with an unknown number of members.

Of course, this refers to the Ninja World's publicly known top-tier ninja, excluding any underground criminal organizations!

Perhaps, given more time, ninja could evolve to become even more powerful, developing more formidable ninjutsu and forbidden techniques. However, time waits for no one!

Therefore, Ryuto's goal for the Land of Whirlpools is to popularize ninja education, integrate ninja into production and daily life, and clearly define ninja ranks as academic qualifications.

For instance:

- Six-year Ninja Apprentice: Elementary School

- Genin: Middle School

- Chunin: High School 

- Jonin: University

- Kage Level: Graduate School

- Beyond Kage Level: Doctoral Studies/PHD

Supplementary fields like natural energy could have their own certification levels.

As for ranks like the Six Paths, there may not be many, so they could be designated as Academic Doctorates.

Furthermore, ninja should not be categorized solely based on combat strength but also divided into arts and sciences. The sciences would encompass the typical ninja roles, while the arts would focus on research and development.

The Ninja World has wasted countless potential scientific talents!

Hence, for societal progress, scientific and technological advancements are indispensable.

Following this path of development, in a few decades, Jonin may become as commonplace as dogs, and Kage level ninja could be found everywhere! Private ninja academies could potentially be established, leading to an even more formidable number of ninja.

However, all this hinges on a strong nation. Otherwise, if exploited by malicious forces, it could lead to disaster. Therefore, this policy should be implemented only after the nation has developed and prospered.

Initially, the focus should be on strengthening national power, military capabilities, and improving the living standards and happiness of the Land of Whirlpools' citizens, fostering their dependence on and affection for the nation. Only then can subsequent plans proceed smoothly.

...

"Your Highness, emissaries from the Hidden Mist Village have arrived, seeking negotiations," a Whirlpool ninja respectfully announced as he entered.

Ryuto snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he should not dwell on such matters for now. He would sort things out once everything had settled.

"Arrange for negotiations in two days at the foot of the high mountain to the right of the forest," Ryuto said, stretching lazily. Finally, the Hidden Mist had surrendered. He had thought the eyebrowless old man Gengetsu Hozuki would persist in defiance, dragging this stalemate on.

Two days should suffice, by which time the dispatched ninja would likely have completed their mission. Only then could the Land of Whirlpools maintain an advantageous position in these negotiations. Otherwise, who knew if that eyebrowless old man Gengetsu intended to reclaim the Tailed Beasts without spending a single ryo, which was unacceptable, considering the Land of Whirlpools had suffered tremendous losses in this war to some extent.

For instance, the national treasury was practically depleted, and the Land of Whirlpools needed funds to develop rapidly.

So, instead of allowing these invaders to walk away scot-free, they would have to pay reparations. What did the Hidden Mist Village's impoverishment, with even the village head having to pawn his undergarments, have to do with him? He could only shake his head and mouth towards Konoha, "Not my problem! You can ask others for compensation!"

"Understood!" The Whirlpool ninja acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Ryuto yawned and stood up, muttering, "Now, it's time to talk to the Senju clan."

He wondered how the village elders had fared in cultivating relationships with the Senju clan members.

(end of chapter)