After returning to the village, the financial support promised by the Daimyo arrived in stages, and the nobles gradually contributed their coordination fees. With a significant influx of funds, Hiruzen initiated a sweeping three-year reform, beginning with a complete overhaul of Konoha's education system.
Nine-Year Compulsory Ninja Education —
The Konoha Ninja Academy was reorganized into a structured nine-year education system. The first six years were similar to elementary school, where students focused on building a strong foundation in both academic subjects and basic ninja training. Classes were held six days a week, with one designated rest day.
At the end of these six years, students had to take a graduation assessment. Those who passed would become reserve Genin, meaning they were officially recognized as candidates for ninja missions. However, students who failed the assessment had to repeat the year until they passed.
If a student failed the reserve Genin exam three times in a row, they would no longer be allowed to continue their studies at the academy, effectively losing their chance to become a ninja.
The last three years of the academy functioned like a junior high school, where students received more advanced training at the Chunin level under the guidance of an experienced Jonin.
Students who demonstrated exceptional talent had the opportunity to skip grades if they met the necessary qualifications. Additionally, those who successfully passed the Genin exam at the age of 12 or older were allowed to graduate early and officially become a Genin.
However, even if a student managed to pass the Chunin Exam before turning 13, they were still required to wait until they reached the minimum age requirement before they could officially graduate and take on Chunin responsibilities.
There had been discussions of implementing an additional four-year Jonin-level education, but the idea was shelved due to unfavorable timing.
Resistance and Overcoming Challenges —
The reform faced opposition, particularly from the ninja clans, some of whom actively obstructed its implementation. However, Hiruzen dealt with each of the challenges decisively.
A major hurdle was acquiring teaching materials. Many clans refused to share their techniques, but Hiruzen personally developed a series of fundamental ninjutsu using different kinds of chakra natures. These techniques, designed to be powerful yet efficient and easy to learn, eventually drew the interest of the clans, who began to send their promising young members to the academy to study.
Another challenge was the lack of enough instructors. Since education was now mandatory and free for all children in Konoha, the number of students increased rapidly. This led to a major expansion, with the number of classes per grade growing from two to eight.
To solve the shortage of instructor, Hiruzen decided to recruit experienced veterans—shinobi who had been injured in past battles. These seasoned warriors not only had the skills to teach but also the authority to instill discipline in the young students, ensuring they received both knowledge and the proper mindset for life as a ninja.
New Curriculum and Recognition System —
The academy's curriculum was split into two main areas: [general education and ninjutsu training]. General studies covered essential subjects such as basic knowledge, history, and common practices within the ninja world.
As students progressed to junior high, they were introduced to more advanced ninja techniques, including sealing jutsu, taijutsu, and chakra control.
To ensure students gained practical experience, real-world training was also included. Junior high students participated in supervised missions—handling D-rank tasks within the village and, once a year, taking on a C-rank mission outside Konoha.
A new annual evaluation system was implemented to recognize outstanding students.
The "Five-Star Student" award was given to one student per grade who excelled in five key areas: morality, intelligence, physical ability, artistic talent, and work ethic. The winners received special recognition from the Hokage.
Additionally, the "Top Student Award" was presented to one student from the elementary level and one from junior high each year. The recipients were rewarded with a B-rank ninjutsu technique and were automatically promoted to Chunin upon graduation.
After three years, the reforms successfully transformed Konoha's Ninja Academy into an effective and well-structured institution.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's Personal Growth —
During these three years, Hiruzen dedicated himself to rigorous study, reviewing all of Konoha's available ninjutsu materials and vastly improving his own abilities. His growth was reflected in his personal combat panel:
Sarutobi Hiruzen — Status
Body: 73/73
Spirit: 189/189
Element: 274/274
Skills:
Advanced Taijutsu Mastery
Intermediate Combat Tactics
Mastery:
Primary Wind Control
Primary Yin-Yang Mastery
Intermediate Fire-Earth Fusion Mastery
Intermediate Earth-Water Fusion Mastery
Intermediate Water-Fire Fusion Mastery
Intermediate Sealing Techniques Mastery
Intermediate Lightning Mastery
Advanced Water Mastery
Advanced Earth Mastery
Advanced Genjutsu Mastery
Advanced Space-Time Mastery
Fusion Techniques:
Primary Fire-Earth Fusion: Meteor Shower
Primary Earth-Water Fusion: Mudslide
Primary Water-Fire Fusion: Nuclear Bomb
Primary Electromagnetic Application: Electromagnetism
His primary training focus had been enhancing his electromagnetic body, significantly improving his physical endurance and chakra reserves—from just over 70 to a staggering 270. This growth had a passive effect on his overall mental fortitude and energy levels.
Despite these advancements, Hiruzen struggled with space-time ninjutsu. After three years of dedicated study, he had learned the principles of the Flying Thunder God Technique, but practical application remained elusive. His teleportation range was restricted to under 100 meters, and he was unable to sense coordinates beyond that limit—an issue that frustrated him greatly.
Seeking guidance, he turned to Lady Mito l. Her words might provide the insight he needed to overcome this final obstacle.
A Change in Perspective —
"Why are you insisting on mastering the Flying Thunder God?" Lady Mito questioned. "There are many ways to fight. Your elemental ninjutsu is already at its peak—you should build on your strengths rather than force yourself into something unnatural. No one is perfect. Everyone has their own weaknesses, but a wise shinobi knows how to compensate for them. Just think—Tobirama created countless jutsu, yet could he ever surpass Hashirama?"
Hiruzen pondered these words for two days before realizing his mistake. He had always taught his students to specialize in one area while being proficient in many, yet he had lost sight of his own philosophy. He had been too fixated on perfecting every elemental technique, believing it was necessary to master everything.
With newfound clarity, Hiruzen let go of his obsession with Flying Thunder God and redirected his focus toward electromagnetic applications—an area he believed could become his ultimate weapon.
The Birth of Magnetic Field Control —
Through rigorous study, he developed Magnetic Field Control, a technique that allowed him to create an invisible force field shield. When activated, this shield formed a translucent sphere around him, capable of expanding up to a 10-mile radius. However, the larger the shield, the greater the chakra strain—maintaining it at full size drained him within 30 seconds, leaving him bedridden for three days after testing its limits. Yet despite its drawbacks, no known technique could penetrate the shield.
Magnetic Field Control also granted him an ability akin to telekinesis, enabling him to manipulate objects remotely as if wielding an invisible hand. This added a new dimension to his combat style, allowing him to control weapons and restrain the enemies without direct contact.
Although Hiruzen prioritized his electromagnetic research, he did not abandon other pursuits. He maintained an interest in Yin-Yang Chakra, recognizing its immense potential, but information on the subject was scarce. As for other elemental jutsu, he adopted a more relaxed approach—if he encountered new techniques, he would collect them, but he no longer felt compelled to master everything.
Reforming the ANBU —
With the education reforms in place, it was time to restructure the ANBU. Originally, ANBU had been a small unit of about 20 shinobi, but over the years, it had grown to nearly 50. Now, with the first batch of 100 graduates from Konoha's new ninja education system, Hiruzen saw an opportunity to expand the force.
Hiruzen tasked Danzo with selecting candidates for the ANBU, but Danzo had a different approach—he wanted to compel the noble clans to provide the ninjas. Hiruzen immediately rejected the idea.
For the first time, their conflicting ideologies surfaced openly.
"Danzo, I am the Hokage," Hiruzen stated firmly.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this," Danzo warned.
☜ (↼_↼)☜ (↼_↼)☜ (↼_↼)
Despite their differences, Hiruzen valued their partnership. He understood that politics required balance—one leader to push forward with authority and another one to maintain harmony. Both wanted to weaken the ninja clans' influence, but their methods differed.
Hiruzen preferred gradual political pressure, ensuring compliance without open rebellion. Danzo, however, favored immediate and forceful measures, ignoring long-term consequences. Neither realized that history had already shown the dangers of their approach—Sunagakure's purge of its own clans led to a decline in talent, Iwagakure's policies created a generational void, and Kumogakure had faced civil unrest with the Kinkaku-Ginkaku Rebellion. Konoha itself had suffered from defections and, ultimately, the Uchiha Massacre.
Hiruzen knew that even if the ninja clans were to be weakened, it had to be done carefully—without breaking unity.
A New Generation Emerges —
"Knock knock."
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in."
Shikaru entered, holding a document.
"Lord Hokage, this is the graduation list from the Ninja Academy."
Hiruzen scanned the names and paused. Several stood out—Orochimaru, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Kato Dan.
"They're only 13 years old, and they're already applying for early graduation… Should I approve it?"
After a moment of thought, he set the list aside.
"Leave it here. I'll look into it and let you know tomorrow."
Once Shikaru left, Hiruzen tapped his desk, signaling an ANBU operative. In an instant, a masked shinobi appeared—a white-haired warrior with a short sword, wearing a cat mask.
Sakumo, just 16 years old, was already an ANBU captain.
"Sakumo, what level are your juniors at now? I see their names on the graduation list."
Sakumo removed his mask before responding.
"Lord Hokage, the juniors are at Chunin level. A few days ago, the fourth brother—Orochimaru—earned the top student title in middle school. The fifth brother—Jiraiya—got jealous and insisted on taking the graduation exam early. Tsunade joined in just for fun, so all three of them applied."
Hiruzen sighed, "Sakumo, you will be their examiner. Be strict—no favoritism. If they aren't ready, send them back to school. I don't care what status they are."
After a pause, he added, "But if they pass, don't suppress them either. They're young, but they still need room to grow."
Sakumo smiled, "The juniors will understand your intentions, Lord Hokage."
Hiruzen chuckled, "I hope so. I've been holding them back, keeping advanced jutsu from them so they could enjoy their childhood. But if they pass, I'll stop restricting them. Let them step onto the battlefield as a true shinobi."
Then, as if recalling something, Hiruzen's expression softened into a warm smile.
"You're off duty tonight, right? Go home. Your master's wife has prepared a good meal—don't miss out."