Chapter 309: Bad at Taijutsu? He Was Just Underestimated; Lord Hokage, This Is Youth! [HN]

Might Dai also noticed Chiya and immediately called out excitedly, “Lord Hokage! Good to see you!”

Chiya ignored the three Chunin and looked at Dai calmly. “Dai, did you complete the mission?”

“Reporting to Lord Hokage! The river cleanup mission has been completed! Although… although there was a small accident during the process, the final objective was achieved!”

Dai straightened his chest and answered loudly.

“If the mission was completed, then why are you still arguing here?”

Only then did Chiya turn his gaze toward the three Chunin. His voice was not harsh, but it carried an invisible pressure.

Sweat appeared on the three Chunin’s foreheads. One of them forced himself to explain, “Lord Hokage, we just feel… we feel that Might Dai is too weak. He only knows Taijutsu, and that seriously affects the efficiency of our missions…”

“Efficiency?”

Chiya interrupted him, his tone still calm. “Then tell me, what is the foundation of Konoha?”

“Is it… powerful Ninjutsu and Kekkei Genkai?”

“Or strong leadership from powerful shinobi?”

Another Chunin cautiously answered, “…”

“Neither.”

Chiya shook his head. His voice clearly reached everyone present, including the villagers and shinobi who had gradually gathered around.

“The foundation of Konoha has never been a particular type of power. It is the will to protect the village. It is the determination to never give up. It is the courage to step forward even when you know you cannot win!”

His gaze swept across the three Chunin before moving over everyone around him.

“You think Taijutsu is useless? You think a Genin is insignificant? But have you ever considered that when true danger arrives, the person who can burn himself without hesitation, illuminate others, and protect the family, friends, and home behind you may be the very person you look down on right now?”

“Chakra reserves and the sophistication of one’s techniques are certainly important. But a heart that protects Konoha and cherishes one’s comrades is more precious than any Kekkei Genkai. Might Dai may not be good at flashy Ninjutsu, but his loyalty to the village and his determination to uphold his youth and convictions burn hotter than anyone else’s!”

“When judging a shinobi’s worth, you should not only look at his apparent strength or mission efficiency. You should also look at whether he possesses the Will of Fire to protect Konoha. Looking down on your comrades and ostracizing those who work hard is the greatest betrayal of Konoha’s spirit!”

Chiya’s words struck everyone’s hearts like a heavy hammer.

The three Chunin lowered their heads in shame. Even the people who had originally gathered to watch the spectacle began to look thoughtful.

Might Dai’s eyes filled with tears, and his body trembled slightly with excitement.

He had never imagined that the high and mighty Chiya, no, Lord Hokage, would actually understand him and value him so highly.

“Lord Hokage… I… I…”

He choked up and could not finish his sentence.

Chiya walked over and patted his sturdy shoulder. His tone softened.

“Dai, I have seen your effort and perseverance. Konoha needs all kinds of shinobi. Taijutsu is also a path toward strength, and it is a path worthy of respect!”

“Thank you for recognizing me!”

…

A short while later, inside the Hokage Office.

Chiya sat behind his desk while Tsunade sat on the nearby sofa, leisurely drinking tea.

“That was quite a speech.”

Tsunade glanced at Chiya, her tone carrying a hint of teasing. “What is this? Are you starting to win people over like the old man did?”

Chiya smiled without confirming or denying it.

He picked up a pen and quickly began writing on a blank scroll.

“Taijutsu really is underestimated by many people.”

He continued writing as he spoke. “It may look easy to learn at first, but reaching the pinnacle requires far more effort, sweat, and willpower than ordinary Ninjutsu. Moreover, top level Taijutsu is absolutely no less destructive or strategically valuable than any S rank technique.”

He thought of Might Guy’s Eight Gates, and that final flash of crimson from the original timeline.

It was a technique that came at the cost of one’s life.

The brief burst of brilliance it produced was powerful enough to turn the tide of battle and even shake the gods.

“So, what are you planning to do?”

Tsunade put down her teacup and asked with interest.

“Establish a Taijutsu specialty class.”

Chiya put down his pen and picked up the scroll he had just written.

“It will specifically recruit shinobi whose talent in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu is average, or who cannot use them at all, but who possess potential and perseverance in Taijutsu. They will receive systematic and targeted training to uncover the limits of their Taijutsu potential.”

“Oh? Who will be in charge?”

A hint of seriousness appeared in Tsunade’s eyes.

A green figure had already appeared in her mind. She seemed to have guessed the answer.

“Might Dai.”

Chiya answered firmly.

“No one understands the hardships and principles of Taijutsu training better than him. No one is more suited to guide the younger generation with that passion and perseverance. He may not be good at teaching theory, but he can teach through his own example and actions. He can ignite the youth within those children!”

He pressed the call button, and an ANBU shinobi instantly appeared.

“Give the order. Effective immediately, establish Konoha’s Taijutsu Special Development and Training Department, also known as the Taijutsu Specialty Class.

Appoint Genin Might Dai as its special advisor, responsible for Taijutsu training guidance and potential development.

The first group of students will be selected from students of the Ninja Academy and Genin at every level. Those with strong determination and outstanding Taijutsu potential will be admitted. Resource allocation will follow the standards of a B rank department.”

“Yes!”

The ANBU shinobi accepted the order scroll and disappeared instantly.

Tsunade looked at Chiya, a trace of admiration flashing through her eyes.

She knew that this move not only gave Might Dai the respect and platform he deserved, but also allowed Konoha to discover and cultivate an extremely unique and powerful form of strength.

Those Taijutsu prodigies who might otherwise have been overlooked would now have a chance to step onto their own stage.

“It looks like Konoha is about to gain another unexpected source of strength.”

Tsunade smiled lightly.

Chiya walked to the window and looked down at the village that was gradually returning to peace, even though his earlier words and appointment had already created unseen ripples beneath the surface.

“Konoha is like a great tree. It needs all kinds of roots and branches. Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Taijutsu, Medical Ninjutsu, Fūinjutsu… and perhaps even the Senjutsu system that may emerge in the future. Only when all these paths flourish together can its roots grow deeper and its branches become stronger.”

His voice was calm, but filled with unquestionable determination.

“What I have to do is make sure this great tree can withstand any storm and stand forever.”

Outside the window, the sunlight was bright, casting the shadow of the Hokage Rock far across the village as though it were covering Konoha itself with peace and tranquility.

In an unnoticed corner of Konoha, Might Dai, who had just received his appointment, was wildly throwing punches at the air. Tears of excitement filled his eyes as he shouted at the top of his lungs, “Lord Hokage! This is youth! I definitely will not let you down!”

The flame of Konoha’s Taijutsu was about to be truly ignited.