Chapter 369: A Casual Chat Between Old Friends
"I can't believe it. The Academy is improving, even under your leadership."
Orochimaru's tone carried its usual sharp edge. His habit of trading barbs with Kawakaze was well-known. Yet, beneath the taunts, Orochimaru fully understood that the Academy wouldn't have reached its current level of excellence without Kawakaze's influence.
"There are many things you wouldn't believe."
Kawakaze leaned back in his chair, casually sipping his tea, completely unfazed by Orochimaru's jab.
"You're right. The students who just entered the Intelligence Division are exceptional," Jiraiya chimed in, breaking the tension with a note of genuine praise. The graduates of the advanced classes had quickly adapted to real-world missions, sparing Jiraiya significant time and effort in training them. For him, it was a welcome relief.
"Of course, that's because I've worked hard to make it happen," Kawakaze replied with obvious satisfaction. He viewed the Academy as Konoha's equivalent to the prestigious Huangpu Military Academy, sparing no expense in recruiting top-tier faculty and resources to ensure its success.
"Seeing is believing," Orochimaru said, his skepticism resurfacing. "Do you have any promising students in your medical class?"
The students assigned to Orochimaru's medical training often fell short of his lofty expectations. Despite careful selection, finding exceptional Medical-nin remained a challenge. To him, the medical division still had a long way to go to match the Academy's other programs.
"Whether they're promising or not, you wouldn't know since you never check for yourself. Have you ever taken the time to give a lecture?"
Kawakaze's words hit a nerve. Orochimaru was skilled at making demands, yet he often avoided direct involvement, citing excuses like being tied up in the lab or handling personal matters. Still, he didn't hesitate to criticize the Academy's standards, despite rarely engaging with its development.
"You're blaming this on me?" Orochimaru's tone wavered slightly. "I really am busy, okay?"