Time always slips away without notice.
Tsunade had already been serving as Hokage for over a month, and her wedding date with Kawaki was drawing closer.
Mito was overwhelmed and swamped on her own until Natsuki showed up with several of her close female friends to help out, ensuring everything continued smoothly.
The Sarutobi clan had fully reimbursed the ill-gotten gains, which stirred quite a bit of discontent within the clan.
However, all these complaints were sternly quashed by Hiruzen Sarutobi, who could now relax and enjoy his retirement alongside Homura Mitokado in the Police Force.
They adopted a head-in-the-sand approach toward outside affairs, actually finding this lifestyle much easier than being Hokage.
Fugaku had taken full control of the Interrogation Department, steering the Uchiha clan in the direction his uncle had long hoped for.
Kawaki fulfilled every promise he made to Fugaku, and their relationship had shifted from initial confrontation to amicable discussions.
Life was unpredictable. Sitting in his office, Fugaku gazed out the window toward the Ninja Academy, shaking his head with a smile.
Good thing he didn't have any kids yet—if Kawaki Hatake became a father, how could he possibly be a good father?
Today, the Ninja Academy was unusually lively—the annual graduation ceremony had finally arrived.
This irresponsible principal, Kawaki, finally showed up at the school.
It was the first time since taking office that he had actually reported to the academy.
If not for his overwhelming reputation, nobody on campus might even recognize him.
"Lord Kawaki, the graduation exam is almost over."
"Would you like to check the setup on the playground first?"
Vice Principal Hidetada Onoda entered the office and shut the open door behind him.
His tone was diplomatic, though he looked visibly exasperated at Kawaki's usual indifference.
At this hour, Hiruzen Sarutobi would've already been waiting on the playground—there was never a need for anyone to remind him to show up.
"Is that so? Then you go ahead, I'll come shortly."
Kawaki didn't even lower his feet from the table; after all, the Hokage needed an image, but he himself was just a principal.
"Please don't take too long."
With reluctant urgency, Hidetada urged once before turning and closing the door behind him.
Sure, Kawaki could care less about appearances, but the school still needed one.
It wouldn't look good if parents passing by saw Kawaki like this.
He had only remembered this morning upon waking up that Tsunade reminded him he needed to attend the graduation ceremony today.
That instantly made Kawaki suspect whether appointing him principal had been nothing more than a convenient excuse by Tsunade to avoid giving this speech herself.
In his opinion, it was very likely.
He originally wanted to argue reasonably, insisting that the Hokage should personally set an example for the children, but unfortunately, one sweet kiss from Tsunade completely ended the debate.
Now he had no choice but to accept this tiresome assignment.
Unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had no intention of instilling the Will of Fire into these children from such an early age.
Still muttering under his breath about his lack of resolve, he stood up.
It was time to get going.
As Kawaki stepped out of his office, hurried staff members along the way greeted him politely.
Surprisingly enough, the principal himself appeared the most relaxed of them all.
Walking leisurely toward the playground, he found many parents already gathered, along with some students who'd passed the exams.
Those unfortunate souls who failed naturally had no choice but to stay back a grade. Though dangerous, being a ninja was still a proud calling.
Kawaki approached the wooden platform hastily constructed for the occasion and took his seat.
As for checking the arrangements, that was just an excuse—Hidetada Onoda knew it perfectly well himself.
No sooner had he sat down than Hidetada approached again.
"Lord Kawaki, you'll be giving a speech later."
"I have an old copy of the previous speech—would you like to use it for reference?"
Hidetada placed a three-page manuscript in front of Kawaki's desk.
"Alright, I'll take a look."
Kawaki didn't refuse his kindness and picked up the paper.
He focused closely on it.
Well then—it was packed with nothing but the same old "Will of Fire" clichés. No wonder Hiruzen Sarutobi never got tired of spouting them.
After flipping through a bit more, Kawaki completely lost interest—it had absolutely nothing worth borrowing.
"Y-You…"
Hidetada actually had some sense. He swallowed his words before even speaking them aloud.
Kawaki's expression made it clear he had no respect for this outdated script.
Anything else now would only invite trouble.
"Hm?"
Kawaki turned to glance at him, thinking there must be something else going on.
"I just meant to remind you that you're supposed to hand out the forehead protectors to the kids afterward."
"Want to do a practice run first?"
Hidetada cleverly switched topics, coming up with a suitable excuse.
"A practice run… for handing out forehead protectors?"
"Should I give you one first?"
Kawaki couldn't help but feel exasperated—the vice principal was such a pushover for coming up with such a ridiculous idea.
"Erm… Actually, that won't be necessary."
Hidetada felt rather awkward after being shot down by Kawaki. He really shouldn't have poked his nose where it wasn't needed.
"Fine. I'll think about my speech. You go do your own thing."
With that, Kawaki ignored Hidetada and shut his eyes contentedly.
About half an hour later, all the children who passed the test had already gathered and lined up.
Parents behind them were visibly excited, constantly introducing their own children to others nearby.
"That kid in black is my son."
"He officially becomes a Genin today."
"That especially cool-looking boy is mine—he also passed the exam."
A chorus of similar remarks echoed outside the arena.
"Quiet, please, quiet!"
At Hidetada's shout, the whole yard gradually fell silent.
"Congratulations to everyone here who has passed today's test—you're all Genins starting today."
"I hope that through these six years of training, you will become outstanding ninjas."
"The most remarkable student among you all, Minato Namikaze, has already become a Jonin."
"Ooooh~"
"Fans of Naruto: Starting from Courting Tsunade are welcome to bookmark us: (m...."
"He contributed greatly during the Second Shinobi World War and should be your role model."
"Now, let's welcome our new principal, Kawaki Hatake, who will present you with your forehead protectors."
Everyone applauded.
Hidetada started clapping first, followed quickly by the rest of the crowd.
He wasn't new to hosting events like this—he knew the drill inside out.
"Minato is amazing."
Kushina stood in line watching Kawaki praise Minato instead.
Too bad her little fellow was off on a mission and couldn't make it to her graduation ceremony.
"One by one, from left to right—come forward."
Kawaki remained seated, surrounded by several large crates of forehead protectors.
A voice rang out from below the stage as students began ascending the stage one by one in an orderly manner.
Everyone else showed proper respect for the principal, but Kushina merely grinned and playfully winked at Kawaki.
"You rascal, hurry up and step down now."
Kawaki passed his forehead protector to Kushina and gently scolded her with a smile.
...
Once the forehead protectors had been handed out, Hidetada Onoda took the mic again.
"We're now moving on to the most important part."
"Please give a warm welcome to our principal for a few words."
After saying that, Hidetada respectfully passed the microphone to Kawaki.
"Hello everyone, I'm the principal, Kawaki Hatake."
Kawaki stood up, walked from his seat to the front of the stage, and began with a brief introduction.
"Heard the new principal is really impressive."
"He's the Hokage-sama's fiancé."
"He must be one of the top experts in our Konoha."
...
Murmurs rippled through the gathered villagers until Kawaki spoke again, restoring silence to the crowd.
If you enjoy Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade, please add it to your bookmarks: (m.
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