Haruki had been appointed vice-principal of the Academy. It was both a favor from Hiruzen and a sign of trust.
However, he knew better than to assume he was completely safe. If he ever crossed the line, there was no doubt that things would turn ugly.
As they left the Hokage's office, Orochimaru suddenly spoke. "Stop wasting your time on pointless things."
Haruki raised an eyebrow. "Are you actually worried about me?"
"Don't get the wrong idea, "Orochimaru replied flatly. "I just don't want my research delayed because you're caught up in useless distractions."
"Hold on a second." Haruki immediately stopped him when he saw he was about to leave.
"Do you remember the research institute I mentioned during the meeting?"
"I do." Orochimaru paused, dispersing his Body Flicker Technique.
"I want you to be the dean, "Haruki said directly.
There was no one more suited for the role than Orochimaru.
Orochimaru's eyes turned cold, and he was about to refuse.
"The safest place is often the most dangerous," Haruki added before he could speak.
He continued, "You know as well as I do that the Hokage and Danzo will eventually catch wind of your experiments. Instead of hiding in the shadows, why not establish multiple research projects, some real, some fake, to act as a smokescreen?" He flashed a knowing smile.
Orochimaru's expression shifted slightly. He glanced at Haruki but didn't say a word before vanishing.
Haruki shook his head, smirking. 'Yep, he's definitely on board. He's just being stubborn about it.'
"Haruki." A familiar voice called from behind.
He turned to see Tsunade standing close, her expression filled with suspicion. "What is it?" he asked.
She narrowed her eyes dangerously "What are you and Orochimaru scheming?"
Haruki blinked in surprise. "Wait… are you jealous?"
"Wha—?! What kind of nonsense are you spouting?! Tsunade stammered, flustered.
She wasn't jealous, just curious. But Haruki's words had caught her completely off guard.
Before she could speak further, he leaned in and seal her lips with his mouth. Her eyes widened in shock. But instead of pushing him away, she found herself responding.
"Ahem!"
The sudden cough made Tsunade freeze. Her face turned crimson as she instinctively ducked behind Haruki, feeling like steam was about to come out of her head.
It was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, her teacher.
Haruki greeted him with a smile as if nothing happened, "Hokage-sama. Something you wanted to discuss?"
though a bit surprised by the scene, Hiruzen quickly regained his composure. "Yes, I wanted to go over some details about the Academy."
"In your proposal, you suggested a nine-year graduation system. However, given the current situation, the village still needs shinobi. I'd like to shorten the implementation period to two years."
"That makes sense," Haruki agreed without hesitation, which seemed to please Hiruzen.
"Also," Hiruzen continued, "You introduced two new theoretical courses. Do you have the teaching materials prepared?"
"They're not finished yet," Haruki admitted, already anticipating the question.
"When they are, I'll submit them for review. If any adjustments are needed, I'll make the necessary revisions."
Hearing this, Hiruzen's expression softened into a satisfied smile.
"In that case," he said, "I'll personally handle the review."
"Hokage-sama, that's a bit of a problem," Haruki joked, scratching the back of his head. "I won't be able to pay you for this."
Hiruzen let out a hearty laugh, clearly amused. He patted Haruki on the shoulder and said, "Consider it a wedding gift for you and Tsunade."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama!" Haruki responded with a bright smile.
Once Hiruzen left, Haruki sighed and muttered, "Tsuna, why is your teacher so stingy?"
Tsunade, who had been standing beside him, chuckled. "What are you even saying?"
She stepped forward, leaning slightly with her hands playfully tucked behind her back.
"That's my teacher you're talking about. Show some respect, would you?" she teased, raising a hand to flick his forehead.
But before she could, Haruki caught her wrist and took a step closer.
"Wait… what are you doing?" Tsunade asked, turning her head to the side, avoiding his gaze.
"Do you want to pick up where we left off?" Haruki grinned at her deviously.
"You...pervert!" Tsunade's face turned bright red.
She shot him a sharp glare, but instead of pulling away, she shyly kissed his cheek before quickly dashing off.
Haruki stood there for a moment, grinning as he touched the spot where she had kissed him.
Shaking his head, he turned and made his way toward the ninja academy.
Soon, a four-story, cylindrical red building came into view, resembling a giant tiered cake. The moment he stepped onto the academy grounds, a wave of excitement spread among the students.
Haruki's warm, easygoing nature, combined with his good looks, made him quite popular among children, who naturally gravitated toward people they found appealing.
"Are you really Haruki-sama? The medical ninja who saved so many lives in the war? You're my idol!" A bright-eyed little girl looked up at him with admiration.
Haruki smiled. "That's me. And you are—"
Before he could finish, the girl let out an excited squeal, cutting him off completely. Her eyes lit up with excitement, and she suddenly shouted, "Ah! Everyone, come quick! Haruki-sama is here!"
In an instant, Haruki found himself surrounded by a swarm of children.
Their enthusiasm was overwhelming, and for a brief moment, he felt like an elementary school teacher being mobbed by his students. Thankfully, the academy teachers arrived just in time to break up the chaos.
Haruki let out a relieved sigh. "Alright, alright, back to class, everyone. I'll just take a look around."
He waved off the Chunin who offered to accompany him and started walking through the academy halls on his own.
Just as he was about to turn a corner, a small figure crashed right into him.
"Ah—sorry, sensei....wait, who are you?"
Rubbing her forehead, the girl looked up at him in confusion. She had long, vibrant red hair and wore a light gray kimono-style robe.
Haruki replied with a knowing smile "Haruki."
After hearing his words, she gasped and quickly covered her mouth as if trying to hold back a scream. Her wide eyes sparkled with excitement, like a kid who had just spotted their favorite celebrity in real life.
"Haruki-sama!" she finally blurted out.
Haruki chuckled after seeing her cute reactions.
"And you are?"
Of course, he already knew the answer.
"Uzumaki Kushina," she replied, then quickly added with an embarrassed look, "I'm really sorry for bumping into you."
"Haha, don't worry about it." He laughed and gently ruffled her hair. "Which class are you in?"
*Sixth grade, Class A," Kushina answered with a bright smile.
"So you're graduating this year?" Haruki said thoughtfully.
"Yeah " She nodded her head.
Just then, without even looking up, Haruki spoke casually, "Alright, you over there, come on out."
A figure hesitated before stepping into view.
He had wild golden hair styled into an eye-catching afro, a hooded coat, and a strikingly handsome face.
"Minato?!" she exclaimed before clenching her small fists. "Were you eavesdropping just now?"
"No, no! I was just...passing by, Minato stammered, waving his hands.
Haruki watched the two interact with amusement. He remembered that at this point in time, their relationship was nothing special. It wasn't until after graduation that Minato won Kushina's heart by rescuing her from Hidden Cloud ninjas.
Suddenly, an interesting idea popped into his head.
With a grin, Haruki looked at Minato and said,
"Your name is Minato Namikaze, right? I've heard you're quite talented. Are you interested in becoming my student?"
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