Takayama Haru hadn't expected to be assigned like this.
Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy?
Such a high-ranking position?
Since it was Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision, Haru didn't plan to refuse outright—he figured he just wouldn't show up when the time came.
Sarutobi wrapped up his speech with his usual talk about the "Will of Fire."
In summary: wherever there are leaves, fire will burn. The shadow of the fire will shine upon the village, and new leaves will sprout.
It was a way of saying that young people are the future, and the older generation must trust and protect them.
The sacrifices of the elders aren't meaningless; rather, they inspire the next generation to become pillars of the future.
No wonder Hiruzen could deliver this speech so fluently—he probably pulled it out every chance he got.
After the meeting adjourned, Hiruzen gave Haru a pat on the shoulder and said, "Well done. I believe in you."
Minato Namikaze also walked over and said, "Haru, looks like we'll be colleagues from now on."
"I don't think I'm really cut out to be principal," Haru replied awkwardly.
Tsunade immediately rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, don't be dense, okay? Being vice principal is basically just like being a teacher, got it?"
"Huh? No way, it's that basic?" Haru blinked.
Listening to Kushina's explanation, Haru finally realized that at the Academy, vice principals were actually ranked a step above regular teachers—more like senior instructors.
There were already over 10 vice principals, and they were all experienced educators...
Haru had a moment of clarity and was speechless.
Do they want me to be a teacher?
No thanks, not interested.
But just when Haru was ready to slack off, Mito Uzumaki brought something up with him.
In Mito's room, she spoke seriously.
"Haru, what do you think of Kushina?" she asked out of nowhere, catching Haru completely off guard.
"Grandma Mito, Kushina is great—she's kind, smart, and beautiful, and…" Haru started to answer.
Mito waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, let's cut to the chase."
She paused, then looked at Haru earnestly. "Haru, you are the last of the Senju bloodline. If you're willing, you can consider this your home. We are your family."
"I want to ask you... can I entrust Kushina to you?"
Haru's eyes lit up instantly!
He hadn't expected Mito to be so straightforward.
Without hesitation, Haru nodded vigorously. "Of course, Grandma Mito! I'd be honored!"
Mito snorted lightly. "You nap all day. What are you even willing to do?"
"But honestly, you can tell Kushina thinks highly of you."
"So, if you really end up with her, I'll be the first to support you! But I need to know—do you feel the same way?"
Haru answered immediately, "Absolutely! I love Kushina!"
Haru never backed down from an opportunity.
Mito nodded in satisfaction. "If you want to be with Kushina, you can't just coast along."
"Actually, the position you've just been offered—I suggested it to the Third Hokage."
Haru froze, realizing what Mito meant.
"Good work. One day, you'll definitely become Hokage," Mito added.
Suddenly, Haru asked slowly, "So what you mean is… if I marry Kushina, I'll have a shot at becoming Hokage?"
Mito gave a small nod.
Haru chuckled. "So this is part of the dowry, huh?"
"No," Mito said firmly. "You're already part of the Senju clan. If you marry Kushina, and one day I entrust the Nine-Tails to her, you'll have everything you need to become Hokage."
"No one will oppose you—you'll have the power, you'll be a Senju, and you'll be married to the Nine-Tails jinchūriki."
"Do you understand?"
Haru's lips curved into a small smile. He replied in a deep voice, "Grandma Mito, I don't want to be Hokage."
Mito was stunned for a moment.
Is this guy really that lazy...?
Haru continued, "I want to help Kushina become Hokage."
"It's been her dream since she was a kid, and I've always remembered that. I want to help her achieve it."
Mito's eyes sparkled at his words.
"Really?" she asked.
She smiled warmly. "Making Kushina the first female Hokage of Konoha... that's way harder than when I tried to become Hokage."
"If you're serious about this, at least tell me what your plan is."
Just then, Kushina's voice called from outside.
"Grandma Mito, Haru, time to eat!"
Mito smiled. "Let's go."
The easiest way to make a man feel responsible is to build a family and have children, she thought.
She believed today's conversation would push Haru to take things seriously.
In truth, Mito hadn't shared her entire plan yet.
Her real goal was to get these two married and have kids within the next two years, to continue the Senju bloodline.
She figured her body could hold out for another five, maybe even ten years...
And so, Haru became Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy—which basically meant he was a senior instructor.
Recently, the reign of the Five Great Nations had begun to falter. Along the borders of each country and their ninja villages, disputes, skirmishes, and conflicts were breaking out constantly.
Konoha's ninjas were being deployed in large numbers, and with a surge of new students entering the Academy, there was a growing need for skilled instructors to guide them.
And so, Takayama Haru found himself becoming one of the Academy's instructors.
No sooner had he arrived than he was given his first assignment.
"Haru, since you're new, we'll keep it simple. You'll be in charge of one class of graduates."
Ding! Based on the host's current situation, here are three choices:
Option 1: Take charge of Class 3 (students: Might Guy, Ebisu, Genma Shiranui). Reward: A-rank jutsu — Eight Gates Formation.
Option 2: Take charge of Class 5 (students: Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi). Reward: A-rank jutsu — Thousand Hands Strike.
Option 3: Take charge of Team 7 (students: Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara). Reward: Supreme Gift Pack!