Academy.
First Grade, Class One.
Shinji stood at the podium, beginning to announce each student's grades.
"First place, Sasuke, coursework A+, practical A+."
"Second place, Naruto, coursework B+, practical A+."
"Third place, Hinata, coursework A-, practical A."
"Fourth place, Sakura, coursework S, practical C."
As each name was called out, the class began to buzz with discussion.
Sakura was a particular focus, as this was her first time breaking into the top four in the class. And it was thanks to an S-grade in coursework, which even made Sasuke glance over, paying attention.
Under Shinji's training, he always had extra coursework. Yet he still only received an A+.
Remembering Neji from that night, Sasuke couldn't help but wonder if he had been too narrow-minded before, as geniuses truly were everywhere.
Even if that genius only excelled in certain areas.
"Alright, everyone's grades have slightly improved compared to midterms." Shinji said, beaming, because student progress meant he would receive rewards.
"Tomorrow marks the beginning of summer vacation." Shinji said.
Looking at the students seated before him, he slowly continued, "You can relax, but I hope that each of you can reflect on your direction during this summer break."
"Starting next year, you will no longer be freshmen. I hope to see new faces in the new school year."
"Alright, class dismissed."
After Shinji finished speaking, he turned and walked out of the classroom.
As Shinji left, the previously quiet classroom instantly became lively.
"Naruto, what are your plans for summer vacation?" Kiba asked Naruto with an expectant expression.
Naruto had been a loser at the beginning of the school year, but in just a few months, he was already competing with Sasuke for first place. Kiba was very curious about how Naruto had done it, and thus, he used the question as a way to find out. He wanted to see what methods Naruto had used.
"Plans? What are those?" Naruto was stunned, as he truly didn't know about such things.
He had always just done whatever Shinji told him to do.
"Uh..."
Kiba was speechless.
It seemed this approach wouldn't work with Naruto.
As for Sasuke?
Forget it. With a personality even more arrogant than his, it would be impossible to figure out how to ask.
—
"Everyone has worked hard this school year."
In the teachers' meeting room, Shinji reviewed the student grades for each year.
He nodded in satisfaction. There was an increase across the board, even if it was just a few points more than last semester.
The teachers who heard Shinji speak broke into smiles. They had worked hard all year, relying on the bonus at the end of the year to motivate them.
Don't assume ninjas don't lack food and drink. Teachers, besides instructing students, rarely go on missions at this time, so they can only rely on this bonus to supplement their household expenses.
Shinji remembered something and said to Kubo, "Kubo-sensei, the Jonin Instructors will be here in two days, I'll trouble you with that."
Today was just for announcing grades. Students would come to school two days later, according to their class assignments, to await their Jonin Instructors.
Kubo nodded in response. "No problem. Because of the internships, the class assignments are already clearer."
Shinji said nothing more, as he had personally handed this list to Hiruzen and it seemed Kakashi would also become a Jonin Instructor. However, the class led by Kakashi...
He would probably need to find a new one later.
Kakashi had made it through, but that didn't mean his assessment standards would change.
Teamwork...
I hope those Genin can satisfy Kakashi. Otherwise, he might have to talk to his sensei again.
"Alright, please collect your bonuses shortly. I sincerely hope all colleagues will make progress together in the next school year."
"Meeting adjourned!"
After speaking, Shinji and Iruka stood up and left the conference room.
He still had to report all the students' grades for the year to Hiruzen.
—
"Sensei, are you done with your work?"
After knocking and receiving a reply, Shinji opened the door, and stepped in, immediately asking.
"You're already in, and you're still asking me that?" Hiruzen irritably put down his documents, took his pipe, stood up, and sat on the sofa.
"I have to be polite, don't I?" Shinji chuckled, pulling Iruka to sit on the sofa as well. He also handed the documents in his hand to Hiruzen.
Hiruzen nodded and began to read them.
Inside the office, besides the rustling of Hiruzen turning pages, there was only the occasional sound of Shinji sipping tea.
Iruka sat stiffly on the sofa.
After a long while, Hiruzen finally looked up at Shinji and Iruka and said, "The marks for all grades this school year are good, which shows you all did your best."
"Thank you for your praise, Hokage-sama." Shinji didn't respond, so Iruka could only say helplessly.
"Iruka, relax a bit." Hiruzen chuckled.
He looked at Shinji and asked,"Besides reporting the grades, what else do you have?"
Shinji had just placed a cup of tea in front of Hiruzen and only then replied, "Sensei, I want to resign from my position as head teacher."
Hiruzen asked curiously, "Hm? Why?"
It was only a few months ago that Shinji was promoted to head teacher, and now he was saying he wanted to resign.
"I'm too busy. I hardly have any time. Iruka has been handling the affairs lately, so I think he is fully qualified to be the head teacher."
Iruka, who was pointed out by Shinji, quickly tried to refuse, but Hiruzen raised his hand to stop him.
"Alright, Iruka will take over the position of head teacher."
Hiruzen made the final decision, and Iruka, who had been thinking of refusing, could only reluctantly accept.
"However, Shinji, you are to serve as the Academy's Vice Principal."
Shinji, who had just felt relieved, was dumbfounded when he heard Hiruzen's words.
He asked, "No, sensei, how come I've never heard of a Vice Principal position?"
Hiruzen slowly picked up his teacup and replied calmly, "Didn't the Vice Principal position exist from the moment I just mentioned it?"
???
Shinji blinked, somewhat confused.
Hiruzen explained, "Going forward, you will be responsible for handling all Academy affairs, just as I am now."
He was busy and could delegate some tasks. Even if it was just a monthly report, it would still lighten his workload.
Shinji helplessly covered his forehead. Resigning as head teacher, only to become Vice Principal. He wanted to relax, and Hiruzen also had that idea.
"Okay, sensei."
Hiruzen said, a slight smile on his lips, and chuckled aloud, "Good. I will issue the document later. You can announce it yourself at the start of the new semester."