Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

Time always slips away without us noticing.

Tsunade had been Hokage for over half a month, and her wedding with Kawakaze was drawing closer. Mito was as busy as ever, but fortunately, Nayuki had brought a few friends to help out, ensuring everything was running smoothly.

The Sarutobi Clan had repaid all the embezzled funds, though there had been some grumbling within the clan. However, Hiruzen Sarutobi had suppressed any dissent. Now, he and Homura Mitokado could rest easy, enjoying their retirement in the police force. They had largely cut themselves off from the outside world, finding it far easier than the burdens of being Hokage.

Fugaku had taken full control of the Interrogation Force and was leading the Uchiha Clan in a direction aligned with his aspirations. Kawakaze had fulfilled all his promises, and the two had gone from adversaries to good friends.

As Fugaku sat in his office, gazing out the window toward the Ninja Academy, he shook his head with a wry smile.

Luckily, I don't have any children yet. What kind of principal would Kawakaze Hatake make?

The Ninja Academy was particularly lively today—it was time for the annual graduation ceremony. Kawakaze, the ever-irresponsible principal, finally arrived at the school. It was his first time reporting to the office since assuming the position. If not for his reputation, no one would have recognized him.

"Lord Kawakaze, the graduation exams are almost over. Do you want to go to the playground first to check on the arrangements?"

Vice-principal Ei Onoda entered the office, closing the door behind him. He spoke politely, though his exasperation was evident. At this point in the day, Hiruzen Sarutobi would usually already be waiting on the playground, so there was no need to go call for him.

"Really? Then you go ahead; I'll be there shortly."

Kawakaze didn't even bother to take his feet off the desk. A Hokage might need to maintain an image, but as far as he was concerned, he was just the principal.

"Then hurry up a little," Ei Onoda urged helplessly before turning around and closing the door again. Kawakaze might not care about appearances, but the school still had an image to uphold. If a passing parent saw him in this state, it would certainly be inappropriate.

Kawakaze recalled his morning. Tsunade had told him he needed to come to the school to preside over the graduation ceremony. He couldn't shake the suspicion that her real reason for appointing him as principal was to avoid making speeches like this herself. In his view, that seemed entirely plausible.

He had considered arguing that the Hokage should set an example for the children, but Tsunade had silenced his protests with a kiss. Left with no choice, he had reluctantly agreed to take on this thankless task.

Unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kawakaze had no intention of instilling the Will of Fire in children from an early age. Annoyed at himself for not standing firm, he finally got up. It was time to go.

Walking out of his office, he was greeted by staff rushing about to finalize preparations. In contrast, Kawakaze looked completely carefree as he strolled leisurely toward the playground.

Parents and children who had passed the exam had already gathered there. Those who had failed would naturally have to repeat the year. After all, being a ninja was both dangerous and honorable, and standards could not be compromised.

Kawakaze made his way to the temporary wooden platform and took his seat. As for checking the arrangements, he knew Ei Onoda had only used that as an excuse to get him to show up.

Before Kawakaze could even sit down, Ei Onoda approached him again.

"Lord Kawakaze, you need to give a speech later. I have a copy of the previous speech here. Would you like to use it as a reference?" Ei Onoda placed a three-page speech on Kawakaze's desk.

"Okay, I'll take a look," Kawakaze replied, not refusing the gesture and picking up the speech.

He read through it carefully.

Goodness, it was the same old Will of Fire rhetoric. How had Hiruzen Sarutobi not grown bored of repeating it?

After reading it a few more times, Kawakaze lost interest entirely, finding no value in using it.

"You…" Ei Onoda started, but quickly thought better of it and swallowed his words. Kawakaze's expression made it clear he didn't think much of the draft, and pushing the matter would only invite trouble.

"Huh?" Kawakaze glanced at him, wondering what else he wanted.

"I meant to say that you'll be distributing the Forehead Protectors to the children later. Do you want to practice first?" Ei Onoda offered, improvising an excuse.

"Practice for distributing Forehead Protectors? Shall I give you one first?" Kawakaze asked, his tone laden with disbelief. This vice-principal seemed truly hopeless—what a ridiculous idea.

"Cough… that's not necessary," Ei Onoda stammered, embarrassed by the rebuke. He could only blame himself for meddling.

"Fine. I'll think about what to say. You go do your own thing," Kawakaze dismissed him, closing his eyes and ignoring him entirely.

About half an hour later, all the children who had passed the assessment had gathered, standing in a neat line. Behind them, their parents were filled with pride and excitement, eagerly introducing their children to those around them.

"That one in black, that's my son," one parent boasted. "He's a shinobi from today onwards."

"That exceptionally handsome one is my son," another chimed in. "He passed the assessment too."

...

Many similar conversations filled the playground.

"Quiet, quiet," Ei Onoda shouted, and the entire playground gradually fell silent.

"Congratulations to the students who passed the assessment today. From this day forward, you are shinobi. I hope that through these six years of study, you will grow into excellent ninjas.

"The most outstanding student of your generation, Minato Namikaze, is already a Jōnin. He played an important role in the Second Shinobi World War and serves as a role model for you to follow."

"Now, the new headmaster, Kawakaze Hatake, will present you with your Forehead Protectors. Everyone, please welcome him."

Ei Onoda led the applause, and the audience joined in enthusiastically. Having conducted many such ceremonies before, Ei Onoda was well-versed in the process.

"Minato is amazing," Kushina murmured from the line, her eyes on Kawakaze but her words praising Minato. Sadly, the Yellow Flash was on duty and couldn't attend her graduation ceremony.

"From left to right, come up one by one," Kawakaze instructed, sitting beside several large boxes of Forehead Protectors. He didn't even bother to stand.

The students began approaching in an orderly manner. Most carried a respectful air toward the principal, but Kushina, ever bold, smiled brightly and even winked at Kawakaze as she stepped forward.

"Little rascal, hurry up and go down," Kawakaze said with a smile, handing her the Forehead Protector and scolding her playfully.

...

After the Forehead Protectors were distributed, Ei Onoda addressed the crowd again.

"Now we will move on to the most important part. I invite the school principal to give a speech."

With that, Ei Onoda respectfully handed the megaphone to Kawakaze.

"Hello everyone, I am the school principal, Kawakaze Hatake," Kawakaze began, standing up and walking to the front of the stage to introduce himself.

"I hear the new principal is very impressive."

"The fiancé of Lord Hokage."

"He's one of the best in Konoha."

...

The villagers in the audience began murmuring among themselves, but they quieted down again as Kawakaze resumed speaking.