The position of the principal of the Ninja Academy has always been held by the Hokage.
Haruki's appointment as the vice - principal was not only a reciprocal gesture from Hiruzen Sarutobi but also a sign of his trust.
However, Haruki didn't think he was completely safe.
In a sense, what he was doing was even more dangerous than what the Legend of the White Fang did.
Once he crosses the bottom line, there will surely be a falling - out.
"Don't waste time on boring things."
After leaving the Hokage Building, Orochimaru suddenly spoke up.
"Are you worried about me?"
Hearing this, Haruki turned to him with a smile on his face.
"I just don't want to delay my research," Orochimaru said expressionlessly. "Come to my place for lessons tomorrow night."
"Wait."
Haruki sensed the fluctuation of Chakra and stopped him. "Do you still remember the research institute I mentioned at the meeting earlier?"
"Yes, I do." Orochimaru dispelled Shifting Body Technique.
"I hope you'll be the dean of the research institute."
Haruki stated his purpose. If anyone in the ninja world was most suitable for the position, it was Orochimaru.
In the Flowering Clan, he'd at least be recognized as an outstanding youth or scholar.
Orochimaru's eyes grew cold, and he was about to refuse.
"The most dangerous place is the safest."
Knowing Orochimaru wouldn't agree easily, Haruki smiled and said, "When we conduct these experiments, the Third Hokage or Tanzo will inevitably notice. So, why don't we do it openly? We can set up multiple research projects, mixing the false with the true, and thus hide our real purpose."
There was a slight change in Orochimaru's expression. He glanced at Haruki and then vanished without saying a word.
"Should have agreed."
Haruki couldn't help but shake his head. This Orochimaru is really so unforthcoming!
"Haruki."
"What's up?"
Haruki turned around and saw Tsunade's face very close to his. She seemed a bit jealous.
"What are you and Orochimaru up to in secret?" Tsunade demanded.
"Are you jealous?" Haruki looked as if he'd discovered a new world and clicked his tongue.
"Jealous of Orochimaru? Impossible!"
Tsunade retorted instinctively. It wasn't exactly jealousy, but she was just a bit curious.
But the next moment, she couldn't speak.
Her lips were blocked and then bitten.
"Cough, cough."
Hearing the coughing sound, Tsunade's eyes widened suddenly, and she reflexively hid behind Haruki.
When she saw that it was Hiruzen Sarutobi who was coughing, her face turned bright red, and she didn't dare to look up.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was well - traveled and didn't think much of it.
Instead, he felt a bit emotional.
He didn't expect Tsunade to have such a girlish side.
She'd really grown up.
"Lord Hokage."
Haruki greeted him with a calm smile. "Do you have any instructions?"
"Yes, there are some, regarding the Ninja Academy."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and pondered for a while before saying, "What you proposed about changing it to a nine - year graduation system is good. But the war isn't completely over yet, and Konoha needs ninjas. So, I hope it can be implemented two years later."
"As you say, Lord Hokage."
Haruki's unhesitating answer pleased Hiruzen Sarutobi. He continued, "Do you have teaching materials for the two new theoretical courses you've added?"
"Yes, but they're not finished yet."
Haruki had anticipated this question. Before Hiruzen could say more, he brought it up himself.
"Once they're compiled, I'll submit them for your review, Hokage-sama. Please correct any mistakes."
Hearing this, Hiruzen's smile grew warmer.
What a good kid.
"Since you put it that way, I'll be the reviewer."
"Then I'll trouble you, but I won't pay you, though."
Haruki cracked an appropriate joke.
Hiruzen burst into laughter, clearly delighted.
He patted Haruki on the shoulder. "Consider it a wedding gift for you and Tsunade."
Haruki was taken aback. As he watched Hiruzen disappear, he couldn't help but mutter, "This Hokage-sama is so stingy, man!"
"What did you say?"
Tsunade, who was standing nearby, heard this and was half-amused and half-angry. She flicked Haruki on the forehead with her index finger.
"He's my teacher. Don't you know how to show respect?"
Haruki took a step closer to her.
"W-What are you doing?"
"Wanna pick up where we left off?"
Tsunade's face instantly turned red. She glared at him fiercely, shyly kissed his cheek, and then ran away.
Only the lingering fragrance remained.
Haruki smiled triumphantly.
He was the only one who could make Tsunade show such a girl-like side.
He turned around and headed towards the Ninja Academy.
Soon, a four-story cylindrical building shaped like a red cake came into view.
Two columns on either side formed the entrance, with the character for "ninja" and the Konoha symbol on the door.
Haruki's arrival caused a stir.
His unique charisma and breathtaking looks were like a magnet to the kids.
Moreover, his name was Haruki.
"Are you Lord Haruki?! You're so handsome! I love you so much!"
A cute little girl looked at him, her eyes filled with admiration.
"Yes, little girl, your name is..."
Haruki was interrupted by the girl's scream.
Her eyes lit up, and she shouted at the top of her lungs, "Hey! Everyone, come and see! Lord Haruki is here! He's real!"
In an instant.
Haruki was surrounded by a group of kids.
He felt like a primary school teacher.
Thankfully, the teachers from each class rushed over to control the chaotic situation.
Haruki let out a sigh of relief.
He had experienced the treatment of a celebrity from his past life.
It was better to avoid such situations if possible.
This chapter isn't over yet!
"You guys go ahead. I'll just take a look around."
Haruki declined the help of the Chunin and walked towards the classrooms.
At a corner, he raised his eyebrows as a young girl bumped into him.
The girl had beautiful long red hair that reached her waist. She was wearing a light - gray kimono-like robe, and her slender thighs were covered in black stockings. A black belt around her waist emphasized her slender figure, which was so delicate that it could be described as easily grasped with one hand.
"Oops, sorry, teacher... Wait, who are you?"
Kushina Uzumaki rubbed her forehead, a look of confusion on her small face.
She was sure that Haruki wasn't a teacher at the Ninja Academy.
After all, she definitely wouldn't forget someone with such a remarkable look.
"Haruki."
"Haruki?"
Kushina Uzumaki suddenly covered her small mouth, as if she was about to let out a surprised scream the next moment.
Her small eyes sparkled with light.
It was like the feeling of seeing one's favorite idol suddenly appear in front of them.
"Lord Haruki!"
Her voice seemed to tremble a little.
"Well, what's your name?"
"Kushina Uzumaki." She instantly blushed bright red and said sheepishly, "I'm really sorry about what just happened."
"Which class are you in now?" Haruki stroked her head.
"Class A, Sixth Grade."
"So you'll be graduating this year?"
"Yeah." Kushina Uzumaki nodded obediently. One could hardly tell that she had a fiery temper comparable to Tsunade's.
Haruki smiled, then looked up and said, "The little kid over there can come out now."
Suddenly, a figure emerged in front of them.
He had a remarkable spiky blond hair and was wearing a hooded coat. He was about ten years old. He looked really good - looking, and you could faintly tell he'd be a heart - throb in the future.
"Minato Namikaze?"
Kushina Uzumaki recognized him and waved her small fist. "Were you eavesdropping just now?"
"No, no. I just happened to pass by." Minato Namikaze waved his hands repeatedly.
Haruki recalled that at this time, their relationship was just so - so.
It wouldn't be until after graduation that Minato Namikaze would win Kushina Uzumaki's heart by saving her in a heroic way.
But he found it quite interesting.
The fun of being a time - traveler was obvious for all to see.
He then thought of another thing.
Currently, Jiraiya hadn't returned from Amegakure Village.
Haruki said with great interest, "Your name is Minato Namikaze, right? I can tell you've got some real skills. Are you interested in becoming my disciple?"