Chapter 127

The rhythmic tapping of Tsunade's fingers was abruptly interrupted by Hiruzen's cough, causing Tsunade to rein in her anger and regain control of her composure.

"Are you absolutely sure, Kakashi?" The Hokage questioned, her expression serious as she closed the folder containing the names of all the new applicants for the post of academy instructors.

"Yes, Hokage-sama. I personally ensured the validity of the intel. Mizuki has been in contact with Orochimaru, but I couldn't trace the connection all the way back to its source. I was concerned that they might discover that their channel had been compromised," Kakashi, the ANBU commander, replied. His demeanor, usually stoic, now bore a hint of concern.

The return of Minato had brought about a change in Kakashi, even allowing glimpses of emotion to surface on his once perpetually gloomy face. Tsunade couldn't help but find it amusing, even capturing a picture of Kakashi's shocked expression when he first met Minato and gifting it to her apprentice, Shizune, who was known to have a pretty close relationship with Kakashi in recent days.

"That snake... If he were so easy to catch, I would have wrung his neck long ago. Right now, I'm debating whether to take out this rat or fatten him up until he leads me to that snake," Tsunade commented, weighing her options carefully. With Kazuki's barriers in place, spies had become a rarity, but Tsunade refused to let her guard down. She had increased the number of covert ANBU squads to deal with such threats and had even enlisted the help of disabled veterans to monitor their own homes and surroundings for anything suspicious.

Tsunade was well aware of the potential dangers of brainwashing, as demonstrated by Orochimaru's manipulation of Mizuki. Unlike techniques, which could be detected by barriers, individuals who were brainwashed through persuasion or ideology posed a more elusive threat. However, Tsunade was not one to underestimate such risks, employing a network of vigilant shinobi to detect any signs of suspicious behavior.

Recently, Mizuki's actions raised red flags, prompting Tsunade to task Kakashi with investigating the matter further. As the Hokage, she understood the importance of remaining vigilant, especially in the face of unseen threats lurking within the shadows of the village.

"What do you think, Sensei?" Tsunade narrowed her gaze toward her master, Hiruzen, who had recently undergone the ritual alongside Jiraiya before Kazuki embarked on his training journey. Now Hiruzen seemed to be brimming with vitality, his age seemingly reversed by several decades. Even his chakra reserves had multiplied six to seven times compared to his peak.

After experiencing the true extent of the ritual's benefits after he had woken up, Hiruzen wasted no time in seeking out Shikaku to persuade the little monster, aka the Nara prodgy, to help his sons and grandsons undergo the ritual as well.

Hiruzen's enthusiasm was such that he even shamelessly asked Tsunade for a loan, as the cost of his own ritual had put a considerable dent in the Sarutobi clan's finances. However, despite his efforts, the elusive Kazuki was nowhere to be found, forcing Hiruzen to coax Tsunade into summoning Kazuki for negotiations using her status as Kazuki's sensei, as the old man very well knew if there were two people who could make Kazuki do things for them were his master Tsunade and his little brother Shikamaru. However, the younger Nara seemed even more cunning than the older Nara child, so Hiruzen once again relied shamelessly on his student Tsunade.

After much negotiation and persuasion by his sensei, Kazuki finally relented to helping Konohamaru, but only upon his return from training. The back-and-forth negotiations had been exhausting, but Hiruzen was relieved to have secured Kazuki's assistance for his grandson.

"I suggest we let him be for the time being, but make sure to keep him under our watchful eyes." Hiruzen shared his opinion, tapping his fingers thoughtfully. "Give him a post in the academy. We might as well use him to hone our younglings. Let's see if our academy students are able to find a spy among them. I have been the head of the new academy for only a short time, but I can see how much more beneficial it is compared to the old academy format. This will be like a good test to put them through, and I am sure if we take this one out, Orochimaru is sure to plant another spy."

Shizune, standing by the side, couldn't help but voice her concerns as Tsunade's student. "I think it's too risky, Sensei. What if he suddenly does something and it ends up harming the children? We cannot possibly have such a dangerous person near the children."

Tsunade's mind raced with both Hiruzen and Shizune's words. She gestured for Kakashi's input, but he remained silent, not wanting to add more ideas to the mix. Since taking in Kazuki as her student, Tsunade's average standard for little Shinobi has increased by a large margin. If someone were to ask her what the standard of first-year Academy students should be, she would point out Tenten, who was already capable of beating up Genin-rank Shinobi.

All the children Tsunade had contact with were more or less trained by Kazuki, like Naruto, Shikamaru, Tenten, Choji, and Ino. These were the children she occasionally met while either going to the Nara house or within the Senju compound. So her average standard was way up top.

"Fine, let's do as you say, Sensei, but Shizune's concern is also valid," Tsunade said. "So I will have to bring in someone else alongside Mizuki as an instructor who would be able to intervene in case Mizuki plans something against the kids in a timely manner."

"Who do you have in mind? I'm sure most of the qualified ones have already been appointed." Hiruzen was intrigued by Tsunade's decision.

"Zenitsu Hatake!" Tsunade declared, catching both Kakashi and Hiruzen off guard. Neither of them expected Tsunade to pull out such a big gun. Shizune, by the side, was a bit confused. She vaguely remembered her junior speaking about this name, as he was part Hatake from his mother's side, and she remembered Kazuki once talking about a man from the Hatake clan who was the personal guard of the Shodaime Hokage and was still around. He currently owns a relic shop in the village, trying to scam little children.

"He is an old relic, Hokage-sama. Do you think he would be able to carry out such an important mission?" Kakashi couldn't help but blurt it out. He knew exactly who Tsunade was talking about. Even when he was young, his father would take him to meet the old man, saying that even in the Hatake clan, the crazy old man was one of the best Kenjutsu masters. Even his father, the famed White Fang of Konoha, had honed his kenjutsu under this crazy old man's guidance for some time.

"Haha, an old relic, you say, Kakashi?" Tsunade chuckled, shaking her head. "I've known old man Zenitsu since the time Grandpa was around, and trust me when I say not just anyone could become my grandfather's personal guard. Shinobi, especially those who survived the times of the Warring States, are different from us. They needed to sleep with one eye open, even within their own homes.

Back then, there was no safety like a village to rely on. And the Hatake clan was not as big as the others. They had at best a few dozen shinobi, and until they joined Konoha under my grandfather, they stood tall despite their meager numbers. How do you think they achieved that?" Tsunade questioned, her tone laced with amusement.

"It seems like you need to spend more time going through your clan archives rather than chasing Tonton around during your leisure time," Tsunade teased, giving Shizune a mischievous smirk. Shizune returned her master's smirk with a glare, but Kakashi, on the other hand, seemed visibly embarrassed, even though his mask tried to hide it.

"Tsunade is right. Zenitsu Hatake is even senior to me from the Sensei's generation," Hiruzen chimed in, reflecting on his younger days. "I even remember Sensei trying to recruit him after the passing of Shodaime Hokage. But the man had refused to serve under anyone other than Shodaime-sama, even though the request personally came from Nidaime Hokage. Even as you are now, you might not be able to beat that man."

The mention of Zenitsu Hatake brought back memories of a time when Shinobi were revered for their strength and resilience, a time when legends were born. Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for those days, a time when the village was young and the world was full of possibilities.

"Hokage-sama, do you really think that old geezer would pay any attention to such a request? You know how stubborn he can be. He even distanced himself from the clan because of some disagreement with the elders," Kakashi couldn't resist asking. Though he didn't voice it aloud, memories of his father's time and his own youthful arrogance flooded back. That old geezer had been the only one to truly humble him, no matter how hard he tried to best him.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. He'll still listen to me. I still remember that bet we had. He lost to me, and he still owes me a favor from that," Tsunade reassured, tapping the table fervently as she reminisced about their past exploits. Little did she know, her victory had been orchestrated by her own grandfather, hoodwinking his own personal guard. Even Zenitsu remained blissfully unaware of his master's past betrayal.

"Tsunade, do you think we should inform a few more instructors we trust about this? You know, for safety reasons?" Hiruzen proposed the risky idea, unable to suggest further precautions himself.

"Sensei, if Mizuki can still manage to pull something under your watch, with yourself, Minato, and Zenitsu Hatake present, then I'll have to retire all of you and hire Mizuki, don't you think?" Tsunade questioned, reverting to her usual demeanor.

"Fine, setting that matter aside, why aren't you getting ready? It's the first day of the academy; you should be there to encourage the little ones," Hiruzen couldn't help but ask. It was one of those days in the year he eagerly anticipated when he was Hokage, but Tsunade showed no interest in the first day.

"Well, I can just watch the academy opening from here," she replied, pulling out a transparent crystal and placing it on the Hokage's desk. Hiruzen almost choked at the sight. He was very familiar with it; he was damn sure he had passed the old crystal to his student, Jiraiya, for safekeeping, as the crystal sphere had become useless after Kazuki built the barriers. However, upon closer inspection, he sighed in relief as this was a brand new crystal, although it looked similar to the old one.

Tsunade understood her sensei's thoughts, and her face turned ugly. "Old man, don't think I don't know about the old crystal that you smuggled out and passed to Jiraiya. I've already confiscated it from him," she smirked. However, Hiruzen turned a bit pale at the news, as if a part of his soul had been lost.

"Well, setting that aside, Tsunade, you should personally make a visit to cheer up the children. It's a tradition; you cannot forgo it just because you're lazy." Hiruzen hit the nail right on the head. Tsunade was too lazy to move and had even resorted to making her student create a new spying crystal for her. He wondered what additional features that little monster must have added. Maybe he should ask Tsunade's permission later to give the new crystal ball a try.

Kakashi added, "Yes, Hokage-sama, I think you must attend personally this time around. Have you forgotten your godson is also starting the academy this year? I'm sure you'll hear him complain about it for weeks if you miss it."

Tsunade had completely forgotten about it. That little pipsqueak was also starting the academy today, and he had already reminded her of it every week for the past two months. If she were to miss it, Kushina's brat would turn the Senju compound upside down.

"Fine, fine, I get it. Let's go. I seem to remember quite a few of the clan heirs are starting today. Even Kazuki's little brother, right?" Tsunade stood up, making up her mind, and questioned Shizune, who was already next to her, helping her into the Hokage robe.

"Yes, Sensei. Little Shikamaru is also starting the academy today. I've prepared gifts for each of the kids. I heard from Naruto that Kazuki had already given the kids his gifts, and each gift is worth its weight in gold, and I'm sure they will expect the same of you as Kazuki's sensei. But worry not; I took the liberty to choose gifts for all the kids and even the other newcomers so they wouldn't feel left out. After all, the kids would love you if they could get a gift from the Hokage personally," Shizune chimed in delight.

She had carefully selected these gifts, even going so far as to research the backgrounds of the children to get them the most appropriate gifts. Civilian children did not have the privilege as clan children did, but Shizune made sure to take extra care in such cases to ensure the gifts provided were not mere trinkets and would be truly helpful to these children, like coupons to the finest quality weapon stores, medicines, and even some beginner jutsu scrolls.

As this was the first batch of children joining the academy after Tsunade became Hokage, Shizune was going all out and splurging. As Tsunade's student and now a Senju member, she was not short of money.

"Gifts? You brought gifts for all those academy kids? Where did you get all that money from?" Tsunade asked, feeling a sense of unease.

"Oh, it's just the money you set aside for gambling that you originally coaxed out of Kazuki. He already told me where you had stashed all that money before he left for training." Shizune's eyes gleamed mischievously.

However, Tsunade's mood changed. After becoming the Hokage, her finances were completely monitored by Shizune, and her students financial skills were ironclad, leaving no room for fooling her.

Even if Tsunade wanted a little sake, it had to go through Shizune's careful scrutiny. Shizune, who had originally been tame during the time they roamed around outside the village, providing her money every time according to her whims, had become more assertive after being influenced by Kazuki. Even the money that she had thought she had cheated out of Kazuki was now confiscated. With her head down, Tsunade walked towards the academy while grumbling inaudibly, knowing she couldn't gamble until her student returned from training.

The scene at the Konoha Academy was bustling with energy and excitement on this first day of the new term. After the upgrade of the academy's structure, it had become one of the core and most important locations in the village. Due to the village's expansion, the area allocated to the academy was monstrous. Kazuki, with his expertise and modern knowledge, had personally designed the entire academy, making it one of the most sophisticated structures in the entire village.

Despite its ambient look, surrounded by lush vegetation and flowing water, the academy held secrets beneath its serene facade. In case of an emergency, the entire academy could transform into the most impenetrable fortress within Konoha. Even the Hokage building lacked the level of defense that the academy possessed. Hiruzen, the esteemed Third Hokage, was personally appointed as the head of the academy, elevating its status to unprecedented levels. With Hiruzen, a Super Kage-level ninja, sitting as its guardian, the academy stood as a beacon of safety and excellence within the village.

As the students filed into the academy, they marveled at the grandeur of the structure, unaware of the hidden defenses and the formidable protector standing watch over them. Excited chatter filled the air as they prepared to embark on their journey of ninja training. Little did they know that within the walls of the academy, they would not only learn the art of ninjutsu but also find themselves surrounded by cutting-edge technology and the watchful gaze of their esteemed guardian, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As the children eagerly awaited the start of the ceremony, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Suddenly, the crowd was startled by the grand arrival of Minato Namikaze, accompanied by Naruto and Jiraiya. The two legends made their entrance in such a spectacular manner that jubilant chaos erupted around the academy entrance.

"Phew, Sensei, we're not late. The ceremony hasn't started yet. Next time, I'll never believe you when it comes to timing," Minato chuckled as he ushered Naruto towards the designated area for first-years. But their presence wasn't the only surprise. Many clan heads had also graced the occasion. Even Fugaku had followed his son to take part in the opening ceremony.

The heads of the Akimichi, Nara, and Yamanaka clans were accompanying their children, while other prominent clan heads were also present with their respective heirs, such as the Hyuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka. This year's academy opening felt more like a festival than a formal event. With over a hundred students joining the first year, the reforms implemented last year had attracted numerous civilians to send their children to the ninja academy, thanks to the benefits it provided.

Tsunade hadn't hesitated to ensure that nothing was lacking for the children. She had hired additional instructors and made sure that the academy was fully equipped to handle the influx of new students. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation and excitement as the ceremony was about to begin, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these aspiring young ninjas.