Chapter 23: Will of Fire

After a few seconds of staring, she was finally broken out of her stupor by the boy snapping his fingers.

"Are you ok?" Sakumo asked her with a concerned voice as her parents also turned to her with concerned looks on their faces.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I was just surprised you agreed with me." Tsuna said to cover up her recognition of the boy.

"It's not that I don't look up to Nidaime, I mean who wouldn't, but I just think that there isn't a reason to simply get excited and applaud when he hasn't done anything yet." Sakumo said.

Tsunade simply looked stunned at the words the boy said, since most would fawn over even the slightest sight of the Hokage, however she heard Tobirama begin speaking before she could reply.

"Good morning to everyone who has decided to attend the orientation. I came here today to speak to every one of you who will not only become students of the academy, but also become the future of this village. When my brother and his friend created this village, the main goal that two of them had was to prevent children from being forced to go to the battlefield. And this goal has been achieved so far, with no one under the age of 12 having been sent on a mission directly on the frontlines. But you all will not always be under the age of 12. You will not always be supporting those on the frontline. One day in the future, you will also join the frontlines. Not because you are being forced to do so, but because in the same way it is our duty to protect your generation, it is your duty to protect the next.

Today I stand before you as not only the current Hokage, but also the current principal of the Academy. That means it is my job to ensure you learn everything necessary to ensure your survival on your future missions. The topics you learn will include many different lessons which include classes on taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, and topics on theoretical knowledge such as multiplication and division.

My brother built this village as a protective measure for everyone here in this village, for we are not only neighbors, but a family that will support and protect each other, no matter the cost. I can already see the future leaders of the village in all of you, so I now pass my Will of Fire to you as well. I pray for the success of every single one of you."

Tobirama then began to walk off the stage as a large amount of applause and cheers erupted from the children and their parents, clan shinobi included.

The parents then began to say their goodbyes to their children as an announcer started calling for the students on the roster to go to their classes.

Tsuande turned to her parents as she saw Ayako had tears in her eyes. Her mother spoke first "Tsunade, I know that this is the path you chose, and I know that you have probably figured out that it won't be an easy one. But I and your father will always support you, no matter what you decide in the future. Whether it is to continue and follow in our footsteps, or to simply quit halfway through, we will love you no matter what you decide." Haru simply nodded his head, yet the water in his eyes showed the emotions he felt.

Tsunade simply hugged them both and muttered "Thanks." before she quickly jumped out of their grasp and went towards her announcer.

She was joined by Sakumo on her way "My name is Sakumo by the way. What's yours?" Sakumo asked his new found friend.

Tsunade simply turned towards him and proudly spoke "Tsunade Senju!"

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