Shizune put away the scroll and left the office.
However, instead of heading straight to the ninja academy, she went home first.
She needed a bath, her sticky and uncomfortable state was bothering her.
As expected, Tsunade wasn't home.
For reasons she couldn't explain, Shizune felt a strange sense of relief.
After a shower, feeling refreshed, she changed into clean clothes and made her way to the ninja academy.
It was mid-afternoon, and classes were in session.
Shizune stood silently by the window, careful not to interrupt the class.
She peered inside and quickly spotted three students: Hanabi Hyuga, Fu, and Amaru.
Shizune had paid extra attention to them since Shinho had mentioned he might take them under his wing as their squad leader.
Before long, the school bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson.
"Lady Shizune!"
Iruka Umino hurried over to greet her.
As the Hokage's secretary, Shizune's position and abilities far exceeded that of an ordinary teacher like Iruka.
"There's an important matter," Shizune said with a small nod, "The Hokage has instructed that you oversee the restructuring of the ninja academy."
"Restructuring?"
Iruka froze, a look of confusion crossing his face.
"The details will be explained during a meeting after school," Shizune replied, taking out a scroll, "Congratulations. You're now the principal of the ninja academy."
"Uh... what?" Iruka asked instinctively. "I'm sorry—what did you say?"
He doubted his ears.
Principal? Me?
Though he had occasionally daydreamed about it, actually becoming the principal had always seemed impossible to him.
After all, he lacked both exceptional strength and the backing of a ninja clan.
"This is the appointment letter," Shizune said matter-of-factly.
Iruka hurriedly opened it.
As Shizune had stated, the document confirmed his new role as principal.
His face was a mixture of disbelief and amazement.
This was a meteoric rise.
Taking a deep breath, Iruka couldn't help but feel that his greatest stroke of luck had been having Shinho as a student.
"You can continue teaching for now," Shizune said with a faint smile. "I have other people to notify."
"Thank you so much, Lady Shizune!" Iruka exclaimed, his excitement evident.
…
After making her rounds at the ninja academy, Shizune returned to the Hokage building.
At 5:00 p.m., a meeting commenced in the conference room.
Shizune sat at the head of the table, with Iruka on her left.
The rest of the academy's faculty members were seated across from them.
"The first order of business," Shizune began, "is the appointment of Iruka Umino as the new principal of the ninja academy."
A stunned silence filled the room.
The teachers exchanged surprised glances.
While Iruka was well-respected for his teaching abilities, he was still just a Chunin. Moreover, the role of principal had traditionally been filled by the Hokage themselves.
Quickly, they recalled that the current Hokage, Shinho, had once been Iruka's student.
A wave of envy spread through the room, Iruka's fortune was indeed extraordinary.
Shizune led the applause, and soon, the room was filled with clapping.
"Thank you, everyone!" Iruka stood and bowed deeply.
He understood that his qualifications for the role were limited and adopted a humble demeanor.
However, no one dared to underestimate him—especially given Shinho's continued tenure as Hokage.
After all, with no mandatory retirement age for Hokages, Shinho could theoretically remain in office as long as Hiruzen Sarutobi had.
"Next, we'll discuss the restructuring of the ninja academy," Shizune said, raising her hand to silence the room.
The teachers focused intently as she outlined the reforms.
Night fell, and the sun disappeared beyond the horizon.
"I'm back," Shizune said tiredly as she entered the living room.
"I've been waiting for you. Come let's have dinner," Tsunade replied, her cheeks slightly flushed.
She had already opened a bottle of honeyed sake.
Shizune glanced at her but said nothing as she sat across from her.
"Hey, kid, what's your deal?" Tsunade suddenly asked.
"What do you mean?" Shinho responded, puzzled.
"Why are you giving Shizune so much work?" Tsunade asked, her dissatisfaction clear.
"It's nothing, really" Shizune interjected, shaking her head. "It's my duty as the Hokage's secretary."
"Still, Shizune-nee is handling two roles—it must be exhausting," Shinho acknowledged with a nod. "I'll find someone to help her out soon."
He was referring to Konan.
The plan was to have Shizune focus solely on the finance department while Konan would take over the secretary's duties.
"That works," Shizune agreed without protest.
She had been feeling overwhelmed lately. Much of it stemmed from the sheer volume of new responsibilities Shinho kept assigning her.
Before implementing any plans, she had to thoroughly understand them, which consumed significant amount of her time.
"About time!" Tsunade shot Shinho a glare. "Look at what you've done to Shizune."
"...?" Shizune stared at Tsunade, puzzled.
Why was Lady Tsunade suddenly so concerned about her?
Back when Tsunade was Hokage, she had been the queen of procrastination, deleigating all her dutied to Shizune.
"Let's eat," Shinho coughed lightly, redirecting the conversation.
Tsunade was clearly annoyed.
Before Shizune had returned, Shinho had taken certain liberties, which still irked her.
After dinner, Shinho volunteered to wash the dishes.
Carrying the plates and utensils, he made his way to the kitchen.
"Shizune, why do you look so distracted?"
Tsunade noticed the distant look on Shizune's face and asked with mild concern.
"I…"
Shizune hesitated, her words trailing off.
"If there's something on your mind, just say it," Tsunade encouraged with a soft laugh. "Being hesitant like this isn't like you at all."
While Shizune was typically gentle, she never shied away from being direct when it mattered, especially when it came to persuading Tsunade to quit gambling.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune said, taking a deep breath. "Do you remember asking me who I liked before?"
"Oh?" Tsunade's eyes brightened with curiosity. "Are you finally ready to tell me? Who is it?"
"I hope you won't get angry," Shizune said, lowering her head.
"Why would I get angry?" Tsunade replied with a smile. "This is a good thing!"
"It's Shinho," Shizune said, her voice trembling slightly.
"…"
Tsunade's smile froze.
She stared at Shizune in disbelief.
It couldn't be… that kid right?! Was there another Shinho in konoha she didn't know of?
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune continued, lifting her head with resolve. "I truly like Shinho."
"I… Is that so?"
Tsunade's expression became strained.
Shizune sighed inwardly.
As she expected.
Attraction was rarely one-sided.
Just as she had been stunned to discover Tsunade's feelings for Shinho, she couldn't deny the reality of it. It had happened, and there was no denying it.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune pressed on, "I hope you'll support me."
Tsunade didn't know how to respond.
All she wanted to do was grab that little brat and beat him senseless.
That scoundrel!
As if pursuing her wasn't enough, now he had set his sights on Shizune, too?
Was he trying to sweep up the entire mentor-and-student duo in one go?
Tsunade fell into a contemplative silence.
When she thought about it, it made sense that Shizune might like Shinho.
They had grown up together, shared a deep bond, and weren't far apart in age.
Most importantly, Shinho was undeniably exceptional.
Exceptional enough to ensnare even her.
Blaming Shizune in this situation would be unreasonable.
"I'm going to ask that brat," Tsunade said, standing up abruptly and striding toward the kitchen.
Shizune let out a long sigh.
Confessing her feelings for Shinho to Tsunade had been one of the most challenging things she had ever done in her life.
Yet, for reasons she couldn't quite understand, she felt an odd sense of relief.
At this point, what else could she do?
That scoundrel would simply have to make the best of the situation.
…
"Shinho!" Tsunade burst into the kitchen, unable to suppress her growing frustration.
"Huh?"
Shinho blinked in confusion.
"What's going on between you and Shizune?!" Tsunade demanded, storming up to him.
Ah. Shinho understood instantly.
What he hadn't anticipated was Shizune confessing so quickly.
"What do you mean?" Shinho asked, feigning innocence with award-worthy acting skills.
"You're telling me you don't know?"
Tsunade's gaze narrowed, her brows furrowing.
"What am I even supposed to know?" Shinho scratched his head, playing the clueless card.
He didn't want to deceive Tsunade, but it was the only way out right now. If he could just get through this moment, they could be together openly.
"…"
Tsunade scrutinized him before asking, "Did you find out who Shizune likes, as I asked you earlier?"
"No," Shinho replied earnestly. "Even though Shizune is the Hokage's secretary, her interactions with other ninjas are quite limited."
"The person she interacts with the most is you!" Tsunade snapped.
"Are you implying…?" Shinho paused, then declared while exuding righteousness, "I'll go reject her right now."
"No, you won't!" Tsunade shot him a sharp glare. "How would you even reject her? Are you going to say you like me instead?"
"Then… should we drag Shizune-nee into the water?" Shinho hesitated, testing the waters.
"What did you just say?!"
Veins bulged on Tsunade's forehead as she clenched her fists. "You're being delusional, you fucker!"
Shinho laughed nervously.
"You've been planning this all along, haven't you?" Tsunade suddenly realized something .
"Shizune-nee has taken care of me since I was a child," Shinho replied with a serious expression. "To be honest, yes, I have considered it."
"You little bastard!"
Tsunade's mouth twitched as she grabbed him by the collar and pulled him into an arm lock.
Shinho was overwhelmed by the intoxicating scent wafting into his nose, instead of feeling the pain of hos neck being strangled.
Moments later, he felt her knuckles knocking against his head, not hard, but enough to make a point.
Despite the blows, she had clearly held back her strength.
"Teacher," Shinho gasped, catching his breath. "Do you have any better ideas?"
"…"
Tsunade fell silent.
In this world, Shinho and Shizune were the two most important people to her.
Shizune rarely showed romantic interest in anyone.
Could she really break them apart?
Could she bear to see Shizune heartbroken?
But for both of them to be in love with Shinho… it was too absurd.
Even if she accepted it, would Shizune?
Tsunade felt her mind spinning.
"Teacher, don't worry, I'll talk to Shizune-nee myself," Shinho said, sensing her hesitation.