Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

"Very well, that's exactly what I was thinking."

"Although it's our duty to contribute to the village, the personal wishes of the students should still take priority."

"It's a blessing for the students to have a vice principal like you who truly puts them first."

After Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped down, the brainwashing at the Academy regarding the Will of Fire disappeared. Kawakaze placed greater emphasis on human rights, believing that students should have the right to make their own choices. Instead of being indoctrinated from a young age by the powerful, they should grow as individuals, not as tools devoid of independent thought.

If they don't choose it themselves, no one else will choose it for them.

Even Jiraiya wouldn't be able to take any Academy students with him under such conditions. If the students, informed of the truth, still chose to go, Kawakaze would accept their decision. Now that there were ready candidates, he no longer had to worry about finding replacements. Passing the baton would be enough, and he was certain the Vice Principal would willingly take over.

A few kind words from Ei Onoda lifted his spirits.

"No, this is the least I can do," Onoda replied, his smile so wrinkled it looked like it could swat a mosquito.

Kawakaze had him under his control. The man was old, with no aspirations beyond leaving a good name for himself. Kawakaze's praise struck directly at his heart.

"Come on, nothing is ever truly 'the least we can do.'"

"But if you insist, I'll leave this in your hands. I'll have someone coordinate with you. Just make sure to be thorough with the recruitment for the new department—after all, you're responsible for the students' future."