Hokage's Office.
Shinho glanced at the document in his hand.
Its contents were simple.
He was to attend the academy's opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m.
Unlike previous ceremonies, this was the first one held since the completion of the new ninja academy.
Last year, Shinho appointed Iruka Umino as the overseer of the academy's renovation and expansion.
In essence, the academy had been split into two branches, academic studies and combat training.
Since these terms sounded too rigid, they had been renamed the Combat Academy and the Support Academy.
The names alone indicated what each branch specialized in.
The renovation was completed a month ago, but the additional time had been used for student recruitment.
Some recruits came from the ninja clans scattered across the Land of Fire outside of Konoha.
Others were noble and civilian children from within the nation.
"What should I say in my speech?"
Shinho set down the document, his gaze drifting toward the three snake sisters standing nearby.
Ichikishima-hime floated lazily in the air, her lively nature on full display.
She wore a simple white kimono, and her movements occasionally revealed an alluring glimpse of her elegant figure.
Tagori-hime was like a quiet maiden, seated gracefully on the sofa with her legs together, her long brown hair cascading over her shoulders.
Tagitsu-hime stood in front of a bookshelf, flipping through a book.
"Ichikishima-hime."
Shinho's eyes flicked toward her as a thought came to mind.
"Master!"
Ichikishima-hime reacted immediately, descending from above and landing lightly on the Hokage's desk, her pale feet resting on its surface.
Her eyes gleamed with excitement and anticipation.
"Go and buy three maid outfits," Shinho instructed calmly, "They're for you three to wear."
The snake sisters all wore white kimono-style robes, which lacked visual flair.
Since they were under his control, why not have them wear maid dresses?
The thought of having three snake maidens at his beck and call was... exciting.
Ichikishima-hime pouted slightly in disappointment.
She didn't care much about maid outfits.
All she really wanted was her favourite lollipops.
Shinho handed her the Hidden Scale Gu.
He didn't mind others knowing about the existence of the snake sisters, but having them linger in the Hokage's office daily could lead to unnecessary rumors.
As Hokage, he still needed to maintain appearances.
Not long after, Ichikishima-hime returned.
She tossed two black-and-white maid dresses to Tagori-hime and Tagitsu-hime before rushing back to Shinho.
Ichikishima-hime untied the sash of her kimono with a graceful motion.
The garment fell to the floor.
All that remained in Shinho's vision was a sea of white.
Following her lead, Tagori-hime and Tagitsu-hime also shed their robes.
For a moment, Shinho didn't know where to look.
Small, medium, and large cup. Each of the snake sisters had a unique figure.
Shinho's gaze lingered on Tagitsu-hime for a second longer.
Her figure was unexpectedly... impressive.
Still, she couldn't quite rival Tsunade.
The three snake sisters quickly changed into their maid outfits.
The dresses were identical, primarily black and white, with stockings peeking out beneath their skirts.
Ichikishima-hime wore white stockings, while Tagori-hime and Tagitsu-hime donned black ones.
Shinho swallowed unconsciously.
"Master, have some water."
Noticing his reaction, Ichikishima-hime quickly picked up the glass of water on his desk.
Shinho felt a strange sense of dissonance.
He wasn't particularly thirsty, but he still took a sip.
"Master, is there anything else you need me to do?"
Ichikishima-hime leaned closer, placing her hands on his legs.
Unlike the other two snake sisters, she was incredibly proactive.
The Serpent Mastery Gu, like the Slavery Gu, increased loyalty without altering the controlled person's original personality.
In other words, Ichikishima-hime had always been the type to indulge.
"That's it!"
Shinho lifted her into his arms, his right hand brushing against her silk-clad thigh.
He still had to attend the academy's opening ceremony and couldn't afford to waste too much time.
Besides, Konan could walk in at any moment.
Ichikishima-hime's breathing grew shallow, her cheeks flushed with a dazed expression.
That was fast.
Shinho shook his head.
Ichikishima-hime's gaze was filled with enchantment as she looked at him.
But Shinho was unmoved.
He was disciplined, and fully in control.
"Tagori-hime."
His eyes shifted toward Tagori-hime.
"Master."
Tagori-hime approached and knelt before him.
Her movements made the maid dress cling to her curves, accentuating her figure.
Especially her tightly fitted waist.
Shinho reached out and undid her hairstyle, allowing her tied-up hair to cascade over her shoulders.
He nodded in approval.
He had never been fond of the twin buns she wore before.
Straight, flowing hair was more appealing.
Wait, her hair was green, not black.
Shinho thought as he gently rested a hand on her head.
Despite her past in the original timeline, where she had taken countless lives, she did seem to have... some conscience.
"Master!"
Ichikishima-hime pouted, grabbing Shinho's left hand and pressing it against her chest.
What could he say?
It was ordinary.
After a quick comparison, Shinho let her go.
He had heard the familiar sound of heels approaching.
He pinched Ichikishima-hime's cheek lightly before retracting his hand.
With three flashes of light, snake-shaped markings appeared on his arm.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Shinho's expression was calm.
The door opened.
Konan, dressed in a black suit, walked in gracefully.
Her long legs were clad in black stockings, and her pencil skirt highlighted her elegant figure.
"It is time, Lord Hokage."
Konan stopped a few steps away, her tone formal yet slightly cool.
"Let's go."
Shinho withdrew his gaze and stood up.
Konan stood in place, waiting.
She waited until Shinho took the lead before stepping forward, her long legs clad in black stockings moving elegantly as she followed behind him.
"Konan-nee," Shinho said with a smile, "You're just as impressive as Shizune-nee now."
"I'm just doing what I'm supposed to," Konan replied expressionlessly.
Shinho was used to her attitude and didn't pay much attention to it.
They descended the stairs and soon arrived at the bustling street.
It was the academy's opening day.
The closer they got to the academy, the more familiar faces they encountered.
Shinho greeted them one by one.
Konan, however, remained silent behind him.
In moments like these, she seemed more like a bodyguard than a secretary.
"Brother-in-law!"
A cheerful voice called out from a distance.
Shinho turned to see the source.
It was Hanabi Hyuga.
She was dressed in a kimono, her long black hair flowing down to her calves.
She wore no socks, her delicate, jade-like feet stepping lightly in wooden sandals.
Shinho couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
Without realizing it, Hanabi had grown into a graceful young lady.
However, the kimono didn't quite suit her lively nature.
This kind of attire suited Hinata more, as she embodied the essence of a kind and gentle wife.
"Where's your sister?" Shinho asked, slightly surprised, "Why are you alone?"
"I'm almost graduating! I don't need my sister to walk me here!"
Hanabi pouted and huffed.
"Even after graduating, you're still a kid," Shinho said as he reached out to ruffle her hair.
Hanabi's cheeks puffed up, but she didn't resist.
"What division did you get into?" Shinho asked, looking down at her.
Her fair face was full of vitality, truly the epitome of a blossoming girl.
"The Combat Academy, of course!" Hanabi clenched her small fists and punched the air. "I'm going to become the head of the Hyuga Clan!"
Shinho paused, slightly taken aback.
Since when was that decided?
Had Hiashi Hyuga already chosen Hanabi as his successor?
Upon further thought, it wasn't that surprising.
Hiashi had always dreamed of something grand.
Hinata would become the wife of the Hokage.
Hanabi would become the leader of the Hyuga Clan.
With the sisters working in unison, the Hyuga Clan's future would undoubtedly be bright.
"Oho! Then let me ask you a question, what do you think of the Caged Bird Seal?" Shinho asked as his hand lightly pinched her cheek.
"The Caged Bird Seal?"
Hanabi blinked in confusion.
What did she think of it?
She was too young to have pondered such a complex issue.
But she understood the seal's purpose and the problem that arose with it.
"I don't know," Hanabi said honestly after thinking for a moment, tilting her head slightly.
"If there were no Caged Bird Seal, would you still be confident in becoming the clan leader?" Shinho rephrased his question.
Although the underground valley leading to the moon hadn't been discovered yet, it was only a matter of time.
"Of course!" Hanabi responded without hesitation.
She wasn't lying.
Among the younger generation of the Hyuga Clan, her strength was indeed the most formidable.
"What about Neji?" Shinho asked with a knowing smile.
"Eh?"
Hanabi's expression scrunched up.
She had instinctively excluded both Hinata and Neji from her consideration.
But in truth, the age gap between them wasn't that significant.
If the Caged Bird Seal didn't exist, Neji was the most qualified to become the clan leader.
"I'll think about that when the time comes!" Hanabi said, giving up on the dilemma.
Shinho chuckled.
The greatest flaw of the Hyuga Clan was their excessive conservatism, an obsession with maintaining tradition and safeguarding their heritage.
It wasn't exactly wrong, but the times had changed.
Once the ninja world was unified, the Hyuga Clan wouldn't have the luxury to argue about leadership and the Caged Bird Seal.
There would simply be too much to do.
And given Hinata's connection, the Hyuga Clan would undoubtedly play an important role in the new era.
Not to mention, the Byakugan had countless practical applications.
When they arrived at the academy, the three of them went their separate ways.
Shinho made his way to the podium at the front of the courtyard.
He cleared his throat and began his speech.
Konan stood at the edge of the platform.
Her gaze swept over the sea of students below, and a distant look appeared on her face.
After staying in Konoha for so long, she no longer felt the desire to return to Amegakure.
Although Amegakure had developed well under Akatsuki's protection, it lacked the vitality Konoha had.
To be precise, it lacked hope and the will to grow.
But Konoha...
The village was filled with an atmosphere of anticipation for the future and an irrepressible spirit of change.
This was the peace Yahiko had dreamed of.
Konan glanced at Shinho and fell silent.
The crowd's energy was palpable.
By now, Shinho's reputation had surpassed that of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Especially since many of his achievements were known beyond Konoha.
For instance, his dismantling of Akatsuki.
And the creation of the anti-Konoha alliance, born out of fear.
Despite the length of Shinho's speech, the students still responded with excitement.
"Why is brother-in-law talking so much?" Hanabi muttered, her mouth twitching slightly.
She remembered his speeches in the past—they had always been concise and straight to the point.
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