Chapter 61: Iruka's Complaint
"Hokage-sama!"
Iruka Umino walked into the Hokage Office, reached out to wave away the smoke drifting toward the tip of his nose, and bowed respectfully to Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting in the office chair.
"Ah, Iruka..." Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up at Iruka Umino, the wrinkles on his face bunching up like a chrysanthemum, "Is something the matter? Has that little brat Naruto caused you trouble again?"
"It's not so much trouble, as it's something teachers cannot avoid; I've slowly gotten used to it." Iruka Umino shook his head, "It's just that Naruto and Sasuke have been skipping class more and more frequently recently, and even Hinata has..."
"They're just children; it's normal for them to be restless. Just guide them a bit more and it will be fine."
Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't think much of it. Although he had been busy with government affairs recently and couldn't monitor Naruto every day like before, he could still manage to steal a moment of leisure to observe Naruto's growth from time to time.
Naruto was the most brilliant and talented person Hiruzen Sarutobi had ever seen, following Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze.
He was unlike the coldness of Orochimaru, and unlike the specialization of Minato Namikaze; Naruto had discarded their flaws and incorporated almost all of their strengths.
Whether it was Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, battle IQ, or judgment of the battlefield, among other Ninjaskills, Naruto had already far surpassed his peers, even reaching a level below that of a Chunin.
Moreover, according to Hiruzen Sarutobi's judgment, Naruto's strength had not been fully exposed yet. If it were a life-or-death battle, Naruto could even win against opponents two levels higher!
In summary, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not mind Narutoskipping class; he even felt that the Ninja Academywas holding back Naruto's progress.
But it was a time of peace, and Hiruzen Sarutobidid not want to force growth. He could still look after Naruto for a few more years, so improving Naruto's strength was placed in second priority for him.
As for what was in first priority, it was naturally ideological education.
"Iruka, besides skipping class, how does Narutoperform in other areas?"
"This..." Iruka Umino gathered his thoughts, "Naruto's performance in other aspects is nothing short of perfect. Whether it's strength, grades, or interpersonal relationships, he is the most outstanding person I have ever seen since I started teaching!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, took a few delightful puffs from his pipe, squinted his eyes, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.
"Since that's the case, just let Naruto skip class if he wants to." Hiruzen Sarutobi set the tone for Iruka Umino's complaint, "It's just that Narutoclearly has signs of rebellion now; his ideological education needs to be tightened up."
Iruka Umino being able to become Naruto's homeroom teacher was naturally a decision Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the headmaster of the Ninja Academy, had made after careful selection.
Iruka Umino was not only a staunch member of the Hokage faction, but in terms of ideological development, he was also deeply influenced by the Will of Fire, making him a fairly perfect propagator of the Will of Fire.
Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi believed that Iruka Umino could understand the meaning behind his words and strengthen Naruto's ideological education, making Naruto identify with Konohaeven more.
The reason Hiruzen Sarutobi had this concern was, ultimately, because Naruto was walking too closely with Uchiha Sasuke, and he likely already knew about the Uchiha clan's extermination.
"Is Naruto walking very closely with Sasuke?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked.
"The two are almost inseparable, and there are signs that Sasuke is beginning to look to Naruto as his leader."
Iruka Umino was, after all, on the front lines of education; he was the first to notice changes in the students, and if there was even the slightest disturbance, he was absolutely the first to know.
"Hmm." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, "When you have time, sound Naruto out regarding his views on the Uchiha clan's extermination. I'm worried that Sasuke, who has already become extreme, will influence him."
"I understand, Hokage-sama!"
Iruka Umino nodded in agreement, then gave a bitter smile. He hadn't expected that his complaint this time would not only be unaccepted by Hiruzen Sarutobi but that he would also be assigned two rather arduous tasks.
He had always felt that Naruto was not as simple as he appeared on the surface because, in terms of handling interpersonal relationships, Naruto was simply flawless.
Iruka Umino was certain that if he were to return to his school age with his current mindset, he wouldn't be able to reach Naruto's level. When thinking about it carefully, there was a major issue here.
"However..." Iruka Umino thought for a moment and decided to voice his concerns, "Naruto's Heart-Nature is truly too mature. I always feel it's not real; he is somewhat too perfect..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded seriously. He had once had the same concerns as Iruka Umino, but after five years of observation, these concerns had basically disappeared by now.
"Naruto is just like Minato in the past, perfect to the point of being unbelievable." Hiruzen Sarutobirevealed a trace of reminiscence, "But details cannot deceive people. For example, skipping class, being playful, and being gluttonous—these are exactly the behaviors he should have at his age."
"Was I overthinking it..." Iruka Umino sighed slightly, "After what you said, Hokage-sama, Naruto is indeed still just a child!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi showed a satisfied smile; he liked people who understood things immediately the most.
Although Naruto looked very mature and perfect now, the "flaws" he revealed inadvertently made this maturity and perfection become even more real.
In Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, no matter how Narutotried to conceal it, he couldn't cover up his childish Heart-Nature; everything was still under his control.
...
"Aha!"
Naruto put down his eighth large bowl with satisfaction, rubbed his round, bulging belly, and sighed contentedly.
"I'm treating this time!" Naruto stood up and patted Uchiha Sasuke on the shoulder, "Consider it a return of courtesy; next time it's your turn!"
Uchiha Sasuke also put down his large bowl, nodded after letting out a burp, and the corner of his expressionless face curled up in an imperceptible arc.
What he needed now was not Naruto's sympathy, but a way of interacting just like before. This could allow him to briefly forget that nightmare and make Uchiha Sasuke feel that he was still alive.
After getting up to pay the bill, Naruto also showed a smile. He knew his choice was not wrong at all. When dealing with a proud species like the Uchiha, if you are too deliberate or too caring, they will not only fail to appreciate your kindness, but they will also be full of suspicion, guessing your ultimate goal.
To put it bluntly, the Uchiha had a bit of a masochistic tendency; a combination of criticism and praise was the most correct way to get along with them.
"Going to my place?!"
After walking out of the Ichiraku Ramen Shop, Naruto extended an invitation to Uchiha Sasuke; not taking advantage of the situation was simply not Naruto's style.
"I..."
"You what you!" Naruto interrupted Uchiha Sasuke, grabbed his shoulder, and pulled him into his embrace, "Are you afraid that I'll discover you snoring or sleepwalking at night, and that it would make you unable to hold your head up in front of me..."
"Idiot!"
Sasuke cursed under his breath and struggled to break free from Naruto's embrace. This kind of arm-around-the-shoulder action made him feel very ashamed.
"Let's go, let's go!"
Naruto didn't mind, patted Uchiha Sasuke on the shoulder again, and took the lead in walking toward his home.
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