"No… nothing…"Iruka Umino exhaled deeply, steadying himself."I know at your age, emotions can fluctuate wildly," he said carefully, "but it's important to distinguish between what truly matters and what doesn't."He paused, letting his words sink in, then continued, "To become an exceptional ninja, you need more than intelligence or raw strength. You need determination, a firm will, and unyielding belief in yourself. Your philosophy of being a ninja—the code you follow—has always been your strongest point.""But," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly, "I can't help but wonder if you truly understand what it means, or if you've merely memorized it."Sakura Haruno lowered her gaze, her lips trembling."I…"Iruka sighed, his tone softening. "Sakura, the ninja world isn't a playground. The academy may shelter you, teach you, and guide you, but the real world outside is harsh. Every day will test you—through trials of iron and blood. In such circumstances, even a hair's breadth can determine life or death."He leaned closer, his expression earnest. "Your academic performance has always been exceptional, but you must focus on more than that. Improve your Ninjutsu, train for combat, temper your will. Don't pour all your energy into romantic feelings and distractions."Sakura's lips quivered, and she whispered, "But… some things aren't easy to let go…"Iruka's eyes softened. "I understand. Ninja are not meant to be emotionless. On the contrary, it is because we care for others—because we have people we admire and people we wish to protect—that we must become stronger. Only then can we stand by their side and truly protect them."He paused, giving her a meaningful look. "I know you've always had feelings for Sasuke, but remember this: your growth, your strength, should come first. Make yourself worthy—not just for him, but for yourself. Do you understand?"Sakura swallowed hard, her eyes glistening."Sasuke is a genius ninja. He has endured many misfortunes and hardships. Someone like him will not have the time, nor the heart, for adolescent games of romance. What he needs is someone who understands him, who can fight alongside him, and keep pace with him. That is how you should aim to be by his side."Sakura listened intently, half-understanding, but the tears she had tried to hold back spilled down her cheeks. She lowered her head, ashamed yet determined."I… I understand, Iruka-sensei," she whispered. "I will work even harder to become someone worthy of Sasuke-kun's affection."Iruka nodded, satisfied, though a small, awkward chuckle escaped him. "For a teacher to discuss matters of the heart with students—it feels a little… uncomfortable. But I'm glad you understand."He stood and turned to leave, but then paused at the door, looking back over his shoulder."Sakura… one more thing," he said, his voice gentler now. "Naruto… he struggles too. He's lonely, rejected, and ostracized by almost everyone. I hope you… can be a little kinder to him."He gave a bittersweet smile. "This isn't a teacher's request—it's my personal wish."After a final sigh, Iruka left, his figure slowly fading into the distance.Sakura watched, her heart a whirlwind of emotions.---Meanwhile, Iruka couldn't shake his concern as he walked through the village streets."Although helping young students is part of my duty," he muttered to himself, scratching his head, "talking to a girl about her emotions like this… it's beyond my comfort zone. I just hope she thinks it through."And then his thoughts shifted to Naruto. "That boy… he's been acting differently lately. Maybe I should check on him."Many teachers and students had noticed Iruka's attention to Naruto, and some had even frowned at it. But he couldn't help himself—seeing Naruto reminded him of his own younger self. He could not simply watch from afar.---The sun hung low, casting a warm golden glow as Iruka finally caught up with Naruto. The boy was in the midst of his training—performing weighted frog jumps while simultaneously studying, flipping pages of a textbook balanced on his lap."335… 336… odd changes… even doesn't change… 337…" Naruto counted aloud, sweat streaming down his face.Iruka's heart leapt in alarm. "He's studying while doing weighted frog jumps?!"He watched silently, careful not to interrupt. Passersby glanced curiously at the boy, but soon, many had grown accustomed to his rigorous routine. Persistent effort commands a certain respect—even among those who once mocked him.Naruto continued undeterred, ignoring every sneer, fully absorbed in both his physical and mental training. Iruka's lips curved into a relieved smile.---Soon, Naruto passed by Ichiraku Ramen, his favorite restaurant. Normally, this would be a stopping point, a distraction. But today, he didn't glance up. He continued on, sweat glistening on his forehead, eyes focused and determined.Iruka followed, dumbfounded. "Has he really become this disciplined?"When Naruto finally reached his home, he stopped the frog jumps, wiped his forehead, and allowed a small, satisfied smile. Then, with careful precision, he entered his home.Iruka didn't dare follow too closely. He noticed a utility pole opposite Naruto's window and silently climbed, concealing himself as he peered into the house.Inside, Naruto was cooking. Real cooking. Vegetables, eggs, meat, and milk—a balanced meal. Iruka's jaw dropped. "When did this kid become… capable?"The old Naruto would have survived on instant noodles or ramen alone. Yet here he was, preparing his meals with skill and care.And then he took out textbooks. Studying while cooking.Iruka could hardly believe his eyes. "This boy… he's like… someone else's child!"---From the shadows, the Anbu quietly monitored the scene. Several exchanged knowing glances."Should we report Iruka to the Hokage?" one whispered."No, Iruka isn't a bad person," another replied. "He was assigned to watch over Naruto at the academy. His concern… while excessive, comes from a place of care."Iruka, oblivious to the Anbu's gaze, carefully watched Naruto. The boy was transforming, not just in skill, but in character. Every movement spoke of determination and a resolve forged in solitude."He's… incredible," Iruka muttered under his breath, a mixture of pride and disbelief in his voice. "He's really… changing."Naruto finished preparing his meal, plated it neatly, and then returned to his studies, diligently taking notes as he ate. Iruka, perched silently on the pole, felt a swell of emotion.He had always believed in Naruto, but seeing him take these steps alone—balancing physical training, academics, and personal growth—was profoundly moving.In that moment, Iruka understood something fundamental about being a ninja: growth comes not just from instruction or guidance, but from the will to push forward, even when no one is watching. Naruto had embraced this truth fully, and Iruka's heart swelled with hope for the boy's future."Someday," he whispered to himself, "this kid will be unstoppable."As the sun set, casting long shadows across the village, Iruka finally climbed down, his eyes lingering on Naruto's glowing determination. He had witnessed something rare—a young ninja finding his path, through discipline, effort, and an unwavering will to become more than he once was.And in that quiet moment, the teacher realized: the lessons he had given to Sakura, the guidance he had provided to Naruto, had all begun to take root. Growth wasn't always visible, but it was undeniable.And so, with the fading sunlight casting a golden glow over Konoha, both student and teacher looked toward a future full of promise, challenges, and the unyielding spirit that defines a true ninja.
Advance Chapters avilable on patreon (Obito_uchiha)