While Menma continued down the path he had set for himself step by step, Iruka wrapped up his lessons for the day.
However, instead of staying at the school or heading home, he made his way to the Hokage Tower—the very building Menma had been gazing at.
Unlike ordinary teachers in charge of ordinary classes, Iruka's class was filled with VIPs.
Even putting aside Menma, Naruto, and Sasuke...
Shikamaru, Ino, Shino, Chōji, Kiba... these kids represented the next generation of the major clans of the Hidden Leaf. Just based on this roster, Iruka's position was inherently more critical than that of other teachers.
Over the past few years, Iruka had to report to the Hokage Tower regularly.
Especially concerning Menma and Sasuke.
Those two were the highest-priority observation targets.
One had the Nine-Tails inside him. The other had a brother with a Mangekyō Sharingan watching from the shadows.
The "Konoha F4"—Hiruzen and his advisors—had no choice but to take them seriously.
Iruka understood this perfectly. In his daily teaching, he paid meticulous attention to their academic progress and, most importantly, their psychological state.
Today, following Hiruzen's orders, he had come for his scheduled report. This would likely be the last—and most important—report before graduation.
"Lord Hokage!"
Iruka navigated the familiar corridors and entered the Hokage's private office.
As soon as he stepped inside, Iruka knelt on one knee, respectfully greeting Hiruzen, who was still busy scribbling away at paperwork.
"Ah? Is that you, Iruka? No need for formalities. Stand up. Just give me a moment to finish this document."
"Yes, Lord Third."
Iruka lowered his head in acknowledgment, stood up slowly, and waited quietly with his hands at his sides.
A few moments later.
Hiruzen finished the last document.
He looked up at Iruka.
"Iruka."
"Yes, Lord Third. Here is the list."
Iruka understood the cue immediately. He stepped forward and handed over the file he had brought.
The file contained detailed records of the daily performance of certain students in his class.
Naturally, the focus was on Menma and a few others.
"Hmm. You've worked hard these past few years, Iruka."
After scanning the contents of the file, a faint smile appeared on Hiruzen's face.
Hiruzen was genuinely satisfied with Iruka's meticulous nature.
This was exactly why he had chosen Iruka to lead this class in the first place.
Sasuke ending up there was purely coincidental.
But Menma and Naruto? The twin sons of Minato and Kushina required a carefully selected instructor. Especially Menma, the current Jinchūriki. Hiruzen had deliberated for a long time before settling on Iruka.
Loyalty, ability, and personality—Iruka scored high in all three.
Looking back now, the choice had been perfect.
Over six years, Iruka had managed the class flawlessly.
Although Menma's personality was a bit cold, his overall growth was normal.
That was enough.
Hiruzen had lived a long time and knew the history of Jinchūriki in other villages. He had been deeply worried that Menma, becoming a vessel in infancy, might develop in a twisted or dangerous way.
But everything seemed normal.
The next step was to continue down this path, further cultivating Menma's identification with and loyalty to the village, as well as building trust with others.
Only then could Menma become a staunch pillar of the village, just like Mito Uzumaki and Kushina Uzumaki before him.
That was Hiruzen's hope.
"No, it is my duty and obligation," Iruka replied respectfully, keeping his head lowered.
"Hmm. I will consider your suggestions carefully. Pay close attention during the graduation exam. It's the final step, so we must tread carefully."
"Yes, Lord Third!"
Iruka bowed deeply.
Then, at Hiruzen's signal, Iruka took two steps back, turned, and left the office.
Twelve years... Time really flies.
Hiruzen leaned back in his chair, glancing at the portraits of the previous Hokage hanging on the wall. His gaze settled on the fourth one—Minato Namikaze.
Minato, your and Kushina's children have grown up strong. I believe they will inherit your Will of Fire and become the Leaf's most steadfast guardians.
A look of nostalgia appeared in his cloudy eyes.
Then, he opened a drawer on his left and pulled out a dark-colored scroll. He unrolled it and scanned the list of names.
His gaze finally settled on one specific name.
There was no hesitation.
Hiruzen made his decision.
He should be the one to lead the team.
It was the perfect choice. In fact, it was the only choice.
In Hiruzen's mind, there was no one in the current Hidden Leaf more suitable to lead Menma after graduation.
The son of the White Fang. The direct subordinate of the Fourth Hokage. One of the truest inheritors of the Will of Fire in Hiruzen's eyes.
Kakashi Hatake.
"Monkey."
"Lord Third."
Hiruzen spoke softly.
A second later.
A black-clad figure appeared out of thin air, bowing respectfully.
"Notify Kakashi. Tell him to see me tonight."
"Yes!"
The figure acknowledged the order in a low voice and vanished instantly.
After the ANBU left, Hiruzen stood up, pipe in mouth, and walked to the large window behind his desk. He looked out at the darkening village, took a deep drag, and exhaled a ring of smoke.
New Year is almost here again.
---
Time flew by.
December passed in a flash.
It was now January, Year 60 of the Hidden Leaf.
Menma, Naruto, Sasuke, and the rest officially faced their graduation exam.
Just like in the original story, the exam content hadn't changed: Mastery of the Three Basic Techniques.
Among them, the Clone Technique was the key focus.
For Menma, however, this was a walk in the park.
"Clone Technique."
In a spacious classroom at the Academy.
Menma stood in the center. He performed the hand seals, effortlessly releasing the jutsu.
"Hmm. Pass."
Seeing the two intangible clones appear beside Menma, Iruka—acting as the chief examiner—nodded in satisfaction and smiled.