The old man was shocked.
Iruka was shocked too! He couldn't understand how Naruto, at such a young age, could grasp such a truth. The way he spoke about human nature was too…
Cunning!
Iruka thought about it for a long while and finally settled on those four words to describe his impression of Naruto.
"Teacher Iruka, are you wondering how someone like me could know this at such a young age? Shouldn't it be something only adults understand?" Naruto chuckled as he caught the look of disbelief in Iruka's eyes.
Iruka gave a small, embarrassed nod. He hadn't expected his thoughts to be read so easily, but since Naruto had already seen through him, there was no point in denying it.
"Indeed, Naruto. To me, a child like you shouldn't be able to understand such things. Your grasp of human nature… it's something I would expect from seasoned shinobi. Even a few jōnin have said the same. So when I heard you speak like that, I was honestly surprised! This isn't something a boy your age should understand. Just a few days ago, you were still running around causing mischief, and now it feels like overnight you've turned into a grown shinobi who has weathered hardship. The change is too fast."
Iruka voiced his concerns. His words carried not just curiosity, but also worry.
"There's nothing strange about it, Iruka-sensei," Naruto replied with a faint smile. "When you've been through life and death, you start to understand things differently. Maybe it's just the wisdom that comes from being a child who's already faced too much. After the incident with Mizuki, I realized something—when faced with life and death, there are things you can compromise on… and things you absolutely cannot."
The two continued their conversation as they walked to the Academy. By the time Iruka led Naruto to the classroom, the other students had already been assigned to their teams. Inside, only three people remained.
Naruto recognized them instantly.
Old acquaintances.
The silver-haired man by the window, forehead protector slanted to cover one eye, was none other than Hatake Kakashi—the infamous "Copy Ninja" of Konoha.
Sitting in the middle with his chin resting on his hands, radiating an aura of aloofness and wearing the fan crest of the Uchiha clan, was Uchiha Sasuke. The brooding genius every girl admired.
And staring at Sasuke with lovestruck eyes, completely oblivious to anyone else's presence, was Haruno Sakura. As expected, her chest was still as flat as a scroll—Naruto couldn't help but mock her in his thoughts.
Iruka gestured toward Kakashi. "Kakashi-sensei, your last student is here."
Kakashi had been dozing off and hadn't noticed when Iruka and Naruto entered. Only after Iruka spoke did he lazily open one eye. "Oh. Good."
Iruka didn't comment further. He knew Kakashi's habits well—this man was always late. He even dared to keep the Hokage waiting, so having students wait was nothing unusual. What did surprise Iruka was that, for once, Kakashi had been the one waiting—for Naruto, of all people.
Naruto, of course, knew this was only because he had wasted too much time earlier causing trouble in the clothing shop.
Meanwhile, Sakura was bubbling with excitement. The moment she learned she was on the same team as Sasuke, her heart nearly burst with joy. Finally, she had the chance to spend every day close to him—take that, Ino!
But fate always balances things out. Along with getting Sasuke, she also got the so-called "Dead Last," Naruto Uzumaki.
Her reaction was immediate—pure happiness one moment, sour disappointment the next. She looked at Naruto as if the heavens had played a cruel joke on her.
Naruto noticed the scowl she threw his way.
Tch, this shallow girl.
Still, something was different about Sakura today. Though she clearly disliked him, she also seemed a bit startled. If Iruka hadn't introduced him, she might not have recognized Naruto at all.
"No way…? How did this guy suddenly get… handsome? Almost like Sasuke-kun! Now there are two good-looking boys on the team! Ino's going to lose her mind!" Sakura thought, her eyes darting between Naruto and Sasuke.
Naruto smirked to himself. Typical Sakura—her words and thoughts always running in opposite directions. To think he was stuck in the same squad with this shallow fangirl, an arrogant Uchiha, and a perpetually late sensei… he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
If only I could have been teamed with Hinata instead…
Sakura, on the other hand, was unsettled. Why wasn't Naruto acting like his usual self? Normally, he would've jumped at the chance to get her attention. But today, he ignored her completely, even looking at her with a hint of disdain.
Did she not put on her makeup properly? Or was her outfit wrong?
She couldn't figure it out. Something about Naruto was definitely off today.
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third sat in silence, smoking his pipe.
"Hokage-sama, do you really mean to withdraw half of the Anbu currently monitoring Naruto?" asked an Anbu in a tiger mask, his tone filled with doubt.
"Well, Naruto is now under Kakashi's watch. During the day, he won't escape Kakashi's eyes, so there's no need to waste ANBU resources. Just keep surveillance at night. The rest of the freed manpower should be redirected to monitor Danzō. That old fox has been restless lately—I suspect he's planning something underhanded."
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, slowly exhaled a ring of smoke, his expression clouded with worry.
"But Naruto just caused such a stir today… I'm afraid two ANBU won't be enough to keep track of him," the ANBU in the tiger mask hesitated, voicing his concern.
"It will be fine. At night, your task is simply to ensure he doesn't run around. During the day, Kakashi will handle him—Naruto won't be able to make any waves under his guidance. And remember, no matter how much potential he shows, he is still just a child. The only forbidden technique he managed to learn was the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, and even that isn't as unstoppable as people might think."
Sarutobi tapped his pipe, his voice calm but firm.
"A child who has been active all day must eventually sleep. Without rest, how could he have the energy to train or study? The surveillance at night is not just for Naruto's sake, but also to prevent Danzō and his faction from making a move on him."
When he mentioned Danzō, a sharp glint flickered in the Hokage's eyes. It was clear he harbored deep suspicion—and fear—of his old comrade.
"Carry out the order."
"Yes, Lord Hokage!"