Konoha Notes

Chapter 306 Iruka Naruto
The addition of another student to the class had no impact on Iruka.

He even felt like he had come back to life. The last time he took Naruto to the stadium area, when he met Shuji and Mei Terumi, Naruto's words made him feel that his future career would be extremely bleak.

Of course, Iruka didn't want to speculate about what the village's higher-ups were doing, nor would he make any guesses.

I simply feel that I wouldn't be surprised if I were ever sent overseas to carry out a mission.

After a month of inner turmoil, in the end, they only managed to get one more student admitted...

"besides?"

Iruka was taken aback when he received the new notification. It wasn't the academic year adjustment period, so where did all these transfer students come from? He had never seen so many outsiders when he was in the Ninja Academy.

"What's the problem?" Ebisu pushed up his sunglasses. "This is the village's mission."

This elite teacher had his reasons: the students sent by Kumogakure were of high caliber, and placing them in ordinary classes would only make the Konoha students seem mediocre. It was better to put them in Iruka's class, where Sasuke Uchiha, the top student in the grade, would keep the Kumogakure students from standing out too much.

"But the teaching methods of Kumogakure and Konoha..."

"Do it our way."

Facing Ebisu, who was both a senior and a special Jonin, Iruka did not ask any further questions.

He has been well taken care of. Whenever a problem arises, although Ebisu's expression is not good at the time, he does not blame him too much afterward.

Iruka obediently went to pick them up, and as the five Cloud Village boys and girls walked into the classroom, the class instantly erupted in chaos. Maintaining order, explaining the lesson, answering curious questions... it was a chaotic day, but they managed to get through it.

Just when he thought the day was finally coming to a peaceful end, that most troublesome guy popped up again.

"Iruka-sensei! I've finished learning the Transformation Jutsu!"

Iruka's eye twitched.

He formed a hand seal, and white smoke exploded—but what appeared was a short "Iruka" with twisted features, looking like he had been punched and the swelling hadn't gone down yet.

"Unqualified."

"I guess you could say this was conjured up, Iruka-sensei?"

"No."

"Ughhh—" Naruto deactivated his transformation, scratching his head in frustration. "I already told Shikamaru and the others! They'll definitely be able to test chakra attributes this time!"

“This is your mistake for not studying ninjutsu properly, Naruto.” Iruka picked up the lesson plan. “It has nothing to do with your teacher.”

But seeing Naruto's state, Iruka said, "No matter what, I will not test your chakra attributes if you can't even master the basic techniques."

"However, since you've been studying hard, I'll treat you to ramen today."

Naruto was about to stay quiet, but Iruka turned his head away and said, "Since you don't like it, then forget it."

"Ah! Let's go! I want to eat five bowls!"

"No, two bowls. Teacher, I haven't received my salary yet." Iruka waved his hand.

"Stingy." Naruto stared at him.

"You better express your gratitude properly, Naruto!" Iruka swung the lesson plan around and hit him on the head.

"Ouch... I understand, it's so petty of an adult..."

The two walked out of the ninja academy one after the other. Naruto walked in Iruka's shadow, muttering things like "I'll do better next time." As they approached the intersection of the shopping street, Naruto suddenly stopped.

"Ah, it's Shuji—"

The second half of his sentence got stuck in his throat. Iruka's hand was already gripping his shoulder, the tightness of his fingers making Naruto grimace.

He was turned around and faced Iruka's face.

Iruka's eyes were unusually empty at that moment, and although the corners of his mouth were curved upwards, they were devoid of any warmth.

"Naruto."

Naruto's cheek muscles began to tremble.

Do you want to never see your teacher again?

The blond boy shook his head frantically: "No, Iruka-sensei...you're so scary..." "Please, let's go eat ramen now, and I'll give you an extra Naruto roll." Iruka didn't dare to think that if Naruto went over again this time, he wouldn't start by asking where the long-haired older sister was.

At that point, I might not even get the treatment of being exiled overseas.

"Yes Yes……"

Naruto hunched over and was half-dragged, half-pulled away by Iruka.
-
Just as Naruto took a starting stance, Shuuji stopped in his tracks, and Samui followed his gaze.

"That child... is the one I saw at the ramen shop before."

"Is the other one, Chunin Iruka?"

Shuji nodded.

The two watched as Iruka half-dragged, half-carried Naruto away, and they disappeared around the street corner.

“The two of them seem to have a very good relationship,” Samui said. “It seems to be more than just teacher and student.”

"It's like a father and child."

Shuji said, "In terms of age, we should count from the older brother and the mischievous younger brother."

After all, Iruka is only ten years older than Naruto.

"Among the students on this exchange program is Atsi, isn't that Miss Sami's younger brother?"

Samui looked away: "Being an older sister is probably a different experience than being an older brother."

“Azui wanted to spar with Konoha ninjas beforehand, so he volunteered to come.”

"If possible, I want to send him back."

"He's bound to cause trouble at school."

Shuji said, "Don't make things difficult for Ebisu. He just arranged the classes."

"Moreover, Atsui is a sixth-year student and can graduate at any time. The exchange training between Konoha and Kumogakure is to improve the competitiveness of both sides in martial arts competitions."

"Practicing in advance and improving will help you achieve your goal."

"Besides, Miss Samui will also be teaching at the Ninja Academy. If anything goes wrong, you, as her older sister, can handle it."

The usually reserved female ninja from Kumogakure couldn't help but sigh softly.

Shuji changed the subject: "Speaking of which, many of the ninjas in Kumogakure have shoulder markings."

“This award is given only to those who excel in a particular area and receive recognition,” Sam said.

"Azii's goal is to achieve 'hot' shoulder lines on the shoulders."

"The ninjas of Konoha must also have a similar tradition."

"Yes, the Anbu."

There's no need to keep it a secret. After all, the tattoos on the arms of the Konoha Anbu have always been there, and with the Anbu's sleeveless suits, the markings have always been visible to the naked eye.

They turned into a narrow street.

There are machiya (traditional townhouses) on both sides, with warm yellow light shining through the window lattices, and a confectionery shop at the end.

Lifting the curtain to enter the room, a sweet aroma wafted over. The shop was empty. The two sat down in a seat near the back, and waited for the proprietress to bring tea and two plates of dumplings before leaving.

Samui said softly, "There's still no result regarding the disappearance of the village's ninjas, but the Raikage has sent back some new information."

"During the Five Kage Summit, it wasn't just Kumogakure that had missing ninja squads; Sunagakure probably had some as well."

"Did they also disappear at sea?"

"Yes, according to the investigation, they all went missing while on duty at sea."

Shuji fell silent. Could this be another movie that's leaked out ahead of schedule?
From the Box of Bliss, to the Empty Ninja, and then to the Wraith...

"I understand. Konoha will send someone to confirm the situation with Sunagakure first."

(End of this chapter)