The news that Naruto stole the Scroll of Seals spread quickly.
At this time, Naruto's teacher, Iruka, couldn't sleep because of the Third Hokage's words during the day.
"Iruka, the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine Tails into Naruto because he wanted everyone to see him as a hero."
"I think you should understand the reason behind his pranks."
The reason for Naruto's pranks?
Iruka's childhood memories resurfaced in his mind.
Because his parents died at the hands of the Nine Tails, he vented his grievances on Naruto.
He thought Naruto would be a positive and good boy, but the mischievous Naruto only made Iruka hate him more.
However, in the end, because of the Third Hokage's words,
Iruka came to realize that Naruto's behavior was actually similar to his own back then.
To make a scene, just wanting everyone to acknowledge his existence.
No one can truly overcome loneliness.
Just as Iruka was struggling with these thoughts, the news that Naruto had stolen the Scroll of Seals reached his ears.
A group of ninjas soon gathered in the Hokage office building.
They were filled with righteous indignation and wanted to capture Naruto, considering his identity along with the Scroll of Seals.
If something went wrong, the entire Konoha Village could face a catastrophe.
Unfortunately, in the end, only Iruka found Naruto, who had just learned ninjutsu in the woods.
The discerning people rubbed their fingers in embarrassment.
If you can't see through this obvious trick, you're truly ignorant.
The Third Hokage was clearly testing Naruto.
It was an attempt to help their Jinchūriki succeed as a ninja.
Meanwhile, the Konoha Village ninjas gathered in front of the Hokage building. Were the ninjas in Konoha Village just idle?
Not to mention the Anbu in the shadows.
Looking for someone?
It was a simple task.
In the end, only Iruka found Naruto.
This was clearly because Iruka had a similar past to Naruto, and he understood Naruto's feelings better than anyone else.
It could be seen from Naruto's school days that, although Iruka disliked Naruto, it was different from how others viewed him.
He still adhered to the principle of not giving up and not abandoning, and he felt responsible for Naruto, his student.
Therefore, Iruka was more effective than anyone else in forming a bond with Naruto.
Use this connection!
Make the most of it!
However, this method is common for someone in a high position, as a leader.
It is quite incompetent to lack ways to manage people's emotions.
Naruto was very happy to see Iruka approach him.
"Iruka-sensei, I've learned the ninjutsu from the scroll. Can I graduate now?"
However, Iruka was confused.
After further questioning, he realized that Mizuki had tricked Naruto into learning the ninjutsu in the Scroll of Seals, claiming it would allow him to graduate.
Upon learning he was deceived, Iruka wanted to take Naruto away but was attacked by Mizuki.
At the critical moment, Iruka pushed Naruto aside and took the full brunt of Mizuki's attack.
"Hahaha..."
"Naruto, you don't know this, but everyone knows what has been kept secret from you."
Seeing that Mizuki was about to reveal the secret, Iruka shouted repeatedly, "No, Mizuki..."
"You are a demon fox!"
"You are the demon fox that killed Iruka's family twelve years ago."
"Naruto, Iruka hates you, he hates you very much, don't trust him. Just give me the Scroll of Seals."
Naruto felt like he was struck by lightning, standing there in shock.
Demon Fox!
No wonder everyone called him a demon fox, no wonder they shunned him and called him a monster.
He turned out to be the demon fox that killed Iruka-sensei's family.
However, Naruto didn't believe Mizuki's words. The harsh revelation left him unsure of whom to trust, so he fled with the Scroll of Seals.
The injured Iruka was no match for Mizuki.
He was soon cornered.
"Iruka, you're foolish to work so hard for the demon fox."
"Fine, then die."
Facing death, Iruka smiled, "Naruto is not a demon fox."
"He understands the pain of the human heart, something the demon fox could never grasp."
"He is determined, and sometimes appears slow."
"But now, he is Naruto."
"He is my student, whom I recognize!"
Iruka's words were overheard by Naruto, who was hiding nearby.
For the first time, he felt recognized.
Naruto broke down in tears.
He finally realized that his hard work had not been in vain.
If one person could acknowledge him, then surely others would follow.
"Are you done talking? If so, prepare to die!"
Just as Mizuki was about to attack Iruka, a figure suddenly burst out from the woods.
With a single kick, he sent Mizuki flying ten meters away.
"How dare you attack Iruka-sensei? Watch out, or I'll kill you."
Looking at the fierce Naruto before him, Iruka was stunned.
He couldn't believe that Naruto could kick Mizuki over ten meters with one strike.
At this moment, Naruto's eyes blazed with fury, and the marks on his face became more intense with rage.
"Now, let me show you the ninjutsu I just learned."
"Multiple Shadow Clone Technique!"
...
Hiss!
As the smoke cleared in the woods, everyone couldn't help but gasp.
Naruto, who couldn't even perform a Clone Technique, had mastered the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique.
Even more astonishing, this time there were over a hundred clones.