The news that Uzumaki Naruto had stolen the sealed scroll spread rapidly through Konoha.
Meanwhile, Naruto's teacher, Iruka Umino, lay awake, troubled by the words of the Third Hokage earlier that day.
"Iruka, the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine-Tails into Naruto because he wanted everyone to see him as a hero. I think you understand the reason behind Naruto's mischief."
These words echoed in Iruka's mind, forcing him to confront his feelings toward Naruto.
As a child, Iruka had lost his parents to the Nine-Tails' attack. Filled with grief and anger, he had subconsciously directed his resentment at Naruto. Every prank Naruto pulled served as a painful reminder, intensifying Iruka's hatred.
Yet, deep down, he knew the truth. Naruto's pranks weren't malicious but a cry for attention, a desperate attempt to be acknowledged. Iruka saw a reflection of himself in the boy. As someone who had once felt the sting of loneliness, Iruka could no longer ignore Naruto's pain.
As Iruka wrestled with his emotions, a sudden knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Sensei, Naruto has stolen the sealed scroll!" the messenger shouted.
The words struck Iruka like lightning. Without hesitation, he dashed out to find his student.
---
At the Hokage office, a group of shinobi had assembled, furious and demanding immediate action.
"Hokage-sama, the scroll contains dangerous forbidden techniques! If Naruto misuses it, Konoha could face a catastrophe."
Sarutobi Hiruzen maintained his composure, waving them off with a calm but firm gesture. "Naruto is still a child. Do not overreact. Iruka will handle this situation."
His confidence seemed misplaced to some, but for those who understood the Third Hokage's methods, it was clear: this was a test, not only for Naruto but for Iruka as well.
---
In a secluded forest, Naruto eagerly studied the scroll Mizuki had told him to steal.
"Once I master this ninjutsu, I'll graduate!" Naruto thought, his determination unwavering.
Unbeknownst to him, Mizuki's true intentions were far more sinister.
When Iruka finally found Naruto, the boy was practicing a technique he had just learned.
"Naruto! What have you done?" Iruka shouted, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and concern.
"Sensei!" Naruto exclaimed, smiling. "I learned a new jutsu! Can I graduate now?"
Before Iruka could respond, Mizuki appeared, clapping mockingly.
"Well done, Naruto," Mizuki sneered, stepping closer. "Now hand over the scroll."
Iruka immediately stood protectively in front of Naruto, his kunai drawn.
"Mizuki, you traitor! What are you planning?"
Mizuki smirked. "You still don't get it, do you, Iruka? Naruto isn't a normal kid. He's the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed in human form. He's the monster that killed your family and destroyed this village twelve years ago."
Naruto froze. The words cut deep, leaving him paralyzed with shock.
Iruka's heart sank as he saw the pain in Naruto's eyes.
Mizuki continued, his voice dripping with malice. "Everyone in the village knows. They just didn't want to tell you, demon fox. Iruka doesn't care about you. He hates you, just like everyone else!"
Naruto dropped the scroll and backed away, his mind spinning. Was this why everyone looked at him with fear and hatred?
Seeing Naruto's distress, Iruka found his voice. "Stop it, Mizuki! Naruto isn't the demon fox. He's Uzumaki Naruto, my student!"
Mizuki laughed cruelly. "You're a fool, Iruka. Why protect a monster?"
Ignoring the pain from his injuries, Iruka turned to Naruto. "Naruto, listen to me. You are not the Nine-Tails. You're a hardworking, stubborn, and clumsy kid who dreams of becoming Hokage. You're nothing like the monster Mizuki describes."
Naruto's eyes filled with tears. No one had ever defended him like this.
But Mizuki wasn't done. "Enough talk, Iruka. Die with your precious monster!" Mizuki lunged at Iruka, intent on finishing him off.
Suddenly, a blur of orange shot between them.
"Don't you dare hurt Iruka-sensei!" Naruto shouted, his voice filled with rage. He landed a powerful kick, sending Mizuki crashing into a tree.
Both Mizuki and Iruka stared in disbelief. Naruto's strength was unreal.
But Naruto wasn't done. His chakra surged, and he made a hand sign.
"Let me show you what I've learned!" Naruto declared. "Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
In an instant, the forest filled with hundreds of Naruto clones, each glaring at Mizuki with fierce determination.
Mizuki's confidence crumbled as the clones charged.
"No! Stay back!" Mizuki screamed, trying to fend them off, but the sheer number overwhelmed him.
Within moments, Mizuki lay unconscious, defeated by the very boy he had tried to manipulate.
---
As the first rays of dawn broke through the trees, Iruka and Naruto sat side by side, catching their breath.
"Naruto," Iruka said, his voice soft but firm. "Close your eyes for a moment."
Confused but trusting, Naruto complied.
When he opened them, Iruka was holding his forehead protector.
"Congratulations," Iruka said with a smile. "You're officially a ninja."
Tears streamed down Naruto's face as he tied the forehead protector around his head. For the first time, he felt truly accepted.
---
Back at the Hokage office, Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the sunrise with a satisfied smile.
"Well done, Naruto," he murmured. "You've taken your first step toward becoming Hokage."
Even as the village buzzed with the news of the night's events, one thing was clear: Naruto's journey was just beginning.
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