"Iruka, what is your opinion?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked quietly, leaning on his cane as his eyes studied the younger ninja beside him.Iruka's gaze fell to the floor. His fingers twisted nervously. "I… I don't really know… I just… I'm worried about how Naruto will react once he realizes he killed someone. And… and what others might think of him." His voice trembled.Hiruzen smiled softly. "You always put Naruto's feelings first, don't you?"Iruka flinched slightly but nodded."That's why I made the right decision asking you to watch over him," Hiruzen continued. "Naruto… he values you more than anything. He would risk his life for you. That bond… it is unique."Iruka's eyes welled with tears. "I… I feel guilty… and scared. Scared of what Naruto went through, of what he's capable of…"Hiruzen nodded knowingly, his own heart heavy. "I understand, Iruka. But your kindness, the way you care for him every day… that is what forged that bond."Iruka lowered his head, swallowing hard. The weight of the truth pressed against him. He had always seen Naruto as a mischievous, troublemaking boy, a kid the village dismissed. But now…Now, he understood just how extraordinary Naruto truly was.Fortunately, after Naruto had passed out, the system's punishment had stopped automatically. Even Kurama, who had been silently observing, felt a small relief—but it was mixed with shock.For the first time, Kurama paid real attention to Naruto. For a thousand years, the Nine-Tails had witnessed countless human joys and sorrows, countless deaths and betrayals. But nothing had prepared him for the sight of a child so young, enduring unimaginable pain, yet still determined to protect someone else.Lightning arced across Naruto's body, yet he had refused to yield, refusing to succumb to the system's punishment. His mind and heart had been singularly focused on saving Iruka, and in doing so… killing Mizuki.The intensity, the obsession, the raw emotion—it was terrifying. Even Kurama, who had seen centuries of human suffering, could not comprehend it.And yet, despite all the chaos and brutality Naruto had endured, he had emerged alive, clutching the fragile thread of his humanity. It was a miracle… and Kurama could not ignore it.---Hours passed like slow rivers of time. Naruto didn't know how long he'd been unconscious. Darkness, pain, and the weight of the system's punishment had blurred the boundaries between reality and nightmare.Then, abruptly, he woke up. His eyes shot open. He sat bolt upright, his chest heaving."Iruka-sensei!" he shouted, his voice cracking with relief and disbelief.A pair of arms steadied him before he could fall forward. "Naruto… I'm here," Iruka said gently. "You're safe now."Naruto's eyes blurred with tears as he saw the familiar, warm face of his mentor. He hadn't realized just how desperate he had been to see it again. "Iruka-sensei… you're… okay?""I'm fine," Iruka reassured him, hugging him tightly. "The important thing is that you're safe, Naruto. That's all that matters."Naruto sniffled, overwhelmed by emotion. Relief, guilt, joy—they swirled together. "I… I don't remember what happened…"Iruka hesitated. He knew the truth was painful, even terrifying, for someone in Naruto's fragile state. But he also owed it to Naruto, and he had promised to be honest. "You saved me, Naruto. And… you… you killed Mizuki."Naruto froze. "I… I killed someone?!"Iruka nodded solemnly. "You did. But you did it to protect yourself, and to save me. Mizuki… he was dangerous. He intended to kill both of us."Naruto's hands trembled as he tried to grasp the enormity of what he'd done. Killing… it was a word heavy with consequence. Yet beneath the shock, a small spark of pride flickered, mingled with the relief that Iruka-sensei was alive.Iruka sighed. "Mizuki was my friend once. I never imagined he could harbor such malice. But if he had succeeded, neither of us would be here today."Naruto blinked, trying to steady his racing heart. "So… it's… okay?"Iruka smiled softly. "Yes, Naruto. You saved my life. And I'll never forget that."Warmth spread through Naruto's chest. For the first time, he felt truly seen—not as the village outcast, not as the mischievous troublemaker, but as someone capable of extraordinary courage.After a moment, Naruto let out a breath and scratched his head awkwardly. "I… I guess if it were the other way around, I'd have saved you too, right?"Iruka chuckled softly. "Without a doubt, Naruto. You would.""Then it's all good!" Naruto exclaimed, leaping from the bed with a stretch and a yawn. "I… I must have missed so much training!"Iruka's eyes widened slightly. "A whole day has passed."Naruto's eyes went wide. "A whole day?!""Yes. But don't worry—you'll catch up quickly with your effort."Naruto laughed, a sound of pure joy. "You're right! Hahahaha!"---Meanwhile, word of Mizuki's death spread quickly through Konoha. The story wasn't merely about Mizuki's betrayal, or even his death. It was about Naruto—the boy who dared to kill, who stood against a rogue ninja while still a student.The villagers were shocked, their whispers and speculations filling the air like an electric current. Even the Ninja Academy students couldn't hide their astonishment.In the corner of the training grounds, Sasuke Uchiha watched Naruto's carefree movements, his fists clenching. "That… Diao Che Wei actually killed Mizuki?" he muttered, disbelief lacing his voice."How… how is that possible? He's still a kid… yet he…?"Sasuke's fists slammed against a nearby tree, splinters flying in protest. The girls trailing behind him jumped back in surprise."I will never lose to him!" he growled, eyes burning with determination.But even as he raged, he couldn't deny the relief in his chest. Naruto was alive. For now."Yes… fortunately, he didn't die. Not yet," Sasuke murmured, walking into the classroom. His mind raced, torn between rivalry and the recognition of Naruto's incredible strength. "I won't let him surpass me… not before I'm ready."---Back in the classroom, Naruto moved with casual ease, his hands clasped behind his head. He had survived something most could only imagine in nightmares, yet his focus wasn't on fear or regret. It was on Iruka, on his friends, and on the path he must walk.Despite the whispers, the stares, and the growing legend surrounding him, Naruto felt a quiet certainty. Strength came not from hatred, or from vengeance, but from bonds forged in fire—bonds like the one he shared with Iruka-sensei. Bonds that would endure, no matter the trials ahead.And somewhere deep inside, Kurama watched silently, a flicker of something new in his ancient eyes: concern, curiosity, and perhaps, a hint of respect.For the first time, the Nine-Tails realized that Naruto was not merely a child. He was a force unto himself, a maelstrom of will and emotion, and a soul that would not break, no matter the pain inflicted upon it.The journey ahead would be long. The world would grow darker, filled with challenges and enemies yet unseen. But one thing was certain: Naruto Uzumaki, the boy who saved his teacher and killed his enemy, had begun a path that would change not only Konoha, but perhaps the entire ninja world.And as he laughed, stretched, and prepared for another day, the village—unaware yet—was about to witness the rise of a legend.
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