Haruto paused for a moment. Even Iruka, at the beginning, hadn't quite known how to face Naruto. From the very first day, Iruka had addressed him as "Haruto Kamiya," not "Kamiya-san," while calling Naruto simply "Uzumaki-kun." That alone said plenty.
And it made sense. Iruka's parents had died at the hands of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Remembering that, Haruto looked at him seriously and said, "I think Naruto is a good person."
Naruto, huh? Sounds like those two are closer than I thought. Iruka couldn't help thinking that after hearing Haruto use Naruto's given name.
"I see. That's good to hear." Iruka clearly didn't know how to continue and seemed ready to drop the topic.
"Iruka-sensei, I actually met Naruto before school started. Don't react. Just watch for a moment and you'll understand." Haruto's tone was solemn. He formed a hand seal, and in the next instant the very figure Iruka always struggled to face stood before him.
Iruka's eyes widened. Haruto had really mastered the Transformation Technique already? And not just barely—this Naruto looked so convincing that Iruka nearly forgot he was watching a jutsu.
Still remembering Haruto's warning, Iruka kept silent.
Soon, new customers arrived at Ichiraku Ramen. But the moment they saw "Naruto," their expressions twisted in disgust. A few muttered curses before turning and leaving altogether.
Iruka's chest tightened as he watched, something heavy settling in his heart.
Haruto released the transformation and said quietly, "Naruto deals with this every single day. The fact that he's still who he is… that's incredible. If it were me, I'd never be able to stay like Naruto."
Iruka was silent for a long moment before he finally said, "You're right. Naruto really has had it rough."
"Mm. Naruto didn't do anything wrong. He can't have done anything wrong. The villagers hate him because of his 'elders,' but from what I understand, Naruto has no family left. Putting their mistakes on him feels cruel to me." Haruto spoke calmly.
Iruka nodded. Haruto didn't know that the "elder" he referred to didn't actually exist—what the villagers hated was the monster sealed inside the boy. But Haruto wasn't wrong. Iruka himself had always known this deep down, yet couldn't quite push past his own trauma. Watching how the villagers treated Naruto just now forced him to confront how unfair he had been.
If he couldn't even be fair to his own student, what right did he have to call himself a teacher?
Breathing out slowly, finally feeling something unwind in his chest, Iruka managed a smile. "Anyway… Haruto, you really learned the Transformation Technique quickly. And you're already using it so skillfully. If I didn't know you just received the Three Basic Techniques, I would've thought you'd been practicing for weeks."
"They're very basic techniques. And very simple," Haruto replied, his hands moving again.
Iruka's eyes narrowed sharply.
The hand seal speed—
A heartbeat later, Haruto performed the Clone Technique and then the Substitution Technique. Iruka's jaw went slack. This level of proficiency—if it were wartime, Haruto could already graduate as a genin.
This wasn't "talent." This was monstrous talent.
"Haruto, Iruka—your ramen's ready!" Teuchi called cheerfully as he placed two steaming bowls in front of them.
"Iruka-sensei, let's eat." Haruto said.
"O-oh… right." Iruka was still half‑stunned as he slurped noodles mechanically.
Haruto had done it on purpose, of course. If he had powerful backing, he would have hidden his talent. But as a civilian student, he needed to show everything he had. Only then would he receive the protection and training he needed.
If he could somehow get personal tutelage from one of the Sannin, he'd rewrite his plans entirely. But that wasn't realistic. Orochimaru was already a rogue ninja. Even if he appeared and offered mentorship, Haruto wouldn't accept—not with his mother's safety to consider. Jiraiya was likely still wandering because of the Great Prophecy. And Tsunade… well, returning to this sorrow-filled village wasn't happening.
After finishing the ramen, Haruto and Iruka went their separate ways. Iruka clearly still hadn't fully recovered from the shock.
Haruto watched him leave with satisfaction—today's goal had been achieved. Word of his talent would reach the Third Hokage soon enough. The Sandaime might only hold a ceremonial "academy principal" title, but he did hold it.
Now, Haruto headed toward the training grounds. Even knowing how exceptional his ninjutsu aptitude was, he couldn't neglect the basics. Chakra reserves depended on physical strength. He needed to keep working.
He'd already spent much of his chakra today using the Three Basic Techniques repeatedly. Training them further could wait. Eventually he would start tree climbing and, later, water walking.
Those didn't require large chakra reserves—just delicate control. And after today's practice, Haruto was confident he'd learn both quickly.
He also wanted to start sparring with Rock Lee. Until now, fighting Lee would've been pure suffering, but now he at least had techniques to respond with. And then he would begin practicing Shadow Clones… and chakra shape change… and nature transformation…
Haruto rubbed his forehead. His schedule really was growing.
Still, this was good. He could feel himself improving. If he kept growing at this pace, graduation might bring an unexpected reward.
While Haruto continued his road toward strength, Iruka arrived at the Hokage's office.
"Hm? Iruka? What brings you here?" the Third Hokage asked, surprised but gentle as always.
Iruka glanced briefly at the crystal ball—clearly used recently—but thought nothing of it. He explained Haruto's abilities in full.
"Is that so? A fine young prospect indeed," the Third murmured, eyes brightening. After a moment of thought, he said, "There's no need to change teachers. I believe you are fully capable of guiding Haruto. But… you may teach him some material beyond the official curriculum."
"Yes, sir." Iruka bowed and took his leave.
The Third Hokage exhaled a thin trail of smoke, lost in thought.
A student like Haruto… this level of potential reminded him of Minato. Such talent could not be allowed to stagnate.
If circumstances allowed, he would even consider passing down that technique early. Just as Jiraiya once had with Minato.
If Konoha could see the rise of another Yellow Flash…
"It would be something worth looking forward to."