Naruto: All depends on the Nine-tails Fox

As always, the sun shone down warmly on the streets of Konoha, signaling the start of a new day.

"Lord Hokage." A young man with a headband and a distinct scar across his face hesitated before lightly knocking on the Hokage's office door. Entering, he quickly bowed upon seeing the familiar hat of the Hokage. "Chūnin Iruka reporting for duty."

"Oh, Iruka, you're early," the Third Hokage greeted, looking up from his reports with a smile. "Wait a moment, I'll finish this paperwork, then we can chat."

After setting aside several files, the Third Hokage turned his gaze back to the visibly tense Iruka, calmly drawing on his pipe. "No need to be nervous. I just wanted to check in on how things are going. How have you been adjusting to your time teaching at the Academy?"

"Oh, yes… well, I actually quite enjoy it. I think I have a knack for teaching." Iruka smiled awkwardly, his voice softening under the Third Hokage's kind gaze. "The students are lively, a bit mischievous, but they come from good families who've taught them respect, so they take their studies seriously."

"Well, the scars of war still linger for many villagers." The Hokage sighed as he exhaled a puff of smoke. "This is why it's so important for the children to be in school, to keep them away from the violence that still shadows us. Only by letting them grow up together can we preserve that innocence for as long as possible."

"I've received several reports commending your teaching," the Hokage added, lifting a stack of papers with a pleased smile.

"That… that's too kind of you." Iruka's face reddened. "May I ask, Lord Hokage, if there was something specific you wanted to discuss today?"

"Oh! Look at me, going off-topic." The Hokage chuckled, shaking his head. "Yes, I actually wanted to talk to you about Uzumaki Naruto."

"Uzumaki… Naruto?" Iruka's eyes dropped. He knew well what that name symbolized.

"Iruka," the Third Hokage said gently, standing and placing a reassuring hand on Iruka's shoulder. "Your parents were heroes of Konoha, sacrificing themselves to protect the village in the Nine-Tails' attack. You've grown strong through their legacy. So tell me, how do you feel about Naruto now?"

"How do I feel?" Iruka's expression grew conflicted as he closed his eyes. "Lord Hokage, to be honest, I still harbor a deep hatred for the Nine-Tails. But I know that Naruto himself isn't the Nine-Tails. Still… it's hard to look at him as just a child."

"That's understandable, and it's how many in the village view him," the Hokage replied knowingly. "Naruto's alone, without a family or guardian to turn to. He's faced this isolation all by himself, yet he's never complained to anyone. He's a strong child."

Hearing this stirred something within Iruka. He thought back to his own experience—losing his parents in the same tragedy and growing up surrounded by silent isolation. Though he always put on a cheerful face, he knew firsthand the ache of loneliness, the fear of being shut out.

If not for the Third Hokage, who had provided warmth and guidance during his darkest times, would he have managed to come this far? Would he even be teaching at the Academy today?

Observing Iruka's introspective expression, the Hokage smiled softly before returning to his seat. "This is what I wanted to discuss with you: I believe Naruto should start at the Academy this year."

"This year?" Iruka's surprise was evident. "But… he's only five. Isn't seven the standard age to start learning ninjutsu? Starting too young could be harmful…"

"He'll be six by midyear. If it eases your concern, you could spend some time with Naruto yourself. I believe he needs this structure," the Hokage replied, watching as Iruka's dedication shone through his serious gaze. "However, he may still face isolation at school, and I'd like you to watch over him, if possible."

"…I understand." Iruka hesitated, then bowed respectfully before taking his leave as the Hokage gestured.

As he exited, Iruka couldn't help but wonder about the true reason behind the Hokage's request. Although he didn't plan to pry, he knew that for the Hokage to summon him directly, it must be important. Still, he couldn't help feeling slightly bemused: an Anbu had even been sent to fetch him, leaving him sleepless with worry—only to discuss Naruto's schooling?

"What do you think?" the Third Hokage inquired quietly, once Iruka had left.

"He seemed preoccupied at first, curious why you'd summoned him, but he became fully focused on Naruto the moment you mentioned him." A calm, almost lazy voice drifted in from the open window. "He didn't even sense my presence. As a ninja, that's a bit careless."

"Haha! Give him credit, Kakashi—he's an outstanding teacher at the Academy. You should see how well he handles the students. You can't judge him by Anbu standards," the Hokage chuckled, glancing at the masked man with white hair lounging by the window. "Come on, let's take a walk."

Kakashi adjusted his headband to cover his Sharingan eye, swiftly moving to the Hokage's side.

Together, the Third Hokage and Kakashi strolled through Konoha's streets. Despite the bustling crowd, few seemed to notice them, as if they were nearly invisible to passersby.

"So, how are you finding the transition back from the Anbu to regular missions?" the Hokage asked, as if making casual conversation.

"…It's fine." Kakashi's response was quiet, but his weariness showed. For the former Anbu captain, everyday life as a jōnin felt strangely out of place.

"I read your mission report. Why refuse the teammates assigned to you?"

"I prefer working alone. As for leading others… I'm still not ready for that." Kakashi's tone held a hint of self-reflection. "Lord Hokage, I suspect you're planning something for me."

"Oh, come now!" The Hokage laughed warmly, lifting his pipe to point at a house ahead. "We've arrived—this is where Naruto lives."