NOVEL NEXT 241. Let’s discuss the plan
"Congratulations, Class." Iruka Umino, the teacher of Class spoke out loud in the class, his voice carrying warmth and sincerity. "Today marks a significant milestone in your journey, a journey filled with challenges, growth, and bonds that will last a lifetime."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing, "As you step into the world beyond these walls, remember the lessons you've learned here, both in the classroom and on the battlefield. Embrace the values of friendship, perseverance, and integrity. Because that is what makes you a better shinobi. I hope each of you excel well. Soon you will be trained by your respective teachers who will guide three of you. This time the class has graduated with an odd number of students so, Neji, Lee, Torune and Tenten will form a single team. Your teachers have already been assigned."
Torune and Naruto were a bit sad that they weren't together anymore but nonetheless still satisfied. Naruto eventually landed with Kakashi as per the original plan, along with Sakura and Sasuke. Naruto was just happy to have graduated, and Aoto had even spoken with Iruka before the graduation.
Iruka had lost a lot that night, and initially, he harbored hatred towards Naruto. However, he witnessed how Aoto, who had also lost his parents, was able to let go of his hatred and adopt Naruto. Additionally, being a manga fan, Iruka understood how characters could let go of hatred and become better people.
Of course, he had read "Attack on Titan" and seen the consequences of vengeance. Although he sympathized with Eren, he didn't want a life that would make him pay the same cost.
"Iruka, you were a wonderful teacher. Thank you," Aoto said.
"No, it's you who taught me a lot over the years. You are my hero," Iruka replied.
"Hero? Hahaha. I am just a businessman," Aoto chuckled. Few people knew the extent of Aoto's power and influence, especially someone like Iruka, who was just a Chunin.
"You taught me how to rise above hate. For a while, I hated Naruto, but I realized it was never his fault. I was just holding onto hate and directing it at Naruto. Thank you for showing me how foolish I was," Iruka said sincerely.
"There are still many people who hate Naruto." Aoto reiterated as Naruto would still get nasty looks.
"Hahaha. Aoto-kun, Naruto always speaks about being a Hokage and I am sure one day he would be one and change the people's perspective of him." Iruka said. Aoto just smiled at it.
After the first orientation, Naruto was back and he didn't look happy at all.
"What is it?" Aoto asked as he could see the disappointment.
"Kakasi-sensei isn't good at all." Naruto said.
"Why do you say that?" Aoto asked.
"It's because he didn't look interested in us at all. Plus that Sasuke, he is so full of himself." Naruto replied.
"Kakashi-san will be interested in you if you three show him your determination and team work. You already hate Sasuke. Do you think you alone will be able to take down enemies just because you know some magic and he doesn't? Remember this Naruto, you are in a team and not an one man mission. One day if you are powerful enough you can go for solo missions but until then you will have to one of the average ones." Aoto gave Naruto quite a piece of his mind because he could see that Naruto knowing magic did have an impact.
Maybe it was soon time for Sasuke to learn magic, after all he had a master level talent like Naruto had. It would be a waste if Sasuke was left alone.
Naruto could see what Aoto was hinting at and it did make him realize that at the end of the day he still couldn't defeat Arya, forget about Corazon. And the simple thought of fighting against Loki gave him the chills. He was sure that nobody in Konoha would be ever be able to touch Loki, forget about defeating him.
He had once over heard of how Loki had control over time and that was enough to give him the fear of his life. Naruto vowed to be a better student and not always go against Sasuke. Little did he know that even of Aoto didn't say those words, he would have still been the good guy. The next day Naruto went to meet Kakashi and in typical Kakashi style he was late.
As he was helping some random strangers along the way. As expected he showed up with the bell and was given the job of touching them. Unlike being the usual and casual Kakashi, he actually was serious about it and there was only one reason.
Naruto Uzumaki.
The graduation ceremony was different and here Naruto was allowed to use his techniques. It was same for Shino and others as they had a range of techniques passed down from the family but at the graduation one needed to follow a certain standard. It was just different for Naruto.
Kakashi eyed his young students with his trademark nonchalance, holding the bells tied to his waist with a casual air. "Alright, let's see what you've got," he said, a glint of amusement in his eye.
As soon as the signal was given, Sasuke and Sakura sprang into action, employing their respective skills with precision and determination. Sasuke unleashed a barrage of shuriken, while Sakura launched into a series of kunai maneuvers, aiming to catch Kakashi off guard.
Naruto meanwhile use a diversion tactics. He summoned magical energy and threw a huge ball of light at Kakashi which none of the other three expected. This threw a wrench at Sasuke and Sakura's tactics.
Kakashi immediately knew what was going on and opened his sharingan to look past the tactics of Naruto and even with the bright light his sharingan worked fine. Naruto approached as he had called some shades one his eyes and attacked Kakashi from behind only for Kakashi to dodge easily.