Chapter 252

"Naruto is a lonely child, much like you were back then," the Third Hokage intervened.

Taking a deep breath, Iruka reluctantly agreed, "Okay, I'll give it a try."

Shaking off the past, Iruka refocused on the task at hand. He picked up a worn seating chart, showcasing Naruto's immature handwriting.

"Look at what you've become, Naruto," he mused with a heartfelt smile.

A sudden presence interrupted his reflections. Iruka looked up to find Naruto accompanied by an unfamiliar face.

"Iruka-sensei, this is Carnes-san," Naruto introduced.

Iruka extended a friendly hand, "Hello, Carnes-san. I am Iruka, a ninja from Konoha and a teacher at the ninja school here."

Carnes hesitated for a moment but eventually shook hands. "Hello, Iruka."

Naruto shared the news of achieving peace and the sacrifice of Nagato. A hint of sadness clouded his eyes.

"This is a new beginning, Naruto," Iruka reassured with a warm smile.

Naruto agreed, "Yes, I think so too."

Iruka turned to Carnes, "Will you join us in rebuilding Konoha?"

Considering Naruto's gaze, Carnes replied, "If this place is truly worth exploring as you said, then count me in."

Iruka nodded with satisfaction, "I'm glad you found your path, Naruto."

Expressing gratitude, Naruto stated, "Thank you, Iruka-sensei. But honestly, I feel that my path also includes you and everyone here."

As Naruto and Carnes departed, Iruka watched them leave, his emotions swirling.

Pride and happiness for Naruto mingled with the realization that he hadn't fully overcome the trauma from 16 years ago, particularly in how he had treated Naruto.

Lost in contemplation, Iruka eventually found himself at the entrance of the Hokage's office.

However, he hesitated to knock, haunted by memories of being Naruto's class teacher during a time when he felt inept, and Naruto endured mockery and became the laughingstock of the class while pursuing Sasuke.

Silently pondering, he debated seeking relief from his position when a guard ninja approached.

"Iruka-san, Kakashi-sama is very busy and can't see anyone right now," the guard informed, disrupting Iruka's internal dialogue.

Iruka found himself taken aback for a moment, then offered a nod in response. "OK, thank you for telling me," he said.

Disappointed, he left the Hokage's office, feeling an even deeper conflict within.

He understood that Kakashi might intentionally be avoiding such a sensitive topic.

After all, the question at hand was an unspeakable pain for a ninja who had already achieved considerable accomplishments.

He once again remembered something from past.

As Naruto found himself once again the target of laughter in the class due to his rivalry with Sasuke.

In the classroom, Iruka felt a deep sense of embarrassment.

While he recognized Naruto's potential and determination, he couldn't provide the support and guidance that Naruto truly deserved.

Naruto approached him with a determined look in his eyes.

"Sensei Iruka, I know that my current strength is still far behind, but I will definitely work hard."

Looking into Naruto's eyes, Iruka suddenly comprehended why the Third Hokage insisted on appointing him as Naruto's class teacher.

"Naruto, I believe in you. You're a ninja with potential, and I'll do my best to help you," Iruka finally uttered those words.

A bright smile lit up Naruto's face. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei!"

Watching Naruto leave, Iruka felt a profound sense of relief.

....

Perhaps, he pondered, it wasn't just him who needed to move on from the past, but also the new generation before him.

Returning to the classroom, Iruka looked at the young faces and felt a renewed sense of hope for the future, full of infinite possibilities.

"Alright, guys, the next thing we're going to learn is..."

.....

Later, Naruto and Carnes entered a modest yet cozy cabin. Despite its simple furnishings, the house exuded an atmosphere of love and care.

"Please take a seat, Carnes-san. I'm going to get something to eat," Naruto said with a warm smile as he headed towards the kitchen.

Carnes looked around the house, spotting pictures on the wall featuring Naruto, Iruka-sensei, and some other ninjas.

He thought to himself that this young ninja may seem naive, but there was an undeniable warmth emanating from him.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Carnes opened it to find a white-haired young man standing outside – Kakashi.

"Well, here you are Carnes-san. I heard that you might join our Konoha, so I came here to take a look," Kakashi stated.

Carnes smiled, inviting him in. "Naruto is busy cooking."

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