My Name Is Namikaze Naruto - Chapter 28

As a Chunin of the Hidden Leaf Village and personally assigned by the Third Hokage to teach Naruto, Iruka naturally knew some things that ordinary ninjas did not, including the special presence within Naruto. Seeing Naruto’s wounds heal much faster than normal and the bleeding quickly stops, Iruka immediately connected the dots.

“Is it because of the Nine-Tails? In that case, it’s much better…”

Looking at Naruto, whose condition was slightly better.

Iruka thought to himself.

Of course, Naruto’s rapid healing was partly due to the Nine-Tails, granting him superior recovery abilities compared to normal ninjas. Another reason was Naruto’s Uzumaki bloodline. Naruto’s biological mother, Kushina Uzumaki, was a pure-blooded member of the Uzumaki clan, renowned for their immense vitality and sealing techniques. Even when a Tailed Beast is extracted from a normal person, they would die instantly, but members of the Uzumaki clan, like Kushina, could survive for some time due to their strong life force. As her son, Naruto, though not a pure-blooded Uzumaki, still inherited a significantly stronger life force than average.

Such injuries were naturally not a big deal.

Moreover, even ordinary ninja, if timely rescued, wouldn’t face life-threatening danger after such an encounter. Ultimately, in the recent battle, Naruto had avoided all vital spots.

Iruka’s initial panic subsided once he realized Naruto wasn’t in serious danger.

“Naruto, you absolutely can’t act so recklessly in the future, understand? Stealing the Scroll of Seals and all this…”

Once he understood that Naruto’s life wasn’t in danger.

Iruka reverted to his usual self, lecturing Naruto sternly. This incident really had Iruka on edge.

Although the outcome seemed fine.

If Mizuki or Naruto had taken the Scroll of Seals had been seriously injured, it would have been an unbearable loss for the village.

“Yes, Iruka-sensei, I know I was wrong. I won’t do it again. Mizuki tricked me because I couldn’t graduate. But since I made up for it, please forgive me this time!”

Realizing his strong self-healing ability and that he wasn’t in any mortal danger.

Naruto showed a rare playful expression, slightly pleading as he spoke to Iruka. This wasn’t an act but an expression Naruto occasionally showed only in front of Iruka.

Hearing Iruka’s familiar scolding and seeing his concerned expression.

Naruto felt a warm sensation deep in his heart.

This was the best outcome.

This was what he wanted to protect.

There might be resentment.

There might be hatred.

But at this moment, the only thought in Naruto’s heart was to protect Iruka. For Naruto, at this moment, there were only two important existences. There might be more in the future, but for now, just two.

Seeing Naruto’s expression and hearing his words.

Iruka felt both amused and exasperated.

Having spent six years together, Iruka knew very well what was on this “brother’s” mind. Over the years, Iruka understood better than anyone that Naruto seemed gentle and calm, but he wouldn’t give up on what he believed in.

Naruto was a more delicate and strong-willed child than anyone. Iruka didn’t know that this was just one side of Naruto, the most genuine side, though there was another side that Iruka hadn’t seen.

“Hmph, you still think there will be a next time!”

Iruka first put on a stern face, scolding Naruto as if he were very angry.

Seeing Naruto shrink back and show an embarrassed expression.

“But, well done, Naruto.”

Iruka’s expression softened, showing a gentle smile. He reached out and ruffled Naruto’s blonde hair, looking at Naruto who could barely stand, and said softly.

“Naruto, close your eyes.”

Before Naruto could say anything, Iruka continued.

“Huh?”

Naruto was slightly puzzled but trusted Iruka completely, so he obediently closed his eyes. Momentarily, a playful thought popped into his mind.

But that thought lasted only a second.

In the next moment.

Naruto felt the cold metal of a forehead protector against his forehead, along with its weight.

“What is this?”

Naruto’s heart skipped a beat.

Before he could open his eyes.

“Naruto, congratulations on graduating!”

A warm voice sounded in Naruto’s ear.

Then.

Naruto slowly opened his eyes, seeing Iruka’s comforting smile. Subconsciously, his right hand reached up to touch the forehead protector.

Feeling the cold metal of the forehead protector, Naruto was slightly stunned.

“Iruka-sensei…”

“Naruto, you are now an outstanding ninja. You fully deserve to wear this forehead protector,” Iruka patted Naruto’s shoulder, encouragingly, “Your goal is to become a great ninja and earn everyone’s recognition, right? This is your new starting point. Keep it up, Naruto! I believe you can surpass everyone and become Hokage!”

Iruka’s eyes shone with trust and kindness.

This made Naruto’s heart tremble, his eyes slightly moist.

“Yes, Iruka-sensei!”

Naruto nodded firmly.

Though he answered with determination, Naruto’s inner thoughts were different.

To Iruka.

Naruto appeared to be walking the path of the Will of Fire, aiming to become a great ninja and earn everyone’s recognition. This was what Naruto often said, and it was his genuine thought.

But Iruka believed Naruto wanted to become Hokage and gain the village’s recognition, becoming a hero of the Leaf Village.

However, that wasn’t Naruto’s ultimate goal.

It wasn’t that Naruto would certainly choose to betray the village and seek revenge, but for now, Naruto’s future was not what Iruka or the Third Hokage thought it would be.
These thoughts were unspeakable.

Naruto could only silently apologize in his heart.

“Then, to celebrate you becoming a ninja, let me treat you to a big meal.”

“Really!? Awesome, I want Ichiraku Ramen, a big bowl!!”

“Haha, no problem, let’s go.”

“Ohhh!!!”

The dawn’s light shone upon the earth.

A glimpse of a bright future quietly emerged.

In this world.

Naruto had finally taken his first true step.

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