Konohamaru knocked the Iwagakure graduate to the ground with a punch, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Iruka frowned and was about to reprimand him when a figure appeared behind Konohamaru with the Body Flicker Technique. Iruka's eyes widened in alarm.
It was an Iwagakure teacher. He reached out with both hands to pin Konohamaru to the ground. Alarmed, Iruka was about to step forward and stop him, but before he could move, Konohamaru had already ducked low, planted both hands on the ground, and kicked backward. Not only did he evade the teacher's grab, he counterattacked as well. The teacher had underestimated him and took the kick, only managing to stay on his feet by adjusting his stance in time.
Iruka froze for a moment. When the teacher moved to attack again, Iruka hurried over with the Body Flicker Technique and stopped him. "Iwaya-sensei, this is a matter between students. It hardly seems appropriate for us teachers to interfere."
The teacher named Iwaya had no answer. Suppressing his anger, he said, "I acted rashly. But Iruka-sensei, your student seems rather unwilling to follow instructions. Doesn't such a lack of discipline warrant severe punishment?"
Iruka smiled. "Heh, Iwaya-sensei, we're ninja. Exchanges like this are perfectly ordinary among ninja, aren't they? Is severe punishment really necessary?"
Iwaya was so furious that he could not find a reply. Meanwhile, someone helped the student Konohamaru had knocked down back to his feet. He pulled away from the person supporting him and glared at Konohamaru, his eyes blazing with anger.
Konohamaru gave him a contemptuous look. "What, can't accept it? Then come and hit me. What's wrong? Too scared?"
Provoked by Konohamaru, the student finally lost control and charged at him recklessly. Seeing him rush in so thoughtlessly, Konohamaru's eyes filled with disdain. He pivoted out