As a Chunin from Konoha, and the Iruka specifically appointed by the Third Hokage to teach Naruto, Iruka naturally knew things that ordinary Ninja didn't, including the special being inside Naruto. Seeing that Naruto's wounds were healing much faster than an ordinary person's and had stopped bleeding so quickly, Iruka immediately made the connection.
"Is it because of the Nine-Tails? If so, that's definitely a big help..."
Naruto looked a little more alert than before.
Iruka silently thought to himself.
Of course, the reason Naruto's wounds healed so quickly was partly the Nine-Tails. His body recovered far faster than an ordinary Ninja's. The other reason was the half of the Uzumaki Clan's blood he carried. Naruto's birth mother, Kushina Uzumaki, had been a full-blooded member of the Uzumaki Clan, which was renowned for its incredible vitality. Before the Land of Eddies fell, the Uzumaki Clan had been known for two things: its sealing techniques and its astonishing life force. That was why the first two Nine-Tails Jinchuriki in Konoha had both been members of the Uzumaki Clan. Ordinary people died as soon as a Tailed Beast was extracted from them, but members of the Uzumaki Clan could survive for a while thanks to their powerful life force. Kushina Uzumaki was the perfect example. And as her son, although Naruto wasn't a full-blooded member of the Uzumaki Clan, his vitality was still far greater than an ordinary person's.
A wound like this was nothing to him.
Besides, even an ordinary Ninja wouldn't have been in any mortal danger after what had just happened, as long as help arrived in time. In the end, Naruto had avoided all his vital spots during the fight.
Iruka had simply panicked because he was worried.
Once he realized Naruto wasn't in any serious danger, he calmed down again.
"Hmph, Naruto, don't ever act so recklessly again, understand? Stealing the Scroll of Sealing, and then getting yourself into this kind of mess..."
Now that he understood Naruto wasn't in any danger, Iruka returned to his usual self. Honestly, Naruto's actions had really put Iruka on edge.
Even though everything seemed to have turned out fine.
Whether it was Mizuki taking the Scroll of Sealing,
or Naruto getting hurt,
neither was something Iruka wanted to see. It would have been an unbearable loss for the village, too.
"Yeees, Iruka-sensei, I know I was wrong. I promise I won't do it again. I only got tricked by that bastard Mizuki because I couldn't graduate. But since I've made up for my mistake, Iruka-sensei, can't you forgive me just this once?"
Feeling his incredible healing ability at work and realizing he wasn't in any danger,
Naruto showed a rare, playful expression. With the faintest hint of a pout, he looked at Iruka as he spoke. He wasn't putting on an act; this was a side of Naruto that only occasionally came out when he was with Iruka.
Hearing Iruka's familiar nagging and seeing the concern on his face,
Naruto felt warmth spread through his heart.
This was the best possible outcome.
This was what he wanted to protect.
Maybe he had his grievances.
Maybe he had his hatred.
But at least in that moment, Naruto had only one thought: he had to protect Iruka, who stood before him. Iruka was one of the only two people who mattered to Naruto right now. Maybe there would be others in the future, but for now, there were only two.
Seeing Naruto's expression and hearing what he said,
Iruka felt both exasperated and amused.
After spending six whole years together, how could Iruka not understand what his "little brother" was thinking? After all this time, Iruka knew better than anyone that Naruto usually seemed gentle and easygoing, but when it came to something he believed in, he would never give up.
He was a more sensitive and resilient child than anyone else. Of course, Iruka didn't know that this was only the side Naruto showed him. It wasn't exactly a deception, because this was also the truest part of Naruto. It was just that Iruka didn't know about the other side of him.
"Hmph, you're hoping there'll be a next time?"
Iruka first put on a stern face and scolded Naruto as if he were really angry.
Naruto shrank back a little, wearing an embarrassed expression.
"But you did well, Naruto."
Iruka's expression softened, and a gentle smile appeared on his face. He reached out with his right hand and lightly ruffled Naruto's blond hair. Looking at Naruto, who could just about stand on his own now, he spoke softly.
"Naruto, close your eyes."
Before Naruto could say anything, Iruka continued.
"Huh?"
Naruto was briefly taken aback, but he trusted Iruka completely and obediently closed his eyes. His playful thoughts gave rise to a rather silly notion in the back of his mind.
But the thought lasted only a second.
The next moment,
he felt the cool touch of metal against his forehead, along with its weight.
"What is this?"
Naruto's heart gave a little flutter.
Before he could open his eyes,
he heard Iruka's gentle voice beside him.
"Congratulations on graduating, Naruto!"
Then,
as Naruto slowly opened his eyes, he saw Iruka's proud smile. Almost without thinking, he lifted his right hand to touch his forehead.
Feeling the metal of the Forehead Protector against his skin, Naruto was momentarily stunned.
"Iruka-sensei..."
" Naruto, you've already become an excellent Ninja. You've earned the right to wear this Forehead Protector." Iruka patted Naruto on the shoulder, his voice full of encouragement. "Your goal is to become a great Ninja and earn everyone's recognition, isn't it? This is your fresh start. Keep going, Naruto! I believe you can surpass everyone and become the Hokage!"
Trust and affection shone in Iruka's eyes.
Naruto's heart trembled, and his eyes grew slightly misty.
"Yes, Iruka-sensei!"
Naruto nodded firmly.
That was what he said aloud, but it wasn't what he was thinking.
To Iruka,
Naruto was undoubtedly following the right path of the Will of Fire. He had always said he wanted to become a great Ninja and earn everyone's recognition. Those words weren't false; they truly reflected what Naruto had felt ever since he was a child.
But Iruka had always assumed Naruto wanted to become Hokage, earn the recognition of everyone in the village, and become Konoha's hero.
However, that wasn't Naruto's ultimate goal.
That didn't mean Naruto would definitely choose to betray the village and take revenge on all of Konoha in the future. But as things stood, Naruto's future would absolutely not be the one Iruka or the Third Hokage imagined!
Those were things he couldn't say out loud.
All Naruto could do was silently apologize in his heart.
"Well, to celebrate your becoming a Ninja, your teacher will treat you to a huge meal."
"Really? Awesome! I want Ichiraku Ramen, a big bowl!"
"Haha, no problem. Let's go."
"Yeahhhh!!!"
The faint light of dawn shone across the land.
A glimmer of light from the future had quietly appeared.
In this world,
Naruto had finally taken his true first step.