Inside the principal's office.
Sunlight streamed through the spotless windows, casting bright patches across the floor.
The office was simply and neatly furnished. A picture of Konoha's emblem hung on the wall, and the bookshelves were filled with books on educational theory and student records.
Naruto closed the door behind him and walked over to the broad desk. Rather than take the seat that symbolized the principal's authority, he casually pulled over a visitor's chair and sat opposite Might Guy.
Might Guy sat anxiously in his own chair, unable to settle. His back was ramrod straight, his hands resting on his knees, clenched into fists until his knuckles turned faintly white.
His face, usually brimming with a spirited smile, was now heavy with guilt. His thick eyebrows were tightly knitted.
Watching him, Naruto broke the silence first. His tone was much gentler than the sharpness he had shown in the office earlier, though it carried a barely perceptible trace of weariness and helplessness:
"Teacher Guy, this was something you should have handled yourself as the principal."
He paused, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the chair's armrest. "But I really couldn't hold myself back just now. Hearing that kind of bullshit come out of a teacher's mouth, thinking about how children might suffer even more because of such irresponsible remarks, how it might even affect their entire lives...
"My temper just flared."
"Lord Hokage..."
Guy looked up, wanting to say something, his voice somewhat strained.
"Just call me Naruto."
Naruto interrupted him, leaning forward slightly and looking at Guy with sincerity. "There's no one else here. You don't need to be so formal."
Guy's Adam's apple bobbed, as though he wanted to draw some strength from the familiar name "Naruto." In the end, however, he bowed his head deeply.
"I'm sorry, Naruto."