"Naruto, from now on, you're a ninja."
Iruka patted Naruto's head, then placed the forehead protector in his hands.
At first, Iruka's feelings toward Naruto had been complicated. He hadn't understood why Lord Third had asked him to keep an eye on Naruto.
But through their little interactions, Iruka had gradually come to know this cheerful, sunny, persistent boy.
Since Naruto had also lost his parents, Iruka felt even more like an older brother to him.
Every so often, he took Naruto out for ramen or a day of fun.
Then the Third announced that Naruto was the Fourth Hokage's child.
Well, although Iruka had been shocked at the time, it seemed perfectly reasonable when he thought it over.
Blond hair, the Rasengan, Uzumaki-who else could he be but the Fourth Hokage's child?
Iruka felt ashamed of the bad thoughts he'd once had about Naruto.
Looking at the smiling Naruto before him, Iruka went still, his hand resting on Naruto's.
"What's wrong, Iruka-sensei?"
Seeing Iruka stop, Naruto felt a little anxious. Had something gone wrong?
That couldn't be right. Dad had said I'd pass the written exam.
"Nothing."
Iruka picked up the forehead protector, then gently put it on Naruto's forehead.
"There. Keep working hard like this."
After tying the forehead protector in place, Iruka patted Naruto's bottom and sent him on his way.
"Ow! Don't smack my butt!"
Tears of gratitude glimmered in Naruto's eyes, but Iruka's smack on his bottom immediately sent them back.
Hinata was next.
"Hinata, I don't have all that much to say to you, but I sincerely hope the dream you had when you first came here comes true."
Iruka placed the forehead protector in the hands of the girl before him, who had gradually grown from a tiny little thing into a graceful