The Ninja Academy, Iruka's class.
The corners of Mizuki's mouth lifted slightly as he looked at the batch of students before him, unable to contain his delight.
Iruka had something to attend to this period, and Shizuko-sensei had a class of her own, so Mizuki had successfully secured this perfect opportunity.
"Ahem, class, I'm sure you all know me. Iruka-sensei has something to attend to today, so I'll be teaching this theory lesson in his place."
The students nodded. A few serious ones took out their textbooks and readied their pens, prepared to jot down the key points at any moment.
"Hey, Hinata-chan, what do you think Iruka-sensei went off to do?"
Naruto snatched Sasuke's pen and poked his own cheek with it, turning toward Hinata beside him to chat.
"Um, it might have something to do with the school."
"I heard Father say there might be some staffing changes at the Ninja Academy soon. As the director of studies, Iruka-sensei probably went to a meeting."
Hinata tilted her head in thought and shared her guess with Naruto.
"Oh, so that's it. If Iruka-sensei gets promoted, let's ask him to treat us to a meal."
"Wouldn't that be a bit wrong?"
"Oh, it's fine. I'll just ask Grandpa Third to approve some more funding for the school later."
Naruto waved a hand. Iruka-sensei had kept going on about reimbursements and such before, so after asking his dad what was going on, Naruto had brought the subject up while bathing with Grandpa Third.
And his request had been accepted very smoothly.
After all, a substantial expense had recently been freed up.
Where had that money come from?
That required telling a story about Danzo struggling to hold back his tears.
"Ahem! Pay attention, class. No whispering."
Watching Naruto's blond head dart