After learning what had happened, Iruka looked at Mizuki in shock.
Why had the colleague he had worked alongside deceived Naruto?
And why was he trying to snatch the Sealing Scroll now?
Iruka could not be bothered to think about it, nor did he need to ask.
As a collection of forbidden techniques compiled by Liumu, the Second, the Sealing Scroll's importance was something Iruka understood well.
So...
Iruka shielded Naruto behind him.
He took a Kunai from the Ninja Tools pouch behind his back.
"Mizuki, there's still time to stop. For the sake of our years as colleagues, I'll plead with the Fourth Hokage on your behalf."
"Plead for me?"
Mizuki laughed.
His body shook so violently that even the enormous tree beneath his feet began to sway.
He slowly drew another massive Shuriken from his back.
"Iruka, you're far too naive, just like your strength. All you can do is teach little brats like this at the Ninja Academy. For a ninja, strength is what counts. If I have to spend my whole life stuck there, I'd rather risk my life for a chance," he said viciously.
"As the Fourth Hokage's son, Naruto did quite well, cleverly fooling all the watchers around the wooden house. Now there are only three of us here. The Scroll of Seals will be mine."
Whoosh!
The Kunai flew together, straight at Iruka.
With such tremendous force behind them, Iruka could not possibly stop them.
Besides, behind him stood Naruto, who was also questioning the world right now.
If he dodged, Naruto would be injured-no, Naruto might die.
Bang!
Mizuki: ???
An enormous cloud of smoke erupted with a bang, and the Kunai that had been brimming with murderous intent dropped onto an empty patch of ground nearby.
As the smoke gradually cleared,