Chapter 40: Poor Iruka-Sensei

The students settled into their seats, the classroom door slid open. A man stepped inside, his dark brown hair tied into a ponytail, a distinct scar running across his nose. He wore the standard Chūnin uniform of Konoha, his presence immediately commanding attention.

Here he comes, Naruto thought, recognizing him instantly.

The murmurs in the room died down as the man strode to the front of the class. His sharp eyes scanned the room before he spoke.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Iruka Umino, and I will be your teacher for the next six years," he announced, his tone firm but not unkind.

A few students straightened up, while others exchanged quick glances. Some were excited, some nervous, but all were paying attention.

Iruka clapped his hands together. "Now, let's start with introductions so that we can all get to know each other—including myself." He gestured toward the front row with a small smile. "Let's begin with you."

And just like that, the first step of their Academy life officially began.

As the students began their introductions, Iruka sighed internally, already feeling the weight of the task ahead.

These kids… almost all of them are from clans. He rubbed his temple discreetly. That means pride, arrogance, and a sense of entitlement. How did I end up with this group?

It wasn't that he disliked teaching, but dealing with clan heirs and their inflated egos for the next six years was something even a Chūnin wouldn't envy.

I didn't become a Chūnin just to babysit arrogant brats…

One by one, the students introduced themselves.

Sasuke stood up, his expression cold, his posture confident.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," he stated, his voice steady and proud. "I'm going to be a strong shinobi like my brother, Itachi. And don't get in my way."

The reaction was instantaneous.

A wave of swooning swept across the classroom, particularly from the girls.

"Kyaa! Sasuke is so cool!"

"He's so handsome!"

"Uchiha Sasuke… even his name sounds amazing!"

Iruka watched, suppressing the urge to groan.

Great… he's already got a fan club.

Kiba stood up confidently, flashing a wide grin.

"I'm Kiba Inuzuka! I'm gonna be Hokage one day so that everyone in the village gets a dog and learns to love them!"

Iruka blinked. He wants to be Hokage… so everyone gets a dog? That's a new one. At least he's enthusiastic.

Some students chuckled, while others, especially the ones afraid of dogs, looked slightly concerned.

Shino stood up next. His voice was low and monotone.

"My name is Shino Aburame. I specialize in insect-based techniques. I will use logic and efficiency to—"

Iruka resisted the urge to rub his temples.

This is an introduction, not an interrogation. Am I talking to a child or an ANBU agent?

Chōji was busy munching on a bag of chips when Iruka called his name. He blinked, swallowed, and lazily mumbled, "Chōji Akimichi." Then, without another word, he reached for another handful of chips.

Iruka sighed. Did… did he just introduce himself between bites? If his clan ever loses a mission, it'll be because they stopped for snacks.

Before Iruka could call on the next student, a loud snore broke the silence.

The entire class turned toward Shikamaru, who was slumped over his desk, fast asleep.

Chōji, mid-chew, nudged him. "Shikamaru. Wake up, it's your turn."

The boy groggily lifted his head, rubbing his eyes. "Huh? Oh… right." He yawned, stretching his arms before lazily saying, "I'm Shikamaru Nara." He yawned again. "I wanna be… a cloud."

There was a brief silence before the entire class burst into laughter.

"A cloud?! Seriously?!"

Shikamaru sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Troublesome…"

Iruka closed his eyes for a second. He was literally asleep. And now he wants to be a cloud? This job is going to kill me.

Hinata stood up shyly, hands nervously clutched in front of her.

"M-my name is Hinata Hyūga. I want to become strong… so I can stand beside my friends."

She bowed her head slightly, her face tinged with pink as she stole a glance at Naruto.

Naruto, noticing her nervousness, smiled warmly at her.

Hinata's face turned even redder.

Some of the girls giggled.

"Aww, Hinata's got a crush!"

"Shh, she'll faint if you say it too loudly!"

Iruka immediately noticed her nervousness. Manners, respect, humility… he thought. A Hyūga through and through.

Next was Ino. She flipped her hair confidently.

"I'm Ino Yamanaka," she said, her tone full of self-assurance. "I'll be a florist like my mother, and… other things are personal."

She shot a quick glance at Naruto, who smiled at her.

Iruka raised an eyebrow. Confident, direct, and probably competitive. Typical Yamanaka… and that glance at Naruto?

Sakura was next.

"I'm Sakura Haruno. My goal is… personal."

Just like Ino, she glanced at Naruto, and once again, he smiled.

At this point, Iruka was losing his mind internally.

"Naruto… just how many girls are into you?!" He groaned in his thoughts. He's not even a teenager yet! I'm jealous—I need a wife now!

Karin stood up.

"I'm Karin Uzumaki. He is my brother," she said, pointing straight at Naruto.

Iruka blinked. Wait… brother? But I didn't know the Fourth Hokage had another child…

Then, Karin dropped a bombshell.

"At first, I didn't want to come here. But Hinata and Nii-san convinced me. So, my goal is…" She took a deep breath and declared, "to marry my brother!"

And just like that, the entire classroom froze.

Naruto's brain completely short-circuited.

Jaws dropped. Eyes popped out. Even the usually stoic Sasuke looked mildly disturbed.

It took several seconds before Naruto snapped out of it.

"K-Karin… I didn't know you had a dream of marrying me…" he stammered.

Karin tightened her grip around his arm and glared at him. "What? Are you not happy about it?"

Naruto gulped. "No, no! I'm very happy!" he blurted out instinctively.

With that, the classroom exploded into whispers.

BAM!

Iruka slammed his hand on the desk, silencing the room.

"Last one!" he ordered, his patience running thin.

Naruto stood up, clearing his throat.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki," he said firmly. "Many of you know me as the son of the Fourth Hokage, Minato. But understand this—he is him, and I am me." His voice was steady, his gaze unwavering. "And for the record—Karin is my distant cousin."

Some students sighed in relief. Others still looked confused.

"My goal is simple," Naruto continued. "I want to become strong enough to protect the people I love."

As he finished, the girls in the class swooned—only for Karin to slam her hands on the desk, glaring daggers at them all.

Naruto shuddered. Oh no… I have a yandere sister…

Iruka massaged his forehead. …I need a drink.

Maybe… just maybe… this class won't be so bad after all.