A Match made at "Heaven"

Disclaimer- I Don't own Naruto, It belongs to the creators. 

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February 24 , 079 years. 

It's past 9 PM, and he has yet to find Iruka-sensei. To think, the girl his past self found so annoying could be this interesting to his 'new self'. But Ino without her Sasuke Rant was actually quite refreshing to talk to, maybe it was the fact that there was no pressure to 'Act' like Naruto in front of her. She has literally the least interaction with him from their graduation batch aside from shino and hinata. But Shino is perceptive as hell while Hinata is well Hinata. I doubt even Naruto knows himself better than She does. 

So when a casual greeting at the door became a genuine talk about training of all things and then diet and fashion? He has no idea how but his curiosity and her genuine interest to learn more about him made it a pleasant venture. Now 2 hours late to do his other work, mainly shopping for sealing papers and basic training weights, he went to the market to get what he needed and now it's late at night and going to Iruka-sensei's home just for this seems overly desperate. He waited so long just so he does not make him suspicious after all. So he decided to visit his favorite duo in the village. But as fate had decided to give him some break for the first time, he found the very person he was looking for. 

"Iruka-sensei," I said in surprise. 

"Naruto, that's a nice surprise. Well should have known you would come here eventually" he said with a laugh. 

Then he stopped and looked at me for a second. Well more than a second. 

" You have grown". He stated. 

From his tone I knew he wasn't just talking about my height. Damn, it took 5 seconds for him to get that. And to think I have fooled almost every familiar person I have met in the last 4 days. 

Truly, Iruka-sensei was special in this regard. Special for him. 

So nothing to discredit his observation I smiled and sat down on the stool near him and ordered my usual. 

As I sat at the counter of Ichiraku Ramen, Iruka-sensei beside me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The familiar aroma of steaming noodles and savory broth was a comforting reminder of the many times I'd come here with my friends, sharing stories and laughter. Despite being an entire new personality, this place remained just as special.It shows how much it meant for the canon Naruto. I would have kept thinking but I didn't want to give his sensei any reason to worry. Iruka-sensei's eyes, watching me however, seemed to hold a deeper understanding, as if he knew exactly what I was going through. " Naruto, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice low and gentle. I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The truth was, the effects of the merger are taking longer to subdue than I thought. Perhaps the difference in lifestyle, despite being highly interested in learning about this world, does not take away the difficulty of such a daunting task. The academy had barely prepared canon Naruto for the realities of the field, both his fault and of the others as well and I'd been having hard time covering the holes. "It's... intense," I said finally, trying to convey the complexity of my emotions, even though the context is completely different for both of us. Iruka-sensei nodded thoughtfully, his expression serious. "I can imagine. Being a ninja isn't just about fighting and completing missions, Naruto. It's about understanding the world, understanding yourself, and finding your place in it." I felt a pang of recognition, knowing that he'd hit the nail on the head. How did he reach the right conclusion? Is he that easy to read? He should think I am obsessing over my failure. Before I could look into it he continued, his words took on a more cautionary tone. "Naruto, you didn't learn the basics in the academy, and it's probably the reason for your frustrations as a ninja. You need to study, learn, and grow from the root, before you think of the branches." I felt a surge of old frustration, knowing that he was right. I'd always relied on my instincts and determination in the past, but the new me knows it isn't enough. Iruka-sensei's eyes, however, held a deep concern, and I knew that he was coming from a place of kindness. "I know it's not what you want to hear, Naruto, but trust me, it's essential for your growth as a ninja. The basics are what will keep you alive, what will help you make the right decisions in the heat of the moment." I nodded slowly, feeling a sense of pride that he already did that. " I already am doing that, sensei," I said, my voice firm. "I have been studying the entire academy curriculum for the last 4 days. I have almost completed everything I missed and more. " Iruka-sensei was shocked, deservingly. This was Naruto after all, the Library was probably his kryptonite. But he did not voice it, as if understanding something just from that, then gave a warm, paternal smile, and patted me on the back. "That's the spirit, Naruto. Now, let's test that, shall we?" As we began to discuss the details of my learning, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with Iruka-sensei by my side, I felt ready to face whatever challenges came my way.

Soon our food came as well, and we halted our discussion cum test to eat the finest delicacy this world has to offer. They don't have pizza here after all. I had a little small talk with Ayame-chan while slurping the 'food of gods' chatting like old times. The girl with her bubbly-ness makes even the most boring stuff feel interesting. I looked at Iruka-sensei and thought those two would be perfect together, they have known each other for years and even though Iruka is a pervert, he has as much knowledge when it comes to girls as a wild boar. Does not help much that he probably deals with a lot of young girls at their worst phase. But it always felt like a storyline loophole that people like Kakashi and Iruka remained unmarried and without legacy when they contributed for Naruto so much. Well Iruka for sure. Kakashi changed after the Time-skip. So this was the least he could do for his dearest sensei. Naruto thought with a chuckle. 

Besides, even though she is a civilian, Ayame is probably more understanding of shinobi life than many young kunoichis. And Iruka is hardly a field Ninja so they will have little trouble due to their profession. 

This will be perfect match. A match made in "Heaven" eating the "food of gods" , Naruto cracked the joke inside his head.

Feeling giddy at playing a matchmaker but not wanting to force anything he started with a subtle approach. 

Well by Naruto standards at least. 

"So Iruka-sensei, I never saw you with any girl ever. Do you have any girlfriend ?" I asked shamelessly, in front of Ayame-chan. 

Iruka-sensei choked on his ramen, coughing up and then sputtering about how he is not interested or such bullshit. 

Ayame-chan giggled with her eyes fixed on Iruka with a different spark, while I can see Teuchi-jiji also giving him a side-eye from behind the counter as if he can read my thoughts. 

By the time Iruka eased his breathing I decided to torment ahem! help further. 

"So what kind of girl would you like to date sensei ?"

"What? Where is this coming from Naruto? Is it for Sakura-chan ? I thought I told you to not force anybody Naruto." He replied, totaling deflecting it on me which I pointed out. 

"Nah It's not, and you know it. Don't change the topic sensei. If nothing, consider it as me trying to learn more about such stuff from the best sensei I've got." I said flattering Iruka where it works without an ounce of shame. 

With a barely noticeable blush and genuine smile. Iruka-sensei replied. 

"Well if that's the case, then i think as long as the girl understands your duty as a ninja and likes you for who you are, there is not much need to start a relationship if u feel like it." 

Although I can see him being truthful, his eyes showed his concern knowing Naruto being a Jinchhuriki is beyond normal relationships. Smiling yet dismissing the concern. I asked again. 

"So why are you not with a girl, sensei? I thought since you live in Konoha all the time, you can go on many dates with many girls." 

Iruka laughed, " It's not that easy Naruto, not many girls like a Teacher for a boyfriend, Naruto. Even if he is a ninja". 

Now the second part of the plan.

"Hmm, well how about we ask a girl that. Ayame-chan you are a girl, right? What do you think about it?" I asked the now caught off-guard, blushing but annoyed Ayame. 

" So nice of you to notice that Naruto-kun" replied the now irritated girl. 

" Yeah, yeah, now don't change the topic lady! Do you think girls don't like boys who are teachers ?" I asked to keep my old naruto facade knowingly to all just to mess around. They all know by now what I am doing but I have years of practice being shameless in two different worlds. 

Said Girl blushed before shyly said "I dont think all girls are like that Iruka-san, what you do is no easy job even for the most powerful of ninjas, and a nice girl will see your dedication behind it, rather than look for how good you are at ninjutsu or your rank as a shinobi. That's what matters after all." Now both are blushing but have genuine smiles on their faces. But knowing that leaving it here won't change anything substantial. I pushed a little more. 

"So are you that kind of nice girl Ayame-chan? Do you think Iruka-sensei is good boyfriend material?" I asked, ignoring all the glares coming from three different directions. 

"Well?"

"Why are you asking this all of a sudden, Naruto?"

"Don't change the topic again sensei, and for your information, I do plan to ask somebody out on a date and it's not sakura. And I won't tell you unless you answer my questions first."

Sighing at my answer but both interested in knowing about the mystery girl. Ayame replied. " Well I think a little rough around the edges, but Iruka-san is definitely boyfriend material", see that was not hard to accept. I thought looking at the furiously blushing duo. Not a couple yet, but soon. 

"So why not give it a try? I think you too will have a great time on a date. I mean you do most of the stuff daily anyways whenever Iruka-sensei comes alone here. It will just be more official with some kisses here and there" I can see the old man twitch behind the counter at the last line but saying silent. Even though he will be angry with me, he knows how perfect Iruka is for Ayame.

 Before he could continue teasing, Iruka pulled me from the stool.

"You should not worry about such things right now Naruto. And let your sensei worry for himself. Thanks for Ayame-san, Teuchi-sama. Good Night." Said blushing and paling Iruka as he put the money for both of our meals on the counter and ran from there as fast as possible flunging me at his side. 

As we stopped, I shouted at him. "Hey, that's my last piece, sensei. Don't pull me like that, you will rip it off."

"Well that's what you deserve for doing that stunt there. Don't think you can fool me Naruto. I appreciate the effort, but you should let the two people decide such things instead of butting in." Said Now half-angry Iruka. 

I huffed. " Without me butting I doubt you would ever get to touch a girl sensei. Full offense, but your skills at hooking up are non-existent. And dealing with young annoying little fangirls daily doesnt mean shit in that regard. You are getting Old sensei, By Ninja Standards. If u dont get a girl now then you won't have a Kid later for me to spoil and teach about the ways of Shinobi life, So I am looking out for my own interests here." I replied, stunning the older man before both of us started laughing. Soon it died and Iruka then shuffled my hair. 

"I genuinely appreciate you thinking so highly of me Naruto but Teaching you was my duty not any favor you have to return. And I do have "skills" for that kind of stuff Naruto just because I dont show it off does not mean I can't do it. Things like that will happen when the time is right." said Iruka. 

"Yeah, fool somebody else sensei, I know that you can't ask a girl out on a date even to save your life. Without any external support you will be single for life. And Ayame isn't any random girl you know. She is the closest person I have for a sister, so it's not some random pranking. I genuinely think you two will be good for each other." Iruka looked annoyed then happy at my statement. 

"Well I don't agree with your first observation. I do agree that Ayame-chan is beautiful as a person. Perhaps I might give it a chance. We both have much in common after all. We both have to suffer a nuisance like you." He laughed as I pouted. Both knowing that I am just acting like Old Naruto but still very comfortable in the interaction. 

"Well I hope you two do go on that date soon. But before that we didn't even talk about why I was looking for you in the first place". 

"Ohh and what is that?"

"Sensei, What do you know about Earth-Style Elemental Training?"