Chapter 2: A New Path Begins

Pain exploded through his back as the blade sank deep into his flesh. His knees buckled, and he coughed, feeling warm blood drip down his lips.

'Damn… that hurts more than I thought it would.'

Naruto gasped, his eyes wide in shock. "Iruka-sensei!"

Mizuki laughed. "Hah! That's what happens when weaklings try to act like heroes."

Iruka gritted his teeth. His vision was blurring, his body screaming in pain. Is this it? Am I really going to die here? After getting a second chance?

And then—

[DING! SYSTEM BOUND TO HOST.]

[Newbie Gift Unlocked!]

[Basic One Piece Physique Acquired: Enhanced reflexes, increased stamina, and improved durability.]

[Warning: No skills unlocked. Future growth required.]

Iruka's pain dulled slightly, his body feeling lighter, stronger. His vision sharpened, and a strange energy coursed through him.

A sudden notification sound echoed in his head. Iruka's eyes widened as bright blue text flashed across his vision.

His pain dulled slightly, his body feeling lighter, stronger. His vision sharpened, and a strange energy coursed through him.

Mizuki, oblivious to the change, turned to Naruto. "You want to know why everyone in this village hates you? Why you've always been alone?"

Iruka's breath hitched. No… he's about to break Naruto!

Mizuki's grin turned vicious. "You're not just some orphan. You're the Nine-Tailed Fox! The same demon that destroyed this village and killed Iruka's parents!"

Naruto froze. His breath came in ragged gasps, his pupils shaking. No… it can't be… His hands trembled, eyes widening in horror.

A sharp pain shot through Iruka's skull, but this one was different. It wasn't from the shuriken—it was something deeper. A voice rang in his mind, one that wasn't his, yet was now a part of him.

'Nick is gone. From now on, I am Iruka.'

He gritted his teeth. His muscles tensed, strength surging through him. He wasn't going to let Mizuki destroy Naruto's spirit. Not now. Not ever.

With newfound speed, Iruka blurred forward. Mizuki barely had time to react before Iruka slammed his fist straight into his gut. The silver-haired traitor gagged, stumbling backward.

"What?!"

Iruka didn't stop. He twisted, grabbing a kunai from his pouch, and slashed at Mizuki's arm, making him drop his remaining weapon. The traitor fell to one knee, panting. "How…?"

Mizuki staggered back, blood dripping from his lip. "What the hell?! How did you—"

Iruka didn't answer. He turned to Naruto instead. "Listen, Naruto. You are NOT the Nine-Tails. You never were. You're just you."

Naruto stared at him, his lips trembling. "But… but why does everyone—"

"Because they're blind idiots who refuse to see past the past." Iruka knelt down, gripping Naruto's shoulders. "You didn't destroy the village. You didn't kill my parents. You were just a baby."

Naruto's eyes filled with tears, but he gritted his teeth, trying to hold them back.

Mizuki groaned. "You think your words will change anything? He's a monster, and you know it!"

Iruka scowled. "You talk too much, Mizuki." Without hesitation, he slammed his fist into the traitor's face, knocking him out cold.

At that moment, masked figures flickered into existence around them—ANBU. One of them stepped forward. "Iruka Umino, we will take Mizuki into custody."

Iruka exhaled. "Good. Make sure he never gets the chance to pull something like this again."

The ANBU disappeared with Mizuki in tow, leaving Iruka and Naruto alone in the clearing. The blonde sniffled, wiping his eyes. "So… I won't graduate?"

Iruka sighed, placing a hand on his head. "How about we talk to Lord Hokage first?"

Naruto hesitated before nodding.

[Hidden Condition Met: Mentor's Resolve Unlocked!]

[Special Trait Acquired: Instructor's Insight – Gain deeper understanding of one's potential and weaknesses.]

A new notification popped up in Iruka's vision. His eyes narrowed as he felt something shift inside him.

Iruka exhaled, feeling an odd clarity settle over him. The weight of responsibility pressed onto his shoulders, but for the first time, he didn't feel like he was walking blindly. Whatever this system was, it had just changed everything.

Iruka clenched his fists, glancing at Naruto. He had a month to prove himself as Naruto's mentor. With this new power… maybe, just maybe, he could change everything.

They walked in silence toward Hokage Tower, the weight of the situation settling over Iruka like a heavy cloak. His thoughts churned. He had just learned he wasn't the same Iruka anymore. Nick is gone, the voice echoed in his mind. The fear of what that meant gripped him. Could he be the teacher Naruto needed? Could he really make a difference in the boy's life?

Iruka stopped in his tracks for a moment, the doubt creeping into his thoughts. Maybe this whole teaching thing is too much for me. I've already failed Naruto once by not noticing Mizuki's true intentions. What if I'm not cut out for this?

Naruto, sensing the tension, looked up at him. "Iruka-sensei? You, okay?"

Iruka snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at Naruto, forcing a smile. "Yeah. I'm fine."

But deep inside, he wasn't so sure. They finally reached the Hokage Tower, and Iruka turned to Naruto. His voice was soft but firm. "Naruto… I need to talk to the Hokage about your future. I need to get stronger. Maybe… maybe it's time I quit."

Naruto looked up, his eyes wide. "Quit being a teacher? But… I need you. You're the only one who believes in me."

Iruka's heart clenched. But it was true. He wasn't sure anymore if he could do this.

"Let's talk to the Hokage first," he said, his voice steadying. "And then we'll figure out what happens next."

End of Chapter 2