Chapter 3: A New Path Forward

Iruka's steps were slow, his mind racing as he made his way through the familiar corridors of Hokage Tower. The weight of the decision he was about to make was heavy, pressing on his chest like a boulder. He glanced down at Naruto, who walked silently beside him, his eyes fixed ahead with determination, though the weight of Mizuki's words still lingered in his heart.

"I need to get stronger…" The words had barely left Iruka's mouth back in the clearing, but now they felt like a promise. He had felt the surge of power coursing through him after Mizuki's attack, the sensation of something deep inside him awakening. But was it enough? Could it truly help him protect Naruto?

"Naruto," Iruka said softly, breaking the silence. "I… I need to do this. I can't keep pretending I'm enough as I am now. I need to grow stronger if I'm going to be the teacher you deserve."

Naruto's lips parted, ready to protest, but Iruka raised a hand, his voice firm but gentle. "You deserve more than someone who barely keeps up. And I can't let myself be someone who only stands in the background."

Naruto was quiet for a long moment. His eyes shifted from Iruka to the Hokage Tower's entrance. "But… but what does that mean for us? What if you leave?"

Iruka stopped walking and crouched in front of him, meeting Naruto's gaze. "I'm not going anywhere, Naruto. I'm just taking a different path. I'm going to ask the Hokage for something important. Something that will help both of us."

Naruto blinked, the confusion in his eyes fading into a flicker of curiosity. "What are you gonna ask him?"

Iruka stood up, offering a reassuring smile. "You'll see. Come on."

With that, they continued their journey through the tower, reaching the large wooden door of Hokage Hiruzen's office. Iruka hesitated for a second, his hand on the door handle, his mind racing with the possibility of what he was about to request. Could he truly go through with it?

Before he could second-guess himself, the door swung open with a soft creak, revealing Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was seated at his desk. The Hokage's eyes flicked over to them with a knowing gaze, his expression calm, though there was a hint of amusement hidden behind his usual thoughtful demeanor.

"Ah, Iruka, Naruto," Hiruzen greeted, his voice warm but laced with quiet authority. "I trust you've handled Mizuki and the situation with the Scroll of Seals?"

Iruka nodded, still trying to collect himself. "Yes, Hokage-sama, we handled it. Mizuki won't be a problem anymore."

Naruto glanced up at Hiruzen, still clearly processing the events. "Hokage-jiji, I… I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just wanted to pass the exam."

Hiruzen smiled warmly at Naruto. "You'll have your chance to prove yourself, Naruto. But, first, I want to make sure you understand something important. The people of this village, they've made their judgments based on fear and misunderstanding. But that doesn't mean you're defined by their views. You've got more inside you than they realize."

Naruto seemed to brighten a little at Hiruzen's words, but Iruka felt his thoughts returning to his own request. He cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"Lord Hokage," Iruka began, his voice steady, though he couldn't help but feel a bit of nervousness creeping in, "I've been thinking. I… I want to take Naruto on as my personal student."

Hiruzen's gaze softened, though his eyes never left Iruka's. "You've already shown Naruto how much you care for him. But are you truly prepared for what that entails? Being his mentor will demand more than just strength. You'll need to guide him through challenges that go beyond his training. It will require patience, and more importantly, resilience."

Iruka squared his shoulders, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "I'm prepared. I know what it means, Hokage-sama. I can't stay as just his teacher anymore. I need to grow stronger, and I need to help Naruto do the same. I refuse to let him face this world alone. We can't afford to be weak."

Hiruzen stroked his chin, eyes narrowing in thought. "You've always had a strong sense of responsibility, Iruka. But this will be a different path than you've walked before. And I can't say it won't be difficult."

Iruka nodded firmly, his resolve unwavering. "I understand, but I'm asking for your permission. I need to train, to get stronger. And I want to take Naruto with me. We both need to grow—together."

Hiruzen didn't speak right away. Instead, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze turning thoughtful. Iruka couldn't help but feel the weight of the moment. But before he could second-guess himself, the Hokage gave him a small, knowing smile.

"Very well," Hiruzen said. "Your request is granted, Iruka. Naruto will be under your personal mentorship."

Iruka blinked, surprised at how quickly the Hokage agreed. "You mean it?"

"I've been watching you both," Hiruzen said, his voice laced with quiet amusement. "Through the crystal ball, of course. It's clear that you've got what it takes to help him grow. And perhaps more importantly, you'll grow as well. I believe in both of you."

Iruka let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, feeling a sense of relief flood his chest. This was really happening. He was going to be Naruto's mentor. He wasn't going to fail the boy now.

Suddenly, a familiar blue screen flickered into his vision.

[Ding! New Achievement Unlocked: Personal Mentor]

Reward: Swordsmanship (Intermediate)

Iruka's eyes widened slightly as the knowledge and instinct for wielding a sword flowed into his mind. His grip unconsciously tightened. This… this was real. A newfound strength pulsed through him, filling him with even more determination. This was the first step.

"And Naruto," Hiruzen continued, turning to the blonde boy, "there's something I want you to know, too. You're not alone in this. Iruka-sensei believes in you, and so do I."

Naruto's eyes were wide, his face filled with hope that Iruka had never seen before. The boy was usually so full of energy and mischief, but now, for the first time, he looked like he was really starting to understand that he mattered.

"Thanks, Hokage-jiji," Naruto whispered.

Iruka placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Come on, Naruto. It's time to start your training. We have a lot of work ahead of us."

Hiruzen watched them both with a smile. "Go on then, Iruka. Make sure you teach him everything he needs to know."

As they turned to leave, Iruka felt a strange surge of confidence—this was the beginning of something important, something that would shape not just his own future, but Naruto's as well. And with the new power coursing through his veins, Iruka was more determined than ever.

He wasn't going to be the weak teacher anymore. And he wasn't going to let Naruto turn every fight into a Rasengan spam fest.

End of Chapter 3