Chapter 11: The Slash Heard 'Round the Tower

The morning sunlight streamed gently through the window, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor.

Iruka stretched his arms as Naruto finally let go of him, rubbing at his puffy eyes and sniffling. The kid looked like a mess—but a resilient one.

"Alright," Iruka said, voice low but steady. "It's morning now."

Naruto blinked, confused. "Huh?"

Iruka stood up, cracking his neck with a satisfying pop. "Go freshen up. Brush your teeth, wash your face. I'll cook something while you get ready."

Naruto's eyes lit up like fireworks. "We're eating your cooking again?!"

Iruka grinned, moving toward the kitchen. "You better hurry or I'll finish it all myself."

Naruto practically sprinted toward the bathroom. "Don't you dare!"

Iruka chuckled under his breath.

He pulled out the ingredients he'd bought the day before: fresh eggs, rice, green onions, and some tender slices of beef. He worked quickly and efficiently, letting the sizzle of the pan fill the air as the aroma of garlic and soy sauce started to spread.

While the rice cooked, he pulled something from his inventory—a small, glowing vial containing a red pill.

[Bloodline Enhancement Pill – Minor Grade]

A pill that strengthens the user's bloodline and improves chakra control and quality.

He stared at it.

'It might help him… especially if it boosts his Uzumaki vitality.'

Iruka set it aside, keeping it hidden for now. Naruto had to eat first. Then they'd talk.

By the time Naruto emerged, fresh-faced and with a smear of toothpaste still on his cheek, the table was already set.

A massive plate of fried rice sat steaming in the center.

Naruto's jaw dropped. "Are you trying to make me cry again?!"

Iruka laughed. "Only if it's tears of gratitude. Why don't you eat I will freshen up then eat"

Naruto sat down like he was taking his place. "I will wait but get ready fast or I will eat everything up."

After Iruka freshen up they start to eat.

The first bite hit Naruto like a freight train.

Naruto's eyes rolled back. "I—I'm ascending. This is a blessing. Are you sure you weren't a five-star chef in a past life, Iruka-sensei?"

Iruka coughed. 'Not exactly… but close enough.'

As they ate, Iruka reached into his pocket and placed the small vial on the table.

Naruto paused mid-bite. "What's that?"

Iruka's expression turned serious. "A gift."

Naruto stared at it like it might explode. "Is it dangerous?"

Iruka shook his head. "It'll help strengthen your chakra. Make your body stronger. Think of it like a vitamin—but stronger. I trust you with it."

Naruto looked up, stunned. "You're giving me something that important?"

Iruka nodded. "Because I believe in you."

Naruto's throat bobbed as he swallowed both food and emotion. Then, slowly, he took the pill and downed it in one gulp.

The moment it went down, he blinked.

"...Huh. Tingly."

Iruka smirked. "You'll be fine. Give it time."

They finished breakfast in comfortable silence. For once, there were no jokes, no pranks, no yelling. Just the calm before the storm.

After clearing the dishes, Iruka grabbed his sword and tied it around his waist.

Naruto noticed immediately. "Are we doing more training?!"

"Not yet," Iruka said. "Today, we take our first mission together."

Naruto gasped. "A mission?!"

His eyes sparkled. "Are we saving a princess? Fighting bandits? Guarding a caravan?!"

Iruka raised an eyebrow. "You've been reading too many manga."

He opened the door and gestured for Naruto to follow.

"Let's go pick up that D-rank mission," Iruka said with a smirk.

Naruto blinked. "Wait—D-rank?"

Iruka grinned.

Naruto's excitement visibly deflated. "Aww, man..."

Iruka's voice was light but firm. "Train harder. Get stronger. Then we'll talk about real missions."

As they stepped into the morning light, Naruto pouted.

But deep down, he was smiling.

Because for the first time… he wasn't alone.

[Scene: Hokage Tower – Mission Assignment Hall]

The tower bustled with low chatter as Genin teams shuffled in and out, waiting for their assignments.

Iruka and Naruto arrived just as Team 7—Kakashi, Sasuke, Sakura—emerged from the Hokage's office.

"Yo," Kakashi greeted lazily with a half-wave.

Naruto lit up the second he saw them. "Guys, guys—you won't believe what happened yesterday!"

Sasuke gave him a look. "Do we ever?"

Naruto puffed out his chest. "Iruka-sensei split the ground in half! With just one sword swing! No chakra or anything!"

Kakashi's visible eye widened slightly.

Sakura blinked. "What?"

Sasuke frowned. "He what?"

Naruto pointed dramatically at Iruka. "I'm serious! BOOM! The earth cracked like a rice cracker!"

Sakura sighed. "He's just exaggerating again…"

"Hey!" Naruto crossed his arms. "I'm telling the truth!"

Iruka scratched his head. "It was just one slash… not a big deal."

Sasuke muttered, "Not a big deal, he says."

But Kakashi didn't laugh it off like the others. His gaze lingered on Iruka's sword with quiet curiosity.

Then the Hokage's office door opened, and Hiruzen strolled out with a calm smile.

"Well, well," he said, amused. "Splitting the ground, are we?"

Iruka stood straighter. "Hokage-sama…"

Naruto seized the moment. "And that's not all! His cooking—his cooking—is so good, it's like he's the chosen one! A messiah sent by the God of Food!"

The hallway fell silent.

Sasuke turned away, hiding a twitch. Sakura facepalmed. Kakashi chuckled softly.

Even Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, clearly entertained. "Is that so?"

Iruka sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Let's just say… I didn't know my cooking was this good, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen stroked his beard with a smirk. "If it's truly as miraculous as Naruto claims, I'd like to try it myself sometime."

Then his smile widened.

"Or better yet," he added, eyes glinting with humor, "why don't you show us that sword slash while you're at it?"

Iruka blinked. "Right now?"

"Why not?" Hiruzen gestured to the open courtyard just outside. "There's plenty of space."

The others, already curious, began murmuring as they followed the Hokage out.

Naruto practically dragged Iruka by the sleeve. "C'mon, sensei! Show 'em the SLAAASH!"

With a sigh, Iruka stepped into the center of the field, wooden sword in hand.

'Alright... just a simple demonstration. Nothing too flashy.'

He raised the blade, feeling the air still around him.

Fwoosh—

To be continued....