The assessment for the three to become Genin was very simple.
They just had to last five minutes against three Jonin, all of whom were from the Uchiha Clan.
When the chief examiner, Ebisu, announced the rules, Iruka, who had no class and had stayed at the training ground to observe his students' performance, immediately changed his expression.
"Ebisu-sensei, this is too reckless! They are just children!"
When it truly came to the safety of his students, Iruka did not cower, nor did he exclude Naruto.
Ebisu heard Iruka's questioning but offered no explanation.
Ebisu, who was already a careerist, now held a higher Ninja rank and school position than Iruka.
If students had raised concerns, Ebisu might have listened, but he simply chose to ignore Iruka.
"You have five minutes to prepare. The assessment will officially begin once you are ready!"
Upon hearing this, the three immediately put their heads together.
"Such a simple assessment doesn't even need five minutes! I can handle it all by myself!"
"Idiot Naruto, these are Jonin, and Elite Jonin from our Uchiha Clan! Do you think they're just classmates from school?"
"Naruto, you behave yourself! Later, you listen to my command. No reckless actions, understand?!"
Ignoring Sasuke's words, Naruto mimicked Sasuke's serious expression and replied.
"I understand, Natsuri-boss, I'll listen to you later."
"Good, then it's settled. I'll be in command later, no objections, Sasuke?"
After Naruto agreed, Natsuri looked at Sasuke and asked.
Sasuke actually wanted to be the commander too, but he considered that Naruto definitely wouldn't listen to him.
Rather than arguing now, it was better to proceed this way.
Natsuri as commander was barely acceptable, as long as it wasn't Naruto.
Sasuke also said expressionlessly.
"No problem."
Seeing that they had reached an internal consensus, Natsuri continued.
"Then we need to quickly formulate a strategy."
Immediately, the three began to communicate rapidly in voices only they could hear.
Iruka, seeing that no one was paying attention to him, especially with the three students already discussing among themselves, shouted and walked towards them, attempting to take the three students away.
"This is too reckless! One wrong move, and something bad could easily happen!"
However, before he could take a few steps, Ebisu gave a look, and a Ninja from the Military Police Force immediately appeared in front of Iruka.
"You're Iruka, right? Please leave this area. This assessment was personally approved by Hokage-sama."
Iruka understood the reasoning and knew that Jonin had extremely precise control over their abilities, making it unlikely they would accidentally kill their students.
Especially since these Jonin were from the Uchiha Clan, and two of his three students were named Uchiha.
Rationality aside, Iruka's emotions still couldn't accept such a thing.
As his first class, these children whom he had watched grow up would have to face an assessment that he himself couldn't pass. He simply couldn't change his mindset quickly.
"But…"
"No 'buts'. Please trust the Military Police Force!"
The name of the Military Police Force was indeed effective. Iruka, who had been slightly struggling, slowly quieted down.
"Please be very careful. I'm counting on you."
After Iruka finished speaking, he instinctively turned to leave.
Multitasking is a basic quality of a Ninja, and the three, in their discussion, had naturally heard everything that just transpired.
Just as Iruka was about to leave, the three had also finalized their plan.
Naruto, with a brilliant smile on his face, said to Iruka.
"Iruka-sensei, you have to believe in us! I'm really strong."
Saying this, Naruto gave a thumbs-up and pointed at himself.
Naruto's confident smile infected Iruka, and the slight lingering resentment he held towards Naruto disappeared. He also gave a thumbs-up back to Naruto.
After all, he was Naruto's teacher for many years, unlike most Konoha Villagers.
Even after Konoha Villagers learned that Naruto was the Fourth Hokage's son, Naruto wasn't actually that popular.
Most villagers had very complex feelings towards Naruto, a lingering dislike from years past, and also a touch of guilt.
Just a touch, after all, there were many, many children of heroes in Konoha. Kakashi was one, Might Guy was one, and Iruka was also one.
Naruto's status as a hero's son only added a layer of the Fourth Hokage's halo. It was there, but not much.
Especially the villagers who used to always trouble Naruto, seeing him now only highlighted their own meanness, so these people now avoided Naruto as soon as they saw him from afar.
Naruto still had a long way to go to gain everyone's approval.
Relying on his father was not the solution; ultimately, he had to rely on himself.
Seeing this situation, Natsuri raised her hand and said.
"Chief Examiner, and three uncles, we have finished our discussion. We don't need to wait five minutes; the assessment can begin immediately. But can Iruka-sensei stay and watch our match?"
The three who were questioned by Natsuri did not answer, but instead turned their gaze towards Ebisu.
Their gazes made Ebisu almost ecstatic; his face was even a little flushed.
He knew that he would only be able to show off for this brief moment, and after the assessment, things would return to normal.
But even as a trial, it was really enjoyable.
Ebisu feigned contemplation for a moment, then lightly coughed twice and said.
"Ahem, normally, unauthorized personnel would have to leave, but since it's Miss Natsuri's request, we'll make an exception this once. However, Teacher Iruka, any form of interference with the assessment is forbidden. Can you do that?"
Iruka naturally wanted to stay and nodded with a serious expression.
Seeing this, Ebisu immediately picked up the timer, pressed it, and said.
"Assessment start!"
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