The Academy classroom buzzed with nervous energy.
Children clustered in small groups, whispering and giggling. New friendships forming in real-time. Parents had dropped them off with encouraging words and promises to hear all about their first day.
Naruto stepped through the doorway.
The conversations died.
Every head turned.
He towered over the other students. Two years of intensive training had pushed him past 1.6 meters tall, all lean muscle and broad shoulders. He looked like a sixth-grader who'd wandered into a kindergarten class by mistake.
And on his back, impossibly tiny against his frame, sat a bright pink backpack.
Several children's mouths twitched. Someone stifled a giggle.
Naruto caught their expressions from the corner of his eye. They're staring at the backpack. Grandpa Third was right—it really does make an impression!
Pride swelled in his chest. The gift meant more than these kids could possibly understand.
He waited for someone to approach. To comment on the backpack, ask where he got it, start a conversation.
Nobody moved.
The whispers resumed, but now they were different. Hurried. Anxious. Children shifted away from him, creating an empty bubble of space.
Naruto's pride deflated slowly.
Right. The backpack isn't enough. I need to get stronger first. Then they'll want to be friends.
He found an empty corner and stood there, back against the wall, waiting.
Minutes later, a man entered the classroom wearing a standard chunin vest and Konoha forehead protector. His face was young, kind. A horizontal scar crossed the bridge of his nose.
The room fell silent immediately.
Every child straightened, eyes locked on that forehead protector. The symbol of a true ninja. The goal they'd all come here to achieve.
"Good morning, students." The man's voice was warm, almost gentle. "My name is Iruka Umino. From today forward, I'll be your instructor. I look forward to getting to know all of you."
He smiled, and it reached his eyes. Not the stern, intimidating presence of a typical teacher, but someone who seemed genuinely happy to be there.
The children responded automatically, bowing in unison. "Good morning, Iruka-sensei!"
Iruka's gaze swept across the room, taking in each small face. Mental notes formed as he matched faces to the files he'd studied last night. Names, family backgrounds, basic information.
His eyes reached the corner.
A tall boy with blonde hair and a pink backpack. Standing alone. Expression carefully neutral.
Uzumaki Naruto.
Iruka had spent a long time on that file. The Nine-Tails container. Orphan. Isolated by the village. His first instinct had been familiar—the same hatred he'd felt after losing his parents to the Nine-Tails attack.
But that had been years ago. He'd grown since then. Learned that blaming a child for circumstances beyond their control was the mark of immaturity, not justice.
Besides, looking at the boy now—standing alone while other children clustered in groups, that forced neutral expression—Iruka saw himself at that age.
Orphaned. Rejected. Desperately hoping someone would care.
I can't change how the village treats him. But I can make sure he has at least one person who sees him as a student, not a monster.
"Alright, everyone. Let's start with introductions. When I call your name, come to the front and tell us a bit about yourself. Your likes, dislikes, dreams for the future."
One by one, children took their turns. Shy mumbles. Confident declarations. Silly jokes that made everyone laugh.
Naruto paid careful attention to each name. Memorized faces. Noted details.
Future friends. I should know everything I can about them.
"Uzumaki Naruto."
Naruto walked to the front of the classroom. The atmosphere shifted immediately. Whispers that weren't quite quiet enough. Worried glances. One parent who'd stayed to watch pulled their child a bit closer.
He kept his introduction brief. "I'm Uzumaki Naruto. I like training. I want to have lots of friends."
He returned to his corner without waiting for questions.
Iruka watched the other students' reactions. The subtle way they angled their bodies away from Naruto. The careful avoidance of eye contact.
I can't force them to accept him. That would only make things worse.
But there were other ways to help.
The first day involved no actual lessons. Just orientation, book distribution, getting familiar with the building. By mid-afternoon, Iruka dismissed the class.
Children scattered immediately, racing toward waiting parents or heading home in groups.
Naruto shouldered his pink backpack and walked out alone.
"Naruto! Wait a moment."
He turned. Iruka jogged toward him, waving.
Naruto's mind raced. Did I do something wrong? But I've been quiet all day. I didn't talk to anyone. I didn't break any rules.
"Naruto, I'd like to treat you to dinner."
Iruka's hand settled on top of Naruto's head, ruffling his blonde hair with casual affection.
Naruto blinked. "Why?"
"Do I need a reason to buy a student dinner?" Iruka's smile widened. "What do you like to eat?"
"Roasted rabbit."
Iruka's hand moved to his pocket, fingers brushing against his wallet. He mentally calculated his remaining funds until payday. "Ah, well, rabbit can be a bit heavy. How about ramen instead? Much better for growing kids."
You're the one treating me. You choose.
Naruto nodded. "Okay."
They walked through Konoha's streets together. Iruka made casual conversation, pointing out landmarks, sharing stories about his own Academy days.
Ichiraku Ramen's curtains came into view.
"Two bowls of ramen!" Iruka called out to Teuchi behind the counter, clearly a regular customer. He guided Naruto to a seat at the bar.
Naruto sat stiffly, hands in his lap.
Something hot pressed behind his eyes. His throat felt tight.
This was the first time anyone had invited him to eat. Not out of obligation. Not because they had to. Just... because.
Grandpa Third had been the first person willing to talk to him like he mattered.
And now Iruka-sensei was the second.
Warmth spread through his chest, unfamiliar and overwhelming. Real and solid and good.
Is this what it feels like? To have someone care?
He ducked his head, pretending to study the menu board above the counter, and tried very hard not to cry.
"So, Naruto." Iruka's voice was casual, easy. "Tell me about yourself. What do you do for fun?"
Naruto looked up. Iruka's expression was open, genuinely interested. Not pitying. Not suspicious. Just... friendly.
The tightness in Naruto's throat eased slightly.
Maybe he could get used to this warmth.
Maybe, if he worked hard enough, there would be more of it in his future.
He took a breath and began to talk.
Behind the ramen counter, Teuchi smiled quietly as he prepared their bowls. It was good to see the Uzumaki boy with company for once. Good to see him smile.
The ramen was especially delicious that evening.