Naruto's arms hung like noodles at his sides, his new crimson sword resting across his lap. His clothes were soaked in sweat, but his grin was blinding.
"One thousand slashes… complete," he gasped. "Believe it!"
Iruka stood over him like a general surveying his apprentice. The air still vibrated from the weight of Naruto's training.
"Good work," Iruka said simply. "Your form improved."
"That's because I have the best sensei in the world," Naruto panted. Then perked up with a cheeky smile. "After all that—I want your cooking, Sensei!"
"You had it this morning."
"Yeah, but now I earned it again!" Naruto declared proudly.
A bark of laughter came from behind. "No fair!" Kiba shouted as he and Team 8 approached. "He gets to enjoy your godly food every day?!"
Hinata, quiet as usual, nodded shyly. Shino simply adjusted his shades and said, "It is statistically unusual for a former academy teacher to possess such elite culinary skills."
Kiba, drooling, whined, "Can you adopt me too, Iruka-sensei?"
Just then, Chōji wandered in with Ino and Team 10. "Cooking?" Chōji blinked. "Is it really that good?"
Naruto sat up, eyes shining. "He's a messiah sent by the Food Gods."
Kiba solemnly put a hand on Chōji's shoulder. "You ascend after a single bite."
"Join us," Shino added with uncharacteristic solemnity.
Ino laughed. "This is turning into a cult!"
Then her eyes flicked to Iruka and Kurenai—who were standing a bit too close, exchanging a quiet laugh. Kurenai's eyes sparkled as she glanced at Iruka, clearly amused.
Naruto caught the look and bolted upright. "See this, Nee-chan? I did one thousand slashes with Sensei!"
Kurenai stepped closer, crouching beside Naruto with a warm smile. "Good job, Naruto. You did really well."
Naruto beamed, cheeks flushed from praise. "Hehe, thanks Kurenai-nee-chan!"
Then, Kurenai stood and turned her gaze toward Iruka. Her voice softened, laced with something else—pride, admiration, and just a hint of teasing.
"And you…" she said, eyes trailing from his crimson katana to the wooden sword in his hand, "…you look surprisingly good with that new look."
Iruka blinked, caught off guard by the sudden compliment. Before he could respond, she leaned in slightly with a mock frown and continued:
"I also heard what you did at the weapon store."
Iruka rubbed the back of his neck. "They were being unreasonable. The sword belonged to Naruto's clan—it chose him."
Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "You practically shattered the room's atmosphere with your presence."
"They needed to listen," Iruka muttered, almost sheepishly.
She gave a small laugh and turned her head away, trying—and failing—to hide a faint blush.
"Ne, sensei?" Ino asked innocently, stepping closer. "Are you really sparring with Lord Hokage today? Can you really… cut the skies?"
Iruka blinked in surprise, then smiled gently. He reached out and patted her head. "You'll find out soon."
"As if," came a scoff from the back.
Asuma stood with his arms crossed, smoke curling lazily from the corner of his mouth. "Rumors. That's all they are. Sparring with my old man's already pushing it. No way you're cutting the sky."
He puffed his cigarette, and as if fate wanted to spite him, the wind blew the smoke directly into Iruka's face.
Iruka's eye twitched.
In one fluid motion, he drew his wooden practice sword and slashed through the air. A subtle shimmer of haki clung to the arc.
CRACK.
The cigarette in Asuma's mouth split in half. A line of torn ground snaked across the training field, perfectly straight, ending at Asuma's feet.
Everyone froze.
"…KYA—SO COOL!" Ino squealed.
Naruto and Kiba's eyes sparkled like stars. "THAT'S WHY HE'S THE GOAT!!" they howled in unison.
"G.O.A.T!! G.O.A.T!!" Kiba started chanting, pumping his fists.
Ino blinked, still stunned. "Where do I sign up for this cult?"
Hinata nodded, whispering, "I-I think you are already in it…"
Shino pushed up his glasses. "The data supports founding a formal organization."
Iruka sighed, rubbing his temple. "At this rate, I'll have to open a dojo…"
"Dojo of the Divine Chef-Slash-Master," Kiba suggested.
Naruto nodded furiously. "Slash first, eat later. Believe it!"
Kurenai laughed, covering her mouth with a hand. "Good luck, Sensei~"
Iruka's eyes widened at her tone. She blinked, realizing what she said, and her face turned red.
"I—I mean, good luck in the match! Not—ugh!" She turned away quickly, flustered.
Naruto grinned like a fox. "Ohooo~ Kurenai-nee-chan's cheering for our Sensei!"
Kiba nudged Hinata. "They're totally a thing."
Ino leaned in, whispering, "Should we ship it?"
"They already sail themselves," Shino said.
Suddenly—
A hush fell over the field.
A few ANBU dropped silently from the trees, surrounding the area like shadows. Behind them walked Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, with his arms folded behind his back. His face was unreadable beneath the shadow of his hat.
Team 7 followed behind, curiosity on their faces.
Right after them came Might Guy and his team, Lee practically vibrating with excitement.
Iruka turned, back straight, wooden sword still in hand.
"It's time," he said simply.
And the air shifted.
—
To be continued…