"How is she doing?" Iruka asked, his eyes were tired from the many years. His smile had faded over time, he'd been in a way, forgotten by Naruto since the wedding. The only way he saw the children of Naruto was through the school. He'd become ridged and serious, keeping his clothes as tight as his attitude. He sat behind his desk in the principal's office with the walls covered in encouraging words for the new hopeful teachers. One in speaking was Shino Aburame. He'd been the Academy's homeroom class teacher for little over a few months. He was given the class with all the prodigies of their parents, much like himself. He bowed his head in thought.

"She's getting back to her normal routine but." Shino was thinking of this, under his silver metal cover he shut his eyes in thought. He wanted to tell Iruka what he wanted to do but he tried once getting denied at the time.

"I'm glad to see her going back to normal. Sumire is a smart girl, I'm sure she will continue to-"

"Iruka Sensei. She has gone back to her normal school academics it's just... She comes to class saddened and distance. I think-"

"Is this what you think is best for her or best for you?" Iruka was getting annoyed at Shino's constant attention to Sumire. "She's not your daughter, she is just your student. You're blurring the lines, Shino." Iruka stood and walked around his desk. Shino stood still and watched the man place a hand in his shoulder.

"Shino, please. I was like you when I saw Naruto living a world by himself. But this is different. She is old enough to take care for herself."

The Aburame's eyes widened under his visor at the words. There was a time Iruka would do anything for Naruto. "Do you feel this way because of how Naruto has grown? Why? Because he has ignored you after all this time. He's found a new person to call family?" Shino was blunt to the point, making the man next to him gasp quietly. Iruka dropped his hand and stood to look at him.

"Things are different now. I took Naruto under my wing then because he was lonely and afraid. You can't. It'd be different if it was a boy, but a grown man taking a young girl in isn't right."

"You know I'm not a person like that, Iruka Sensei." Shino bit his lip on the inside at the older man's sigh. He watched as he sat down behind his desk. The man looked at a photo on his desk, it was of him and Naruto at the wedding.

"Iruka Sensei, it maybe wrong for me, but what is worse, if I see her living a life the same as Naruto's and not do anything?"

With a heavy sigh, Iruka rubbed his head, "I'll see what I can do. I have to speak with the Hokage and gain approval for this... Go home for now. I'll let you know when I get word from the Hokage."

"Thank you, Iruka Sensei." Shino gave a bow and turned to leave. Iruka sighed when the door shut.

So I have to finally speak with Naruto on this... Iruka spun his chair to look out at the Hokage mountain.

Shino walked down the stairs of the building still under construction, it was quiet in the halls only the sound of his sandals was the only thing that bounced off the walls. He had gotten back to his class to collect his things to leave for the day. Class had just let out an hour ago but the sky was turning dark as he stepped outside. He walked down the school path noticing a girl sitting on a bench on the school grounds.

"Sumire?" He asked stopping next to her. She was sitting doing her homework for the next day.

"Oh," her face turned a slight pink but kept her eyes down, "Shino Sensei."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was doing my homework here because..." she didn't know what to say but if she spoke the truth he'd go away possibly. "I have no home. This is my home, the school..."

Shino looked down to the ground. He thought of his next words, "Sumire, I'm heading to get something to eat. Would you like to join me?"

She gasped at this and nodded. She put her papers into the books and stood up. She rushed to his side and they walked out the school gates.

From the top window Iruka watched as the two leave the grassed grounds of the school. Shino you'll do very well as her Sensei, , I know you will. I have faith in you.

This story is set after my Shadow cast and before The Dog and The Beetle stories.

I hope you enjoy this.