Umino Iruka was not a genius. His grades in the academy were good for an eight year old, the teachers agreed, even if his pranks were less than desirable. His mastery of weapons and chakra theory were slightly above average, but he showed no signs of exemplary development or extensive knowledge. Simply put: Umino Iruka was not a genius. He did, however, have something close: his best friend was.
Umino Isuri met Hatake Sakumo for the first time when they were assigned to a mission together. It was a delicate task, one neither jounin took lightly. They had to bring two scrolls to the Kage of the Village hidden in the Mist, and do it swiftly. It would take Sakumo's skill, energy, and leadership to succeed, but Isuri's knowledge of Mist and the government to get them to the point where they could succeed. The two exchanged stories about their son's during the time, a topic both were fond of. In the end it was Isuri who saved Sakumo from execution, and Sakumo who saved Isuri from attack. The two became friends.
Then, as friends do, Isuri invited Sakumo, and his son Kakashi, over for dinner. As the adults talked, 4 year old Iruka and 5 year old Kakashi played hide and seek around the house and yard. By the end of the evening, the two boys were also friends.
Over the next few months, the Uminos and the Hatakes formed a close friendship. The two men often took missions together, proving themselves a capable team. Kakashi helped Iruka excel in some of his classes, much to the delight of his parents. And when Sakumo fell from public favor doing the right thing, The Umino family was quick to defend their friend. Iruka, young though he was, understood the Kakashi was both proud and ashamed of his father, and never made Kakashi talk about it. They grew up together, facing hardship and joy in their turns. Eventually that friendship turned into a great romance, one that stood firm in the minds and hearts of Konoha.
This is their story.