He convinced himself he didn't have time for the older man_More importantly, he convinced himself that he didn't need him.
Naruto told himself that Iruka understood. Didn't he? He wanted Naruto to get stronger, wanted Naruto to become Hokage, wanted Naruto to be happy, didn't he?
So why look so sad when he left, why look so sad when he only asked for Ramen? Iruka knew Naruto more than anything, he knew what he wanted and needed. If he stayed in the village forever, he'd never become powerful.
Therefore, his abandonment of his teacher had been justified, at least that's what Naruto made himself believe. And whenever he felt himself feeling guilty for leaving the man in the dust, guilty for ignoring him or pretending not to see im when they walked by each other, Naruto reminded himself of one important thing.
Iruka was just an Academy teacher. He certainly was no super-awesome Jounin like Kakashi-Sensei, or mysterious Anbu like Yamato-taicho. And he fell short when compared to Naruto's god-father, the all-mighty toad sage. And never could Iruka compare to Naruto's father, the Great Fourth Hokage, he was nothing like his kind mother Kushina. He didn't need Iruka, these people led him to power, they filled the void in his heart, if Naruto wanted to get stronger, he needed to pursue to strongest.
Iruka wasn't one of those people , and Naruto knew that from the bottom of his heart, Iruka understood. He knew that Iruka understood that if he continued to remain in Naruto's life, that he'd only drag him down. He knew he didn't have to say it, never had to mention it.
His smile said most, his glances hid the rest. And of course, Kakashi did the speaking for him just incase Iruka didn't exactly get the message.
When Iruka smiled at him, when the scar on his nose wrinkled because his eyes were closed so tightly, Naruto knew that he understood, knew that he could leave the man as he pursued his dream.
Iruka had done his job, he'd recognized Naruto, he'd gotten others to do so as well. But he was done with Iruka now, he just needed him for the occasional pep-talk and the occasional lunch. Naruto supposed Iruka was so quick to offer lunch because he knew their relationship was waning thin, that it was pointless.
He didn't need the man anymore, besides, Iruka would always be there, it wasn't as if he was disappearing anytime soon. If Naruto needed to use him again, he could. Iruka was quick to come to the boys aid, so asking for help wouldn't be a problem.
Naruto smiled as he walked away with his Sensei, Captain and his God-father. Already, he felt as if his actual father was walking behind him, leaving Iruka in the dust.
He was the Fourth Hokage's son, Kakashi Hatake's student, The Toad Sage's God-son and student to Yamato.
He wasn't an Academy student anymore. Iruka was nothing to him, only a tool to be used if necessary.
That's all.
Naruto and Iruka's relationship might as well be this, because Kishimoto does nothing to strengthen it. I feel as if Naruto himself has failed to recognize what exactly Iruka did for him, and in a sense, brainwashed himself into thinking, "You helped me, so I'll help others while forgetting you etc,..". Kishimoto's character development baffles me...he's a TERRIBLE writer, and if you're keeping up with the Manga, you know what I mean. No longer is he writing for himself, but he's writing for his fans. To many, that may seem stupid, writing for oneself, but in the end, that's all that matters. Some fans, and i'm not pointing fingers, are pure idiots whom would love to see their fav's as all powerful gods. I really think that's what's happening to Naruto, that he's adhering to the liking of those fans, fans whom are just in it for the action rather than the plot. I'm a reader and a write, i'm in it for the plot. Anyway, now back to Algebra D:, at least this served as an escape. I think i'll stop here, as it was updated last in July O: I wasn't even in school. Anyway, hope you liked it...REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW, and God bless :D