Do not own anything Naruto.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed my last chapter. Here is chapter two of my story. Hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 2

Iruka stood there frozen for a few minutes before realizing that he was to follow him into his office and closed the door behind him.

"I don't understand. You know what my strength is?" asked Iruka

Sandaime sitting down behind his desk, smiled at him and simply said "yes." "Please Iruka have a seat."

Still not sure what to think of the situation, Iruka listened to what the Hokage said and sat down in the seat in front of him.

Not for sure exactly where to start, Sandaime looked up at Iruka and quietly said "I know what everyone is saying about you Iruka-kun. And I don't think anyone has the right to say such things. If they were to give you a chance and get to know you better, they would see your strengths. You may not know many jutsus, or be as fast as some of them, but your will to do something and not give up is your strength. And no matter what, you are always willing to help others, especially little kids. I believe in you Iruka-kun, and given the right circumstances I think you can make that work in your favor."

Iruka at this point knew that he had to have his eyes wide and mouth hanging wide open, if not hitting the floor. He was in shock. Sandaime was telling him that he believed in him and that he was strong in a sense. He couldn't believe it. No one has told him that since his parents died.

"I'm not sure if I quite understand what you're saying. Are you saying that I could become stronger if I work from what my strength is."

"Yes, once you know what your strength is you can only get stronger from it. I've been watching you Iruka-kun, and I want to put those strengths of yours to good use" said Sandaime.

Iruka looking up with a small smile on his face said "I will do anything to help you, Sandaime."

Sandaime looking at Iruka with a smirk said "Very well then, Iruka I want you to become a teacher at the academy. To teach our pre-genins the basics to get them started with the life of being a ninja. I know that you are very skilled when it comes to the basic skills and you would have the patience needed to guide them in the right direction."

Iruka not sure that he heard him right, looked at him and said "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Smiling, Sandaime said "I want you to become a teacher, Iruka."

Swallowing, looking a little nervous, said "Um, Sandaime I'm not so sure I'm that qualified to teach kids." Thinking about how he acted when he was in school, those teachers wanted to kill him with all the pranks he pulled. " I mean I'm not sure if I can…."

Narrowing his eyes and looking right at Iruka, Sandaime said "Are you doubting me Iruka. I know that you haven't had anyone there for you since your parents died up until now, but I want to help you. To put you in the right direction, and I think the right direction is for you to become an Academy Teacher. You are very good with the children, you have a lot of patience which is something that you will need, and you know the basics better than any shinobi I know. Like I said you may not know a lot of big jutsus, but you know how to work with what you have. So yes, Iruka-kun I think you are very qualified."

Feeling a little guilty, Iruka stood up and bowed to Sandaime and said "Then I would be honored to serve you as the new teacher at the academy, Hokage-sama."

Shaking his head, Sandaime said "Sit down Iruka, you don't need to be that formal, besides I have more that I want to discuss with you."

Looking a little puzzled, Iruka slowly took his seat waiting for what else Sandaime had to say. Maybe he still was in trouble.

Sighing, Sandaime looked at Iruka and seeing the look on his face, said "Your not in trouble Iruka." Slowly releasing a breath he didn't realize he was holding, looked at Sandaime waiting for him to continue. "I want you to socialize more. You need to make friends, but you keep running away from everyone and won't let anyone get close to you. So the second thing I want from you, is to put in a few hours at the mission desk."

Not believing what he was hearing, Iruka just stared at the Hokage like he grew a second head. Thinking to himself, "doesn't he realize I don't socialize, because nobody wants to be my friend. Everywhere I go, people make fun of me, or downgrade me. I never remember anyone saying they wanted to be my friend."

"But Hokage-sama, I don't think you understand. I don't have any friends, because nobody wants to be my friend. I've tried to make friends, but they just laugh at me and run off with their friends. I know everyone will be talking about me when I become a teacher, but being at the mission desk will only make it worse."

Sandaime, smiling sadly at him, said "Your wrong Iruka. You've just got to look in the right places and talk to the right people. Once they get to know you, they will see the real you and would be happy to become friends. But you also have to be willing to let people in also. Don't try to impress them, just be yourself. I think the mission office would be perfect for you, because then you would be able to see all the different shinobi Konoha has and be able to become friends with some of them, the ones worthy to become your friend. At least give it a try before saying no. If you are not happy with it after a couple of months, then I will let you quit."

Looking out the window, Iruka started to nod, and said "I will give it a try. When do you want me to start?"