Chapter 1 The right to teach
"Iruka, good. Report"
I kneeled before the village leader and complied. "Yes my lord! The mission was a success on all counts. Neither Mizuki nor the students harbored the slightest suspicion of my covert role. I've managed to mitigate Mizuki's sabotage effectively, the students are now well-prepared, matching the caliber of freshly graduated genin of the great five nations. Mizuki, duped by the false intelligence regarding my research on the forbidden scroll, baited Naruto into stealing a decoy scroll. The final phase of the operation unfolded flawlessly, Naruto has been apprised of his unique burden and masteres a clone technique to fulfill the graduation criteria. Moreover, we've apprehended the traitor Mizuki, ensuring there were no casualties."
"Exemplary work, Iruka. Your diligence merits the reward of an A-ranked mission, considering the complexity and the extended duration of your undercover assignment." The Hokage's tone was composed, yet an undertone of satisfaction resonated as he carefully perused the detailed report in his hands.
Just as he signaled my dismissal, I took a deep breath, summoning the courage for an audacious request. "I have a proposition, my lord."
The Hokage's eyebrows arched slightly, a sign of piqued interest, as he motioned for me to proceed.
"I respectfully request to be appointed as the leader of Squad 7," I declared, the weight of my words hanging in the air. It was crucial not to exhibit any hesitation.
The Hokage's expression shifted to one of solemn contemplation. "I am well aware of your capabilities, Iruka. You stand among the finest Jonin, unquestionably qualified for leading a team. Your request would usually be swiftly granted. However, I am intrigued, why do you specifically seek leadership of Squad 7?"
My heart pounded against my chest. It was imperative I seize this moment. Lifting my gaze, locking it with the Hokage's wise, piercing eyes, I began, "Officially, I agree the current squad formations are primed to benefit the village immensely. However, there's more to my request, something beyond official records..."
Sensing the gravity of my hidden message, the Hokage gestured subtly, and the room, previously guarded by the elite ANBU Black Ops, slowly emptied, leaving behind an almost tangible stillness. Yet, I could feel it - a lingering presence, expertly concealed yet not entirely undetectable. There was still someone, a silent observer, nestled within the shadows under the floorboards behind me. With a barely perceptible tilt of my head, I acknowledged the unseen watcher, signaling my awareness without uttering a word.
The Hokage's astute eyes flicked briefly behind me, and with a voice layered in authority, he commanded, "You may retire as well, Coyote." Instantaneously, as if summoned from the very grain of the woodwork, a figure materialized. It was Yamato. He acknowledged our leader with a respectful nod, and then, employing the swift, near-invisible Body Flicker Jutsu, he vanished, leaving only the faintest trace of his departure.
Assured now of our solitude, I leaned forward, the urgency of my mission adding weight to my words. "My time spent undercover has not only granted me a unique perspective on the cadets, but also intimate knowledge of their individual capabilities and limitations. While the traditional methods of team composition have their merits, the report I've compiled suggests an alternate arrangement. I'm convinced that this unconventional approach will better harness and amplify the talents of this new generation of shinobi."
The Hokage glanced once again at the list of graduates, now contemplated as potential team assignments. He made a few observations, his voice measured. "I see why most of these changes could be advantageous. However, the modifications to Teams 7, 8, and 10 require further explanation given their status. Why switch cadets Hinata and Sakura? And why assign yourself to lead Squad 7?"
His question, delivered in a tone devoid of bias, gave nothing away. I collected my thoughts before replying, "Starting with the team accommodations, Sakura's exceptional chakra control makes her a prime candidate for Kurenai's genjutsu training. She possesses a sharp intellect and an assertive demeanor, qualities that would greatly benefit Team 8. Her forthrightness could instill a sense of discipline in Choji, while intellectually, she's more than capable of engaging with Shino's tactical brilliance. As for Hinata, being from the Hyuga clan, there are certain... limitations concerning what she can learn from Kurenai, likely due to clan politics or perceived past inadequacies in Kurenai's mentorship. In my role as a natural sensor, I can guide Hinata more effectively in leveraging her Byakugan and honing her inherent talents."
The Hokage's noncommittal hum lingered in the air, granting me the space to delve deeper into my reasoning.
"Considering the traditional team compositions, particularly team 10 comprised of the clans Akimichi, Nara, Sarutobi, and Yamanaka, their success and synergy are indisputable. Yet, their predictability could also be seen as a strategic vulnerability. Our enemies are well-versed in our methodologies. It's time we innovated." I paused briefly, ensuring my next words carried the necessary weight.
"In my observations at the academy, Kiba's unique approach to pushing Shikamaru's buttons has been noteworthy. His playful taunts and challenges often spur Shikamaru into action, disrupting his typical inclination towards inactivity. This dynamic, while unconventional, has the potential to bring out the best in Shikamaru, tapping into his strategic genius in unpredictable ways. Additionally, Ino's presence and leadership qualities provide the perfect counterbalance to both. She's not only adept at managing their contrasting personalities but can also harness their collective strengths effectively."
The gravity of my next words hung heavily in the room, and I could feel the attentive gaze of the Hokage upon me as I prepared to address the composition of Team 7. This was, undoubtedly, the crux of my argument.
"As for Team 7, my experiences with Itachi and Shisui have given me a profound understanding of the Uchiha bloodline and its nuances. I've dedicated a significant portion of my training to counter Itachi, following his betrayal. This goal, I believe, aligns closely with that of his brother, Sasuke. I am confident in my ability to mentor him effectively, guiding him away from the darker paths that his clan's curse might lure him towards."
I took a moment to let my words sink in before addressing the council's recommendation for Kakashi. "The shinobi council's preference for Kakashi to train Sasuke seems, on the surface, a rational choice. His Sharingan does, in a way, make him a suitable mentor for Sasuke. However, my experience in ANBU with Kakashi has shown me that while he is an exceptional ninja, his skills in mentorship are not as well honed. Moreover, he carries a burden that might hinder his effectiveness as a teacher for a team comprising Sasuke and Naruto."
The Hokage leaned forward, intrigued. "And what is that burden?"
"He would be ill-equipped to handle a team consisting of Sasuke and Naruto. His eye is a blessing to the village but a curse for him. A constant reminder of the failure during the war and the death of his teammates. It has been years and he has not moved on. How could he? when the Sharingan perfectly captures the memory of all the losses he has suffered, either symbolically or physically. His time by the monument is testament to that. Although Sasuke would bring these memories to mind, his attachment to Naruto, in my opinion, is the biggest liability."
The old man's eyes narrowed as he set aside his pipe, his demeanor turning cold. He ordered sharply, "Continue."
I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my next words. "The reason I asked for privacy is due to the connection to Naruto's lineage. It's not hard to piece together. I met another Uzumaki at a small ramen stand—a redheaded seal master, who introduced me to the arts of seals and happened to be very close to our late leader. Even as a child, I could make the connection."
"You understand this is a village secret, and revealing it could spell your death," the Hokage stated, his tone brooking no argument, his eyes piercing through me.
"I am fully aware and accept the risks, Lord Hokage," I affirmed, my voice steady.
He exhaled a long stream of smoke, his gaze lingering on the image of the Fourth Hokage. "You've outlined why Kakashi may not be the ideal leader for this squad, but you haven't fully justified your own candidacy. Explain."
"Yes, Lord Hokage. Beyond my rank and mission accomplishments, my mastery of Water Style is rivalled only by yours. My control of Wind and Fire is more than sufficient to guide Sasuke's development. As a sensor with a range rivaling that of an elite Yamanaka, I can mentor Hinata to reach the level of a Tokubetsu corps scout."
And Naruto?" he pressed, the question emerging not merely from the venerable elder before me, but from the full gravity and authority of the Hokage. His words, though outwardly calm, resonated with an undercurrent of profound implication, echoing the immense burden and the colossal stakes that lay in the balance.
With a resolve tempered like steel yet weighed down by the enormity of the task at hand, I responded, "I firmly believe I can provide the guidance Naruto desperately needs, fulfilling the dual roles of mentor and guardian. While Kakashi's placement is strategically purposed to harness and control the formidable beast sealed within Naruto, I consider this approach fraught with peril. Kakashi, despite his skills, is not an innate wielder of the Sharingan. Should his control falter, there's a terrifying possibility that he might be unable to restrain the beast. As for my own abilities in this regard, I dare say my proficiency in the sealing arts is a match for Lord Jiraiya's, and it may even surpass your own esteemed skills, Lord Hokage."
"Is this confidence or arrogance you demonstrate?"
"Confidence, my Lord," I asserted, with the solemnity of my conviction. "I stand before you as Konoha's preeminent sealmaster. Indeed, only Lord Jiraiya might challenge that claim, but his presence within these walls is not a constant, as you well know."
The Hokage's response was not immediate. Instead, he surrendered to a prolonged, contemplative hum, the sound reverberating with the gravity of his deliberations. His thoughtful gaze drifted as he continued drawing slowly from his pipe, each puff swirling around him, as if mirroring the swirling thoughts within. "Very well. Your arguments hold merit, but mere words are not enough for the magnitude of this charge. Meet me tomorrow at Training Ground 33. There, you must demonstrate beyond doubt your capability to safeguard and lead this team. You are dismissed."