Chapter 1: A New Start
Chapter Text
The morning at school was not at all quiet as Iruka had expected. Instead, it proceeded with the usual hustle and bustle, as he dealt with the loudness and attention needs of one Uzumaki Naruto, as well as others like Sakura, Ino, and many more.
It wasn't significantly different, but now that he was working with a group of new kids, he wasn't surprised by anything. Kids tended to be the same every single year, and each year they came with their own unique and unexpected surprises that kept him on his toes and ensured he could navigate issues such as Naruto's need for attention.
After school, Iruka would be working on his paper; nothing much, as the kids were still in their first years. He knew he would have more work later, but he made sure his lesson was ready for the following day.
Iruka looked out and saw Naruto alone again. He knew who he was: the jinchuriki of the Nine Tails. He understood that the boy was loud because he needed attention and didn't receive any. Iruka recognized that Naruto needed support and care, that he was ignored because everyone feared him as a potential walking time bomb that could explode at any moment.
Pausing, Iruka gazed at the boy, contemplating these thoughts. What was he doing? How could he stand by and do nothing? He knew Naruto lived alone, and that felt inherently wrong. While he understood that as a teacher, taking a student under his wing could be considered unprofessional, he couldn't ignore the feeling in his heart as he watched Naruto sitting there on the swing.
After a long moment of consideration, Iruka pondered his options. Should he act professionally and maintain his role solely as a teacher? Or should he step up and support Naruto by offering him as much assistance as possible?
With a nod, Iruka made up his mind. "Naruto, let's go get some ramen. Are you up for that?" he asked, looking at the boy on the swing.
"Ramen? Really, sensei?" Naruto's eyes widened with surprise, a hint of disbelief in his voice. He glanced around, almost as if expecting someone else to be the target of Iruka's invitation. "You... you wanna go get ramen with me?" Despite his disbelief, a small spark of hope flickered in Naruto's eyes, betraying his longing for companionship and acceptance.
"Yes, of course," Iruka said with a warm smile, meeting Naruto's surprised gaze. "I figure we can grab something to eat, and then we can have a bit of a talk once we're done," he commented, gently motioning for Naruto to follow him towards the ramen shop. He hadn't taken the boy out for ramen before, but he had a feeling Naruto would enjoy it.
Naruto's eyes widened even further, a mix of excitement and disbelief crossing his face. "Really, sensei? You wanna talk with me?" His voice carried a hint of vulnerability, tinged with the hope of finally being seen and understood. Without waiting for a response, Naruto eagerly followed Iruka towards the ramen shop, his steps quickening with anticipation.
"Of course, Naruto," Iruka said as he walked with him to the ramen stand. "You're living alone, right?" Iruka asked as he looked at the boy, helping him find a seat. It was just the two of them at the ramen place at that hour.
"Yeah, I live alone," Naruto replied softly, his gaze shifting away for a moment before returning to Iruka. He hesitated for a moment, then added with a small shrug, "But it's okay. I'm used to it." Despite his attempt to sound nonchalant, there was a hint of loneliness in his voice.
"Yeah, I thought so, and I knew, but being used to something and liking it are two different things," Iruka said, thinking for a moment as he looked at the boy. He then ordered two bowls of miso ramen, one for each of them. "I want to ask you about this. Would you be against, say, living with someone?"
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise at the suggestion, a mix of hope and uncertainty flashing across his face. "Living with someone?" he repeated, his voice slightly hesitant. After a moment of contemplation, he shrugged his small shoulders. "I dunno... I guess it could be okay. But who would wanna live with me?"
"How about I take you in Naruto?" Iruka said bluntly to see the reaction.
"You... you wanna take me in?" he stammered.
"Of course, that's why I'm asking," Iruka replied, his voice gentle and sincere. "That way, I can make sure you stay out of trouble, help you with schoolwork, and make sure things go okay for you. Granted, I'm just a bachelor, so it will most likely just be the two of us," he commented, hoping to convey his genuine concern and willingness to support Naruto.
With a hesitant smile, he nodded, his trust in Iruka slowly starting to blossom. "Okay, Iruka-sensei. I'd like that."
"Then I'll talk about it tomorrow with someone, and I'll try my best to get it taken care of," Iruka replied with a warm smile. The sense of responsibility and determination in his voice reassured Naruto.
Naruto's eyes lit up with gratitude as he nodded earnestly. "Thank you, Iruka-sensei. I'll be waiting,"
The two of them enjoyed the meal as Iruka talked to Naruto about school and life. Iruka did a lot more than just listen to Naruto; he let him talk about things from his perspective and shared insights about life and situations from his own experiences.
Afterward, Iruka took the boy home and then went to write up the proposal to have Naruto come live with him. He knew the boy needed someone to watch out for him and work with him to have a more normal and fulfilling life. Iruka made sure to provide detailed reasoning and worked hard to justify his decision.
Iruka was sure this would work, as he had put a lot of effort into it, and he would see how it all played out. He glanced at the letter before sending it out to the Hokage. It would change his life a great deal in ways he couldn't even think of at that moment.
The next morning, Iruka found himself in front of the Hokage's office before school, ready to discuss his letter about Naruto. This was an important issue, and the Hokage had a big surprise for him as well. There was a requirement that the Hokage was going to enforce to grant Iruka's request, one that would surprise him greatly. Iruka sat down and waited for the Third Hokage's comments.
Hiruzen leaned forward, his expression serious yet thoughtful. "I am willing to accept your proposal, Iruka," he began, his voice carrying a weight of authority. "However, it is my belief that Naruto also needs a mother figure in his life."
Iruka listened attentively, curious about the Hokage's suggestion.
"I have someone in mind who I believe would be suitable for this role," Hiruzen continued. "Anko Mitarashi."
Iruka's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the unexpected suggestion. Anko Mitarashi, a former student of Orochimaru known for her unconventional methods and fierce personality, seemed like an unlikely candidate for a mother figure.
Hiruzen noticed Iruka's reaction but continued, explaining his reasoning. "Anko may seem unconventional, but she has a deep understanding of the ninja world and the challenges that come with it. I believe she could provide Naruto with the support and guidance he needs, while also giving her a purpose beyond her current duties."
Iruka nodded slowly, taking in the Hokage's words. It was an unconventional choice, but he trusted Hiruzen's judgment. "I understand, Hokage-sama. I will speak with Anko and see if she is willing to take on this role."
Hiruzen gave a small nod of approval. "Good. I will leave it in your hands, Iruka. Let me know how she responds."
Iruka was given a note indicating where to find Anko and ask her. He really wanted what was best for Naruto, and this idea seemed wild, but he couldn't help but wonder how it would work. He knew that Anko was a fierce woman and that she was different. Perhaps in that difference, she would be someone who would look at Naruto differently and not have the same prejudices about him as so many others had. It made some sense.
Iruka walked to find Anko at the dango shop that morning, getting fresh dango for herself.
"Hi, Anko-san, I need to talk with you. It's kind of important," Iruka said as he walked up to find Anko waiting in line to order her dango for the day.
Anko turned to face Iruka, a curious expression on her face as she raised an eyebrow. "Important, huh? What's got you all serious, Iruka?" she asked, her tone laced with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.
"I am trying to adopt Naruto Uzumaki, and I presented the idea to the Hokage. He suggested that Naruto needed a woman in his life, and well, he thinks you would be the perfect woman for the boy's life," Iruka mused as he looked at her.
Anko's eyes widened in surprise at Iruka's words, her expression shifting from skepticism to contemplation. She took a moment to process the unexpected proposal before responding.
"Me? Take care of Naruto?" she echoed, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "Iruka, you do realize I'm not exactly the maternal type, right?" Despite her initial hesitation, a flicker of something akin to consideration crossed her features.
"But..." she trailed off, her thoughts racing as she considered the possibility. Deep down, she knew that she had a unique understanding of the challenges Naruto faced, having experienced her own share of struggles in the ninja world. Perhaps, just maybe, she could provide him with the support he needed in her own unconventional way.
After a moment of silence, Anko met Iruka's gaze with a determined expression. "Alright, I'll do it," she said firmly, a hint of determination underlying her words. "I'll help Naruto out."
"Good, I'm going to count on you, and I promise to make it the best situation possible for both of us," Iruka said politely as he looked at her. "I'm sure the Hokage will arrange for us to have a new place larger than either of our current ones so we can all settle into the situation."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Also, Anko, um, what type of dango did you get today?"
Anko flashed a smirk, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "Oh, you know me, Iruka. Same as always – the spiciest ones they've got," she replied with a chuckle, her tone carrying a hint of playfulness. "But enough about dango. Let's focus on getting this new setup sorted for Naruto."
"Maybe I should try some then," Iruka mused after a moment of consideration. "Wait, you're right. Let's go tell the Hokage and get him to give us what we need. Someone is covering for me today at school, so we have time to figure this all out." He gestured for Anko to follow him, a sense of determination in his stride as they headed towards the Hokage's office to finalize the arrangements.
As they went, Iruka felt more and more confident that this could and would work. It was going to take a lot of effort by himself and Anko, but he was sure it could happen. He was glad for this idea, to make a difference in a young person's life. That was something really worthwhile, and Anko could easily cover teaching in many areas where Iruka couldn't.
The unlikely pair walked into the office, ready to get things taken care of with the Hokage.
Hiruzen looked up from his desk as Iruka and Anko entered, a curious expression on his face. "Ah, Iruka, Anko-san. What brings you both here today?" he inquired curiously
Iruka stepped forward, with a determined expression on his face. "Hokage-sama, we've come to discuss the proposal I made regarding Naruto's living situation," he began, his voice firm and steady. "Anko has agreed to help provide support for Naruto as well."
Hiruzen's eyebrows rose in surprise at the unexpected development. "I see. And what are your thoughts on this, Anko?" he asked, turning his attention to the kunoichi.
Anko met the Hokage's gaze with a confident expression. "I'm in," she replied simply, her tone firm. "I'll do whatever it takes to help Naruto out."
Hiruzen nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Very well. I will arrange for a suitable residence for all of you. I trust you both to make this arrangement work for Naruto's benefit."