"He used to break into the Academy's library late at night," Iruka sadly mentions. "I caught him once," Iruka adds with a smile. "I'm sure that's how he started breaking into places."
"It's that systemic" Kurenai wishes she can say she's surprised but at this point the picture of Naruto's life is clear. Any way or method Naruto could be screwed over, he was. Ino couldn't believe what she was hearing.
She was so sure he was just an idiot, but now two intelligent adults are saying different, and after playing as Naruto for a day, she couldn't completely deny it.
"I- okay," Ino speaks, clearing her troubled mind. "Not that I don't believe you, and truth be told, the way he acts out makes even more sense now, but this is hard to accept, mainly because I don't get why everyone hates him so much.
How could so many people hate one boy for no other reason than being an orphan? It just doesn't add up."
"You're right Ino-chan," Iruka glumly states, weakly slamming his head against his pillow. "It saddens me to say when I first met him, not only did I not understand him, but I didn't want to.
I had my own personal reasons for refuting him, you see." Kurenai didn't need to hear why but it's forbidden to talk about so Ino can't completely understand. "While it's surprising he's learning that much in such a short period of time, his enthusiasm isn't.
In my personal experience, I was happy to learn the one thing about Naruto you can always count on."
"What's that?" Ino asks.
"That boy never gives up," Iruka asserts with a smile.
"Orphaned from birth, a child of poverty, nearly all his sensei belittle his intelligence, hated by everyone, mistreated by most, attacked and beaten by some; you would think someone going through all that for years and years would simply give up or turn to hate and violence. But not Naruto.
He fights that much harder, like something I've never seen before. He gives me hope that this world can be a better place and it's why I'll defend him with my very life."
The strength of his eyes as both women felt his conviction was palpable. Laying paralyzed only aided the truth of his words, and more than Kurenai, Ino was in awe that someone would actually go so far for Naruto of all people.
One of her favorite sensei's positive opinion of him made her uncomfortable as she thought of all her insulting thoughts, taunts or abuse of him. Kurenai simply felt impressively pleased to know more about the loud blond and finds herself hoping he'll come back soon.
Naruto turns to the pretty mother as she explains, "I know how much father enjoyed having you with him. He said you and your clones helped construction move thirty-seven percent faster, which is incredible."
Naruto chuckles as he responds, "yeah, I have a lot of energy and I wanted to help."
"Ah, to be young again," she says whimsically with a smile. "I think it's a nice to see that side of a ninja."
Confused, Naruto asks, "what do you mean?"
"Forgive me," Tsunami says. "I only mean to say it's nice that ninja can help build. We here primarily know about their strength to destroy rather than help. Father's told me how much you want to help us, and from the bottom of my heart I can't thank you enough."
"No sweat," Naruto proudly tells her with a big smile.
"Naruto-kun," Tsunami calls. "Is it true you changed into my father on your journey here?"
"Yup!"
"That's just so unbelievable," Tsunami states with a giggle. Naruto puts his fingers together and henges into her father, to her joyful surprise. "Oh my! You look exactly like him."
Naruto hunches his back like Tazuna does, pretends to look around the room in confusion and mimics his voice, saying, "Tsunami, be a dear and help me find my glasses." As they're already on Naruto-Tazuna's face, Tsunami laughs at the dead-on impersonation.
"Why I can't find those blasted things anywhere!"
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