"Naruto, your results have improved this time. Keep up the good work!"
Iruka nodded with satisfaction after the latest throwing test, seeing that Naruto finally stopped missing the target.
"Teacher Iruka, I'll keep working hard, I promise!"
Naruto cheered happily. Even though his grades were still at the bottom, except for the clone and transformation techniques, he had made some progress in other areas.
Especially in taijutsu — placing second among students of his level was already a very good achievement.
However, despite this, his poor performance in clone and transformation techniques dragged his overall score back down.
"Only a few days left until the official exam. Everyone must do their best. The next assessment will affect your ninja records. After becoming ninjas, your future promotions will be based on these records."
Iruka once again emphasized the importance of the upcoming exam to the students.
As a teacher, he hoped all his students would become ninjas and grow stronger.
But reality was not always as hoped. He knew these kids would face many unexpected paths ahead.
Ninjas often walk a dangerous line — every day, some are inscribed on the memorial stone.
With the serious atmosphere, today's class ended. The students left the school quietly, feeling a bit down.
"Sasuke, look! It's Kakashi-senpai!"
Naruto, seeing the white-haired figure leaning at the school gate, excitedly clung to Sasuke.
He had heard Kakashi was on a mission, but the mission lasted so long…
If he didn't return soon, they'd already be graduating!
"Yeah, Kakashi-senpai is back. Let's go eat something nice today. How about some barbecue?"
Sasuke nodded toward Kakashi, who was waving at them, then took Naruto's hand. Calmly chatting about dinner plans, they slowly walked toward the school gate.
Kakashi was back, and he seemed to be in a good mood — which meant the future class assignments were basically decided now.
"Hey, you two little troublemakers, don't you know to give me a proper welcome ceremony?"
Kakashi watched as the two approached and stopped in front of him. He felt a bit helpless that they were already discussing what to eat just because he returned, but it also comforted him.
At least those two kids hadn't been bullied while he was gone; otherwise, they wouldn't be acting so normally.
"Kakashi-senpai, let's go eat barbecue! As a celebration for your return, how about this welcome ceremony?"
Naruto happily announced that they had actually prepared this.
They decided on it just before coming over, so...
"It's still my money paying, but it really has been a long time since I had barbecue, so I'll treat you guys!"
Kakashi ruffled both their heads, not worrying at all about his wallet.
"Let's go. Kakashi-senpai is injured, so after eating we'll go home and get some rest."
Sasuke glanced at Kakashi's shoulder; the guy's injury was no joke.
He'd probably been spending most of the last six months nursing that wound, right?
"I'm here. Let's hurry up!"
Naruto almost shouted that out but quickly changed the subject after catching Sasuke's look.
As for the injury, Naruto really hadn't noticed — and since Sasuke's voice was so low, it wasn't something they wanted others to know about, right?