Iruka sensei darted forward, grabbing Gin by the shoulders. He looked into his student's eyes.

"Where's Naruto?! Ginjiro where is he?!" The panicked look in his eyes was enough to make Ginjiro shrink back slightly. What was wrong? Had something happened?

"Iruka-sensei what's wrong? What happened? Is Naruto okay?" Ginjiro was wide awake now.

"Naruto has stolen the scroll of sealing from Hokage-sama's office." Iruka grimaced, his expression serious as he told the boy. "I need to go, I only came here to check for Naruto."

Iruka turned away, running to an open window in the hall and jumping out onto a building. He was about to run off when Ginjiro's voice rung out in the quiet night, startling him.

"Iruka-sensei!" The boy had scaled the wall and was standing on the roof of his apartment complex. "I'm coming with you." His eyes were filled with steel determination. Nothing would stop him right now.

-----

Naruto panted as he lay on his back, that jutsu was hard to learn but he had finally done it. He could be a ninja now. That was what Mizuki-sensei promised him anyways.

"Listen Naruto, your new Sensei probably told you that to become a ninja you have to pass his test but it's not the only way." Mizuki smiled kindly, placing a hand on his head.

"Really?" Naruto grinned hugely, he could graduate without that Teme and prove himself now. Even if he did leave Sakura-chan behind. But she would understand then that he was strong and worthy of her affection.

"Yes, listen closely..."

And now he had done it. He learned a jutsu from this old scroll before anyone could find him. He was a ninja now.

Behind him, Iruka landed in the small clearing. Ginjiro not too far behind. That was weird, why would Gin be here. Maybe to celebrate with him!

"Naruto!" Iruka raged with all the fury of a school teacher. And that was definitely a lot if the pulsing vein on his forehead had anything to say. He marched forward and hit the boy on the head.

"Ow! Iruka-sensei what was that for!" Naruto grumbled and rubbed his now aching head.

"Naruto! What have you done?" Iruka-sensei sounded angry, but that was impossible, Naruto had just become a genin right away!

"What do you mean Iruka-Sensei?" Naruto stepped back as if afraid, doubt creeping into his eyes. He looked towards Ginjiro with wide eyes. "Gin-chan?"

Ginjiro simply shook his head, his eyes clearly showing is confusion. What was Naruto doing? Why did he look like he usually did after an entire day of training? Had he just stolen an incredibly important scroll from the Hokage himself and started training?!

"Iruka-sensei I learned a jutsu! Now I can become a genin right away dattebayo!" Naruto grinned at the man, trying to ignore the stabbing pains in his heart and the strange feeling clawing at his gut. Did Iruka-sensei really not care? And why did Gin look so confused.

"What are you talking about Naruto? There is no graduation unless your jounin sensei approves of it." Iruka frowned thoughtfully, "Where did you even get that idea?"

Naruto looked stunned and relatively heartbroken. "But Mizuki-sensei told me that if I learned a jutsu from the scroll I could pass for sure."

Ginjiro shook his head, frowning. "Naruto, Mizuki-sensei hates us." He stepped forward. "He always has."

"What!" Naruto shook his head, stepping back. "But he said he'd help me!"

The atmosphere became chilled as cold, cruel laughter resonated in the clearing.

"Well look at this, the demon brats and their dear teacher. How touching." The blue haired man landed quietly in the clearing, two large kunai rattling ominously on his back. "Makes me want to puke." He snarled viciously.

There was a sudden breeze, sending shivers through the two children as they stood in the moonlight. Iruka tensed and stood protectively in front of the boys. While he hated the thought Iruka knew his senpai had been acting up lately.

Iruka planted his feet with determination, Mizuki would not harm his students. Not while he was still alive and kicking. Or at least not until reinforcements arrived.

"Ah how sweet, you actually want to protect those freaks." He leaned forward with a mocking look on his face. "Why protect your family's murderer huh?"

When Iruka stiffened and the boys became confused while Mizuki cackled again.

"Ah of course! How could I forget! I think it's about time he finds out isn't it?" The mocking grin turned ominous.

"Stop it Mizuki! It's illegal to speak about!" He snarled at the man who was once his friend.

"Ah, why not, after all, it should be obvious by now."

"Stop!"

Mizuki ignored the man and turned to where Naruto still stood behind Ginjiro.

"Let me tell you a little tale demon fox."

Merry Christmas everybody!!