As Konosuke's countdown echoed through the classroom, Sakura's heart twisted tighter and tighter.
Leaving Sasuke?
That felt worse than death.
But Konosuke's threat didn't sound like a bluff. If she stayed, Iruka-sensei might truly die.
"Six…"
The whisper of a devil continued.
Her body trembled. Tears streamed down her face.
Iruka wanted to speak—wanted to plead for her—but when he turned, he saw Konosuke watching him with narrowed eyes. The words died in his throat.
"Five… Four… Three… Two…"
The pressure crushed down on her.
Sakura collapsed, clutching her head, sobbing uncontrollably.
"One."
Several students squeezed their eyes shut.
They thought they were about to witness Iruka's death.
But Konosuke didn't strike.
Instead, he stood, walked to Iruka's side, and patted his shoulder lightly.
"You really are a failure as a teacher. Your student would rather watch you die than leave the class. That so-called Will of Fire… what a joke."
As he passed behind Sakura, he merely shook his head.
Six years in this world. Over a year knowing her.
Only now did he truly see her selfishness.
Back in his previous life, he hadn't liked her either—but he'd never judged her too harshly.
Now he understood why so many people had disliked her.
No one admires selfishness.
He left the classroom and headed toward the training grounds.
He needed to speak with Sasuke.
Sasuke was still running when Konosuke waved him over.
"Sasuke. Come here. I need a word."
Sasuke jogged up immediately.
"Sensei."
Konosuke nodded.
"Do you know why I made you run? Are you dissatisfied?"
"No. My brother and my father both said that whatever you say, I should obey. No need to question it."
Konosuke blinked.
He'd expected some resistance.
Clearly Fugaku and Itachi had drilled this into him.
"You didn't do anything wrong today," Konosuke said calmly. "I made you run so you could think. And so I could speak to you alone."
Sasuke scratched his head, still confused.
Konosuke sighed.
"Tell me your opinion of Naruto and Haruno Sakura."
"Annoying. Troublesome."
Naruto was the annoying one. Sakura the troublesome one.
His honest answer.
"If you had to choose one as a teammate, who would you pick?"
This time Sasuke paused.
After a few seconds, he answered.
"Naruto. He's annoying… but he's trustworthy. At least he won't drag the team down."
Konosuke smiled faintly and ruffled his hair.
"Remember those words. One day, Naruto may very well be your teammate. Get along with him."
"And forget about Haruno Sakura. She's not a good teammate. Nor a good partner."
He paused.
"Actually, that's beyond you right now. Just focus on getting stronger. Don't let admiration from girls distract you."
Sasuke nodded seriously.
"I understand, Sensei. Honestly… I don't even like those girls. They're annoying."
Konosuke suppressed a laugh.
Sasuke's "cool persona" was awakening.
After offering a few pointers, he returned to his office.
—
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office…
"Hokage-sama, I wish to resign from teaching," Iruka said, lowering his head. "Konosuke-sensei was right. I've failed as a teacher."
"I preach the Will of Fire every day. Yet my student chose her own comfort over my life. It's… ironic."
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened silently, piecing together the events.
He didn't comfort Iruka immediately.
Instead, he pulled out Sakura's file.
To be frank, Sakura hadn't originally qualified for the elite class.
She'd been allowed in largely because Naruto liked her.
Strength could be trained.
But without the Will of Fire… there was no value in investment.
Now she had pushed Iruka to the brink of resignation. That was unacceptable.
After a moment's thought, Hiruzen handed the file back.
"If Konosuke suggested transferring her to the medical class, then so be it."
"As for your resignation—I will not approve it. You are a good teacher. The students need you."
Iruka hesitated under the Hokage's steady gaze.
"...Understood. I'll return to the academy."
After he left, Hiruzen summoned Kakashi.
"Kakashi. Naruto is fond of that girl. When he learns she's being transferred, he may come protest."
"If he does, tell him I'm unavailable."
"Understood, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen exhaled heavily once Kakashi left.
Too many troubles lately.
Konosuke's outburst.
Iruka's resignation attempt.
Exhausting.
—
Back in the classroom, Iruka announced the Hokage's decision.
Sakura stared blankly.
All she had wanted was to stay near Sasuke.
Why was everyone opposing her?
Naruto shot to his feet.
"Iruka-sensei! I object! Sakura's my classmate. I won't let her go!"
Iruka didn't explain further. He simply handed Sakura her file.
"The Hokage has ordered your transfer to the medical class. Report tomorrow."
"Iruka-sensei, I—"
Naruto leapt onto a desk, only to be pulled down firmly.
"NARUTO!"
Iruka's tone was uncharacteristically stern.
"Listen carefully. The proposal came from Konosuke-sensei. The Hokage agreed."
"Your disagreement means nothing. If you can persuade them, then she may stay."