Chapter Text
(I don't own any characters etc etc)
Iruka inhaled deeply, the scent of the lush forest around him filling his nostrils, crisp air filling his lungs. He was new to the area but had heard many good things about the land and its forests, which were already living up to, if not exceeding, expectations.
He adjusted the bags he carried on his back - a small satchel of his most important possessions and a larger rucksack of his other items of clothes and books.
“I’ve not got much, but it’s all I have and all I need,” he mused to himself as he walked.
It was autumn and he was on the lookout for his next destination, a stable village to settle into for the rest of the season and through the winter. If there was no further opportunity past that, he’d pack up and move on as he had already been doing while he sought employment. His given profession was that of a teacher or tutor, whatever opportunities like that he found available, and Iruka could only hope that this part of the Land of Fire had something for him. If not, well, he had other skills and strengths and would find something!
“First things first, I’ll need to find a place to sleep before I can look for employment, and allow myself a nice night of rest,” Iruka mused to himself. “But I’m excited for new opportunities, and meeting new people! As well as to line my pockets a bit more, to give myself more of a buffer until I can really settle down.”
He continued on, curious as always of what might come his way in life, and some time later decided to move off the path to a clearing he spied, setting his bags down as he sat to rest on a fallen log. A few moments later, he paused as he heard two voices arguing nearby. Normally, Iruka was one to stay out of other people’s businesses, not wanting to be nosy, but he frowned slightly at noting the voices to belong to boys, seemingly without an adult accompanying them.
“We are not lost!” one said. “Just…wandering.”
“I know that!” the second snapped. “I know where we are…mostly.”
“These are our woods, how could we be lost?” the first posed, growing nearer to Iruka.
“As you said, we are not lost,” the second replied. “We just have to find a path, Itachi taught me what to do if we were lost, which we are not.”
“Agreed,” the first said, and Iruka frowned slightly while also feeling helpless, for as a newcomer to the area he would not be able to help lost children other than to, perhaps, offer reassurance?
As he was reflecting on that, he was surprised when two young boys appeared at the edge of the small clearing.
“See? I knew this would be here,” a boy with dark hair said to the other, a blond boy who nodded.
“Of course,” the blond said with a serious tone. “I knew it would be here as well!”
“Did not!” the first boy scoffed, before catching sight of Iruka. Both boys paused, and the three looked at each other.
“Good afternoon,” Iruka offered as a greeting, bowing slightly from his seated position. Yes, they were children and he was an adult, but they were also locals and he was a stranger. Not to mention, he could see that they wore tunics made of fine materials, even if they were of simple design. So, children of nobility, Iruka noted; a far cry from himself, and his own more cheaply made attire.
“Good afternoon,” the boys said in unison.
“Who are you?” the blond asked.
“Iruka Umino,” Iruka introduced himself, with a dip of his head. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“And why might that be?” the darker haired boy asked, a slight frown on his face.
Iruka blinked in surprise. “Um, because it is nice to meet new people, and I am new to this land? So naturally I would seek to be polite to those I meet.”
The boys exchanged a silent look before nodding.
“Noted,” the darker haired boy replied.
“I am Naruto,” the blond introduced, pausing for a moment, but continuing when Iruka only offered a smile. “This is Sasuke.”
“Again, a pleasure to meet you, Naruto and Sasuke,” Iruka said, and the boys nodded.
“What are you doing here?” Sasuke asked as they moved closer to Iruka, sitting on another fallen tree.
“I was walking to the next village and sought to rest my weary feet,” Iruka laughed. “I could not resist a peaceful sight such as this clearing. What about the two of you? I could not help but overhear that you might be lost?”
“No!” the boys said in unison, far too quickly to be genuine, Iruka laughed to himself.
“We are definitely not lost,” Naruto added.
“Certainly,” Sasuke agreed. “Just also out on a walk, that’s all.”
“Well, it is a nice day for a walk,” Iruka agreed. “So, you are from the area?” he asked, and both boys nodded. “And what might be the next village?”
“Konoha, of course!” Naruto said with a wide grin. “A beautiful village!”
“So I’ve heard,” Iruka agreed. “I was not sure how close I was to it, but I am truly eager to be approaching it! I hope it brings me good fortune this year.”
“In what manner?” Sasuke asked.
“Employment, life, friends, whatever manner the fates see fit,” Iruka replied. “Whatever direction it shall take me.”
“What do you do for a livelihood?” Naruto asked.
“I seek to teach others,” Iruka told them.
“A teacher? Really?” Sasuke asked, and Iruka nodded, taking out his diploma from his smaller satchel and unrolling it to show them. The children leaned in to look at it, and Iruka again noted that as they knew how to read such a document, it confirmed them to be of noble status.
“Very good,” Sasuke commented in a serious tone, and Iruka hid his smile as he rolled his diploma up and put it away again.
“Thank you,” Iruka replied. “I hope to put it to good use in Konoha, but I shall do what I need to while there. Perhaps a teacher, perhaps something else.”
“Such as?” Naruto asked, but Iruka shrugged.
“I’m not sure,” he admitted. “I have traveled for some time, and when I’ve not been a teacher, I was employed in a bank, as a roofer, a carriage driver, a librarian, a translator, and some other obscure positions.”
“You must be able to do a lot,” Sasuke mused, and Iruka nodded.
“I do what is there to keep moving on in life, and am grateful for each opportunity,” he said. “Each one teaches me new skills and lessons, and I meet new people.”
The boys nodded and began to ask a barrage of questions about where Iruka had been and what he had done, which he openly spoke of, eager to share it with the children and perhaps inspire them in whatever way possible. The children shared of teachers and tutors they had had, not singing praises for many, if any of them, Iruka noted.
As they talked, Iruka offered some of his food he had already been snacking on, not wanting to be rude as it was already in sight of them, and if they were lost, he had no idea of how long they had been without anything to consume. The boys accepted some fruit and nuts, as well as some water, and Iruka felt more at ease knowing they had some sustenance.
Eventually, he felt it was best for the three to resume whatever they had been doing, as he did not want any of them to be wandering the woods at night.
“Pray tell me, how to get to Konoha from here?” Iruka asked as he led the boys to the path he had been on. “Just follow this, or should I be aware of anything else?”
“See?” Naruto said to Sasuke as they stood on the path. “I knew we were not lost! The path is right here!”
“I knew that too,” Sasuke sneered at his friend before looking at Iruka. “Follow this straight, there will be signposts as needed at one or two points of diversion. We shall walk with you for a bit before we need to separate,” he said, and Iruka nodded.
The three set off, and about twenty minutes later, paused at a small path leading off the larger one they were on, something Iruka would not have noticed himself were it not for the boys.
“Sasuke and I shall take this path,” Naruto told Iruka, who nodded. “Continue straight, as Sasuke advised you. I hope we will see you in Konoha!” he said with a wide grin, and Sasuke nodded.
“Good luck with your search,” Sasuke said, and Iruka smiled at them both.
“Thank you,” he said. “It was a pleasure to have met you, thank you for the well wishes and directions to Konoha. I too hope to see you there,” he said, bowing as the boys returned the gesture.
Iruka watched them set off down the smaller path before continuing on by himself, smiling at the pleasant encounter he had and wondering if he might truly come across them again. He could only hope that they had found the meeting to have been as positive as he did, for he did not wish to start his time in Konoha on the wrong foot of anyone, but especially nobility!
Iruka arrived in Konoha later at the start of dinnertime and wandered the village for a bit to examine potential places to inquire about a room. It was a large village and so there were a number of inns and similar businesses, and he wanted to be cautious but wise about his decision, at least for the first few days until he had more footing.
He decided on a small inn in a quieter part of the village that had adequate rates, and after leaving his larger bag in his room, Iruka went to the dining area to have a meal and settle his rumbling stomach. It was also a nice way to begin to meet the locals, and he struck up conversation with an older man who was part of the family that owned the inn, introducing himself as Junpei.
Not long after they finished their meal and drink, another family member approached them with a slightly perplexed look, bending down to talk to the older man before leaving. The man turned back to Iruka with a frown on his face.
“Remind me what business you seek in this village?” Junpei asked.
“Teaching, if, if possible,” Iruka stammered out.
“Hmph. Then why might the royal guard be looking for you?” he asked, and Iruka’s eyes widened.
“What? Really?” Iruka asked, and the man nodded.
“Are you in trouble, son?” Junpei asked. “We have no desire for anything of that here, we’re a fine, upstanding establishment.”
“No, I promise, I’m not!” Iruka told him. “I’ve never been to this area, I do nothing illegal, I’ve never been in trouble like that!”
“Well, we’ll see. Go on, get to the front, handle your business,” the man told him, nodding towards the door. Iruka agreed and scrambled to his feet, grateful to have his satchel on him with his documents and other paperwork.
He tried to calm himself as he went to the front entrance of the inn, smoothing down his clothes that were rumpled from his travels, and reaching up to tighten his ponytail. He paused as he saw for himself a soldier there, clearly watching and waiting for him. The man was dressed in a fine, rich blue uniform complete with a feathered hat, cloak, sword, and what must be the royal family’s insignia on his chest.
Iruka swallowed nervously as he approached and bowed. “I hear you are looking for me?” he quietly asked.
“Iruka Umino?” the man asked, and Iruka nodded. “I am Yamato, of the royal guards. Please, follow me,” he said, gesturing to the door.
“May I ask why?” Iruka asked as he walked outside, too surprised to have considered asking before walking out with the guard.
But before he answered, Yamato called out to another guard just down the street, a darker haired man.
“Gai!” Yamato shouted. “Success!” he said, nodding at Iruka.
The man, Gai, offered a blinding grin and a thumbs up.
“I shall meet you at the horses!” Gai said, setting off on a run. To Iruka’s surprise, he and Yamato did not follow Gai in that direction, but turned and walked in the opposite one.
“We will meet them at the stables and head to the palace,” Yamato told Iruka, who nodded silently. Iruka noted that Yamato had still not answered Iruka’s question, but he did not dare press the other man just yet, if at all.
Instead, Yamato spoke about the village as they walked for several blocks before coming to a stable, where three fine horses were saddled. Yamato introduced the horses to Iruka and was pointing out his own of the three, sharing a story about his horse. Though he was nervous, Iruka couldn’t help but laugh at the story of the horse’s temperament.
Yamato looked to his right and nodded, and Iruka followed his gaze, finding Gai and another royal guard approaching them.
“This is Iruka Umino,” Yamato said by way of introduction, and Gai bowed and introduced himself. “And this is Kakashi –” Yamato began, nodding at the third guard who, Iruka noticed, was staring at him. Yamato paused and Iruka looked at him, noting the man frowning slightly at Kakashi’s apparent lack of response to hearing his name. “Kakashi? Kakashi?” Yamato repeated as Iruka looked at Kakashi again, Yamato saying his name louder the second time.
“Pardon?” Kakashi asked, blinking.
“I was trying to introduce you,” Yamato sighed. “This is cap–” he began, but Kakashi cut him off.
“Good evening,” he said with a bow. “Just Kakashi, of the royal guards.”
Yamato laughed. “Sure, just Kakashi.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Iruka said with a bow. “All of you.” He paused. “Am I really summoned to the palace? Have I done something wrong? I’ve not been in Konoha for long, I can’t imagine I’ve caused any trouble,” he said in a worried tone.
“It’s for a noble cause, have no fear,” Yamato said, though Iruka felt his concern grow even with the man’s attempt at reassurance. “Let’s head back, I trust you are comfortable on horseback?”
Iruka nodded and Kakashi stepped forward. “He’ll ride with me,” he quickly announced, moving ahead to grab his horse. Kakashi quickly mounted his horse and reached a hand down to offer assistance to Iruka, who smiled and eagerly accepted it, situating himself behind the guard, lightly gripping the lush blue cloak in front of him. Kakashi adjusted his feathered hat so it would not swat Iruka in the face, and once the others were ready, they took off at a moderate pace back to the palace.
“You are new to Konoha?” Gai asked a short way into their journey as he rode to Kakashi’s left, and Iruka nodded.
“I am, arrived just today.”
“And what land do you call home?” Yamato, on the right, asked.
“I have no home of my own,” Iruka told them. “I lost my family in my youth, but I was fortunate enough to be taken in by a noble family further north in the Land of Fire. I helped around the house and grounds while I studied and trained with their children, and they were generous enough to sponsor me to further my education.”
“An admirable family indeed!” Gai exclaimed.
“Which family?” Kakashi asked over his right shoulder.
“The Sarutobi family,” Iruka said, and the men all nodded approvingly.
“The king and queen will want to know more, we won’t make you repeat yourself for our ears,” Yamato said as they turned up the road to the palace.
Iruka’s eyes widened at the sight of the palace, always impressed with architecture of grand buildings as well as of the design and maintenance of the grounds, and this one was no exception. Still, it was muddied by the worry Iruka had about why he was being brought here, and so early into his time in the village?
They arrived at the palace and dismounted, with the three guards escorting Iruka inside. Kakashi led the group down this and that hallway before entering a moderately sized study. Yamato and Gai posted themselves along one wall to stand guard as the other two men advanced to where several people were seated on one side of a large wooden desk.
“I present Iruka Umino, your majesty,” Kakashi said with a bow, and Iruka followed suit, noting that there was a blond man in the central seat, likely the king. Iruka racked his brain to think about what he knew of the royal family - this must be King Minato, he recalled, and the woman to his right was Queen Kushina. But the third person, a child, Iruka recognized from earlier that afternoon, and his stomach felt like lead.
“Thank you,” Minato said, dismissing Kakashi, who walked past Iruka, likely to stand guard with the others. “Sit, please,” the king invited Iruka, as a member of staff brought forward a chair to the other side of the desk. Naruto waved eagerly at Iruka, who stiffly bowed in his seat at the boy, dread threatening to swallow him whole. Iruka knew Naruto and Sasuke had been from noble family, but there had been no suggestion that Naruto was royalty!
He mentally shook his head to try to focus on what the king and queen were saying to him, as they began to inquire of Iruka’s history, family, and education as the guards had begun to do. Iruka shared the same information and more, including of his work in Suna at a school there and of his recent travels around several lands, opening his satchel to provide documentation of his diploma as well as letters of support and patronage from different Sarutobi members and even nobility from Suna.
“I apologize,” Iruka said as he leaned forward in a bow as the king and queen reviewed the documents. “I knew not that Naruto is royalty. I meant no harm with anything I did or said to him earlier today.”
“Please, rest,” Kushina gently encouraged him. “He was without anything to show his lineage, and you are new to our land. Anyway, he and Sasuke report you cared for them when they were wandering, so we are the ones who should apologize to you for any headache he may have caused.”
Minato nodded, laughing, to Iruka’s surprise.
“He caused no headache,” Iruka quickly assured them, but the king waved it away.
“He will if you become his tutor, mark my words,” Minato said, and Iruka couldn’t help but smile as Naruto made a face.
“Father! I’m not that bad!” Naruto pouted.
“You are, but you are loved for it,” Minato said before looking at Iruka. “We are in desperate need of a tutor, if you are interested in that opportunity?”
“Of course!” Iruka gushed, eyes wide. “I am passionate about teaching children, in any capacity!”
The royal family smiled and the adults discussed expectations of the position, including lessons desired, scheduling, and overall responsibilities. Iruka agreed with all of it, for who was he to turn down such an excellent and surprising opportunity? And if it did not work out for whatever reason, he had nothing to lose.
“We have our new tutor,” Minato announced, stamping a scroll with his royal seal. “As you will be residing here, we will send you to collect your belongings tonight to move in and prepare for tomorrow. Introductions and lesson planning will be needed, I expect.”
“That is sudden, but thank you! This is a most fortunate opportunity!” Iruka said, standing to offer them a deep bow as Naruto cheered.
“I’ll have a guard escort you to get your possessions,” Minato said.
“I’ll do it, Sire,” Iruka heard a voice say and turned, finding Yamato stepping forward before looking back at Kakashi and exchanging a quiet comment briefly before bowing, gesturing for Iruka to follow him. Iruka stood and bowed to everyone present before leaving with Yamato who smiled at him as they walked back outside, Iruka in a state of shock.
“Welcome, Tutor Umino!” Yamato cheered, and Iruka laughed.
“Thank you, but please, call me Iruka,” Iruka requested, and Yamato nodded. “I have to admit, I am well and truly surprised by this, it’s so unexpected!”
Yamato laughed. “Well, it is fortunate for the family, as they are in need and you saved them from a number of interviews tomorrow. It was also fortunate that you were the one to come across Naruto and Sasuke earlier, Kakashi and I intercepted them once they were closer to the grounds.”
Iruka laughed and shared of his time with the children as they took Yamato’s horse and another one to ride back to the village. Yamato waited outside the inn as Iruka went inside, where the older man was at the front desk area, raising an eyebrow in question as Iruka entered.
“They hired me!” Iruka told him. “They sought me to become their new tutor, not because I caused any trouble,” he said, and Junpei laughed.
“That is some luck, my boy! Good for you!” the man said. “I expect you are leaving us sooner than expected?”
“I am,” Iruka agreed. “Collecting my bag from my room and returning to the palace tonight, I begin work tomorrow. Thank you for your hospitality today, I hope to share more meals with you in the future.”
Junpei smiled. “As do I. Go, get your things so you are not out late, you have much to do tomorrow, I expect, and you need a good night’s sleep before then!”
Iruka agreed and went to his room, grateful he had not unpacked his bag. He was soon on the horse again heading to the palace for the second time that day, and once there Yamato introduced him to several members of the household staff. Yamato bade Iruka a good night as Iruka did the same before they separated, the other staff showing Iruka to his new room and pointing out areas along the way. They informed him staff would collect him in the morning for breakfast and for another tour before he started his duties, and Iruka thanked them several times.
Once they left him and he closed the door, he took in his new room. It was larger than expected, finely furnished with a bed, desk and chair, wardrobe, and nightstand. He left his bags near the bed and opened the window, overlooking part of the gardens though he could not see much due to it now being dark out.
Breathing in the night air, he thanked the fates for this opportunity, determined to make the most of it for both himself and the children.
_____
And so, Iruka began his work as the royal tutor, working with not only Prince Naruto, but children from other noble families he was friendly with, as well as royal household staff’s children, as the Uzumakis did not want to deprive their children of education. Though there were schools in Konoha itself, the king and queen figured that if some children would be taught on the palace’s grounds, why make other children who lived there leave the grounds for schooling?
So, from the well-known Hyuga clan, Neji and Hinata joined Naruto and his best friend, Sasuke of the large Uchiha family. The Inuzuka family sent one of their youngest, Kiba, and his pup, and the union of the Ino-Shika-Cho families sent Ino, Choji, and Shikamaru. Several staff members’ children attended - a royal hunter’s daughter, Sakura, who was in talks with Lady Tsunade to study medicine with her when older; beekeeper’s son Shino; Gai’s nephew of whom he was main guardian, Lee; and blacksmith apprentice-to-be Tenten rounded out Iruka’s twelve students, all who were close in age, give a year or two.
Iruka took it all in stride and before long had a curriculum set for the children to teach them and/or improve upon such skills as writing, reading, and mathematics, as well as additional practical skills of fighting, weaponry, astronomy, cartography, cooking and baking, sewing, and a range of outdoors lessons. For a number of these he enlisted various household staff members to help as well as to provide the children with more than one instructor to ensure they remained engaged as he lingered in the background monitoring the students and learning himself. He also encouraged the children to teach each other whatever they might be able to from their own backgrounds, and included that in their weekly schedule.
Overall, he reported to Queen Kushina and her two top staff members, who eagerly approved his curriculum and teaching styles.The king and queen especially offered praise to him for including others to keep the children interested and learning a range of activities, admitting past tutors had balked at any outside support.
“In the end, we wanted what was best for the children and let the tutor do what they wanted, but feared it was never well-rounded,” the queen sighed to Iruka one evening about ten days into his employment as he was fitted for new clothes. She demurely sipped her tea as her staff nodded in agreement, all watching a tailor measure Iruka for this and that.p/>
Iruka had brought all possessions with him, which included clothing that was better than his travel outfit he had first met the royal family in, but it was not up to par as a member of royal household staff. The focus for him initially had been to settle in as a tutor, since he essentially began within hours of being hired, and now the queen desired to not delay him dressing the part.
Iruka had respectfully pleaded to not be in impractical clothing, as he moved around with the children often, including for any lessons they did or to just sit in the gardens on the ground with them and knew too nice of a fabric would be wasted on him.
The queen had agreed, and Iruka watched as a fabric merchant and her staff brought swatches of fabrics for Kushina to pick out for a number of new outfits. Everyday clothing - shirt, trousers, tunics, vests. More formal items, as well as some that would be in-between those situations. And a light cloak “for now,” as the queen commented, since they would make that a priority over a heavier-weight winter one. After all, once the tailor had his measurements, the man could just send over winter clothing later in the fall without Iruka’s presence.
Iruka’s mind wandered to wondering what the winter would be like, but he was brought back to the present by Kushina continuing to favorably compare Iruka to past tutors.
“And the children do so seem to love your lessons already,” she mused as she looked at several shades of blue fabric. “Naruto has not even complained once about any homework,” she added, smiling at Iruka.
“I thank you for the kind words, your highness. It is a delight to teach them all,” Iruka said, nodding his head as the tailor was now pinning fabric on him and Iruka didn’t want to bow and risk being pricked.
Kushina dipped her own head and settled into discussion with her staff about which fabrics to select for Iruka, who yet again watched it all in grateful surprise of the path his life had taken.
Iruka was kept busy with teaching the children, preparing lessons, scheduling lessons with other staff members, and learning the overall workings of life in the castle. He ate breakfast in the kitchen with any other household staff that were free then, or talked to kitchen staff as they worked. Lunches were often with the children, and dinners were again in the kitchen with staff. He appreciated that palace staff intermingled often, in that no one appeared to be above anyone else, though there was of course a chain of command and top staff in different departments. But those positions seemed to be more to help resolve conflict and manage the departments rather than to pull weight.
So, Iruka found himself meeting new staff almost daily for his first few weeks, and running into all staff here and there. Everyone’s schedules kept the times together more sporadic than anything, as his own schedule was so different from others, especially once he had homework and quizzes from the children to grade after hours. But he found everyone to be warm and friendly, with each person happy to talk if they were free, or answer questions he had. Iruka in turn tried to get along well with all staff and anyone he came into contact with and was a fierce protector of the children, but did not consider himself above anyone because of his proximity to those of noble blood or his own sponsorship family. So, he liked to think that everyone was quite happy with himself as well.
____
As the weather was still pleasant autumn temperatures, Iruka had the children be outside as often as possible, even if they just spent some of the afternoons reading in the gardens. It was one such pleasantly warm afternoon, about three weeks after Iruka arrived that Kakashi found them doing just that, and the guard asked if he could join them.
Iruka smiled warmly and agreed, and Kakashi moved his short cape and sword out of the way to sit. They were on the outskirts of the group, and talked quietly between themselves as the children read. Though the two men had been around each other in group settings with other staff or for lessons the guards did with the children, this was their first time talking among themselves.
“Are you settling in well?” Kakashi asked, and Iruka nodded and smiled.
“I am, it’s a fine place to live! I couldn’t dream of as nice a residence for myself as my room here is,” he gratefully sighed, glancing up at the building. “Nor for a better job or students.”
Kakashi snorted. “They’re troublemakers, give them time. Or, wait until winter, being inside all day may turn them on you.”
Iruka laughed quietly, not wanting to disturb the children.
“Have you been a guard here for long?” he asked Kakashi, who nodded.
“Many years. My father was a top advisor once he retired from active duty, and I chose to enter as a soldier to follow in his footsteps,” Kakashi replied, but before they could say anything else, a guard came to fetch Kakashi, who bade the others a pleasant afternoon as he left.
Iruka watched him go briefly before turning back to his book, not wanting anyone to catch sight of his actions. He thought about what the guard had just shared, and was intrigued to learn more.
“Perhaps I’ll talk to him more after he joins us for weapons practice tomorrow,” Iruka mused to himself, now even more eager for that part of the schedule.
___
The next day, Iruka led the children outside after lunch. It was another pleasant autumn afternoon filled with bright sunlight, and Kakashi, Gai, and Yamato were waiting for them. There were real weapons as well as dulled, lighter practice ones, and a few targets set up farther down the field. The soldiers were in tunics without their capes, dark blue ones of the royal guard with the red family symbol on their backs. Iruka wore a vest over his tunic, which was of a slightly lighter blue than the guards’ and without the family symbol, all topped off by a light cloak.
Iruka greeted the men and thanked them for their support before wrangling the children to sit in a semi-circle a safe distance from the three guards as he moved to stand behind his students. The guards went through general weapons safety measures as they did at each lesson, and reviewed some motions with swords. Gai and Yamato slowly parried against each other as Kakashi dissected it for the students, explaining each stance and step.
“Do you know how to fight?” Ino asked Iruka after about twenty minutes, and the other children, as well as adults, turned to look curiously at him.
“I do,” Iruka told them.
“Where did you train? Who taught you, anyone important?” Tenten asked.
“I trained with a number of people, including one of the Twelve Guardians,” Iruka admitted, and the three guards exchanged a look of surprise as the children excitedly whispered amongst themselves, as everyone knew of those soldiers.
“Iruka, would you like to spar with Kakashi?” Yamato asked in a loud voice. “Show the children a bit of what you know?” he added, and the students and Gai cheered.
“Oh!” Iruka exclaimed, surprised by the invitation to join the lesson, as he did not wish to overstep into the guards’ area of expertise. “I don’t know if that’s appropriate?”
He looked at Kakashi, who shrugged and removed his sheathed sword to lay it on the ground as he grabbed a wooden practice sword. Iruka smiled and moved forward to join him, laughing as the children’s cheering grew louder at the unexpected turn in the lesson.
Iruka took off his cloak and raised his arms this way and that as a light stretch before Gai passed him a wooden sword, and the tutor ran through a few movements for a further warm up.
“I’ll go easy,” Kakashi offered Iruka as they were given space by the other guards.
“I won’t,” Iruka grinned, delighted in the look of surprise that flitted across the other man’s face.
They set off, lunging, parrying, slashing, and dodging as the air filled with the loud clicks and clacks of their weapons. The men focused on themselves, and in the background they could register that the children were cheering and Yamato and Gai were exchanging commentary on Iruka’s moves.
Finally, Kakashi called an end to it after some time once he secured victory with a thrust that stopped just short of Iruka’s throat.
“Well done,” he applauded Iruka, who bowed and smiled.
“And you, but as a royal guard I expected nothing less,” the tutor said as Yamato stepped in to close the lesson with some general tips and tricks. Iruka and Kakashi moved aside, and once the lesson was over the children pleaded with Kakashi for the pack to visit them. Iruka looked on, curious of what they meant, and watched as Kakashi whistled sharply. Barks filled the air and grew closer as the children grew equally excited, and soon a pack of dogs of different sizes, shapes, and colors swarmed them. Iruka couldn't help but laugh as the children ran about to find their favorite ones, playing games of fetch and tag, chasing and being chased, and giving plenty of head and belly scratches.
"I present my pack," Kakashi said to Iruka with a sweep of his arm. "The best trackers in the village, and better behaved than most of the children here. Or, at least Naruto," he said as the blond ran past.
"Lies!" Naruto protested, but Kakashi shrugged as Iruka hid a smile behind his hand.
The dogs appeared to notice a newcomer and over time made their way one by one to Iruka to sniff and investigate him. He warily held out hands and provided gentle head scratches when deemed worthy of doing so by each dog.
"They like you!" Sakura cheered. "Kakashi's dogs don't say hello to just anyone."
"Is that so?" Iruka laughed, looking at Kakashi. The guard smiled and nodded.
"Sakura is correct, the pack can be quite particular. Especially Pakkun," Kakashi told him, nodding towards a gruff looking pug. Kakashi clicked his tongue and the pug trotted over, ignoring his owner for the newcomer.
Iruka looked at Kakashi with wide eyes and received an encouraging smile before kneeling to be more on the smaller dog's level, where he was rewarded with the pug tolerating head scratches.
"He likes you, perhaps you'll even be granted permission to his paw pads one day," Kakashi mused.
Iruka laughed again as the pug yawned and curled up to sleep at Kakashi's feet. The tutor stood and dusted his knees off. "How have I not met the dogs before?"
"Hmm, I don't know," Kakashi admitted. "They often stay outside in this weather, but when inside the castle they don't exactly roam around, preferring to linger in some spots more than others unless actually needed."
"It seems I still have a lot to learn about the castle and its residents," Iruka sighed, and Kakashi nodded. They stood in largely comfortable silence, commenting on the children and dog’s antics here and there. Eventually it was time to move on, as Iruka had one more lesson for the children before ending their day together.
The children begrudgingly agreed and said goodbye to the dogs and guards, as Yamato and Gai had remained to throw sticks for the dogs farther than the children could. Iruka started to usher his students inside, waving again to the guards, his gaze lingering on Kakashi, who seemed to be watching him go as well.
Iruka blushed and was grateful to be entering the palace with his class, heading upstairs with them. Anko, another guard, was on her way down but paused at the landing to allow them to pass by. As the children walked past her down the hallway she exchanged fond, teasing greetings with the children.
“Good afternoon, Anko,” Iruka greeted her as he approached her.
“Iruka,” Anko said in greeting, a smile on her face. “Still remaining with us, I see?”
Iruka laughed. “I am quite fond of everything here, so I hope to be here for some time.”
“Glad to hear it,” she replied. “And of Konoha? Have you found your way around the village?”
Iruka winced slightly. “I have been too busy with everything that I’ve not yet gone back since my first few hours here,” he admitted. “Though I do have one to two days without classes weekly, there has been much to do in that time.”
She nodded. “Regretfully, I can understand. But when you are next available, I would be more than happy to be a guide.”
“Thank you!” Iruka cheered. “Actually, I have tomorrow afternoon without plans as classes will end early for several matters of the childrens’ families, if that is not too soon?”
“Not at all,” she said. “See you after lunch?” Iruka agreed and they parted, both looking forward to the next day.
Iruka wasn’t sure who was more excited for a free afternoon, the children or himself. Before long, he was meeting Anko at a door near the kitchen, walking to a stable with her. As they worked to saddle up two horses, Yamato and Kakashi joined them, having been out to walk the grounds on an informal patrol.
"And where might you two be off to?" Yamato asked, as he pointed to a strap Anko needed to pull tighter.
"Iruka hasn't been to see much in the village as he’s been so busy here. Since it's his day of rest I'm taking him around and showing him a good time," Anko laughed as Iruka grinned and nodded as he got into his horse's saddle. "He'll meet some friends of mine, have a good meal, learn who the best vendors are."
"Sounds like a pleasant afternoon," Yamato mused, and offered one or two of his own suggestions to Iruka. Kakashi agreed as he stepped forward to adjust something on Iruka's horse, and he exchanged a smile with the tutor.
"Don't wait up for us!" Anko called out as they took off.
It was a pleasant day out, just cool enough to be comfortable but not too cold, and the horses seemed to enjoy the casual walk as much as their riders did. Anko and Iruka shared stories of how they found themselves in their current employment positions, and Anko asked what Iruka might like to see or learn about.
He was fairly open minded to whatever she might wish to show him, but knew he wanted to stop by the inn he had first intended to stay at and see Junpei, eager to spend time catching up. They left their horses in the same stable as the guards had Iruka’s first night in town and Anko walked him to the inn, pointing to a nearby tavern she would be at until he was free.
Iruka entered the inn and was delighted to find the man at the front desk, who appeared just as happy to see him. Junpei found another person to work the desk before ushering Iruka to the dining room to catch up over a drink, with Iruka sharing generalities of his time and appreciation for all at the palace.
“They are good people, our king and queen,” the man said in agreement. “Their son, too. Too many princes are spoiled rotten, talk down to townsfolk or will barely approach.”
“Not Naruto,” Iruka agreed, laughing.
“Not Naruto,” Junpei parroted. “He loves the village, especially eating at different places with us villagers. Asking for stories, loving if anyone has magic tricks or sleight of hand. He will be a good ruler when it is his time, perhaps better now that he is under your tutelage.”
Iruka bowed in his seat as his cheeks flushed, embarrassed by such high praise, and said as much.
Junpei just laughed and waved his hand to banish the thought. “Word spreads in a village, and a new face appearing and disappearing as quickly as you did, being hired so soon? In addition to what the children and their families say? People have been hopeful for it, and curious of you.”
Iruka sighed. “I have been kept busy with duties and learning my role, preparing for it. Not purposely hiding or avoiding, not thinking I am better than anyone.”
“Understandable,” the man told him. “After all, it has been, what, not even a month?”
“Correct.”
“Ah, then I think that is barely enough time to really set off rumors,” Junpei mused, laughing as Iruka rolled his eyes. “People will be eager to meet you today, and to see more of you in your times of rest. The matchmakers will be especially eager to meet you,” he added, and Iruka hid his face behind a hand.
“Not too eager, nor too soon, I hope,” Iruka sighed, lowering his hand as the man laughed again.
They parted ways a short time later, as Iruka did not wish to make Anko wait for long, and the man reminded Iruka to stop by whenever he was available, to which Iruka readily agreed.
Finding Anko at the tavern, Iruka was introduced to several of her friends from different families in the village, recognizing some last names as those of his students. As the innkeeper had said, everyone was eager to meet Iruka and put a face to the name and title.
Iruka and Anko soon set off to other places in the village, meeting different shopkeepers and vendors, as well as other villagers in the street and in stores. Iruka popped into the shop of the tailor who had come to the palace to offer greetings and thanks once more.
They settled into a different tavern for dinner, where they met more villagers and were entertained by several telling tall tales that Anko loudly told Iruka not to believe, making everyone laugh. The villagers also shared stories of past royal tutors with Iruka, stories that Anko corroborated.
“There were some nice ones, but they were very young and not capable,” one woman offered.
“Inexperienced,” Anko added.
“And some seek only status, to climb that and use the experience to seek better positions,” a man posed.
“What would be better than this?” Iruka laughed, as others joined him.
“True, a palace is top, but not all want to care for as many children,” a third said. “Some wish to work for families, for less responsibility and perhaps more fun. Travel, and the like, I expect.”
“And then there was one lady who snapped at them, the poor children,” an older woman said, shaking her head sadly. “And, the other one, what was his name?”
“Mizuki,” Anko grumbled, throwing the rest of her drink back. “I curse his name each time!”
The others agreed in a rumbling chorus, and Iruka’s eyes widened.
“Pray tell, what was horrid about him?” he asked. “Was he incapable?”
“Far from it, in some ways,” the older woman said. “Very educated, I’ll give him that. But miserable, a right bugger!”
“Looked down on everyone if you were not noble or royal,” someone called out. “Short changed us and bartered us to nearly nothing!”
“Barely talked to anyone who couldn’t give him a leg up in life,” another person agreed.
“And rude to palace staff,” Anko added, before sighing. “It was known too late that he only wished to rise up in the palace, become an advisor or something similar, but he was not worthy of that role in a number of manners. He did not care for the children, and we were never sure if the children were as eager for lessons to end as early as they did, or if it was his eagerness.”
“Rumor is he stole from the palace when he was let go,” someone posed.
“Then, and while he was with us,” Anko told them.
“How long ago?” Iruka asked.
“Seven, eight months ago, at least,” Anko recalled. “Gone, nearly forgotten.”
“Since then, just temporary tutors pass through, none for long. Many young women who are hired temporarily and seem to focus more on wooing visiting nobility,” a server said as they collected empty cups. “Whisked away for either work or marriage, what a life!” they laughed.
“I appreciate this information, though I’m not sure if I’m grateful or concerned,” Iruka sighed, and the others laughed.
“You have a good head on your shoulders and seem kind, which is more than most of them were,” someone said.
“No staff have ever spoken ill of you, and we would know!” someone called out, making Iruka laugh. He thanked them for their kind words and the conversation moved on to other village gossip.
Iruka and Anko left some time later and happened to run into Sasuke’s brother and royal advisor, Itachi, whom Iruka had met once or twice already. The Uchiha asked about their day and when he learned they were heading back to the palace, commented that he was heading to his own horse to do the same, as he had some late night matters to attend to there.
The three made plans to meet just outside the village, and joined Itachi there, sitting on his horse as black as the darkest ink. They set off as the sun was making the final dip below the horizon, talking about Sasuke, the lessons, and general village news.
As they neared the palace, Iruka asked about Itachi’s role on the king's staff and the other man eagerly shared of his different roles and duties. This continued until they were on the grounds and had entered a stable, where Anko and a stable worker took over.
Iruka thanked Anko again for her time and company that day, and she laughed.
“It was fun for me as well, we will have to do it again!” she posed, and Iruka agreed before he and Itachi bade her a goodnight and left to head indoors.
“I am glad you were able to see some of the village today, and I offer apologies we have not seen much of each other since your time here began,” Itachi said to Iruka as they walked.
“Everyone is busy, it is understandable,” Iruka replied. “People have been gracious about the same for myself.”
“Even so, you should join Sasuke, myself, and our parents for dinner one night, though I believe others of our larger family will undoubtedly join us.”
"Thank you for such an invitation!" Iruka said. "I truly appreciate it from the Uchiha."
"Of course," Itachi responded. "It will be our pleasure. But be sure to join us when you are first able to, for I believe other families plan to extend the invitation now that you are settled and the children speak of you so much. Everyone wants time with our new favorite tutor," he commented, and Iruka smiled as they entered the building.
“I am flattered and again appreciative to hear that, I’m trying my best,” Iruka shared, and Itachi nodded with a small smile.
“Continue as you do, it is appreciated by us as well. Have a good night,” Itachi said.
“You as well,” Iruka replied with a short bow, walking in the opposite direction.
Iruka went to his room to deposit the items he had obtained that day, a few small purchases by himself and several gifts villagers had bestowed upon finally meeting him. He smiled at it and at how welcomed he was, and felt excitement and joy swell up in him. Knowing sleep was futile at that point, Iruka left his room and slipped outside again, deciding to go on a walk in the nighttime, something he hadn’t done much of since arriving.
He breathed in the crisp night air as his lightweight cloak swung around his shoulders, gazing at the sky and reflecting on the day, as well as the past several weeks. About ten minutes into his walk, Iruka found a bench near the edge of the garden and sat to continue his musings, but was disrupted by loud sniffling sounds nearing him. Eyes wide, he sat up straight but smiled when Kakashi’s pack appeared from the garden, eagerly approaching him and pushing each other aside for head scratches and to scent him. They eventually settled down both on the bench with him and on the ground in front of him, and he softly laughed as they yawned and stretched, scratching their heads with hind paws and sniffing each other.
“Look at me, walking around without much care in such rich gardens, with a steady job, surrounded by such nice companions tonight. My life has changed so much by being here,” Iruka said to them.
“Did you all have an enjoyable day in this pleasant weather?” he asked the pack, taking their silence as affirmation. “I did,” he told them, petting whichever were in reach. “I was without classes in the afternoon and Anko was kind enough to take me around the village. We stopped by the inn I first almost stayed at, before meeting a number of people, though I’m sure you’ve met them many times,” he began, continuing to share more of his day with the dogs.
________
Spending time with Kakashi’s dogs that night made Iruka think about their human companion the next day, and he found a smile on his face as he did so. Iruka thought about Kakashi more and more, recognizing that he had been quite taken by the man since they met, when Iruka rode behind him on the horse.
Iruka chided himself for being swept off his feet by the type of activity that bards sang about, but he could not deny that he felt drawn to the other man, attracted to him, curious about him. And was it Iruka’s imagination or had sparks flown when they dueled in that weapons lesson? Iruka didn’t think Kakashi had underestimated him, having known who he had trained with, but the younger man liked to think that the guard had enjoyed that Iruka had held his ground for as much as he did.
Iruka did not see much of Kakashi directly for the next two weeks but that didn’t stop the tutor’s thoughts from straying to him, wondering what he might be up to, what more of his story was. He knew that the older man was a senior guard, given his proximity to the royal family and bits of information Iruka heard here and there. Iruka also knew that Kakashi was, as so many others, quick to help with anything that might need support in the palace. And that Kakashi was quite fond of the children and they of him, even when his dogs were not present.
Iruka would smile whenever he did see anything to do with Kakashi, be it catching sight and sound of the man laughing with other guards or staff, or one morning when he looked out his bedroom window to find Kakashi and Gai walking across the garden on their hands towards Naruto and several of his peers as Yamato walked behind them, shaking his head. Gai had slipped and braced himself with his feet, leading to Yamato holding up Kakashi’s hand (once the man had righted himself) seemingly in victory, as the children laughed.
Iruka had heard more than one number of staff sing the man’s praises, as well as talk and gossip about his more private life. When would Kakashi meet someone nice, would he settle down? Iruka felt himself blush at hearing those questions, and especially when someone bemoaned that there were so few options for strong male suitors for the guard.
“He’s close with the Uchiha,” someone mused. “But they’re probably more like family than anything for him.”
“True,” Iruka heard someone else agree before they moved out of earshot.
So, Kakashi was single, available, and might look for a male suitor? Iruka knew his position in life was possibly not one to match the other man’s, but seeing as Iruka’s life was changing due to his current employment, who knew what might happen?
“I won’t force anything, I’ll just see if an opportunity presents itself,” he mused to the night sky one night from his bedroom window, as he thought about his parents’ own happy marriage and love story, as abrupt an ending to it as had occurred. “If the fates see fit to help, so be it,” Iruka thought as he gazed at the stars.
____
The next day was one of rest for Iruka, and he took advantage of the nice, crisp fall weather. He first ventured into town for a few errands and to have breakfast with Junpei at the inn before returning home where he had an impromptu cooking lesson with the kitchen staff. After that, he chose a book from a stack of those he desired to read and went to the gardens, wandering for some time before finding a bench in a more secluded part surrounded by high bushes.
Settling in, Iruka immersed himself in the book and let the afternoon lazily pass. However, five chapters in, he was surprised to hear the telltale rustling of nearby bushes signaling someone’s arrival.
"Hello," Kakashi greeted him, and Iruka looked up in surprise before relaxing and smiling.
"Hello as well," Iruka said. "Is everything well? Am I needed?"
"No, nothing like that," the guard assured him. "This is one of my favorite places to read, so I ventured here for a few hours."
"Oh! I can leave, then," Iruka said, a look of surprise on his face again as he began to stand and collect his own book. He felt mild embarrassment at intruding on the man’s space, even while knowing he had not known it to be a preferred one of Kakashi’s. This was unlikely to win him any points with the guard, Iruka sighed!
"No, please, sit and rest with me,” Kakashi suggested, and Iruka’s insides fluttered. “Great minds think alike, no? And anyway, there's plenty of space for both of us," Kakashi told him, and Iruka smiled as he sat back down, as it was a spacious bench. Kakashi adjusted where his sword lay as he moved to sit on the other end of it and took off his hat, placing it next to him before he pulled out his own book.
"Do you have much time to read as a guard here?" Iruka asked, and Kakashi dipped his head.
"Enough time, though also never enough," he mused.
"Very true," Iruka agreed, and they settled in to read in comfortable silence, with Iruka fighting the temptation to steal glances at Kakashi.
Eventually, some of the pack found them and demanded attention, and the men took it as a sign to allow their eyes a break. They began to talk about the books they were reading that day, as well as other favorites and swapped recommendations. That naturally led to a conversation about a range of other topics, learning more about each other as the sun began to set.
"I hope I'm not keeping you from your work?" Iruka dared to ask, and Kakashi shook his head.
"I have the evening free. You?"
"A day of rest as well," Iruka said with a smile, his smile giving way to embarrassment when his stomach loudly protested his missing dinner.
"Would you like to dine with me?" Kakashi asked, and Iruka bashfully smiled and nodded, delighted by the turn of events and thanking the fates for their help. He followed Kakashi out of the garden, the dogs trotting away for their own dinner and evening activities. The men went to the castle's kitchen and procured a small pot of stew, taking it along with bowls and water outside to a firepit. Iruka got the fire going and they set the pot over it to heat up, soon sitting with warm bowls of stew in front of the fire just as the sun slipped past the horizon.
"This is pleasant," Iruka said, and Kakashi looked at him, his face lit up by the flickering flames.
"Eating stew?" he said in a teasing manner.
"Yes," Iruka laughed. "But just being outside, here, with all this. Safe, secure, at peace. I've been busy for so many years, possibly my whole lifetime, it sometimes feels like. Or at least since I lost my parents when I was just a bit older than my students are."
"I know how that is," Kakashi said, and Iruka looked at him in surprise, curious to know more but not desiring to press. "I lost my father at a young age and never knew my mother. The Uzumakis are the only real family I have now, beyond Yamato and Gai."
"They seem like great men," Iruka posed. He bit back a frown, for while his comment was true, was it possible they were also great suitors for Kakashi?
"They are," Kakashi replied, in response to Iruka’s voiced comment, though the teacher was still concerned about the one he had kept to himself. He was drawn out of his thoughts by Kakashi speaking again.
"I also consider Obito, of the Uchiha, and his wife Rin to be of my closest people," Kakashi shared, and Iruka recalled the conversation he had overhead of the man’s closeness with that family. "Now that I think of it, have you a partner? Obito and Rin are always curious about that and will pester you about it one day.”
"I am single and alone, how else could I just travel around to seek work?" Iruka laughed, daring to hope that Kakashi might be curious about Iruka’s relationship status more for himself than for his friends?
"You'd be surprised," Kakashi commented.
"And you?" Iruka asked, taking advantage of the opportunity to innocently learn this important information.
"Single as well,” Kakashi replied, and Iruka nearly cheered at the news! “Though some would say I am wed to my work."
"Yet here you are, dining with me at night," Iruka teased, excited by the news and what their time together could mean. "Or does that make me part of your work, keeping an eye on the new tutor?"
"Nay, it's purely for fun," Kakashi told him. "But I do enjoy keeping an eye on you."
Iruka smiled and looked away as his heart and stomach somersaulted, and Kakashi grinned as well. "This is pleasing weather," Iruka said, changing the topic lest he risk making a fool of himself. "Brisk and cool. I do prefer autumn weather most of all." He looked at the other man. "Tell me, are the winters here very cold?"
"They can be," Kakashi admitted. "With much snow and ice." Iruka made a face of disdain at that, and Kakashi laughed. "But it brings about new activities - snowball fights, ice skating, hot drinks to ward off the chill. Perhaps I'll take you sledding with me this winter."
"Will you?" Iruka eagerly asked with a hopeful smile.
"Yes, if you'd like," Kakashi replied in a soft tone, and Iruka nodded.
They sat in comfortable silence for a bit longer before deciding to head back inside for the night, and after leaving their items in the kitchen, Kakashi walked Iruka to his room. The tutor tried to fight to keep his nerves steady and hidden, feeling pleased and flattered by the other man’s attentiveness.
"I wasn't aware I needed protection in the castle," Iruka teased him.
"You never know who might be trying to steal away a handsome young man," Kakashi stated, and Iruka laughed softly as he didn't want to bother anyone given the time of night.
"I might only want to be stolen away by one person here," he commented as they reached his door, taking a chance. "Thank you for walking me here, and for your time today."
"It was my pleasure," Kakashi said, and that was more than enough of a sign for Iruka, who leaned up and gently kissed his cheek before bidding the guard goodnight and slipping inside his room.
Iruka leaned his back against his bedroom door once he had closed it, his heart threatening to beat out of his chest as he squeezed his eyes shut tight.
“Who am I, to be that bold?” he thought to himself, as he wrapped his arms around himself and sighed happily. He opened his eyes and went to change for bed, a wide smile on his face as he did so and which remained as he laid under the covers.
“I do believe he fancies me,” Iruka sighed to the nighttime sky outside his window. “Thank you, for today,” he added for the fates, as his mind replayed the day over and over until sleep finally called for him.