As many would have said, being a parent is hard work.

Raising a child alone is something you're slowly getting used to, especially as your little bundle of joy grew over the years. As if time was slipping through your fingers, they were now at the age where they can finally attend the Academy and make friends of their own.

Of course, during these times, you looked forward to picking them up at the end of the day, listening to them as they talked about all the things they did while the two of you peacefully ate dinner.

There was often the same few scenarios that they would talk about; Some troublesome kids were doing pranks on the others, and that Iruka-sensei was always there to stop them and scold them— only to rinse and repeat the very next day.

Your child spoke so highly of this 'Iruka-sensei', that you were quite intrigued of the man. After all, this man must have the patience of a saint, being able to deal with multiple troublesome children on the daily.

The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, bathing Konoha in an orange glow full of warmth.

You were simply standing around the outside of the academy, waiting for your little one as usual. It wasn't long before they ran over to you— only this time, they were also dragging over someone who seemed to be one of their teacher's; A man with tanned skin and a scar right across the bridge of his nose.

Your child halted right before you, mischevious grin on their face as they excitably pointed toward the man, "This is Iruka-Sensei!"

The man blinked in surprise, expression softening into a sme before bowing in respect, "Ah– You must be their parent. Nice to meet you, I'm Iruka Umino."