'What 's got you down in the dumps, sensei-chan? ' a vaguely familiar voice interrupted Iruka 's musings.

Iruka brooded with his arms crossed over his chest. He had been early to the meeting place he had set with Jiraiya-sama. Indeed, it was the white-haired toad sage who leaned toward him with waggling eyebrows, real concern in his eyes despite the comical expression.

'It 's Naruto, ' Iruka sighed, rubbing his face in frustration.

His lower lip was stuck out in a pronounced pout that would humiliate the Chuunin if he realized it was there. Jiraiya brows lifted expressively, and he became more serious as he scanned the sulky sensei.

'What about the rascal? ' Jiraiya asked. 'Is he taking a little much after his cousin 's lacking survival instincts for your wellbeing, or is it something else? '

Iruka snorted and shook his head as he ruffled his ponytail in frustration.