This Supporting Character Helped Naruto Go Down a Hero’s Path

Given everything Naruto endured, it’s surprising to many fans that he didn’t become bitter and turn against his village. While some adults in Konoha were unfortunately cruel to him, others recognized his good heart and didn’t see him as the monster others claimed. Iruka Umino, one of Naruto’s early teachers who appeared right from the first episode of Naruto, was a key figure in offering him that compassion.



