A Chunin from Konohagakure, Iruka Umino is an instructor at the Konoha Ninja Academy, and in the beginning was a sensei pf Naruto and all other genins of his age. He and Naruto have a special bond, as he was the first person to show any kindness and respect, and cares for Naruto. His parents were killed by the Nine-tailed fox that was sealed inside Naruto, but he does not blame Naruto for their death, and views Naruto and the Fox inside him as separate entities.
Iruka is the closest thing that Naruto Uzumaki has to a father. He feels a certian conection to Naruto because they are both orphans. Iruka's parents were both killed by the nine-tailed-fox when he was about Naruto's age. However, he doesn't hold it against Naruto becuse he knows that Naruto isn't the demon fox. In fact he was the first person to acknowledge Naruto as a person of value.
He is a little overprotective of Naruto so he tends to underestimate Naruto's ability and determination.
