This episode provides deeper insight into the Academy days that were only briefly touched upon in the original Naruto series.
It emphasizes Naruto's desperate need for recognition, contrasting his current status as a village hero with his former status as a "troublemaker" no one wanted to teach. Naruto Shippuuden (Dub) Episode 176
Other teachers advised Iruka to simply ignore Naruto’s attention-seeking pranks. During one lesson, Iruka followed this advice, standing up for Naruto against bullies but then coldly telling them "don't bother... with this kid," which deeply hurt Naruto. This episode provides deeper insight into the Academy