Chapter Text
Chapter 16
Jiraiya sat up digging at his eyes and fighting to keep them open. “Alright, let’s see then,” He forced out around a yawn. The thoughts churning through the Sage’s mind had not been conducive to a good night’s sleep and so while he was inordinately proud of his student and Godson, Jiraiya really wished he could have gotten just a little more sleep.
The Toad Sage watched Naruto use his left as well as his right to complete the first stage of the jutsu. It was unusual but Naruto was still young and learning so being able to do it one handed would come with time and experience.
It took a few seconds but eventually it did break and Naruto looked up with a wide excited smile, “See, see! I did it.”
Jiraiya blinked sleepily, “Sorry, sorry. I’m just tired from trying to sort through all the information I gathered yesterday. Congratulations on completing step one.”
Naruto threw his hands in the air and cheered before bringing them back down quickly, “Oww,” He whined, his hands pink and sore from chakra burns. Jiraiya made him take the rest of the day off from training in order to pack and get back on the road.
…
The next stage began as they travelled to the next village. Jiraiya handed Naruto a rubber ball and when he failed to pop it like the water balloon, the Sage informed him of the difficulty and need for practice. Which he left the boy to work on as he gathered information on where they may need to go next.
Four days, and a little ‘helpful’ advice, they were still in the same village and Naruto finally managed to get stage two done. Jiraiya, also, finally found some useful information on where they needed to go next, so instead of moving onto stage three they immediately left for their next destination since they had no idea when she would leave.
During a short break for lunch, Jiraiya proceeded to explain and demonstrate the next stage for Naruto who he made work on it, while they travelled to the next village, Tanzaku Gai.
They made it to their destination by dinner and decided to stop and eat before heading to the nearest inn. Naruto followed behind Jiraiya; tired, hungry and frustrated by his lack of progress on the final step.
As luck would have it, they ended up in exactly the right place at the right time.
“Tsunade!” The older man exclaimed.
“Jiraiya.” The woman snapped, she did not sound all that happy to see him. “What are you doing in a place like this?”
“We’ve finally found you.” Jiraiya moved further into the restaurant with Naruto following close behind. The young boy wondered the whole time if she was really as old as his mentor. She reminded him of Ino with her long blond hair and pale eyes, she was pretty if he were entirely honest.
Naruto and Jiraiya sat and ordered food and while they were waiting for it, they made introductions. For once Naruto sat quietly and as still as he could, he had way too much energy normally to not fidget, and he listened as he had been during their whole trip. He had been trying something new and it was all thanks to Shino.
It took Naruto a few times before he realized that when you focused on Shino, the bug boy was very noticeable but as soon as you took your eyes off him he disappeared entirely and everyone forgot he was there. He wanted to ask the quiet boy if there was a trick to it but Naruto decided to try by himself and discovered that if he was still and quiet and small, not in a physical way, people forgot he was there too.
Jiraiya and Tsunade talked around the subject of Orochimaru and it took everything in Naruto to bite his tongue and keep himself from growling at just the mention of the traitor's name. Eventually they moved on to the reason Naruto and Jiraiya were there.
“Why’d you come to find me?”
Truthfully, the village has requested for you to be the Fifth Hokage.” Jiraiya said seriously. It was something Naruto had suspected even if it hadn’t been said. What other reason would they have to leave the village with no Hokage and Jiraiya being as powerful as he was.
“Pervy Sage?” Naruto interrupted quietly. When Jiraiya looked down he continued. “I don’t understand, why her? I mean I get that she’s as strong as you and you both were students of the Third, but if the counsel wants her to be Hokage why not you?” He asked, confused.
The older man shifted so that he was facing Naruto better. “They offered me the position but I turned them down.”
Naruto opened his mouth but was stopped before he even began. “Just think for a moment Kid. You know what I do. I’ve built up a large information network over the years so even if I want the job, which I don’t, I wouldn’t be able to take it because there’s no one to take over for me.”
Naruto closed his mouth, his teeth clicking together with the force. He frowned, “I forgot. But isn’t there anyone else who could do it? I get that you left, you had a job to do and I don’t believe that’s the only reason you left the village, you eventually came back. Why would they want some who abandon the village as Hokage? What’s to say she won’t do it again?”
Jiraiya stared down at his student, not quite sure what to say. It was true Tsunade left and with good reason but Naruto didn’t know and it wasn’t his place to say. Also the boy, as much as he really didn’t want to admit it, had a good point. No matter how good her reasons for leaving were there was always the possibility it could happen again and at a bad time. Fortunately for Jiraiya, he was saved from answering.
“Who do you think you are?”
“Uzumaki Naruto,” Jiraiya answered for him. “What’s your answer Tsunade?”
“I refuse.”
Jiraiya was actually surprised and almost jumped when Naruto slapped his hand down on the table forcefully. “Fine, the village doesn’t need someone like you to be our Hokage, I’m sure the council could find someone better if they tried. But we still need you to help Sasuke and Kakashi-Sensei.”
“Actually Naruto, there’s another reason that they want Tsunade. She’s the Granddaughter of the First Hokage.” Jiraiya said factually.
Naruto turned back to the older blonde and eyed her critically, shocked into silence. What was he supposed to say to that? What was he supposed to think? He sat back and slouched in his seat. This woman was the granddaughter of one of the founders of their village. Jiji told him a long time ago that the village was not the land or buildings but the people who resided there.
When he declared that he was one day going to be Hokage, Jiji brought him to the roof of the building and pointed out to the people going about their everyday business and asked him if, after everything they’d done to him, he’d be able to put their lives before his own.
Naruto pushed his chair back and stood, his head bowed and eyes burning with unshed tears. He felt like his heart was breaking, no matter what anyone thought he was not stupid. A little slow on the uptake maybe but not stupid. Hashirama Senju had married Mito Uzumaki which meant that Tsunade was part Uzumaki, she was related in some way to both Naruto and his mother. His mother, who gave her life for both him and the village.
And what about him? He gave his life everyday to keep the village safe, did his sacrifice not matter? Did he not matter? It was like a slap in the face, like she was spitting on all of their sacrifices and it just hurt too much.
Jiraiya startled when Naruto pushed his chair back and stood, all without making a sound and not looking at any of them, “Naruto?” He said softly.
The child peaked up at him through his bangs, blue eyes glassy and broken. He laid a gentle hand in messy blond hair, “Hey kid what’s going on in that thick skull of yours?” He asked.
Naruto shook his head slightly so as to not dislodge the hand resting there. “It hurts ‘raiya.”
Worried, Jiraiya clutched at the boy's shoulders, “Where does it hurt Naruto?”
He placed a hand to his chest and Jiraiya closed his eyes in sorrow. He wasn’t sure he wanted to hear the answer but he asked anyway, “why?”
It came out in a rush of words and questions and only made the knot of guilt and sadness heavier in his chest.
“She is supposed to be family so why? The First helped create and protect the village and Mito-Oba-Sama protected the village and Mom and Dad gave their life for the village.” He grasped at the cloth covering the seal on his stomach. “They gave me a job and I protect the village. She’s part Uzumaki and Senju which means that I am family and so is everyone in the village. The First and Jiji and even Shika told me, they said the village is family and we protect family so why aren’t we good enough.”
The tears came then, there was no yelling or sobbing, just a quiet stream of tears that was somehow more heartbreaking than if he had started to scream and cry.
“Mom and Dad and Jiji died for us. Kakashi-Sensei won’t wake up ‘cuz he was trying to protect us. Are they not good enough?” And through it all Jiraiya heard what wasn’t being said ‘Why am I not good enough?’
Jiraiya pulled the child to his chest and let him hide his face in the cloth. He turned his head to the side, just enough for the three to hear him. “Konoha needs someone strong enough to protect her. There’s something wrong with the village and it needs to be fixed.”
With a firm grip on Naruto he moved the boy back, “Wait, what are you talking about? Why didn’t you say anything before we left?”
Naruto shrugged sullenly, “I don’t know what it is. The first time I noticed something was wrong was when my team left the village for the first time. It’s not like I know exactly what’s wrong, just that there’s this feeling, a heaviness every time I come back from a mission. A cloud of...something that surrounds Konoha that feels bad.”
Jiraiya gazed intently at the child. Naruto wasn’t a sensor, so what exactly was it he was feeling around the village. He hadn’t sensed anything when he returned but he also didn’t have an all powerful chakra construct sealed in himself either. There was no telling how the Kyuubi affected Naruto and the urgency to return grew.
He tightened his grip on Naruto’s thin shoulders, for the first time in a long time Jiraiya was scared. There were too many questions and no answers. The Akatsuki, Orochimaru, Itachi and now this new information about the village. He didn’t know what to do and had no one else to go to, with their Sensei, the Hokage, dead he needed Tsunade. He knew he couldn’t do this on his own.
Kakashi, Shikaku, Inoichi, Choza, Kurenai, Gai, Asuma...He trusted them all, they were all powerful Jounin in their own right but none of them were on his or Tsunade’s level and that was not bragging, just fact. With her in office as the Hokage she would be able to investigate what might be going on with Konoha while he did what he did best, collecting as much information as he could in order to protect Naruto and the village.
He turned desperate eyes to his former teammate and was surprised at the horror and sympathy on her face and she was not looking at him. It took a moment for her to realize he had turned to her and she darted her eyes to him, her face now hard and angry.
“What the hell is going on Jiraiya?” She growled.
“We need to talk, Tsunade, there’s a lot you need to hear and I know you don’t want to come back. I know why and I have respected your wish all these years but now we need you. I would take the hat, even though I don’t want to, if I could but I can’t.” He emphasized.
She jerked her head in a nod and he turned back to Naruto who had finally stopped crying and was watching Jiraiya with soft eyes, as if he knew the older man was afraid. “Let’s get a room for the night kid.” He ruffled the boy's hair softly. “You need rest and we can pick up your training again in the morning, but I need to let Tsunade-Hime know everything, okay?”
Naruto sighed warily, suddenly feeling much older than he was, “Yeah, alright ‘raiya.”
The three adults stood, Jiraiya leading Naruto out while the two women followed behind. Shizune stayed quiet and out of the way even though they desperately wanted to talk Lady Tsunade into going back to Konoha, they were obviously in need of help and she could help but to feel for the poor boy. She hugged Ton-Ton a little closer when she noticed the piglet squirming to be let down.
Shizune set her on the floor and watched as she trotted over to Naruto to tap her tiny hoof against his shin. He stopped abruptly and looked down at the animal in surprise. Crouching down he put his out for her to scent, “Ah and who might you be?” he asked, a slight smile pulling at the corner of his lips.
Shizune stopped next to the boy. “Her name is Ton-Ton and she wants you to pick her up.” He reached out slowly acting like he was afraid to hurt her.
She smiled at the action. “It’s okay, you’re not going to hurt her, she's pretty tough for her size.”
With a little reassurance he picked her up with firm but gentle hands and giggled when she nosed at his cheek, the wet snuffling tickling him. He poked her snout with a finger and a wide grin. “You’re cute, Haku would love you,” he told the piglet.
“Is Haku one of your teammates?” Shizune asked curiously.
Jiraiya fell back to walk with Tsunade and Shizune took his place beside Naruto. He grinned when the boy began acting more like himself, chatting excitedly to the young woman about his now best friend and team and sensei. He asked questions about her which she answered and asked questions about him in return. She had a feeling she should get to know the child she’d be seeing more of in the future.
…
At the Inn, Jiraiya booked them two rooms next to each other. He led Naruto into the first room and sat him on the bed furthest from the door. Crouching down he looked the boy in the eyes, “I’m going to be next door talking to Tsunade and Shizune. Can I tell them everything you told me?”
“Yeah,” he scratched at his whiskered cheek hesitantly.
“Alright. These walls are pretty thin so I’m going to put up a privacy seal, too much has already been said in the open. You won’t be able to hear us but if you need anything just shout and we’ll be able to hear you.”
“Ah, Jiraiya-Sama, Ton-Ton can stay to keep Naruto-San company if she’d like.” Shizune interrupted quietly.
Ton-Ton jumped from Naruto’s arms onto the bed to curl up next to the pillow. Shizune chuckled, “Well that answers that question. Get some rest Naruto, we’ll see you in the morning.” She turned to leave and follow her mentor into the next room.
“Thanks Shizune-Onee-Chan,” Naruto said to her happily.
Shizune paused with her hand on the door and smiled at the child over her shoulder, “It’s no problem, good night Naruto.”
With a click the door shut behind her and Naruto looked back down at Jiraiya when he laid a hand on his knee. “Before I go there’s one thing I want to say and I want you to keep in mind whether you believe me or not,” he said as seriously as he could.
Naruto cocked his head curiously and nodded. “You are worth it, Naruto.” Jiraiya said forcefully with a firm squeeze to his knee.
“If Tsunade decides not to come back it has nothing to do with you or your worth and everything to do with how she is dealing with what she has lost and her grief. If I have to, I will take the hat to help you protect the village and do everything in my power to keep you safe.”
Thin arms curled around the older man’s neck, “Thank you ‘raiya.” Naruto said with a sniffle.
Jiraiya gave him a quick squeeze and moved him back a bit. “I’m proud of you, so is Kakashi and I know if they were here your parents would be as well. Now get some sleep.”
He left the room as Naruto stripped down to his Tee shirt and boxers. Closing the door quickly behind him he looked to the side where Tsunade leaned against the wall, her head bowed and fists clenched tightly and hoped she wasn’t about to yell or punch him where Naruto could hear, the kid had been through enough for one night.
Instead of saying anything to her he moved to the next door and entered the room to Shizune brewing some tea on a portable hot plate. “Would you like a cup, Jiraiya-Sama?” She asked, gesturing to the steaming tea pot.
“Yes, please.” He replied reluctantly, what he would like would be something much stronger but they all would need a clear head for this conversation.
So while Shizune continued to prepare tea for the three of them, Jiraiya dug through his belongings for the seal he would need. Tsunade stomped into the room, closing the door forcefully behind her and demanding sake from Shizune.
“No!” Jiraiya growled before Shizune could even open her mouth. He slapped the square of parchment with the seal drawn on it, to the floor in the center of the room and looked up to glare at Tsunade. “The Gods know I have always loved you and always will but you know while I supported you I never agreed with your decision to stay away from the village indefinitely.”
She turned her head quickly away, hiding the sadness and quilt that crossed her face and took a seat in one of the two chairs placed in the corner of the room. Jiraiya took a moment to push enough chakra into the seal for it to cover all the walls, ceiling and floor before standing with a groan.
Shizune stood frozen to the side, she had never heard Jiraiya as angry as he was now and he had never spoken to Lady Tsunade that sharply. She wanted to speak up, to defend Lady Tsunade but in a way she could understand why he was angry. The sharp whistle of the kettle pulled her from her thoughts, she bustled about to prepare the cups and set them in front of the two silent Sannin. Taking a seat at the end of one of the beds, Shizune cradled the tea cup in her hands and waited for one of them to begin.
It took most of the night and many cups of tea for Jiraiya to get through everything. What he had learned in his travels, what Kakashi told him, what Naruto had told him and what he had observed and heard since his return to the village. By the time he was done speaking he could only blink tiredly and wish for his bed.
Tsunade stared at him for a moment, then pushed herself up to stand. “Alright,” she nodded at Jiraiya determinedly. “Go to bed Jiraiya, we’ll be leaving at first light. If things sound as bad as you think they are, we need to get back as soon as we can.”
Jiraiya shuffled his way to the door, “Goodnight ladies,” he threw over his shoulder as he left. As soon as he was in his room and the door closed tightly behind him he slumped against it in relief. Naruto woke from his light doze and looked at the older man with heavy lidded eyes. “Alright ‘raiya?” He slurred sleepily.
The older man grinned widely, “Yeah kid. Everythings good. Go back to sleep, we're leaving bright and earlier and bringing Tsunade with us.”
“‘Kay.” He closed his eyes and fell into a deeper sleep now that he had good news.
Jiraiya fell face first into the other bed without even changing and slowly fell asleep listening to Naruto’s purring snore and Ton-Ton’s snuffling and snorting.
…
Earlier that day while Naruto and Jiraiya were traveling to Tanzaku Gai, Haku had a day off from the hospital and was making his way through the market with a bundle of fresh cut sunflowers in his arms.
He was making his way to the hospital when he heard a voice call his name. Haku turned to find Shikamaru strolling his way. Haku smiled, he hadn’t seen the younger teen since they had gone to the ramen stand together.
“How are you Shikamaru?” He continued along once he caught up.
Shikamaru slouched further, “Troublesome, we just got back from our mission.”
Haku giggled and knocked their shoulders together. “From what I’ve heard everything is troublesome to you. Did anything happen?”
Shikamaru’s lips quirked up in a small smile. He was starting to realize the more time he spent with the older boy, the more he liked him. It was much like being around Naruto in the way they both had this feeling around them that was pleasant. “Nah, it was just a boring mission transporting information. What are you up to now?”
“I am bringing these,” he pointed to the flowers he was cradling. “To Kakashi’s room. I noticed that while some of the other sensei’s visit when they can, Sakura hasn’t visited at all. If she’s not at home she’s in Sasuke’s room sitting with him and since Naruto isn’t able to visit I figured I’d do it on his behalf. Would you like to join me? I could use the company, it’s been a bit lonely with Zabuza so busy and Naruto away.”
His face fell a bit and Shikamaru didn’t not think the pretty boy should look so sad. “What’s wrong?”
“I just feel kinda bad for Kakashi and Naruto. When Naruto was in the hospital after fighting Gaara, Kakashi popped in to check up on him before he woke up but got so busy he wasn’t able to see him again before Naruto left and I know if he were here, Naruto would stop by both his and Sasuke’s room every day. But,” he sighed sadly, “Neither Sakura nor Sasuke checked on him once while he was there.”
Shikamaru nodded in understanding. While a lot of things had changed since they became Gennin, some things hadn’t. Sakura’s obsession with Sasuke and Sasuke’s indifference to everything including his own team, were just two of those things that hadn’t changed.
“I know Haku but it’s okay. We made sure people who cared were there when he woke up and now he knows there are more of us he can count on now. So lead the way, I haven’t been to visit Kakashi-Sensei yet so I don’t know where his room is. What are you doing after this?”
“Oh well, I've been keeping an eye on Naruto’s plants while he’s gone and I’m due to go water them. You can come if you’d like, he won’t mind since you’re a good friend. After that I was going to train for a bit before dinner, I don’t have much to do today otherwise and I’d like to keep busy. Not to mention I have to keep sharp, Naruto is already approaching my level and he’s going to quickly surpass me. I don’t think I’ll always be able to keep up with him, he’s too strong, but I'd like to try.”
Shikamaru frowned thoughtfully, Haku had a point, it seemed like Naruto had been progressing more and more every day. Maybe he should join Haku and see if he had anything he could teach him, because maybe he’d like to get stronger as well so that he could stand by their side. Things were so much more interesting with Naruto and Haku.
He looked over at the taller boy seriously, “Would you be up to helping me train and I’ll treat you to dinner after, we could go to Choji’s families restaurant and I’ll tell you more about Nauto’s academy days while we eat.”
Haku smiled bright and happy and hooked his arm through Shikamaru’s. “Absolutely.” He said excitedly and tugged the boy to move a bit faster.
Shikamaru sighed, “Troublesome.” He muttered under his breath but couldn’t help the smile that pulled at his own lips. Perhaps he was a little excited as well.