Jiraiya Part 2 (continuing from previous chapter)
"Ok, that was unexpected." says the Toad Sannin.
Having listened to the flash back involving his old teammate can do that, especially one that's Orochimaru. However, he then realized this isn't about his old ex-teammate. Thanks to that encounter, even someone like Jiraiya was side tracked. Well you can't really blame him considering Orochimaru is afterall Konoha's number one enemy and he somehow found his way to Naruto before him.
Massaging his temples, Jiraiya realized they are actually drifting from the main issue. Hence, he had to bring them back on track and focus on the problem on hand.
"OK, nevermind about my ex-teammate. I was only shocked that he's somehow involved."
He's not going to mention how his ex-teammate beat him in finding his godson, let alone getting to him much earlier than he.
"Let's not get side tracked. While my ex-teammate is dangerous he isn't the reason why I am here."
"The main reason why I am here is there's an organization looking for you."
"More specifically, they are targeting all 'Jinchurikis' such as yourself."
"I am sure even you can understand it's nothing good."
Jiraiya was both glad and disappointed he isn't the one to tell him what it is.
"Naruto, I want you to listen to me."
"These people are dangerous, so in order to protect you I need you to come back to Konoha."
"No!" Naruto responded adamantly.
The steeled tone he used in his response spoke volumes as its very clear by then that the Sannin's negotiation wouldn't go smoothly as he thought.
"I am done with the village. I like my life here."
You don't have to be an expert in behavior analysis or body language to see how he felt against his home village. He wouldn't even call it by its name and Jiraiya can even see the slight twitch every-time 'Konoha' is brought up. Unfortunately, despite times calls for desperate measures, so he had to at least try.
"Look, the palace guards aren't equipped to handle these people."
"No offense to them but normal samurais probably wouldn't know they were there let alone fight against them."
"I don't want to frighten you but they are ruthless and would not stop until they have what they want."
Sadly, his narrative had no effect on him as he stared back impassively.
"Hey Kid, you need to listen. Please take this seriously because these people are all Kage-class ninja assasins."
"I am listening, if what you say is true. Just how many Kage-class ninjas does the village have?"
Seeing he's at least being reasonable, he answered truthfully.
"Well, there's myself. The Sandaime and now Tsunade, she should be the new Hokage now."
He had hoped the Hokage title would perk his interest but sadly he didn't seem to care.
"Only 3? Out of the whole village?"
"Well, there are others such as Kakashi and Might Gai. But they fell short on Kage-level but they are close."
(Kakashi was not very powerful near the beginning hence how he was captured by Zabuza. Similarly Might Gai is also around his level unless he use his gates, so he too isn't quite kage level.) Jiraiya want his trust, thus he's answering everything as honest as he can.
Some might argue why Jiraiya couldn't just knock him out and take him like Orochimaru. The answer is simple, he couldn't. With the Fire Lord's involvement, that option is now impossible. After-all, the man did ordered him to not force the issue. So, if Naruto suddenly disappear, regardless whether Konoha's involved or not they would be his number 1 suspect.
Then again, Jiraiya also want a close relationship with his godson thus he couldn't be too forceful. Sadly, Naruto isn't making it easy for him as he outright rejects the offer.
"No thanks, I rather take my chances."
"Why not? Please be reasonable, you are better off protected inside a ninja village."
Jiraiya was hoping for a answer and he got one.
"Simple math, you said they are a group."
"Unless you are saying 3 is bigger than a group? I don't see how the village can seriously protect me!"
"Let me explain, these Akatsuki only travel in pairs."
"Anymore, they would risk attracting attention."
"So unless you are actively looking for them, very few knew about their existence."
"If they choose to come anyway, our border patrols would notify the village and we will be well prepared."
"Three kage-class ninjas may not be much, but ninjas isn't about strength."
"If you are a ninja, you will learn that strategy also plays a vital role when it comes to fighting."
"You may not know this, the Naras were well known for their intelligence and their Clan head is also the village's strategist."
"Combined with home field advantage, I doubt Akatsuki would be careless enough to attack on our turf."
(Let it be known that at the time Jiraiya didn't know about Pain or how powerful he is. He may know Nagato in his early years and know about his Rinnegan but at the time Nagato didn't know how to use them. Later Jiraiya thought he had died in the skirmish against Hanzo of the Salamander. Thus, as far as missing-nins go, the Toad Sannin is confident the 3 Kage-class ninjas and the village combined would be enough to combat the Akatsuki.
Under normal circumstances and from a realistic point of view, he would be right and isn't being arrogant. Unless it's Hanzo of the Salamander, Madara or Hashirama Senju alike coming back from the dead, there aren't many that can take on the Leaf. Otherwise, you will need another ninja village. Jiraiya knew this and so did Orochimaru, as do most ninjas.)
"So as you can see, from a military point of view you will be well protected?" then he added.
"You may not know this, aside from the famous quote 'Will of Fire' Konoha ninjas were well known to never abandon one another."
Aside from the explanation, the Toad Sannin hope to teach his godson the core value of the ninja village. Unfortunately, he forgot whom he's talking to as what he said after made him wince.
"Don't forget, Jiraiya-san. I was from the same village and I was abandoned."
Despite how causal it had sound, the Sannin couldn't help but tasting the venom through those words.
No matter how much he wishes to deny it, the boy was not wrong. The kid wasn't just abandoned, he was framed and then literally forgotten by the village. No-one did a thing, not even the clan heads. They threw him to the wolves and pretend it didn't happen. His godson clearly understood this and so did Jiraiya, hence why that response stung so much.
Unfortunately, he wasn't finished.
"Besides, if I go with you I will most likely die by your ninjas' hands before the Akatsuki get theirs on me."
Although shocked, Jiraiya couldn't deny it as he remembered his past reports. His abuser wasn't just the civilians, as ninjas and clans too were somehow involved. Not only that, even the village's medical units too went against their professional code of conduct and gave him less than the necessary treatment. With Tsunade back in the village and as Hokage, she will no doubt make sure fitting punishment is dealt, it won't change what had happened.
Solemnly the Toad Sannin had to admit.
"To be honest. Before coming here, I read your reports."
"While I can't undo the wrongs, however I can promise you, you will not be ostracized as long as I am alive."
"It will be different this time and they will have to get through me."
It may sounded perfect through his mouth but our hero wasn't fooled.
"Right! Who's going to stop them when you went off to fight this Akatsuki?"
"You think you can watch and protect me 24/7? 7 days a week? 365 days a year?" the blond inquires.
The silence was clear as the Sannin obviously hadn't thought about how he can uphold that promise. As much as he hate it, somehow he's losing an argument, to a pre-teen no-less.
That's another jab to his ego, then again what's being said sounded very much like a very personal experience. Did his godson went through this kind of life in prison or the village?
"Alright, I admit that came out wrong." he's obviously trying to salvage the situation.
"While it's true I can't be there everyday, I know others I trust to watch over you."
The moment he said that, even he realize how weak that sounded. Here, he's trying to get the kid to trust him but in the end he's passing the responsibility to someone else.
"No, like I said. I am fine where I am and I will not go back to my old life!"
Jiraiya knew then he had lost the argument.
Sighing in defeat, it's back to square one. Unlike his father, the kid isn't naive and trusting so he had to switch tactics.
"Look, I am not forcing you. I am just saying you have a better chance inside a ninja village than in the Capital."
Instead of pushing, he's now taking a step back.
"All I am asking is for you to think about it."
Too bad Naruto had already made up his mind and had very little tolerance for small talk so he cut right to the chase.
"Why?! To be lock up like an animal?"
Horrified, the Sannin quickly deny it.
"NO! HEAVENS, NO!"
"You are free to go wherever you want."
"I doubt that, I sincerely doubt the rest of the villagers will think that way. Especially your *council*."
You don't have to be a ninja to see the wince in the Sannin when the *council* is brought up.
Ignoring the surprised look, the blond continued.
"Especially when I am behind the village's walls. I doubt my so-called freedom will be as you say it would be."
He's again right, and the Sannin curse himself for not thinking about that. Unknown to him, the Fire Lord had explained to his godson about jurisdictions and rights.
As an artist, he will be dealing with a lot of royalties. Hence, the Daimyo had to teach him a little politics. Considering whom he is (UZU painter), he had to constantly remind him whom he can deal his business with. This includes associations with his old village.
Naruto is a very special case because he's considered as a ward of two states. This means on official papers both sides will have claims to him. Since he's born in Konoha, the village will have control over his inheritance. That will be politics as the two sides will have to negotiate.
Hence, our hero understand very well what will happen when he's behind the ninja village's walls. Currently, the ninjas have no claim on him. However, if he chose to voluntary move back, he will become Konoha's responsibility. Everything is politics because it's the binding agreement that kept them running smoothly this long.
Jiraiya's heart is perhaps in the right place, but with the elders on Konoha's council. Even the Sannin knew they will be his biggest obstacles in protecting his godson. He also knew very well, once Naruto returns, there will be very little he can do. He's feeling very conflicted, is he protecting his godson or damning him? He doesn't want to lie but Naruto had pointed out is again very true.
"If this group do come, I say let them come." Jiraiya want to protest but his godson didn't let him.
"I rather live freely than be put in a prison 'again'."
It's difficult to see whether he meant it (prison) in a literal sense or just a figure of speech, Jiraiya had a feeling he meant both. However, what had he more concerned about is whether he meant 'Konoha' as his prison or that there will be a prison waiting for him?
Considering whom are on the elder council, the Sannin knew what his godson had said weren't completely untrue. Tsunde is maybe a Hokage but Konoha's system isn't entirely a dictorship because as Itachi in the manga quotes:
'You don't become the Hokage to be acknowledged by everyone. The one who is acknowledged by everyone becomes the Hokage.'
Hence, while Tsunade has the power to make decisions but if she can't convince the clans and the local population, she's no different to an empty figure head. Then again, this is one of those never ending 'what if' scenarios because you won't know what happen until you are there.
So instead of worrying, he chose to focus on his objective and that is to convince his godson to return. Sadly, the source of all this is all because of hate. As much he want to tell him to let go that grudge he couldn't. Had the kid been a ninja, he may have to shoulder that responsibility but the reality is he isn't.
In Konoha's eyes he's branded a criminal, a clan killer which makes him an enemy of the village. It wasn't just boy that is pissed, even the easy going Toad wanted to find those responsible and rip them into shreds. Hence, he couldn't even ask him to let go that hate. This is especially the case when you consider why such demand is place on a young child when the adults couldn't control theirs.
There are so much he wanted to tell him, to teach him and to guide him but because of the village he couldn't. He couldn't tell him where his name 'Naruto' came from. The name came from his first book which his parent name their child. It's was their hope to see their son striving for peace like the character in his book.
During his time in Konoha, he had read his godson's past reports and saw the similarities between him and the character from his fictional book. At the time of writing, his character while inspired by orphans from war, it was nevertheless imaginary. Hence, seeing it come alive and coming from his home village gave him mixed feelings. War was hell and the Sannin had witnessed it with his own eyes, but the sickening treatment on his godson pales in comparison.
He didn't know which was worse, running away from deadly ninjas in a war torn country or living in a village where most villagers are plotting your death. Like the 'Naruto' character from his book, his godson ignore his hatefully treatments and push forth. He had his sight set on the ninja academy, hoping one day he can prove himself by protecting even those that wronged him. Jiraiya knew this because it's also written in the Sandaime's report.
What people didn't know is that Naruto isn't the Hokage's favorite because of his Jinchuriki status. He was his favorite because of his noble attitude. By conversing with him nearly everyday, the Sandaime can sense what a noble heart he has in such young age. It was for this reason that the Hokage took an addition interest in his future.
Call it an investment if you will, Naruto is maybe young but it's rare to see someone's will being this strong. It may seem cruel but Naruto's situation is like 'Trial by Fire'. The ninja world is cruel, so if Naruto can get through this by himself he will be tougher later in life. Hence, he had ninjas kept an eye on him and only intervene when he's in danger.
However, what he couldn't anticipate is how far his people would go about ruining the boy's career. Like the Hokage, Jiraiya too can see underneath the underneath. The Sandaime was very through in his report as it includes his godson's mental state. Had it been anyone, they would have long been broken or given up.
Unfortunately, because of that one event he was forever cast away from that chance. However, what riled the Sannin up so much was how it was accomplished. It smell so much like the crippled councilman that he almost jumped to confront him. What stopped him is the 'War Hawk's' usual signature that everything he does is one or another benefit the village.
Strangely, sending Konoha's Jinchuriki to prison seem very opposite to what the councilor would do. Upon finding out that this was all the civilian council's doing made him beyond furious. Not only did they meddled themselves in Shinobi affairs that shouldn't concerned them, they even perverted Konoha's justice system so they can get their way. What's more unforgivable is that the victim isn't just any nobody.
They locked away the fourth Hokage's son, the last clan heir of Uzumaki, his godson and the village's protector (Jinchuriki).
'FOOLS, IMBECILES, DIMWITS ...' he continued with all kinds of insults to describe them.
He wanted to wriggle the necks of those responsible but according to the reports he will be wriggling over half of the village's necks. He too now can see the frustration the Hokage felt when this happen, yet powerless to do anything.
Sighing to himself, he thought. Naruto would have been perfect. He's the tragic hero like in his story, the perfect main character to turn that his fiction story into reality. He would also be his last student and he had high hopes that Minato's son would be the prophecy child. Now Jiraiya didn't know what to think. 'Was the prophecy just a fool's dream? Can peace not truly be achieve?'
Ninjas are more than just assassins, at least that's what Jiraiya the Sannin believes. It's 'kanji' roughly translates as 'one whom endure', some thinks it's enduring their ruthless training or missions. However, see it differently. He thinks they are someone who can endure the world, someone whom can handle anything that life or nature throw at them. Their extraordinary powers weren't for selfish reasons like war, instead they were meant for something greater.
They were his ideals, an ideal shared by 2 Hokages, the Sandaime and the 4th which is his student. It was also the reason Minato and Kushina named their son after the character from his book. Whether he can bring peace like 'Naruto' in the book doesn't matter but as parents they want him to be strong and live his life like the fictional character. Sadly the two died on the day of his birth so no-one can tell him why they gave him that name.
What no-one knew was they did leave something for him. However, what they couldn't anticipate was the village not training him in ninja art. Minato had added a contingency plan to help his son in event the Kyubi escapes but since Naruto is a civilian and can't access that chakra the seal held on much longer.