The Hokage office was cloaked in the dim glow of twilight, the last rays of sunlight bleeding through the window to cast jagged shadows across Tsunade's desk. She stood motionless, her arms folded, her sharp eyes boring into Kakashi as Jiraiya's departure left an uneasy quiet in its wake. The silver-haired Jonin shifted under her gaze, recounting every detail of Naruto's abrupt exit from the village with a precision that belied his exhaustion.
"No Nine Tails rampage," Kakashi said, his voice steady but tinged with confusion. "If it had happened, Yamato would've sensed it instantly—his Wood Style would've kicked in. The only oddity was Naruto collapsing out of nowhere. Then he woke up… different."
Tsunade's brow furrowed, her fingers tightening against her arms. "Fainted," she muttered, her mind racing. No berserk chakra, no chaos—just a sudden blackout and a transformed Naruto tearing off to save Jiraiya. It didn't add up. She sank into thought, the weight of her role as Hokage pressing down like a storm cloud.
Outside, night had draped Konoha in a velvet shroud, the village's lanterns flickering like stars against the dark. Beneath a lone streetlamp, Jiraiya sat hunched on a wooden bench, his white hair glowing faintly in the amber light. The cool autumn breeze rustled his cloak, carrying the faint scent of leaves and earth. His good hand rested on his knee, the other arm—a bandaged stump—aching with every gust.
Footsteps crunched through the shadows, quick and purposeful. Jiraiya glanced up, squinting into the gloom. "Took you long enough," he grumbled, straightening. "What'd you do, raid every shop in Konoha?"
Naruto emerged into the light, breathless, a plastic bag clutched in his hand. "Had to dig through the freezer to find the right flavor," he panted, plopping onto the bench beside Jiraiya. He tore the bag open with a grin, pulling out a twin popsicle and snapping it in half. "Here, Sensei—one for you!"
Jiraiya took the offered stick, his eyes narrowing as the familiar blue-and-white wrapper sparked a memory. Years ago, under a blazing summer sun, he'd watched a younger Naruto stumble back from a vendor with this exact treat, whining about thirst after Rasengan training. The kid had split it with him then, too—grinning like it was some grand gesture. Now, the same flavor stared back at him, a quiet echo of simpler days. He smirked, biting into the icy sweetness. "You've got a knack for nostalgia, huh?"
Naruto laughed, already chomping on his half. "Gotta keep the classics alive!" The cold stung his teeth, but the taste warmed him, a tether to moments when the world felt smaller, safer. The breeze swept past again, sharper now, and Jiraiya shivered, tugging his cloak tighter.
"Autumn's no time for popsicles," he griped, though his tone was light. "Dragging an old man out here to freeze—what's next, kid?"
Naruto shook his head, sucking the last bit of juice from his stick. "Not just for popsicles, Sensei. I need something from you—the key."
Jiraiya froze mid-bite, the popsicle hovering inches from his mouth. "The key?" His voice dropped, wary. "You mean the Nine Tails seal?"
Naruto nodded, meeting his gaze with steady blue eyes. "Yeah. You've got it, right?"
The question hung heavy between them, the streetlamp's hum filling the silence. Jiraiya lowered the popsicle, his mind churning. Before facing Pain, he'd entrusted the key to Toad Yin, instructing it to deliver it to Ibiki in Konoha if he didn't return. It was a precaution, a safeguard for the village. But Naruto's rescue—and the power he'd displayed—had shifted everything. Sage Art, Flying Thunder God, secrets he wouldn't share… Jiraiya trusted him, believed in Minato's judgment, but Nagato's betrayal lingered like a scar. What if Naruto strayed too?
Sensing the hesitation, Naruto leaned forward, his voice soft but firm. "Don't worry, Sensei. Dad told me to get it from you. He trusts me—and he said you should too. With your help, I can train with the Nine Tails chakra, master it for real."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Minato said that?"
"Yeah," Naruto replied, a faint grin tugging at his lips. "You think I'd come up with this on my own? I'm not that smart!"
Jiraiya chuckled despite himself, the tension easing slightly. He finished his popsicle, the cold lingering on his tongue as he mulled it over. Minato's chakra, sealed within Naruto, guiding him—it made sense. He'd planned to pass the key eventually anyway. "Alright," he said at last, tossing the stick aside. "Get up—lend me a hand."
Naruto blinked, confused. "Huh?"
Jiraiya rolled his eyes. "I've only got one arm, genius. I need you to help with the seal!"
Grinning, Naruto offered his hand, and Jiraiya clasped it, channeling chakra through their grip. With a puff of smoke, Toad Yin emerged from his sleeve—a squat, grizzled creature with a scowl etched into its warty face. "What now, Jiraiya?" it croaked, then spotted Naruto waving cheerfully. "Oh, great. Him again?"
Jiraiya nodded, his expression resolute. "It's time. Hand over the key—put it in Naruto."
Toad Yin's beady eyes narrowed, flicking to Jiraiya's severed arm. "You sure about this? You're a mess—can't even summon me properly. If the Nine Tails breaks loose, you think this kid can handle it?"
Naruto stepped forward, his voice steady. "I can. I'm not the same Naruto anymore—I've got my own way with the Nine Tails."
Jiraiya frowned, glancing at his disciple. Since his rebirth, Naruto had tried reaching the sealed space—that dank sewer where the Nine Tails lurked. But the fox had shut him out, severing their chakra link, ignoring every call. It was why he needed the key—to force the gate open and confront whatever had changed. He couldn't shake the unease, but his resolve held firm.
Toad Yin huffed. "Cocky brat. You've seen what Four Tails did to Jiraiya—ripped him apart. Nine Tails is a monster."
"Enough," Jiraiya cut in, his tone sharp. "I've decided. Do it."
The toad sighed, relenting. It stretched its body, revealing the intricate seal pattern etched into its flesh—a relic of Minato's design. "Put your hand here," it instructed Naruto, pointing to the center.
Naruto pressed his palm against the mark, the chakra pulsing beneath his skin like a heartbeat. Toad Yin nodded. "Open your mouth—wide. I'm going in."
Naruto's bravado faltered, his face twisting in dread. He'd never forget Tsunade shoving a toad down his throat to store the key in his past life—a slimy, wriggling nightmare. Now it was happening again. "Uh… do I have to?"
"Quit whining," Jiraiya snapped, stepping closer. "Let's get this over with."
Toad Yin clapped its hands, aiming for Naruto's gaping mouth. "Here I come!"
"Gah—!" Naruto's protest dissolved into a muffled yelp as the toad lunged. It was too big, his jaw straining, tears prickling his eyes. Jiraiya groaned, palming his forehead, then moved in.
"Hold still!" With a firm shove, he rammed Toad Yin down Naruto's throat. A wet gulp followed, and Naruto doubled over, gagging violently.
"Blegh—ugh!" He clutched his stomach, retching, but the deed was done. The key's chakra settled within him, a faint warmth spreading through his core.
Jiraiya watched, a mix of relief and amusement flickering across his face. "There. Storage complete. You're officially the keeper now."
Naruto straightened, wiping his mouth with a grimace. "Next time, Sensei, you're swallowing the toad."
Jiraiya laughed, clapping his good hand on Naruto's shoulder. The night stretched on, the village quiet around them, but a new weight hung in the air. The Nine Tails awaited—and with it, answers Naruto couldn't yet fathom.
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