The Fifth Hokage's office was bathed in the soft glow of late afternoon, the Konoha skyline framed through the wide windows. Tsunade's hand lingered on Jiraiya's bandaged stump, her touch gentle but her silence heavy with unspoken worry. Jiraiya, undeterred by his injuries, recounted his battle with Pain in vivid detail—the Six Paths, Nagato's puppets, the revelation of Yahiko's face on a Fuma clansman's corpse. Shizune stood nearby, cradling Tonton, her eyes flickering between concern and relief as she listened.
Naruto stood to the side, his sage-orange eyes tracing the scene. In his past life, Jiraiya's death had left a void in Konoha—and in Naruto's heart. He'd blamed Tsunade for letting Jiraiya go to the Rain Village alone, convinced that as Hokage, he'd never let her face such danger solo. But now, watching Jiraiya's stubborn resolve and Tsunade's quiet anguish, Naruto understood. Jiraiya would've gone regardless, driven by duty and his unyielding need to protect. Some things don't change, Naruto thought, sighing inwardly. Sensei's always been a fool for Tsunade.
Tsunade's frown deepened, her voice sharp but trembling. "You reckless idiot. If Naruto hadn't shown up, you'd be dead."
Jiraiya's grin was lopsided, his eyes twinkling despite the pain. "Guess I finally helped you win a bet, huh? You're always losing."
Slap! Tsunade's hand cracked across Jiraiya's cheek, her eyes brimming with tears. "Baka! You bastard!" Her voice broke, raw with fear and relief.
Jiraiya froze, then softened, his remaining hand reaching to touch hers. The gesture was tender, unguarded, and Shizune quickly nudged Naruto, her eyes signaling retreat. "Oh!" Naruto muttered, catching her hint, and followed her out, leaving the two alone.
Outside the office, Shizune exhaled, hugging Tonton tighter. "Jiraiya-sama's back safe. Thank goodness."
Naruto tilted his head, curious. "What's up, Shizune-nee?"
She smiled faintly, walking toward the Hokage Building's exit. "You don't know how bad it was. While Jiraiya-sama was in the Rain Village, Tsunade-sama barely ate, barely slept. She was a wreck."
Naruto's eyes widened. "Really?" Tsunade… so worried for Sensei. His heart warmed, a new hope sparking. In his past life, Jiraiya and Tsunade's bond had never fully bloomed, stunted by loss and fear. But now, with Jiraiya alive, maybe they could find happiness. Maybe they'll marry, have a kid. I could train their child to be Hokage. The thought brought a grin to his face, his mind already painting a future where he mentored a mini-Jiraiya.
Inside the office, Tsunade's defenses crumbled. As Jiraiya's hand brushed hers, the walls she'd built around her heart—forged by the deaths of her brother Nawaki and her lover Dan—began to crack. She'd spent years pushing Jiraiya away, terrified of loving someone only to lose them again. Her hemophobia, born from those losses, had chained her heart. But Naruto's courage against Orochimaru, his stubborn survival despite impossible odds, had reignited her belief in hope. She'd given him her grandfather's necklace, pouring her dreams into him. And now, Jiraiya's return from the brink of death stirred something deeper.
She leaned into his chest, her voice muffled. "You idiot… I thought I'd lost you."
Jiraiya's arm wrapped around her, his usual bravado gone. But then his eyes drifted downward, lingering on her… assets. His hand twitched, a familiar mischievous glint sparking.
Tsunade's head snapped up, catching his stare. "Baka!" Her fist connected with his head, sending him crashing into the wall.
"Ow!" Jiraiya clutched his skull, wincing. "I didn't die by Pain's hands, but you'll finish me off! My wounds aren't healed, you know!"
Tsunade crossed her arms, glaring but with a hint of a smile. "Don't whine. I'll fix you up if I break you."
Jiraiya muttered, rubbing his head. "Just a little hug, and you go all out. Geez, woman…" But her soft chuckle disarmed him, and he grinned despite the pain. Frivolous as ever, Tsunade thought, her heart lighter. But mine.
Downstairs, the thud of Jiraiya's impact echoed. Naruto started toward the stairs, alarmed, but Shizune grabbed his arm. "Relax. Tsunade-sama's up there. No one's hurting Jiraiya—except maybe her."
Naruto laughed, nodding. "Yeah, you're right. If Sensei and Tsunade-sama need me, just send someone to find me, okay?"
Shizune smiled, stroking Tonton. "Will do."
Naruto turned, striding into Konoha's bustling streets. The village hummed with life—vendors calling, children laughing, shinobi patrolling. Unlike his childhood, when he'd been shunned as the Nine-Tails' vessel, people now greeted him warmly, their smiles genuine. In the original timeline, Jiraiya's death would've led to Pain's invasion, Naruto's victory, and his rise as a hero. But now, with Jiraiya alive, Naruto vowed to prevent that destruction. Konoha won't fall again, he swore, his steps purposeful.
As he passed a shadowed alley, his Sage Mode senses tingled. He paused, glancing back with a faint smile, then continued walking as if unbothered. Behind him, a figure in a dog-head mask emerged, watching silently—an ANBU, likely tailing him on Tsunade's orders. Naruto's grin widened. Keep an eye on me if you want. I've got work to do.
His destination was clear: the Uchiha district. Sasuke was still out there, chasing Itachi, unaware of the truth. Naruto clutched the scroll containing Shisui's crow, its Kotoamatsukami a last resort. But first, he needed to find Sasuke, to reach him before vengeance consumed him. The weight of the future—Nagato, the Otsutsuki, Konoha's safety—rested on his shoulders. I'll save them all, Naruto thought, his resolve unyielding as he vanished into the village's heart.