The journey to Konoha normally took two days for a shinobi traveling at full speed. But Naruto and Jiraiya were going at a relaxed so it would take them three full days
At first light the next morning, they set off. The sun was just rising, as they left Yugakure behind.
While walking Naruto glanced up at Jiraiya.
"Master, when are you going to teach me Sage Mode?"
Jiraiya let out a long, sight "Kid, I've told you a hundred times already it's way too early for you. I promised I'd take you to Mount Myōboku once you reach jōnin level. Then I'll talk to the Great Toad Sages and get them to train you personally."
Naruto crossed his arms and huffed.
"Fine, Master… I'll wait. But don't forget! If you forget, I'm never speaking to you again hmpf!"
Jiraiya chuckled and patted Naruto's head.
"I'm the Toad Sage, remember? When I make a promise, I keep it."
Naruto sped up a few steps ahead without another word. A few days earlier, Jiraiya had explained Sage Mode in detail how insanely powerful it was. The only problem was the method required 'two toads to cling to your body during the process. But Jiraiya had also mentioned that a truly talented person could learn to activate it alone, without the toads. Naruto was absolutely confident he could do it the solo way. He was itching to start training, to master that technique and become stronger. But Jiraiya wouldn't budge until he reached jōnin rank.
*Alright then,* Naruto thought firmly. *I'll become a jōnin. That's my goal the moment i get to Konoha.*
The first day passed quietly. That evening they stopped at a small roadside inn and rented a double room. As they dropped their bags, Jiraiya stretched with an exaggerated yawn.
"Naruto, I'll be back late tonight. I'm going to… *cough*… do some research."
The moment Naruto heard the word "research," his face went pale. A visible shiver ran through him. Memories of the hot spring disaster flashed in his mind.
"Haha… okay, Master. Good luck!"
His voice cracked a little. From that one traumatic experience, the word "research" now triggered an instant, uncontrollable reaction like a mini-PTSD episode. Jiraiya just laughed and waved as he headed out the door.
The next morning they woke early, packed up, and continued on the road. The second day was much the same: walking, light conversation, Naruto practicing chakra control while moving. And just like that, three days passed.
On the morning of the third day, as the sun climbed higher, the massive gates of Konoha finally came into view. They stopped for a moment at the top of the last hill. Naruto stared at the village below: red rooftops, the Hokage Rock carved into the mountain, the faint sounds of life drifting up on the breeze.
Jiraiya placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Welcome home, Naruto."
As they reached the massive gates of Konoha, Jiraiya raised a hand in casual greeting to the two shinobi standing guard.
"Hey, boys! Long time no see."
Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane turned, and their faces immediately lit up with big grins.
"Jiraiya-sama! And Naruto!" Izumo said warmly.
Kotetsu nodded. "Welcome back!"
But as their eyes landed on Naruto, both of them froze for a second. The boy had changed a lot. Naruto felt their stares, he Instinctively stepped behind Jiraiya, half hiding behind his master's broad back, peeking out cautiously.
Jiraiya glanced down at him with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, Naruto. These two are chūnin from the village Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane. They've been guarding these gates since a long time ago."
Izumo and Kotetsu exchanged a quick, surprised look. *This brat… forgot us?* they both thought at the same time. Jiraiya caught the shift in their expressions and chuckled.
"Haha, sorry, boys. Long story short, I don't have time to explain it all right now Naruto lost his memories. That's why he's acting like this. Don't take it personally."
"Ohhh… so that's why," Izumo said, nodding slowly.
Kotetsu scratched his head. "Got it. No wonder he looks so… shy."
They didn't press further. Both gave Naruto small, understanding smiles instead of pushing the issue. With a final wave from Jiraiya, the two passed through the gates and stepped into the village. The moment Naruto laid eyes on Konoha, his jaw dropped.
The streets were wide and bustling, lined with shops, restaurants, tall buildings, and colorful roofs stretching out in every direction.
"Yugakure is so tiny compared to this…" Naruto whispered, completely stunned.
Jiraiya burst out laughing, clapping him on the back.
"Of course, kid! Konoha is the strongest village in the world, after all. What did you expect? Let's head to Tsunade and report that we're back."
"Okay, Master,"
Naruto was curious about the woman they were going to meet: the strongest kunoichi in the world, one of the Legendary Sannin, and his master old teammate. The Fifth Hokage Tsunade.
As they walked deeper into the village, Naruto stayed close to Jiraiya's side.
When they reached a large building, Jiraiya stopped and pointed.
"This is the Hokage's office. Come on, kid let's go in."
As they approached the door, two masked ANBU ninjas with cat masks bowed respectfully toward Jiraiya.
Jiraiya gave a casual wave. "Is Tsunade in her office?"
"Yes, Jiraiya-sama!"
Jiraya grabbed Naruto by the shoulder and led him inside. They walked down a short hallway until they reached a big door. Jiraiya knocked twice.
"Come in," a woman's voice called from the other side.
Jiraiya opened the door. Naruto followed a step behind, looking a little shy and awkward.
"Jiraiya, Naruto long time no see," Tsunade said with a smile when she saw them.
Jiraiya's eyes immediately dropped to her chest. His face turned in his pervert grin. "Hey, Tsunade… yeah, it's been a while. Hehehe."
Tsunade clenched her fist, ready to smack him, but she noticed Naruto shy apearance and stopped.
Naruto felt her looking at him. He stepped forward, bowed politely "Hokage-sama. I've returned. I hope you're doing well."
Tsunade's face froze.
"Jiraiya… what happened to this kid? Did he hit his head or something?"
Jiraiya gave an awkward smile and rubbed the back of his neck. "Pretty much. For reasons I don't don't know, Naruto lost all his memories. That's why he's acting so different. Haha."
In his head, Jiraiya thought: *If Tsunade finds out it happened because of my training, she'll definitely beat me to death. Better keep it short.*
Tsunade stared at Naruto. He looked like a completely different person.
Naruto noticed her expression and spoke up. "Hokage-sama, don't worry. Even without my memories, I haven't lost any of my abilities. As a jinchūriki, I can protect myself."
He thought maybe that was why she looked so worried.
Tsunade looked at him and snorted. "Even with amnesia, you're still a slow mind brat."
She stood up from her chair, walked over, and pulled him into a tight hug. "You've been through a lot, kid. Don't worry you're home now."
Naruto froze. Why was the leader of the village hugging him like this? In the five months since losing his memories, he had realized something important: he couldn't feel emotions like normal people. When he smiled or looked sad, it was just his body making expressions. He could change his face whenever he wanted, but he didn't actually understand human feelings. So right now, he had no idea why this powerful woman was acting this way.
Jiraiya watched Naruto's face buried between Tsunade's breasts. His fists clenched hard. *Damn it… this lucky brat.*
Tsunade released him from the hug and said, "Naruto, you will stay at my house for a while. I will try to heal you, I'll call the head of the Yamanaka clan to examine you."
Naruto nodded. "Okay, Hokage-sama. Thank you."
After Naruto thanked Tsunade, the door opened and a woman with long black hair walked in, cradling a small pink piglet in her arms.
When she saw them, she gave Jiraiya a polite bow.
"Lord Jiraiya, it's been a long time."
Then her eyes moved to Naruto. A gentle smile spread across her face.
"Naruto… you've grown so much. You look very handsome now," she said with a soft laugh. Naruto stared at her awkwardly, completely unsure how to respond.
"Shizune, Naruto lost his memories."
Shizune's eyes widened in shock. She looked straight at Naruto, then back at Tsunade.
"Lost his memories…?"
Tsunade nodded.
"Naruto, this is my right-hand woman Shizune."
Naruto recovered quickly. He gave a polite smile and stepped forward.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Shizune. I'm sorry I can't remember you right now, but I hope we'll get along well in the future."
Before she could reply, he gently took her free hand, bowed slightly, and kissed the back of her palm in a very formal, gentlemanly way.
Shizune froze. Her face turned bright red in an instant. The piglet in her arms let out a small confused squeak.
Jiraiya and Tsunade both stared at Naruto with identical stunned expressions.
*That brat… how is he so gentlemanly now?
Naruto noticed their expressions and felt a sudden wave of confusion. Was this gesture wrong? He had seen the characters do this exact thing in the book his master was always writing. He had stayed up for weeks secretly reading Icha Icha Paradise, convinced that a powerful ninja like his master had hidden secret codes for strength within its pages. Even though he didn't understand most of it, he figured a polite kiss on the hand was simply the proper way to greet a lady.
Jiraiya finally broke the silence, clearing his throat.
"Okay, Tsunade I'm leaving Naruto in your hands. I've got something important to take care of."
Naruto glanced at his master's face and immediately recognized the familiar gleam in his eyes. Even without saying it out loud, the word *research* was written all over Jiraiya's expression.
Naruto's own face twitched slightly. He gave a small, forced smile and nodded.
"Okay, Master. Be careful."
Jiraiya waved casually and headed for the door.
Tsunade sighed and shook her head.
"That pervert never changes."
Shizune was still blushing, carefully setting the piglet down so she could fan her face with her hand.
Naruto stood there quietly, wondering if he'd done something wrong but deciding it was probably fine. After all, it was in the book.