Of Propositions, Jiraiya, and Manhunts
-Of Propositions, Jiraiya, and Manhunts-
“Oh, yes, that’s it, that’s it!... Hehe, ohbaby, I’m tellin’ ya! You’ve gotta love the Leaf Village. The girl’s here are off the charts!”
“You’re still playing the buffoon, I see.”
Jiraiya pauses at the familiar voice and slowly puts his spyglass down, chuckling heartily as he looks over his shoulder at the duo standing behind him. “Just doing a little research... So, Old Man Homura and Koharu-sensei... What could you two scholarly advisors want with me?”
Homura Mitokado scowls slightly out of annoyance. “Don’t waste our time. You know perfectly well what this is all about.”
Standing from his hunched position, Jiraiya turns to face them fully. “Come on, why the long faces, guys? From what I hear, talks with the Sand Village went off without a hitch.”
“The Sand Village has stated publicly that Orochimaru was responsible for all of this. At any rate, they’ve offered their complete surrender to the Leaf Village. So at the moment, their betrayal is a moot point.” Homura replies, his expression remaining the same, despite the news.
“For now, we have no choice but to accept their surrender in order to shore up our power in the region.” The second, Koharu Utatane, adds just as seriously.
“That is correct.” Homura agrees before returning his attention back onto Jiraiya. “However, the strength of the Leaf Village has just suffered an enormous blow. As things now stand, our top priority is preparing for the onslaught we believe will come.”
“We have no way of knowing when one of the surrounding nations might try to make a play. Therefore, until the Village has regained its strength, we’ve decided to gather the top Shinobi from each squad and assemble an emergency executive committee to handle the situation.” Koharu informs. “But first... We need a strong and trustworthy leader. It is more than just Orochimaru. It is the seed of a far greater struggle.”
Jiraiya reaches up and rubs the back of his head. “Look guys, I don’t know why you’re going through the trouble of explaining all this to me.” He replies before pulling out his spyglass, turning back to resume peeping at the bathhouse below. “But if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to work—“
“I think you’ll be interested in what our plans are.” Homura interjects. “This Village needs the Fifth Hokage immediately.”
Koharu nods. “And yesterday, at an emergency meeting with the Lord of the Land of Fire, it was decided. We chose you, Jiraiya.”
“Oh, I don’t know. It’s not really up my alley.” The Sannin replies, hoping to dissuade the conversation.
“It has been decided. Besides, if one of the renowned Sannin is not suited, then who else is?” Homura questions.
Jiraiya turns to the two and holds up his hand to stop them there. “If you’re so set on a Sannin, there is another.” He informs, elaborating further at their confused expressions. “You’re forgetting Tsunade.”
Homura and Koharu share a brief look before turning back to the younger male. The former speaks up, “There’s little doubt that the child has the capability. But it hardly matters. No one even knows where she is.”
Jiraiya shrugs. “I’m sure I can dig her up. You don’t have a problem with that, do you?”
“But—“ Homura begins, only to be cut off by the Sannin as he turns his back to them once more.
“Tsunade’s got the brains for it. More than a loafer like me does.” Jiraiya informs, peeking at the two from over his shoulder, feeling somewhat smug at their uncomfortable expressions. “What d’ya say?”
The two are silent for a moment before Homura finally replies. “Very well then. We’ll give it some thought... But we’ll send along three members of the ANBU Black Ops to accompany you on your search.”
“You don’t have to worry.” Jiraiya dismisses immediately. “I’m not going to make a run for it. Besides, your men will just get in the way.” He then turns to them with a grin, making them curious. “Although, there is two I wouldn’t mind having along for the ride... I’ve stumbled across a very interesting little egg.”
“What do you want?”
“Amaya!” Mitsuko scolds softly, sending the younger brunette a look as she pours the older male some more tea.
Jiraiya deflates at the brunette’s less than ideal greeting, but quickly brushes it off as he sends her a wide grin. “Listen, I’ve got a job to do and I want you and the kid to tag along.”
“Me and Naruto?... We’re not gonna help you sneak into a bathhouse, if that’s what you want.” Amaya grumbles as she takes a seat.
Jiraiya lets out a hearty laugh and shakes his head. He then leans forward and rests his forearms on the table, staring down at her bemused. “No, although that is equally important, it’s not that kind of work! You see, we’re going on a manhunt.”
Amaya raises a brow as she returns his gaze unimpressed. “A manhunt.”
“That’s right.” Jiraiya agrees with a grin. “We’ll be looking for Konoha’s very own ‘Slug Princess' herself! ‘The Legendary Sucker’, and your beloved Godmother, Tsunade Senju!”
Amaya, who was now mid sip of her own tea - curtesy of her mother, chokes at the information. Coughing slightly, she sends him an incredulous look. “What?!”
Unperturbed, Jiraiya’s grin grows wider. “You heard me!”
“What do you need that old bat for?!” Amaya questions, now more curious than shocked. “She hasn’t been around in forever, how do you even know where to find her? And why do you want us to go with you, wouldn’t we just slow you down?”
Jiraiya hums to himself. “Oh, that’ll be easy. Just gotta search every bar and gambling house we come across! As for you two tagging along, just between us, I’m interested in the brat’s training... Plus, Tsunade’s always had a soft spot for kids, and we all know she can’t resist those big, beautiful, blue gems of yours!”
Amaya goes crosseyed when the older male reaches up to tap the tip of her nose jokingly. Grunting, she bats his hand away. “Okay, but why do you need her?”
Jiraiya’s expression turns serious. “I’ve been chosen to take up the roll as Fifth Hokage. I declined the offer, of course. We both know that’s not my style... In my opinion, if they want a Sannin to take up the mantel so badly, then Tsunade is the best pick out of the two of us.”
It’s then Mitsuko, who had been quiet throughout the entire conversation, speaks up. “I think you should do it. Go with him, I mean.” She informs. “It’d be good for you to get out of the Village for a bit— And to see her again, even if she doesn’t want to become Hokage.”
Amaya slouches in her seat, pondering the choices. Finally, and with a deep sigh, she nods. “Saa~… Fine, I’ll go with you. Even if Naruto doesn’t come, which he most definitely will, I’ll help.”
Jiraiya grins brightly. “That’s what I’m talking’ about! Go get packed, and make it quick! We still gotta find the kid.” He replies, before jolting in realization. “...You do know where to find him, right?”
Amaya, who was already making her way out of the kitchen and towards the stairs, turns to look back at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, I’ve got a pretty good idea.”
“Ichiraku Ramen, eh?” Jiraiya hums as the little shop comes into view just a few feet down the street.
Amaya nods but doesn’t look up from adjusting the tan-colored pouch strapped to her lower back. “Yeah, Teuchi-san’s got the best ramen in the whole Village. Naruto practically worships the place. If he’s anywhere this time of day, it’s there.”
Jiraiya chuckles and opens his mouth to respond when the conversation inside the aforementioned shop catches his attention.
***
“That one there is on the house. Dig in!” Teuchi informs, motioning towards the noodles he just added to Naruto’s bowl.
Naruto looks up at the man, grinning brightly. “Oh man, thanks a bunch!” He exclaims, chuckling to himself happily as he began to gather the noodles with his chopsticks.
Teuchi chuckles at the boy’s pleased expression, however, his eyes are quickly diverted to the doorway of the shop as two people pause at the entrance. “Hey there, come on in!”
“I had to see it with my own eyes.”
At the familiar voice, Naruto turns to see Jiraiya and Amaya peeking in at him through the cloth opening.
Jiraiya grins at the boy’s surprised expression. “You were right, Kid.” He praises to the brunette beside him before turning back to Naruto. “It looks like you do eat nothing but ramen, huh, short stuff?”
Naruto stares at the two, bewildered, as he attempts to speak through a mouthful of noodles. “BFT-MERFY SHAGE…?! HM-MAYA?!”
Amaya grimaces as the boy begins choking but manages to send him a small smile once he recovers from his blunder. “Yo...!”
Jiraiya grins. “You about done here? We gotta talk.”
Naruto, eye’s still somewhat wide, nods and spins around in his seat, scarfing the meal down in record time. Once finished, he jumps up from his seat, throws what money he owns onto the counter, and scrambles to the duo’s side. “Thanks for the ramen!”
Teuchi chuckles at the blond’s actions, giving a small wave as the boy charges out of the shop. “Anytime! Come back soon!”
“What?! Aw, no way! How come I get stuck tagging along with you while you do research for another one of your pervy books?”
They all stop walking as Jiraiya turns to the disgruntled blond. “Look, Kid, I can assure you this isn’t just another research trip. There’s a woman I have to find! A very remarkable woman!”
“Well count me out, Old-Man! I don’t have time to help you find a girlfriend. I’ve gotta get busy with my training!” Naruto retorts.
Jiraiya leans over to get a better look at the boy’s face. “What training?”
Naruto huffs and folds his arms behind his head. “It’s time Kakashi-sensei taught me something new like that... Chidori thing!”
“I see...“ Jiraiya hums, sharing a look with the brunette next to him before grinning mischievously. “You’d just be wasting your time. Chidori’s not really your style.” He leans closer to the blond when the boy turns away with another huff. “And besides that, Kid, the woman we’re looking for is really beautiful. I mean gorgeous.”
“Like I care!” Naruto sneers before looking up at the older male. “Look, Pervy Sage, who do you think you’re talking to? I’m not some dumb kid you can fool with lame excuses! I’m not going!”
Jiraiya stands to his full height with a sigh and begins walking away. “Okay, fine. Suit yourself. I guess it’s just me and you, Amaya... Let’s go.”
Naruto stares after the brunette in surprise when she joins the older males side. “Hah?! You’re seriously going with him?!”
Amaya turns her head to look back at him as she walks. “Yeah, since the woman he’s looking for is my Godmother, I told him I would help even if you said no— Which I thought for sure you’d come.”
Jiraiya sighs loudly. “It’s a shame really... And to think, I could have taught you Jutsu that made the Chidori look like kids stuff. Maybe I’ll just...see if Sasuke wants to come... What d’ya think, Amaya? You think he’d tag along?”
Amaya opens her mouth to reply but before she gets the chance, Naruto stops them in their place as he jumps in front of them, his eyes wide and full of excitement.
“Right! When do we leave?!” Naruto asks, though he doesn’t give either a chance to answer before he’s charging past them at full speed. “I’ll go pack my bag! Stay right there, Pervy Sage! Amaya! I’ll be right back! Don’t move!”
Amaya laughs softly to herself. “Saa~… That was almost too easy.”
Jiraiya grins and rubs the top of his head. “What a knucklehead... Still, ya can’t help but like him.” He muses aloud in agreement.
-A Few Minutes Later-
Having been used to his seemingly constant need for chatter, Amaya doesn’t look up from the scroll she was studying as a babbling Naruto jumps around the path they were currently walking.
“Well? Come on, Pervy Sage! I’m on pins and needles! What’s this new jutsu you’re gonna teach me? The last time around it was walking on water!” At that thought, Naruto stops in his tracks as his imagination takes over. “Ooh, is it walking through fire? Or wait— Maybe walking on air...!”
Grinning, the blond runs forward until he’s walking alongside the Sannin once more. “Aw, come on, Pervy Sage! Lets hear it already!”
Amaya sneaks a peek up at the older male, an amused smile tugging at her lips once she spots Jiraiya’s annoyed expression. “He’s not gonna stop until you give him something...”
Jiraiya’s brow twitches and he finally concedes. Slowing to a stop, he turns to the face the blond fully. “All right, enough with the ‘Pervy Sage’ already. You have no idea how amazing of a guy I am, do you?”
At that, Naruto glances Amaya’s way, his curiosity growing when she doesn’t bother to acknowledge the conversation taking place as she continues to walk ahead. He then turns his attention back to Sannin, squinting up at him in disbelief. “Huh? What, amazingly pervy?”
Jiraiya scowls. “You—! All right, listen up!”
For the first time since she opened the scroll, Amaya looks up as the older male runs past her and stops in the center of the bridge they were now crossing.
Happy to have their full focus on him, Jiraiya grins and begins to hop on one foot, performing an almost ritualistic dance for his own self-introduction. “The Toad Sage is only my cover. Allow me to reveal my true identity!... From the North to the South and the East to the West, not even the spirits can defeat this Sannin... The White-Maned Toad Charmer! A red hot ninja who strikes fear in the hearts of men—! Master Jiraiya! Haha!” At this, he strikes a pose, the grin on his face almost impossibly wide and gleaming. “Yes, I’m speaking of none other than myself!”
Seeing as he was done with the theatrics, Amaya returns her focus back onto her scroll with the shake of her head and continues walking.
Naruto, who was still at the base of the bridge, deadpans. “Uh-huh...” He grunts, unimpressed, before following after the brunette.
Jiraiya deadpans as the two pass him quietly, leaving him frozen in his spot.
***
“Uh, Atafuku Town— That’s ten kilometers from here.” Naruto murmurs aloud as he reads the road sign.
“No, it’s Otafuku Town.” Jiraiya corrects over his shoulder as he and Amaya continue walking.
“Oh...” Naruto hums as he looks away from the sign, realizing that he was being left behind again. “Hey, hey, hey! Wait a second! Pervy Sage!”
At the nickname, Jiraiya stops and turns to the blond. “Look, Kid, I told you already, it’s Jiraiya. Come on!” He groans, exasperated, only to be ignored as Naruto continues to speak.
“So, the fact that such a bigwig Pervy Sage chose me to be one of his traveling companions must mean something, right? I must be a potential genius in the making! Aw, man, it’s just like I always thought!” Naruto exclaims with a large grin and when Jiraiya does nothing but stare back blankly, he begins to run around in circle. “C’mon, c’mon, c’mon...! Why did you choose me, huh?”
“Well, the truth is, Kid, a long time ago, the Fourth Hokage used to be a disciple of mine.” Jiraiya informs, making the blond stop in his tracks as he continues. “And you bear such a striking resemblance to the Fourth that it’s almost laughable.” He then stares at Naruto for a moment before pushing past to continue walking alongside Amaya. “Sorry, that’s the only reason I got for you.”
The Sannin’s larger stride allows him to catch up with the brunette fairly quickly and once he’s beside her again, Amaya peers up at him. “Really? That’s the best excuse you could come up with?”
Jiraiya blanches before letting out a scoff. “I’ll have you know that I speak nothing but the truth!”
Amaya rolls her eyes. “Sure, sure.”
All is silent between the three for a moment after that before it’s broken by Naruto once again. “Holy crap! That’s awesome!” He exclaims as he sprints past the duo, his actions making Jiraiya jump in surprise.
“What is up with you?” The Sannin asks, watching as the blond jumps around in excitement a few feet away.
Once again, Naruto pays him no mind. “Oh, man!” He laughs, dancing around before stopping in sudden realization, “If I’m like the Fourth Hokage, that means I possess the same level of genius he did! I’m on my way to Hokage after all! WOO-HOO!”
Hearing Jiraiya sigh tiredly, Amaya laughs under her breath. “Now you’ve done it. Don’t expect him to shut up anytime soon.”
Jiraiya opens his mouth to respond but stops as Naruto lets out an indignant cry, the sound making both look up in his direction.
“Ah, no! I just stepped in some dog doo!”
Jiraiya groans, regretting almost every choice he made that day up to that moment. He then points at the blond, annoyed. “The only similarities you share with the Fourth Hokage is pigheadedness and that spiky blond hair of yours!”
Naruto growls and spins around to face them. “What was that, you senile old perv?!” He yells, taking a step in their direction, his face falling as he steps into the dog’s mess a second time. “Not again...!”
Deciding to continue where she left off later, Amaya rolls up her scroll and tucks it back into its place in her pouch. She then crosses her arms, a small grin forming on her lips as she watches the blond’s struggle in amusement. “Saa~…Naruto, just go over into the grass and wipe it off there, you’re making it worse.”
Naruto nods and does as told, quickly waddling over to the side of the road.
Jiraiya follows him with his eyes, an unimpressed look on his face. “And be quick about it, we’re on a schedule here!” He adds, his words making the blond freeze in his tracks and turn to him with squinted eyes.
It’s then both start to bicker for the umpteenth time that day, leaving Amaya wishing she stayed home.
As this was happening, all three were seemingly unaware of the two sets of eyes watching them from afar.
-Meanwhile-
“I’m pretty certain you could go toe-to-toe with him, though I’m not sure I could. He’s on a whole other level.” Kisame Hoshigaki informs, his eyes never leaving the small triad below.
“Yeah. If we faced each other, both of us would be killed. A rather unappealing outcome.” His partner, Itachi Uchiha, replies stoically from his crouched position on the cliffs edge. “Even if there were more of us, the result would remain the same.”
Kisame grins to himself, though it lacks any real emotion. “Never thought I’d have to go up against one of the Legendary Sannin... If we fight him, then both the Uchiha Clan and the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist will have their names dragged through the mud.”
“True. But still, even the strongest of opponents always has a weakness.” Itachi replies as he stands to his full height, his blood red orbs trained on the oldest of the trio.