There's always been that question of Nature vs Nurture. One side argues that each person has a unique personality that will shine through no matter the upbringing. On the other side nurture argues that the environment that one was raised in would ultimately dictate that person's persona. Well let's see what happens when nurture conquers nature, so without further ado I present to you Ero-Naruto. (I do not own Naruto or anything associated with it.)
Chapter 1: A Godfather's Duty
A man with absurdly long spiky white hair leapt through the branches at a pace most couldn't fathom. His mind was currently in turmoil as he observed the charred and battered remains of the forest that one would pass through upon making their way to the village hidden in the leaves.
The forest looked like it had been hit with everything Mother Nature could throw at it, and then some. If this was any indication to the destruction that had just taken place, he could only pray for the souls that were surely lost during the catastrophe known as the nine-tailed fox.
After a good twenty minutes or so the broken forest began to give way, to lush green trees and foliage. Obviously he had come across the area where the demon was eventually stopped.
"Stopped" he muttered to himself in a sullen tone. He had heard rumors that the demon had been stopped by none other then the Yondaime-Hokage himself, his prized student. To be honest with himself he knew that his information was more then a rumor for through his spy network everything he heard was fact.
A little while later he noticed he could see the top of the village poking out above the trees some distance away. Sighing to himself he picked up the pace, he really needed to get to the village to assess the situation for himself.
Upon his arrival the man strolled up to the front gates, where two guards were stationed. They both had crestfallen expressions plastered on their faces; more then likely they had lost people dear to them and had yet had time to recover from the lost.
"Please state your business here." One of the guards spoke in a monotone before he took in the man's appearance. "Jiraiya-sama please forgive me for my rudeness I didn't mean to offen…"
Jiraiya raised his hand to silence the man. "No need to apologize." Jiraiya assured the man. "I can only imagine how you must feel after the events that took place two nights ago." Jiraiya stated as he walked passed the guard station and headed for the Hokage tower.
It was urgent that he found out who had taken the new role of Hokage if his information had proven accurate. As he traversed through the streets of Konoha his heart couldn't help but wrench as he took in the defeated atmosphere the village was currently radiating.
The last time he had been in the village it was so lively to the point it felt like the village was more of a vacation destination as opposed to one of the great five villages. But now the place was thick with sadness and hopelessness.
That was more then enough to assure him that his intel from his sources was correct. His prized student and the man that he felt was like a son to him was dead. Even at the revelation he had to keep an unreadable expression on his face. What hope could the villagers have if even the strongest among them, felt equally weakened?
He wouldn't show his emotions, he had to be strong for not only himself but the village as well. After what felt like an eternity to him Jiraiya had finally made it to his destination. Walking straight into the tower like he owned the place, he made his way for the Hokage's office.
Jiraiya had taken note of the lack of guards, apart from the couple of Anbu he could sense lurking in the shadows. Truly it was a testament to just how many had lost their lives. Finally coming to his destination Jiraiya knocked firmly on the door.
A moment later a weathered voice sounded from behind it. "You may enter." The voice offered.
Jiraiya opened the door and stepped inside. Spying the man situated behind the desk in the office, Jiraiya sighed in relief. "Thank Kami it's you in that seat." Jiraiya stated while eyeing his former Sensei Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Sarutobi smiled for what he felt like was the first time in decades. "It's great to see you again Jiraiya, it's only been about two months." Sarutobi spoke in a cheerful tone despite the heavy atmosphere in the room.
Jiraiya nodded before taking a seat, in front of Sarutobi's desk. "So old man, by you sitting in that seat I guess it means…"
Sarutobi nodded. "I'm sorry Jiraiya, but Minato is no longer among the living." Sarutobi confirmed in a tone laced with sorrow and regret.
"I see." Jiraiya stated quietly, as his hands began to tremble. "I knew all this time, but I just didn't want to believe it until I heard it straight from your mouth." Jiraiya concluded before slamming his hand on Sarutobi's desk, causing it to split down the middle.
"Damn you Minato!" Jiraiya shouted trying his best to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. "You were going to be a father, have a family everything you always talked about was in your grasp. Who's going to take care of Kushina, and Naruto now!?"
Sarutobi felt like someone had just stabbed him in the heart with a rusty kunai at seeing his student's pain. He didn't know exactly how Jiraiya would take it once he found out Kushina had died as well, and the fate of Naruto.
"Jiraiya" Sarutobi interrupted quietly. "I'm sorry but there's still more that you need to be made aware of." Sarutobi stated while lighting his pipe. It was times like these that he thanked Kami for tobacco.
Jiraiya looked at his Sensei straight in the eye and he could tell he wasn't going to like what he was about to hear.
Ten minutes later Jiraiya's face was one of pure shock after each revelation Sarutobi had spoken to him. Not only did Kushina die do to premature child birth, but Naruto had been made the sacrifice in which the Nine-tailed-fox had been sealed into.
"What the hell was he thinking?" Jiraiya mumbled to himself. "To subject his one and only son to the life of a Jinchuuriki."
Sarutobi blew out a steady stream of smoke as he eyed Jiraiya carefully. "You know as well as I do that there was no other way then for Minato to do what he had done." Sarutobi offered.
"It should have been me damn it!" Jiraiya shouted as he stood up.
"You don't think I feel the same way?" Sarutobi questioned while lacing his fingers together. "I would have gladly given my life in Minato's place if it were in my power to do so." Sarutobi concluded.
Jiraiya was quiet for a moment before he rubbed his head. "I'm sorry I need a drink to help clear my mind." Jiraiya stated as he turned on his heels and headed for the door.
"You mean you need a drink to drown your sorrows." Sarutobi corrected.
Jiraiya sighed. "What else is there to do?"
"Perhaps going about dealing with your hardships in a more constructive manner?" Sarutobi offered. "Why don't you visit Naruto instead of drinking, he's currently being cared for by Tsunade at the hospital? And to be honest I think Tsunade is in desperate need of your counsel." Sarutobi finished.
Jiraiya quirked his eyebrow. "My counsel? What do you mean is Tsunade up to something?"
"Apparently she wishes to leave the village." Sarutobi confirmed with a sigh. "After losing both her brother and love interest, and now all the death and destruction resulting form the Kyubi attack, she feels that the village has only and will only continue to bring her pain." Sarutobi answered.
Jiraiya rubbed his now aching temples. "I'll see what I can do about Tsunade, but I'm not promising anything?" Jiraiya confirmed before taking his leave.
(Hospital)
Tsunade was sitting in a chair observing her student feed the new infant in her arms a bottle with formulated milk. As she watched the action take place she began to tap her foot impatiently. She wanted to leave that god forsaken village so bad her desire was actually palpable.
The only thing keeping her there at the moment was the desire to care for Naruto until Jiraiya arrived back in the village. Once he did she could dump the brat off in his hands and be on her way. Hell he was the child's Godfather and hence forth responsible for him.
Tsunade thought her prayers were answered when the hospital door opened, but she was quickly disappointed when a young boy wearing a mask with spiky silver hair stepped through the door.
She crossed her arms over her well-endowed bust and stared at the visitor evenly. "You again Kakashi, don't you have anything better to do then to visit this brat?"
"Nope" Kakashi answered with an eye smile. "Naruto is my Sensei's only son, what kind of student would I have been if I didn't keep an eye on him?"
"Whatever do what you want then it's not like I care." Tsunade stated with a dismissive wave of her hand.
Kakashi shrugged his shoulders before making his way over towards the girl who had Naruto in her arms. "How's Naruto doing Shizune?" Kakashi questioned as he stopped in front of Shizune and stared down at the infant.
"He's fine, although he's a bit lively for one so young." Shizune accessed. "He definitely eats us out of house and home." Shizune lightly joked.
Kakashi smiled behind his mask as he eyed the spitting image of his deceased Sensei. 'I promise Sensei I'll make your son into a ninja you'd be proud of.' Kakashi proclaimed before the door to their room swung open and Jiraiya came strutting in.
Kakashi's one visible eye widened at seeing the toad Sannin come barging in. Tsunade for her part looked like a weight or better yet a burden had been lifted off her shoulders at seeing her former teammate. Shizune's face simply had a neutral expression at seeing the newcomer.
"Well it's about damn time your ass got here." Tsunade stated while rising to her feet.
"You were that eager to see me my hime?" Jiraiya questioned with a wide toothy grin, as his eyes found their way to Tsunade's…assets. "I swear it's like the twins grow every time I see you." Jiraiya proclaimed much to Tsunade's annoyance.
"Can you be serious for once you damn pervert?" Tsunade fired back. "Now that you're here I and Shizune can finally get going."
Shizune's eyes slightly widened at hearing what her mentor had just said. Apart of her wanted to believe Tsunade had not been serious when she had informed her of that they would be leaving the moment Jiraiya returned.
"Hold on a second." Jiraiya announced. "Why are you in such a hurry to leave, I just got here after all."
"Don't play with me Jiraiya." Tsunade warned. "I know Sarutobi-sensei would have told you about my plans to leave, so don't waste your time in trying to convince me other wise."
"But if you leave how will I get the inspiration to continue my books?" Jiraiya pouted.
"Easy find someone else with large breast." Tsunade retorted.
"Who knows how long it would take to find someone with boobs as awesome as yours." Jiraiya tried to reason.
Meanwhile Kakashi had a raised eyebrow at the exchange. He was no expert in matters such as this but he felt if Jiraiya was truly trying to keep Tsunade in the village, then he was surely going about it the wrong way.
"I told you didn't I?" Tsunade returned. "I'm not in the mood for games. Shizune put Naruto down were leaving." Tsunade commanded.
Shizune's shoulders' slumped as she handed Naruto over to Kakashi who was now sleeping peacefully. Kissing Naruto on the forehead Shizune made her way over to Tsunade's side.
Jiraiya sighed before addressing Tsunade, in a far more serious tone. "Tsunade all jokes aside please don't do this, the village needs you more then ever." Jiraiya pleaded.
"This village doesn't need me." Tsunade replied with a scoff. "I'm just one person what does it matter if I leave or not?"
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes. "In times of peril the village will look to us for support. If you run away from it like a freighted little child how can anyone expect to have faith anymore?"
"Faith" Tsunade snorted. 'You mean like the faith Minato had in these villagers?"
Jiraiya had a confused expression etched on his face. "What are you trying to say?" Jiraiya asked carefully.
"Oh so Sarutobi-sensei must have left out some of the details in your debriefing." Tsunade summarized. "Pity, I guess he had little faith in you considering he didn't tell you."
"What the hell are you talking about Tsunade?" Jiraiya questioned as unease began to creep in the back of his mind.
"For some reason Sarutobi-sensei believed it was wise to tell the citizens of Naruto's status as the new vessel of the Kyubi." Tsunade explained while Jiraiya listened intently. "The moment Sarutobi-sensei finished addressing the citizens, shouts and demands for Naruto's blood were instantly heard."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "But he's just a child, how could any moral person demand the death of an infant?" Jiraiya questioned as he turned to look at the baby sleeping in Kakashi's arms. "Not only is he a child, he Minato's son!"
Tsunade folded her arms over her chest. "Sorry but Sarutobi-sensei foolishly left that information out. He actually believed that letting Naruto's true heritage be known would result in more bad for the child then good. So he took on his mother's last name." Tsunade concluded.
Jiraiya slouched down in a nearby chair, as his mind began to reel. It seemed that everything he learned was just bad news after bad news. His eyes then located Kakashi.
"I take it; you want to protect that child then?" Jiraiya asked curiously.
Kakashi nodded his head. "I've been on guard duty for the past two days, and have already had to stop a few would be intruders." Kakashi explained.
Jiraiya placed his hands over his face and hunched over. "What the hell am I supposed to do?"
"I don't know about you, but I'm leaving this hell hole." Tsunade confirmed. "You can stay here and protect a bunch of ingrates who spit on your students' legacy and sacrifice if you want to, but I on the other hand have no intentions to do so." Tsunade explained before turning on her heels. "See you around Jiraiya." Tsunade concluded before exiting through the door with Shizune close on her heels.
Jiraiya didn't even bother to try to stop her considering his mind was currently on other things, like what to do with his godson. Standing up from his position Jiraiya walked over towards Kakashi, and stared down at the baby.
"It's amazing how much he looks like Minato." Jiraiya stated as he moved his finger tip against the whisker like marks on Naruto's face, causing him to shudder slightly. Jiraiya smiled as his finger tip began to glow blue and he placed it on Naruto's stomach.
Kakashi watched curiously as a vivid seal like design appeared on Naruto's stomach.
"So this is the seal Sensei used to seal the Kyubi then?" Kakashi questioned Jiraiya.
"Yeah gaki that's it alright." Jiraiya confirmed while studying the seal. "It's even more complicated then I would have imagined." Jiraiya stated as a smile graced his lips. "That boy never seizes to amaze me." Jiraiya proclaimed as he moved his finger tip away from Naruto's stomach and the seal vanished.
"So what will you do with Naruto, Jiraiya-sama?" Kakashi questioned the toad Sannin.
Jiraiya sighed. "What can I do?" Jiraiya asked. "He's my godson; it's my responsibility and duty to care for him." Jiraiya explained. "If the villagers were demanding for him to be executed for what he holds, I can't run the risk of leaving him in the care of another."
"But what about your works outside of the village? You can't possibly take Naruto with you." Kakashi summarized.
"Don't you think I've thought of that as well?" Jiraiya countered. "I know life on the road isn't for a child but I don't see where I have a choice in the matter."
"I can take care of him." Kakashi offered. "At least until he's old enough for him not to be a burden on you during your travels."
"As enticing as that offer sounds, I can't agree to it." Jiraiya acknowledged. "I mean you're hardly old enough to take care of yourself let alone a baby. Not to mention your obligations to Anbu, frankly you have less spare time on your hands then I do." Jiraiya concluded.
"But I…" Kakashi tried but Jiraiya cut him off.
"I know you want to look out for Naruto considering who his father is but you need to understand that this is something you simply can't handle. Naruto will need constant surveillance and you can't always be around with your duties to Anbu." Jiraiya finished.
Kakashi looked down in defeat. He really didn't want to see Naruto go considering he was the last thing that connected him to his past. Without Naruto, Kakashi felt as though he truly was alone in the world.
Jiraiya looked down at Kakashi with a saddened expression. It was easy to tell just how much Kakashi already seemed to care for the boy and it pained him to have to separate the two so soon.
"I guess you've lost just as much as I have." Jiraiya acknowledged. "And now I'm taking away the only person you have left."
Kakashi was quiet for a moment before he finally found his voice to speak. "If you're going to take Naruto with you out of the village, then please take me as well." Kakashi requested. "You have the honor of being named a Sannin, and its well within your rights to take on a student just as Tsunade-sama has with Shizune."
Jiraiya chuckled slightly. "Kid you already made Jonin, and have become a captain in Anbu ranks, what could I have to teach you?"
"It would only be means for me to accompany you." Kakashi explained. "You don't have to teach me anything if you don't want to. I just want to be there for Naruto, and I could watch over him when things become too hazardous for Naruto." Kakashi explained.
Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck. "So basically you just want to become this gaki's babysitter?"
"In a sense, yes I suppose." Kakashi confirmed.
Jiraiya didn't speak for a moment before he finally caved. "Fine I'll run this by the old man, although he won't be thrilled about losing one of his Anbu captains." Jiraiya noted.
(Hokage Tower)
Sarutobi stared at both Jiraiya and Kakashi evenly. "This is quiet a request, you are asking of me."
"Forgive me, but taking Naruto isn't a request it's fully within my rights to do so as his guardian." Jiraiya retorted. "The only request I have is taking Kakashi with me."
"You have to take in Naruto's status a Jinchuuriki into account." Sarutobi advised.
"That's exactly what I'm doing." Jiraiya fired back. "It's obvious that leaving Naruto to fend for himself in this village would be the worst decision of my life."
Sarutobi flinched slightly at Jiraiya's harsh tone.
"Honestly Sensei, you actually want me to leave the boy here after demands for his blood were called!?"
"You have to understand, the attack is still fresh within the minds of our citizens." Sarutobi tried to reason. "Just give them some time and I'm sure things will even…"
"No" Jiraiya cut in. "Even if the villagers don't prove hostile to Naruto, his chances for growing up with a normal childhood here are slim to none."
"Slim to none? And having a child grow up on the road is what you would call a normal childhood?" Sarutobi challenged.
"Far from it, it's just a wiser choice then the alternative. He may grow up on the road but I and Kakashi will be a constant in his life." Jiraiya explained.
"He belongs here in his home." Sarutobi rebuked.
"His home? You make it sound like I'm going to permanently take him away from the village. We'll stop by periodically, and in do time Naruto will become a ninja of the leaf." Jiraiya confirmed.
"If raising him is something you want so badly, then why not just stay here and raise him?" Sarutobi questioned.
"You of all people know why I can't do that. I've built an invaluable spy network that needs constant monitoring. I can't just abandon all we have worked for so suddenly." Jiraiya answered.
Sarutobi sighed in defeat. "First Tsunade and now you."
Jiraiya leaned back in his chair. "Tsunade maybe gone for who knows how long, but you know I'm going to stay in touch just like I always have." Jiraiya assured Sarutobi. "Now I'm going to leave with Naruto regardless of your answer." Jiraiya proclaimed. "But it would make my life and Naruto's that much easier if you would grant Kakashi permission to accompany us as well." Jiraiya added.
"We're severely low on shinobi as it." Sarutobi stated. "And Kakashi although young is one the finest shinobi we have in our ranks at the moment. I just don't know if I can afford to relieve him of duty for so long."
Jiraiya nodded his understanding. "I can see what you mean, but some time off maybe good for the boy." Jiraiya argued. "He's already attached himself to Naruto, considering he really has no one else, will you actually deny Kakashi of this?"
"Guilt tripping an old man, you should be ashamed of yourself Jiraiya." Sarutobi stated before letting out a heavy sigh. "Very well I'll grant permission to allow Kakashi to leave under your apprenticeship."
Jiraiya grinned, but Sarutobi pressed on.
"But there will be stipulations." Sarutobi added.
"Like what?" Jiraiya asked dryly.
"I'll expect the three of you to make a return visit to the leaf every six months." Sarutobi explained. "That way at least Naruto will have some familiarly to his homeland. Not only that but Naruto will be required to complete at least six months of academy training before he's eligible to become a ninja." Sarutobi concluded.
"Ha after I'm done with the boy you'll probably want to promote him to Jonin the moment we return." Jiraiya proclaimed, as he stood up. "Well it's high time I got going, no point in sticking around long enough for the council to try and butt in on my affairs." Jiraiya explained.
"I agree" Sarutobi stated with a nod. "I really don't feel like dealing with them on this matter so it's best I don't inform them until after you've gone."
"Yeah that's one headache I'm glad I won't have to deal with." Jiraiya stated while heading for the door. "I guess I'll be seeing you in six months then Sensei" Jiraiya finished as he walked through the door leaving Sarutobi to his own thoughts.
When Jiraiya had gone Sarutobi stared at the door Jiraiya had exited through blankly. "What have I done? I actually left an infant in the custody of the biggest pervert in the leaf village."
(Meanwhile)
Jiraiya shut Sarutobi's door behind him and looked at the seat Kakashi had been occupying when he went to speak with Sarutobi. Kakashi was still holding Naruto in his arms, but apparently the two had swapped roles considering Kakashi was sound asleep and Naruto was wide awake.
'Look at those eyes.' Jiraiya thought while staring into Naruto's wide open sapphire eyes. "He's going to be a lady killer there's no doubt about it. Not to mention with my tutelage he'll have to keep the girls away with ten foot pole.' Jiraiya thought while chuckling to himself at the prospect of molding Naruto into the perfect ladies man.
Naruto seemed to have sensed Jiraiya's happiness for he to tried his hand at laughing, but it came out more as a gurgle.
"Too soon for that I guess." Jiraiya noted before tapping Kakashi on the shoulder. "Hey gaki wake up were leaving."
Kakashi's eye instantly opened and he stared around blankly for a moment. "Sorry about falling asleep it's just been a couple days since I've last slept." Kakashi explained.
"Never mind all that, go pack your gear and whatever else you'll need because were heading out in an hour." Jiraiya advised as he pulled his hand into a hand seal, and a clone of himself appeared in a small cloud of smoke.
Jiraiya handed the clone some money and instructed it to purchase all the necessary things they would need to care for Naruto. When the clone left to complete its task Jiraiya knelt down and gingerly took Naruto from Kakashi's grasp. "Meet me at the west gate in an hour." Jiraiya stated before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
(Fifty Minutes Later)
Kakashi was heading for the west gate to meet Jiraiya. His backpack was filled with all the necessary supplies he would need. Along the way he encountered a boy whom was far too lively for his own good.
"Why if it isn't my eternal rival!" The boy clad in green with freakishly thick eyebrows chorused.
Kakashi sighed. "Sorry Gai but I'm kind of in a bit of a hurry."
"Is that so?" Gai questioned as his eyes landed on Kakashi's backpack. "Judging by all that gear you're either leaving for an extended amount of time, or your striving to intensify your flames of youth!"
"It's the former." Kakashi answered bluntly. "In fact you won't see me for quite sometime." Kakashi confirmed.
"Very well my eternal rival, do not let me slow you down in your quest to brighten your' flames of youth!" Gai stated unnecessarily loud, but Kakashi hadn't heard considering he had already walked past Gai.
Gai stared at Kakashi's retreating form with flames in his eyes. "Man it burns me up when he tries to act so cool!"
Elsewhere Jiraiya placed Naruto into the infant carrier his clone had purchased and strapped it around his chest. "That should keep you from going anywhere." Jiraiya stated to Naruto whom simply stared at him curiously.
A moment later Kakashi came bounding up to Jiraiya. "Sorry if I'm a tad bit late, but I got held up."
"It's fine gaki, let's just get going already." Jiraiya stated before turning his attention to the forest that was just beyond the gates. "Ready kido?" Jiraiya questioned the small baby strapped to his chest. Naruto merely gurgled in response. "Well that's a good enough response for me so let's get to it."
Ok I know many have written stories of Jiraiya actually taking Naruto like he was obligated to do but I still thought I'd try my hand at it. Something I find common in Jiraiya adoption fics is the fact that even though Naruto's being raised by a pervert he never turns out to be one. Well at least until this story. I'm aiming to make Naruto very similar to Jiraiya but with his own personality mixed in as well. So be on the lookout for the next chapter where you get to see how Jiraiya's and Kakashi are adjusting to taking care of a baby. Well until then please review and I'll catch you with the next chapter.