A/N: This was inspired by some of the art from the manga as well as Shezza88's 'Life in Konoha's ANBU.' But it does not share much if anything with it in terms of plot.

This is literally what the summary is about, but with a focus on the atmosphere of the first part of the manga.

I also appreciate any and all feedback you may have such as questions/concerns/suggestions.

Chapter One

Where Home Is

We Will Forever Stand Tall, Proud Of Our Tails.

Naruto grinned as he read the words, a ritual that he performed whenever he saw the enormous commemorative plaque. His gaze shifted to the angry glare of the first gate before looking ahead at the two Imperial Guards, their white clothing and dark grey flak jackets filling the small gap between the massive doors.

"Man, weren't you two on guard duty when I left?" he asked, amused. "Did you guys get caught again?"

Chuckling in embarrassment, the tired looking shinobi scratched the back of his head.

"This idiot just didn't wake up in time, sir," the kunoichi answered, rolling her eyes.

"Totally not my fault that Han punishes us in pairs," the man grumbled, raising his hands in a placating gesture.

Laughing, Naruto shook his head and folded his arms. "Maybe you should just sleep in the barracks?" he asked, bringing a hand to his chin. "You know, both of you've been here almost every time I've passed through."

"And sleep on those standard-issue mattresses?" the man snorted. "No way in hell."

As the two guards unfurled a scroll between them, Naruto stepped forward and placed both hands on it and a tingling enveloped his hands.

"You're free to pass through," the man said, giving him a casual salute.

He returned it, grinning again as the kunoichi muttered under her breath about Han and insubordination.

"Don't worry," he said, waving it off, "Han's the only one that's a stickler for rules. Besides, everyone hates calling someone younger 'sir,'" he added, laughing as she sighed.

He felt the seal on his stomach tingle as he passed between the doors and he reveled in the feeling of finally being back inside the Forbidden City. Returning several greetings as he treaded the main path, a smile graced his lips as the familiar sights and sounds surrounded him.

"I guess I was a little homesick," he mumbled, waving at an elderly couple.

"You sure took your sweet time getting back."

He turned to the voice and grinned, looking up at the green-haired ninja that stood atop one of street lights.

"Does that mean you missed me, Fū?" he asked teasingly. His eyes drifted to her attire before he added, "Never mind. Your skimpy outfit tells me everything."

She wore white – a sleeveless top that revealed her midriff and a short apron skirt. Fishnet armour was visible at their edges, and her armlets fluttered as she jumped down beside him. He met a pair of orange eyes as she stood with a huff.

"Idiot, I just got off duty," she said, dusting herself off. "And only the master would ever miss you."

"Then why –"

"The first gate sent word and you were late. Han was going berserk 'cause of you."

"He's got a serious stick up his ass if you're telling the truth… I mean I'm only a day late."

"Was it the Leaf again?"

"Yep," he answered as they started walking. "You know, I wonder if he would make some gigantic statue if he saw the Hokage's monument for himself."

A snort met his ears before she replied, "Don't go giving him anymore ideas... this city is crazy enough as it is." Glancing at the large pack on his shoulder, she asked, "Is that all ramen?"

"You know me too well," he said grinning widely. "A few of them are team rosters and some other stuff."

"Oh?" she said, curiosity peaked, "Where else did you stop by?"

"Gramps asked me to stop by the Grass and Valley villages too."

"You don't look too happy about it," she said, a frown marring her face.

"They aren't sending that many shinobi," he said, scowling slightly. "Most of them left for the bigger villages."

They eventually reached the second gate, greeting another pair of guards. It peeved Naruto to no end that it took forever to get to the center of the village, even running at top speeds.

The city was six concentric walls, each with a monstrous gate that was the only way through. The first two were on the same side, but they alternated afterwards, making it an incredibly long journey to the center.

"I don't know why Han is so paranoid," Naruto grumbled as they neared the final gate. "No one has ever shown an interest in attacking this place – they'd have to be crazy."

"Well, you know how much he cares for the master. He's probably doing what he thinks is best."

"I don't think anyone's going to forget," he said, laughing. "He practically had a heart attack that time the old man begged us for forgiveness."

Seeing her stare at him from the corner of his eye, he quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Naruto, I'm pretty sure you were the only one who didn't have one."

"Oh."

Reaching the multi-colored gate, they saw a familiar figure walk out, and Naruto reached down into the bag at his side and took out a scroll.

The dark skinned man wore the standard white paints with three small black rectangles below each knee, the bottoms stuffed into dark grey combat sandals. Only a grey flak jacket covered his large torso, held by four straps which formed an X, the bottom left one having eight red tassels spread out along it, each secured by a jade stone.

"Yo, B!" Naruto called out, whipping the scroll at the shinobi.

He caught it without batting an eye, grumbling at the blonde, "If you were anyone other than a jinchūriki lord, I'd give you a smack," he said, appearing next to them in a flash. "But since you are, gimme a dap."

Grinning widely, Naruto bumped the offered fist.

"You too, Fū," B ordered, turning to her.

She just rolled her eyes and flipped him the word. "Naruto's the only one that that you've convinced to do that, so I don't know why you bother asking."

"Man, way to leave a B hangin'…"

Naruto laughed at the display. "Forget about her, I got your back. You heading home to relax?"

B shook his head before sidling up to him. "Gotta test this out," he whispered, leaning forward as he shook the scroll.

"W-what?"

"Me and Nii have been having a little fun in version one…and the cat's got me feelin' a little blue," he added, sunglasses waggling.

Naruto buried his head in a hand. "I'm thirteen, why do you two keep doing this to me!" he hissed.

B just laughed, smacking his shoulder. "You know, you and Fū …"

"Don't wanna hear it!" he yelled, jerking back.

"Hear what?"

He glanced at her, a blush creeping up his face. "Nothing!"

"Do I look –?"

"Anyways," B cut in, "I owe you, Naruto! Now I can get her back…"

"Aaand he's gone in a flash," he said, watching B go. He turned back to Fū, who was staring at him with an eyebrow raised, clearly unimpressed. "Trust me, you don't want to know. It's B."

Thankfully, that seemed to satisfy her.

Then he blushed at the thought.

"Stupid B…" he muttered under his breath.

Shaking his head, he led them though the last gate, the seal on his stomach tingling again as they entered the grounds of the Imperial Temple.

Naruto didn't know what Han had been thinking, giving a name that sounded as cool as the 'Imperial Temple' to the building before him – it was small compared to the ones that encircled it and looked rather plain.

It didn't bother him though, because at one point in their lives, every one of his friends had called it home.

A gravel path led to the small pagoda, and the grounds were lush with gardens and trees – and even several ponds. Naruto had to wonder why the Sage of the Six Paths didn't do something more exciting instead of actually acting like an old person would, even if Han had turned the man into a pseudo-daimyo.

"Naruto," a gruff voice called out.

"Speak of the devil," he muttered, before looking back. "Han," he greeted, "I saw the same two guards at the gates. Aren't you being just a little harsh…?"

The man was enormous – bigger than B by at least a head, and that was without the red metal conical hat that he wore. He wore the full uniform unlike B, and his steam armor beneath it made him even more imposing. Coupled with his intense stare and masked face, most people tried to avoid him – which was impossible considering he ran the city.

A scowl reached Han's eyes. "I wouldn't mind if he sent word that he'd be late, but he shows up hours later. It makes me think someone killed him."

Naruto had to bite the inside of his cheek to hold back a smile.

"That aside, you're late. Did you come across trouble on your way back?"

"Nope," he replied, "Fū slowed me down."

"W-what?" she sputtered, "I did not!"

"Naruto, she was on her own assignment. Don't lie to me."

"You're no fun," he said, pouting as he pulled out several scrolls and holding them up. "I got lost looking for the Hidden Valley. The rivers all looked the same."

Han joined them as they made their way to the pagoda, taking the scrolls as they walked. The doors creaked open and a grandfatherly voice met them, bringing a smile to each of their faces.

"Ah, Naruto," the Sage greeted, "I expected you to take a little longer."

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I managed to get some directions from the Leaf."

Han stopped and looked at him. "You lost the map?"

"Eh? No, no," he said, waving his hands in front of him, "I forgot it here. Give me more credit than that…" Looking around, he noticed someone was missing. "Where's Nagato? He's always here."

"He's meeting with a friend," the Sage answered, motioning to Han, who stepped forward with the scrolls.

"Can't be Yahiko or Konan," Fū mumbled, "They're too busy giggling in each other's arms…"

Even Han chortled before he managed to turn it into a rough cough. "How do you –"

"The Leaf's got a decent amount of participants this year," Naruto cut in, trying not to blush as he remembered B's words. "But the Grass and Valley numbers have dropped since last time."

"That is unfortunate." The Sage let out a heavy sigh. "It is the same for many of the smaller villages – some aren't even able to attend"

"Did something happen to them?" Naruto asked, frowning as he crossed his arms.

"No." a voice from behind him replied.

He turned as Nagato walked past him in a white cloak, greeting him with a smile and a nod.

"Many of their shinobi have simply left to join the larger villages. They can't afford to have even their most inexperienced ninja leave. Others nations have decided to begin demilitarization."

"Can't we offer them some of our teams as guards?" Naruto asked, folding his arms. "The games would help bring them more business. They need it."

"Not possible," Han said, his tone brooking no room for augments. "We'll need our own security for the influx of foreign shinobi. And don't even think of volunteering," he added, seeing Naruto about to protest, "that would only be helping a single village – and you know we aren't supposed to meddle in anything outside our country."

Scowling, Naruto held his arms tighter to his chest. None of them liked it, but that was how things were in the Elemental Nations.

"What about the samurai?" Fū asked, stealing a glance at the blonde. "They're technically not bound like we are."

Han sighed but seemed to think it over. "I can check with Mifune. I don't know how many he would be willing to spare, though. Despite the smaller villages not sending many ninja, the larger village's numbers have grown. We might need all of them as well."

"He better be able to spare some," Naruto said, his expression souring. "Especially since this place has helped keep the peace for so many years."

"Naruto," the Sage gently chastised, "there's no reason to speak of Mifune like that. He and his samurai remained true to their purpose – please don't forget that."

He rubbed the back of his neck, nodding silently. "Sorry, boss."

The Sage just shook his head amusedly. "There's no need to apologize, Naruto. We all know your heart is in the right place."

Naruto felt his face heat up as the others turned away, hiding faint smiles.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said, scowling. Taking another scroll out of his bag, he released its contents and tossed it at the Sage. "And here's your book!"

A dull clank resounded as Han brought a hand to his face, a heavy sigh escaping him while Nagato simply looked on quietly with his arms crossed, eyes full of mirth.

"Is that a…?" Fū started to ask before suddenly paling in anger, "Is that an Icha Icha book?"

The Sage had the decency to look abashed and Naruto just grinned victoriously before glancing at Fū.

"You never wondered why Han doesn't kill me for being disrespectful?"

"Naruto, could you stay back for a moment?"

He slowed and glanced over his shoulder, raising an eyebrow before he shrugged and turned.

"What is it, gramps?" he asked, stepping up beside Nagato.

The Sage smiled amusedly at the name, reaching over the table to ruffle his hair. "It really is refreshing to have you around, Naruto – remember to never change."

Fūrrowing his brows, he asked, "What's with you embarrassing me like that anyways? You know I hate when you say mushy stuff like that – it's not manly at all," he whined.

The Sage just chuckled, shaking his head. "You'll get to be like Han and B one day, Naruto, so embrace your inner child while you can." He paused. "Now, as for why I called you here…"

Growing alarmed, Naruto's mind rushed. "Uh," he started, thinking furiously, "Did I do something wrong?"

A grin tugged at Nagato's mouth out of the corner of his eye, and he scowled at him before the old man grabbed his attention.

"Of course not," the Sage replied. "It is just about your traveling – I'm not worried about your regular visits out of the city, but I would like it if you stayed inside the country, at least for now."

"Why not?" he asked, looking puzzled. "You know I can take care of myself."

"There have been rumours," Nagato said, scowling, "about a criminal organization moving in the shadows who have been calling themselves Akatsuki."

"Akatsuki…isn't that what you and…?"

Nagato nodded, his expression dour for once. "It was the name of Yahiko's old organization that assisted Rain."

"And?" Naruto asked, his own expression turning serious.

"We only know that they are composed of several S-rank missing-nin, and that they seek the power of the tailed-beasts…" he answered, trailing off.

Naruto froze. "The tailed-beasts? But that's…that's insane," he whispered.

He knew every jinchūriki was loyal to the Sage without question, and the old man returned the sentiment with even greater fervor. If these people were after the tailed-beasts, they would also face the literal God of Shinobi – plus at least two S-rank jinchūriki and a second Rinnegan wielder.

It was suicide.

As his train of thought continued he realized that to get the tailed-beasts, it meant extracting them from their hosts.

His friends would die.

Kind blue eyes flashed into an angry crimson as his whisker marks darkened considerably, stretching as Naruto snarled, revealing lengthening canines as an oppressive feeling blanketed the room.

Naruto knew the deaths of any of them for a reason like that would probably kill the old man. He was guilty enough as it was, blaming himself for the loss of whatever lives Naruto and the other jinchūriki might have had.

It made the young ninja furious.

He felt the Kyūbi's own rage which echo deep inside of him, latching onto his own anger and turning it into a barely contained inferno of emotions.

"Naruto," the Sage said, the sound echoing distantly in Naruto's ears, "Please, control yourself."

Squeezing his eyes shut, he grunted as he tried to quell his boiling emotions as saddened eyes watched patiently. He wasn't sure how much time passed as he desperately tried to calm himself before he stumbled forward, grabbing the table for support.

"Sorry," he whispered hoarsely, feeling exhausted and more than a little ashamed.

"Your anger is understandable," the Sage said, gently waving off his apology, "and you are not the only one who is affected so much by their emotions – you and Nagato are exactly alike, both hating the idea of those you care about getting hurt," he added, making them both turn away, slightly embarrassed. "It can't be helped."

Naruto just nodded mutely, staying silent for a moment.

"How many of them are there?" he finally asked. "And do we know what they want to do with the tailed-beasts?"

"We aren't sure about either," Nagato answered. "Jiraiya of the Sannin contacted me a few days ago." He paused, looking thoughful. "He's still here actually, in the city. He says he wants to meet you."

"One of the Sannin wants to meet me?" Naruto asked, crossing his arms and his expression turning into one of skepticism. "Why?"

"Apparently, he's your godfather," Nagato said, shrugging. "He wouldn't say much more."

"The hell…" Naruto muttered, "Why's he showing up now, and not ten years ago?"

"I'm sure he has his reasons," the Sage replied, leaning forward. "Please don't be too harsh on him, Naruto.

"Fine," he grumbled, his reluctance obvious, "but only cause you asked me to." He huffed. "Where can I find him?"

They both shared an amused glance. "Probably near the hot springs."

"The…hot springs?" he asked, confused. "We have hot springs in the city?"

"They used to be Han's training grounds," the Sage answered, a distant look in his eyes. "He stopped using them years ago and decided to put them to better use." His gaze shifted to Naruto. "Now off you go, before it gets too late."

Saying his goodbyes, Naruto walked outside, shutting the doors behind him. He managed to walk down the steps before a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"What's got you so worked up?"

He glanced to his right and saw Fū, leaning casually against a pillar.

"Nothing," he answered before smiling, "You really did miss me, didn't you?"

"You're a terrible liar," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Han and I both felt it, even with the barrier."

"Dammit," he muttered under his breath, "why do I have to be surrounded by people like me?"

"What was that?" she asked cheerfully, but the gleam in her eye told him something different.

"Uh, nothing," he replied, "Just thinking to myself."

"Sounding like insulting to me."

"Might want to get your hearing checked then," he said, dodging a half-hearted kick.

"It's about the people who want the tailed-beasts, isn't it?"

He nodded as he started walking, Fū falling into step beside him.

"You shouldn't worry, you know. The old pervert wouldn't let anything happen to us – and neither would Nagato. Or Han. Or B." She paused. "Even Roshi is a monster, hard-headed as he is."

He gaze drifted to the ground in front of him as he got lost in thought. "Still…" he said absentmindedly, "I don't want the old man getting hurt, and I don't any of you getting hurt either…" he trailed off, looking up when Fū's step faltered.

"That's not something that should be coming from your mouth," she said, huffing. "You were the last one the master brought in."

He snorted, trying to suppress a grin. "As if something like that matters to me."

"You know, the others probably are thinking the same thing about you," she said, poking his shoulder. "And you're not even close to Han or B's level, you know."

"Ya, but I'm awesome," he said, grinning. "I'll get stronger once I can reach the Kyūbi…then I'll be the one protecting everyone – you better believe it!"

She shook her head before looking at him patronizingly, but Naruto caught the smile on her face.

"You sound like Yahiko when you say that," she said, laughing. "Where're you headed now?"

"To find Jiraiya," he answered, scratching his chin, "He's supposedly my godfather. I'm tempted to try and kick his ass, but I promised the old man I wouldn't…"

He twitched when she burst out in laughter. "He'd crush you like a bug! Even B said he'd never go toe to toe with the guy."

"Some friend you are…"

A perverted giggle reached them and Naruto understood the old man and Nagato's amusement.

"Just hold on a second," he grunted, holding Fū back in his arms. "You can't kill him yet, I still need to find out what he wants with me!"

She squirmed in his arms. "Dammit Naruto, lemme go!"

"I will if you promise to murder him after I'm done talking!"

"Fine!"

Letting her go, he watched as she straightened her clothes, her face flushed.

"Man," he said, "for someone so small, you sure are a handful." Dancing away from a haphazardly thrown kick, Naruto edged towards the legendary shinobi with a laugh. "You're way too easy to tease, Fū!"

He noted that the man had obviously noticed their rather loud approach, but hadn't deigned to even look at them.

"Jiraiya of the Sannin?" Naruto asked, his tone polite. "Nagato said that you wanted to meet me."

"Naruto…" he muttered, turning around.

The teen looked over the older shinobi. He was exactly as the bingo books described – including his clothing and physical features – but there was something about him that unconsciously raised his hackles, something the bingo books wouldn't ever be able to describe.

The Sannin practically oozed an aura that screamed danger.

Considering this was the first time Naruto met the man, it was not easy for him to lower his guard. He noticed Fū looked slightly uncomfortable as well.

"So, you're my godfather, huh?"

"Kids these days," Jiraiya huffed, "No patience at all – and you need to learn how to relax." Then he glanced to Naruto's left, and he grinned widely. "Oh, what's this? Taking after your father already, eh, Naruto?" the hermit asked, quickly sidling up to the blonde.

He stumbled back, confused. "What?"

"Don't play coy with me, boy." Jiraiya laughed. "Already got a girlfriend huh? Let's see, you're about thirteen aren't you? Even younger than when Minato…"

Naruto didn't listen to the rest of the words; instead, he just slowly turned to Fū, who mirrored his look of horror.

"…you know, they got married only –"

"I have no idea what you're talking about!" he sputtered, but Jiraiya continued to ignore him.

"… reminds me of your mother too – she was called the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero. Your girlfriend does a pretty good impression…"

Fū screamed and leapt forward, aiming a kick between the man's legs.

"Woah!" His tone was one of worry, but his expression was gleeful as he dodged. "It really is like father like son!"

"Oh god," Naruto muttered, feeling more mortified than he ever had as he buried his face in his hands.

He didn't think he would ever live this down.

"Kuchiyose!"

A plume of smoke engulfed the area, and as it began to clear, he saw Fū being sat on by a massive toad.

"Now, why don't you just wait there for a minute," Jiraiya's amused voice sounded from somewhere above her.

As the smoke cleared, Naruto looked up and saw him sitting on the toad's head. Glancing at Fū, he asked, "You mind moving the toad?"

"Nope, your girlfriend needs to settle –"

Naruto shot forward, barely dodging the toad's tongue as he flipped towards Jiraiya, kunai in hand, and then the man's hair caught him.

"What the hell?" he grunted, struggling to escape.

"You know," Jiraiya said casually, "For a couple of jinchūriki, you two sure suck. And why'd you attack me?"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Please, I asked B to pass me some toilet paper once. He just took all the rolls with him – and you're exactly like him." He paused. "Besides, I was hoping you'd just move, which you might want to do, unless you feel like explaining why you suffocated my friend…"

"I'm afraid he's correct, Jiraiya of the Sannin," a voice above them spoke.

Naruto glanced up and saw several of the Imperial Guard looking down at them, perched atop many of the buildings and utility poles.

"We must ask you to release the jinchūriki."

Jiraiya blinked and then scratched the back of his head, expression sheepish.

"Oops," he said, nervously laughing. "Hey Gama, ease up on the kid's girlfriend will you?"

Naruto felt a little more at ease when he heard Fū sputter, "He's not my boyfriend!"

Jiraiya just grinned. "Tough love, eh kid?" he asked, dismissing the toad.

"I'm not even going to answer that," Naruto muttered as he landed quietly. He glanced up and gave the ninjas a wave. "Thanks, guys."

"We merely do our duty," one of them said before they dispersed.

He shook his head at their politeness before looking to his friend. "You okay?"

"Ugh, I smell like toad."

He smiled as he looked back to Jiraiya. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"Can't a godfather come to check up on his godson?" the older shinobi asked with almost puppy-dog eyes.

The blonde shied away. "You're slowly being put into the pedophile category," Naruto muttered, knowing Jiraiya would hear.

"What?" he exclaimed, expression aghast. "I'll have you know that I may be a super pervert, but I am by no means a pedophile!"

Naruto blinked. The man was actually proud of being a pervert? What a weird quirk, he thought, but then again…

"The old man's a pervert," he muttered, ticking off a finger, "Jiraiya's a pervert, B and Yugito are perverts…" he glanced up at Jiraiya warily and asked, "Does that mean if I want to become powerful, that I'll eventually become a pervert?"

"If you do, I'll kill you," Fū hissed.

"Silly girl, never underestimate the power of perversion!"

Neither of them knew what to say to that, but the older shinobi saved them the trouble.

"But in all seriousness, Naruto," Jiraiya said, expression softening, "I really did come by to see how you were."

Fū fidgeted beside him.

"Uh, I think I'm gonna go home and wash out this toad smell," she said. "I'll see you tomorrow, Naruto!"

She was gone before he could wave goodbye and his gaze lingered for a moment. He turned back to Jiraiya, who looked rather amused.

"Sorry kid, didn't mean to mess up your date."

"She's really not my girlfriend," Naruto said, with a roll of his eyes. "I'm too young for that stuff."

Jiraiya gestured for Naruto to follow. "You're probably wondering why I didn't show up right after Minato passed away," he said, glancing at Naruto. "And before you answer that, where's a good place for us to chat and eat?"

"Follow me," he replied, "and you could say that it's been on my mind since Nagato told me."

Jiraiya let out a weary breath. "I wanted to – I really did, but the world is a dark place, Naruto. When word reached me about what happened, I was on the trail of Orochimaru."

He knew the name – another one of the Sannin, and a traitor to the Leaf.

"When I was able to return," Jiraiya continued, "you'd already been whisked away by the Sage, and I figured this place was better than any for you to grow up in. I heard what the villagers were like – and I'm sorry you had to experience that," he finished quietly, setting a hand on Naruto's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze.

The blonde just nodded in understanding. A shinobi's duty always came first, after all, and he'd been taken away before he'd experienced the kind of things some of the other jinchūriki had.

"But from what I've heard," Jiraiya said, taking the silence as a sign, "you've grown up to be just like your father – a shinobi with a kind heart, which is better than what I could've done, I think."

Naruto turned his head as a slight blush crept up his cheeks.

"Just as modest too," Jiraiya added, and Naruto could practically hear the man's grin.

"You know the old man that well?" he asked, looking at the older ninja curiously.

The Sannin shook his head. "Nagato told me – he and I are fairly close. I found him in Rain a long time ago and I brought him here with Yahiko and Konan just after the Sage returned."

"Did you know he was family?"

"Not completely," he admitted. "The Uzumaki clan was known for their red hair, sure, but that was the only evidence I had, and it was hardly convincing. Besides, I was never one for blood-relations. My closest family were always my friends."

A comfortable silence settled between them as they finally reached the ramen shop. Making an order of four misos and one beef, they sipped on their water as they waited.

"So, how was growing up here?" Jiraiya asked, setting down his cup.

Naruto couldn't help the smile that crossed his face. "It's nice having people around you that care. I'm probably closest with B, Fū, and Nagato, but they're all my friends, and I know they feel the same." He took a sip of water, looking thoughtful. "I think my parent's would've been happy about how I grew up, considering the stories I've heard about our kind."

"Aye," the older man said, idly cradling his chin in a palm as he set his elbow down. "A city that forbids such foolish hatreds – I never would've thought it could exist. This place used to be so small…" He took a deep breath and sighed. "It's too bad that the other nations don't follow suit – but I guess you can't force people to change how they feel." He scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "It's actually my dream, you know – that things will change one day to the point where we won't have to fight," he finished, a wistful expression on his face.

"You sound like the old man and the others when you talk like that."

"Nagato and Yahiko, I bet." Jiraiya grinned. "Those two always did remind me of myself. It was why I first took them in."

They were interrupted as the waitress arrived, and they eagerly dug into their food.

"So," Naruto started, his voice muffled as he chewed, "Why'd my parents name you my godfather?"

Jiraiya coughed at the sudden question, beating his chest as he began to choke.

"Don't go dying now, you old pervert," Naruto said, laughing, "I don't want a stupid nickname having to do with ramen. The others would never let me live it down…"

Taking another sip of water, Jiraiya settled down with a grin. "Don't be so cheeky, brat." He took another bite of ramen, eating more slowly this time. "Your father actually named you after one of the characters in my book," he said, looking embarrassed, "And I came up with it when I was eating ramen of all things…" he trailed off as he looked at Naruto in concern.

He'd paled considerably, and froze mid bite.

"I'm – I'm in an Icha Icha novel?" he hissed, glancing around, "what were my parents thinking?" He blanched. "You know what, don't answer that..."

"Wha – oh god, no!" Jiraiya stuttered, mirroring his godson as he paled, "It was another book, one that never got published! Besides, your mother would have killed your father and me," he added, shuddering.

Naruto sagged back in his seat, feeling relieved. "I thought I was doomed by blood to be a pervert."

"Hey," Jiraiya said, looking offended, "being one isn't that bad you know. Besides," he added, wagging his eyebrows, "it looks like you're well on your way…"

Groaning, Naruto just took another bite of his meal but Jiraiya was merciful, only laughing at his expense.

"So, what kind of amazing techniques have you learned?" He asked, leaning back. "And you can't say 'nothing' when you're around the person who invented ninjutsu, so secrets be damned."

"The old man actually doesn't teach us much," Naruto said after finishing a third bowl. "He encouraged us to learn ourselves – says we have plenty of time to learn stuff from him when we're older. We only go to him or Nagato if we're really stuck."

"A wise man," Jiraiya said, nodding sagely. "You become a rigid imitation if you leech of others – sure, you'll get better but your progress will eventually slow because you're less flexible. True geniuses are the ones who do things on their own, learning through hard work. It's why a lot of them are loners."

Naruto nodded. It sounded about right to him as he considered the people that he knew and trained with.

"Then what have you taught yourself so far?"

Wolfing down the rest last of his ramen, he set the bowl down along with enough money to cover them both.

Then he grinned.

"Want me to show you instead?"