Naruto's eyes widened. Did Iruka just say…
"I'm sorry Naruto. Jiraya Sensei has passed away. He went down fighting for us. For you."
A large tear ran down Naruto's cheek, catching Kakashi and Sakura by surprise. Tsunade, trying to hold back her tears cleared her throat.
"If you need anything, Naruto, just-"
Naruto ran out of the room, leaving a trail of tear behind him. Kakashi, turning to try and follow was held back.
"Let him be," Tsunade whispered, choking back her emotions before standing up and leaving.
Naruto sprinted through the woods, not caring about where he would end up, just caring about getting away. When he arrived by an old, winding willow tree, Naruto slumped against it, and buried his face in his knees.
Without holding back, Naruto burst into tears, as memories of Pervy Sage ran through his mind. Getting new clothes, learning the summoning jutsu, rescuing people and going on adventures. And the one person who made them all possible… was now dead. The rustling of the leaves blocked out the choked-out cries of Naruto's.
After what felt like an hour, Naruto raised his head at the sound of footsteps. Scanning the area around him, Naruto could see no one, and decided it was just the rustling of leaves. Sinking back into his sadness, Naruto leaned against the tree and closed his eyes. Suddenly, he felt a warm and scaly hand close around his throat. With quick reflexes, Naruto yelped and tried to swing around, only to find the hand close tighter around his neck.
"Don't move, or I'll strangle you," a deep, mysterious voice spoke. "You, demon, will now serve your punishment. Your sensei, Jiraya, caused damage to my village."
Naruto's eyes widened. Pervy Sage would do no such thing! Struggling in the grasp of the stranger, Naruto was suddenly thrust forward, face planting into the soft earth below. A hard foot met his back, and Naruto felt his spine crack. Howling in pain, a hurricane of fists landed all over his body. Pain coursed through his body with every kick and blow. The coppery smell of blood filled Naruto's senses, becoming more distinct. As a foot met his face, Naruto felt himself drift into unconsciousness.
"Stupid bastard," the stranger said and walked away, leaving Naruto's unconscious body laying there.