Here's the next chapter. I hope it is to everyone's satisfaction. Jiraiya does not know the names of the youngest generation of ninjas, but he can identify the obvious clans which is why I have him refering to everyone by last name or description. He knows who Konohamaru is because he is related to the Third Hokage. I think it will be clear who Jiraiya is speaking about.

I am pretending that Garaa's rescue didn't take place so immediately and that is why Naruto is meeting up with all his old friends and praticing teamwork with his reformed team.

I forgot to mention this last time - if you want to do your own version of how this story ends I give you my permission.

Two years, three months, and finally home

It had taken a little less than three weeks for the pair to make it back to Konoha. Naruto and Jiraiya had slowly gotten use to each other again and could now interact normally. Every once in a while Jiraiya noticed Naruto watching him with a bit of longing still, and Jiraiya knew he must occasionally glance at Naruto with that same look. The longer they were apart the more they realized that it was probably for the best. Jiraiya was a wanderer, and Konoha needed him out there getting information to protect them. Naruto wanted to stay in Konoha figuring out how to bring Sasuke home and working on becoming the next Hokage. Maintaining a serious relationship with infrequent and inconstant meetings would have been difficult at best.

Jiraiya was sitting on top of the Hokage Tower on their second night back. He had been following Naruto around to see who the boy interacted with and how they interacted. Jiraiya was determined to find out if there was anyone he could set Naruto up with before he left again. Now it was time to analyze what he saw. Kakashi's always so nonchalant about everything and with his face covered there's no way to read his expression. He did seem impressed by Naruto's growth in ability. Kakashi did tell Naruto he had grown into a fine young man. I wonder if there is anything underneath that statement.

Then that pink haired teammate of his came by with Tsunade. She had seen truly happy and excited to see him. She even looked like she had found a new respect for Naruto until Konohamaru came by. That girl is quick to hit. Naruto didn't seem surprised by that, so she must have been that way before Tsunade got to her. The way they interact seems like a brother and sister to me and I think Naruto would realize that if she ever did agree to one of his dates.

Naruto and Sakura met up with the Nara boy and the Kazekage's sister. Those two claimed they were only out together to work on the Chunin Exam but I saw the way they looked at each other. Something's going on between them but they probably aren't acting on it because of the different countries.

Sakura went back to work and Naruto ran into one of the Aburame's. That kid's even more covered up than Kakashi. He seemed upset that Naruto didn't recognize him. Then a dog ninja showed up. Naruto and he seemed to greet each other at a normal friendship level, so I can definitely rule him out. The Hyuga heiress is a different story though. I can't believe she fainted when Naruto touched her head. It's obvious she really likes Naruto, but the poor boy doesn't have a clue. Based on her reaction she must have had a crush on him before he left with me. If he hasn't realized her feelings he must not return them. It's a shame those three left on a mission.

Naruto came across an Akimichi and a blond who looked liked they might be in a relationship together. Naruto didn't stay long to chat. Then he came across Gai and his students. Gai's prodigy was very excited to see Naruto but thankfully Naruto seemed less than excited for that hug he got. I would have a hard time setting them up together. The Hyuga prodigy was reserved, as expected. I don't think Naruto really knew that girl with the buns. They nodded politely to each other but it seemed more awkward than his greeting with the Hyuga.

I'd like to count Kakashi out of the list but since even I fell for Naruto I can't rule him out just yet. Tsunade and Iruka are both out; there they're like family members. The pink haired girl I think I can safely rule out. Maybe in a couple of years when Naruto's matured a bit more she'd go for him. The Nara's no good either. The Aburame's a maybe, the dog nin's a no, and the Hyuga girl is a definite possibility but I don't know when they'll be back from their mission. The Akimichi and the blond I don't need to worry about. Gai's pupil can be classified as just a friend. The girl is barely an acquaintance. The Hyuga prodigy I'm not sure about. Could both Hyuga's have feelings for Naruto? That would make things interesting. So right now I need to watch Naruto with Kakashi and the Hyuga prodigy.

Tsunade's noticed something. While we watched the battle between Naruto, Kakashi, and pinky, I really need to ask her name, Tsunade demanded that I speak with her. I wonder just what she suspects. I can't lie to her; she's always been able to tell when I was lying. Tsunade just might kill me. Maybe if I get her drunk enough her actions will be slowed down enough for me to get away. I might as well so see her now, no point in putting this off. Jiraiya jumped down to the balcony and entered the Hokage's office.

"Jiraiya, glad you could come," Tsunade said after swinging her chair around. She eyed him critically and bent to the drawer. "I think we'll need some alcohol. Have a seat."

Jiraiya sat down on the opposite side of the desk as Tsunade pulled out a bottle of sake and two cups. "So what did you want to talk about?" Jiraiya asked as she poured the drink.

Tsunade put the bottle down. "You fell in love while you were gone. But you lost her. Your eyes have the same haunted look they did after you lost Aya. I thought you might want to talk about it."

Jiraiya sighed. "First, do you remember all the laws the counselors created when they agreed to let Naruto live?"

"Hmm, I can't say that I do. I'll have to look them up."

"Well, the one I'm concerned with is about terminating Naruto's unborn children. Naruto lost his child because of this."

"Oh no. How's he taking it? How's the girl taking it? Are they still together?"

Jiraiya downed the cup of sake. "Let me be more precise. Naruto lost my child because of this."

Tsunade looked stricken. "What? But how?"

"Have you seen or at least heard of Naruto's sexy jutsu?" Jiraiya waited for Tsunade to nod. "I asked him to transform for me. And then I asked to start a relationship. About two months ago Naruto told me "she" was pregnant, and, and . . . I was in a state of shock. The first thing that came to mind was that stupid law and I acted on it."

"How did Naruto take it?"

"Surprisingly well, actually. Apparently Kyuubi can communicate with Naruto and was already planning on destroying the embryo. He had already resigned himself to loosing the child but felt that I betrayed him. I force released the jutsu and left him.

I told him that I loved him and broke off the relationship. I'm so ashamed of myself."

"The two of you seemed to get along alright yesterday," Tsunade commented.

"Yes, we came to an understanding a few weeks ago. I think we both realized that in the long run it never would have worked between us."

"How are you doing?"

"Alright, I guess. I still can't believe Aya was the sterile one. It's for the best I suppose. I can't start having babies at my age, and Naruto's still really just a child himself. As much as I wish the whole thing never happened, or that I could go back and change some things, I can't say I completely regret it. I don't think Aya will be mad at me because for a short period of time I felt happy, truly happy in a way I hadn't for a long time."

"I should punish you, but I don't think there's anything I could do to you that would be worse than what you've already done to yourself." Tsunade paused to sip her sake. "How come we never got together?"

"I thought you wanted me to think of you as a sister," Jiraiya replied. "You certainly turned me down enough when we were young."

"Of course, baka. I wasn't about to become another notch on your belt. I'm talking about after I lost Dan and you lost Aya. Why didn't we ever comfort each other?"

"You would want to?"

"We both have someone waiting for us when we leave this life, but I don't think they would mind if in the meantime we found someone to remind us it'sokay to live. I was always a little jealous of Aya for being the one to change your ways. Am I going to have to be jealous of Naruto next?"

"No. You know I've always thought you were beautiful Tsunade. But I can't just yet. I need to see if I can find someone for Naruto. Until I see that he's back on the road to happiness I can't allow myself to be."

"I can live with that."

"Then I shall take my leave and get back to work. Until we meet again, farewell my lady." Jiraiya went out the same window he had entered from, this time with a smile on his face.

Jiraiya had been following Naruto around for a week and he was fairly positive something was developing between Kakashi and Naruto. They trained every day with Sakura joining them every other day. This was a day Sakura was practicing medicine and Jiraiya was perched in a nearby tree waiting for a sign to either confirm or deny his suspicions.

The sign occurred with the end of a round of sparring. Naruto was pinned to the ground with Kakashi straddling him. Jiraiya could see the blush rising in Naruto's cheeks and Kakashi's visible eye was curved in a way that had to be from a smile. Kakashi slowly eased his body off of Naruto's and offered him a hand up. Naruto took it and was quickly on his feet.

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Can we take a break now, Kakashi? I promised Iruka I'd meet him for lunch. I'll see you back here in an hour." He took off without waiting for a response.

Jiraiya jumped out of the tree and headed over to Kakashi.

"So you're the one whose been spying. What do you want?" Kakashi asked.

"It seems you have a thing for young, blond, Hokage wannabes. Tell me, is Tsunade on the list or just males?"

The attack happened faster than anyone could observe. One moment the two men were standing there and the next Kakashi was face down on the ground. Jiraiya had Kakashi's arm bent behind his back so that his own kunai was pointing at his skull.

"Careful copy ninja, they don't call me a Sannin for nothing," Jiraiya said before releasing him and standing up. "I was trying to get a reaction out of you and I would say that you're pretty serious about this topic. Now a question: Are your feelings for Naruto genuine or are you transferring your emotions for Minato onto him?"

"How do you know about Minato?" Kakashi asked, dusting himself off.

"I was his sensei, don't forget. He came to me one day asking for advice. Minato thought one of his students had a crush on him and wanted to know how to gently turn him down if he ever confessed."

"Oh," Kakashi paused. "You could say it was a crush, but looking back it was really just misplaced hero worship. Minato was everything I wanted to be. I only see Naruto when I look at Naruto."

"Good. I needed to know if your feelings were strong. I can't let Naruto experience another heartbreak."

"Something happened on your trip?"

"Yes. Naruto learned the beauty of love and the pain of breaking up."

Kakashi could read the guilt in Jiraiya's eyes and read underneath the spoken statement. "You... you broke his heart. Were you in love with him?"

"To be precise, I was in love with her."

Kakashi arched his eyebrow in confusion. "Explain."

"Sit down." Jiraiya followed Kakashi to the ground. "It all started with a simple deal. In exchange for traveling with me Naruto would use his sexy jutsu whenever I asked. But I got greedy and asked to see her more and more. One day I realized that I was in love with Naruto in this form and I asked him to not change back."

Jiraiya could feel the killing intent rising from Kakashi. "Once it had been long enough for Naruto to feel comfortable living that way I asked her to start a relationship with me. God only knows why she agreed. Things were going well between us. The relationship progressed smoothly and we slowly became more intimate. I'll spare you the details and just say everything was great until she discovered she was pregnant."

Kakashi sucked in his breath. "The law."

"Yes, I destroyed our unborn child and ended the relationship. Unfortunately that was the day we each finally said 'I love you.' That was around two months ago. Don't make the same mistakes I made. I know you have a hard time with relationships, so please don't wait to tell him how you feel until it's too late."

Kakashi had his eye closed. "I'm sorry for your loss. I will do my best to open up to Naruto and let him know how I feel. I hope one day you will be able to truly forgive yourself and be happy again. Now go, I want to think."

Jiraiya stood up and headed back to his post in the trees. He needed to see what would happen when Naruto returned.

Naruto reenter the training ground about twenty minutes later. "Alright Kakashi, are you ready to start?" he yelled as he jogged to the silver haired man.

Kakashi waited for Naruto to get close. "I'm sorry, Naruto."

Naruto tilted his head. "For what?"

"I always felt I had failed you, you and Sakura, as a teacher during the Chunin exam. I practically threw the two of you away as I focused on Sasuke. I'm sorry for not giving you the credit and commitment you deserved. Both of you flourished under different teachers."

"It's okay. I eventually realized you had focused on Sasuke because you knew he was Orochimaru's target. You were trying to protect him. I forgive you. What brought this on?"

"Jiraiya asked me not to hide my feelings from you. He told me what transpired between the two of you on the trip."

"Oh," Naruto said looking down at the ground. "Why did he do that?"

"He felt I should know since I wanted to start a relationship with you."

"Me?" Naruto asked looking up. "But I'm a man and you read Jiraiya's books."

"So?"

"How could you want to be with a man if you're always reading about a man with a woman? I'm not going to become a woman for you."

"I don't want you to. I like you exactly as you are. It's possible to like both being with a man and being with a woman."

"Really? Good then I'm not weird," Naruto said. He paused and looked around nervously. "So what now?"

"I was thinking I would ask if you'd like to go on a dinner date tonight. Just you as you and me as me. We'll slowly get to know each other and see what grows from there."

Naruto smiled brilliantly. "I'd like that very much. Why don't we start now? Just walk around and discuss whatever comes to mind?"

"May I hold your hand?"

"That would be nice," Naruto said blushing slightly. He had never done this with Jiraiya. As they linked hands Naruto felt that everything would be better this time.

Watching the two walk away Jiraiya felt a huge weight lift off his chest. Naruto was on his path to love and happiness. Jiraiya could now take Kakashi's advice and begin to forgive himself for what happened. Jiraiya took off for the center of Konoha. There was a Hokage that should be informed of this development.

Did you see the line where I used the story's title? Everything comes together, hurray! I tried to set it up so we could believe both Naruto and Jiraiya would end up happy, just not with each other.

I plan on writing an epoligue where Kakashi and Naruto make love for the first time. So if you want some more smut be on the lookout for that in about a week hopefully. If not then so long, it's been fun, and I hope you enjoyed yourselves.