UnsanMusho: I guess you will see this chapter.
PinkiePieParty122894: Glad that you liked the last chapter and I hope that you like this one.
1995hzq: Good to be back and I'm glad you liked Naruto and Sasuke's battle as well as Naruto's moment with his parents. You will see what happens to Jiraiya this chapter, as for the twins, I'm still deciding what to do with them in terms of learning a lesson or not.
DxGRAYxMAN: So it would seem since the level of the Shinigami's Blade compared to Jiraiya is pretty much all the way in the Shinigami's Blade's favor.
Guest: Glad that you liked the reunion. As for the children of prophecy, I can't tell who it is. It could still be Menma and Narumi but who knows. You will see what happens to Jiraiya this chapter so I can't say anything about reaction in terms of him just yet. I plan on showing Orochimaru and Tsunade hanging out and spending time together as friends later on. I'm still deciding on what to do with Kakashi and where to bring him in as a major character. I'll have to think about the increase in Naruto and Yakumo's relationship.
Zabzab: Ouch, not gonna lie that review kinda stung a bit, but I will try to address it as best I can. I rushed it in the beginning for a couple of reasons that I won't get into but I would like to think that it's gotten better as it has progressed and I have tried to fill in the plot holes as best I can. It's a learning curve kind of so I'm sorry that you didn't like it but I think that there is a story. It has flaws with that I'll agree, but I don't think it's just a storyboard. I respect your opinion but I respectfully disagree. Best of luck to ya.
(Outside Shinigami's Blade Base)
Jiraiya stood in front of his destination. He didn't know exactly where he was but with the final assistance of Ma and Pa, the Toad Sannin had tracked Menma and Narumi down to where he was now. The white haired man took a deep breath before he walked forwards into the proverbial lion's den.
(Shinigami's Blade Base)
The Toad Sannin walked through a dark hallway feeling cold and for the first time in a long time, scared. As it became harder and harder to see, Jiraiya began to extend his senses and feel out where exactly his godchildren were. As he walked on, the man stayed cautious, knowing that he could be attacked by some very dangerous individuals at any time. While he pushed onward, his mind began to wander to memories that he had not thought about in a very long time.
Flashback
Jiraiya was on cloud nine as he went to visit his sensei. The reason for his wonderful mood, he had just been told that he was going to be a godfather to triplets. What made the news even better was that he had received an outline of a prophecy given to him from the Great Toad Sage himself just before meeting up with Minato to hear the good news. He knew that it couldn't be coincidence which meant that the birth of his apprentice's children would eventually usher in peace to the elemental nations. It was a goal that was near and dear to Jiraiya's heart and being so close to it just made him want it more.
Reaching the house of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he let himself in. Sneaking quietly through the house, Jiraiya made his way silently into Hiruzen's study where he knew his teacher would be.
Hiruzen was sitting with his back turned and working on his calligraphy when the Toad Sannin entered the room. Just as Jiraiya was ready to announce himself and scare the living daylights out of his master, Hiruzen spoke up. "Hello Jiraiya" the old man said without removing himself from his work.
Jiraiya frowned at not being able to catch his sensei off guard but his smile quickly returned. "Hey sensei. I've got some incredible news" Jiraiya said barely able to keep the news of Kushina's pregnancy from flying out of his mouth.
The Third Hokage turned away from his work and looked at Jiraiya. "I take it you have learned of your apprentice's imminent role in fatherhood" he said and chuckled at Jiraiya's shocked look. "Tsunade told me about Kushina's pregnancy since she was there to give the examination" Hiruzen explained which gained a nod from Jiraiya.
Jiraiya nodded at his sensei's perfect guess. "Yeah that was the major thing, but I've got some more news to add to that. I haven't even told Minato yet" Jiraiya said getting a serious look from his teacher since he knew that Jiraiya trusted Minato above anyone else. "I just returned from Mt. Myoboku and while I was there I was given a prophecy. Two ninja of powerful heritage will lead the ninja world into peace or cause its destruction. I know that it's about Minato's kids I just know it. Think about it sensei, peace finally realized throughout the elemental nations" Jiraiya said looking up with a smile.
Hiruzen sighed at his student's excitement and slowly stood. "Listen Jiraiya, I know how much world peace means to you, but you mustn't obsess over it for obsession of any kind never produces anything good. Another thing is that prophecies are meant to be left alone so you should forget what you've been told. You know better than I the consequences of interfering with a prophecy of this magnitude" Sarutobi said before putting a hand on Jiraiya's shoulder. "You have made me a very proud teacher Jiraiya. You have not only become a strong ninja, but you have become a good person despite the protests of the entire female population. I trust that you will do the right thing with the information that you have been given" Hiruzen said.
The Sannin frowned slightly at Hiruzen's words but nodded. "I will Sensei" he said getting a smile from his old teacher.
Flashback End
Jiraiya walked on as he thought about that memory. He had given a silent promise to his sensei that day to keep quiet about the toads' prophecy, a promise he would break shortly after the attack of the nine tailed fox. Once the fox was defeated, Jiraiya had seen the decimation and destruction left in the mighty beast's path. All of the death and destruction was nothing new to him and that had infuriated him. When he had found out about his teacher sealing the demon in two of his apprentice's children, Jiraiya felt compelled to tell Minato and Kushina about the prophecy in order to avoid destruction and death on such a scale for the rest of their lives and the lives of the next generation and so on.
The memory of his promise to Hiruzen stabbed at his heart because he knew that not only had he betrayed his teacher, he had betrayed the toads, Minato, Kushina, their children, and possibly everyone in the elemental nations. His constant screw ups had put the entire ninja world's future in jeopardy and he knew that he had to make it right. Still moving through the dark corridor, another memory forced itself into his consciousness.
Flashback
Jiraiya entered the Hokage's Office only to see what had become a common view. Minato sat in his chair doing paperwork with a dead look in his eyes. He had been that way ever since the ANBU had reported no traces or trail of his missing son which was three months ago. With a sigh, Jiraiya walked forward and stood in front of his apprentice who had not even looked up from his work. "Minato, we need to talk about the twins and their destiny" Jiraiya said which caused the blonde to stop writing.
Minato looked up with irritated and angry eyes. "Why is it that I have to remind you that I have three children Jiraiya. One of whom is out there and in danger every second that he is out of the village and it's all because of that damn prophecy. Because of that Kami damned prophecy that you told me, I made my son feel unloved enough to leave, so I am not in slightest mood to hear anything about whatever destiny bullshit you are about to tell me about" Minato said with his fists clenched.
The Toad Sannin clenched his teeth at Minato's attitude. "Listen kid, I know that you're upset about your son but you have two other kids to think about. Menma and Narumi have been foretold to be the ones to bring peace to the ninja world. It's what we've always wanted and it's just within our grasp, all we have to do is nurture those kids until they're ready to fulfill their destinies" the older man finished.
The Hokage scowled at Jiraiya's words. "It sounds like you are thinking of MY children as simply a means to an end Jiraiya. How very cold. I would think that you being their godfather would be at least a little concerned with not only their well being but Naruto's as well" the blonde kage said causing Jiraiya to look away.
Jiraiya looked at the ground at Minato's insinuation. "You know I love Menma and Narumi and would do anything for them, but you need to give up on Naruto. He decided to leave and become a traitor to-" Jiraiya was interrupted as Minato appeared instantly in front of the Sannin and sent a punch that felt like it could rival that of Tsunade's sending Jiraiya flying into the wall. As Jiraiya tried to recover, he noticed his Hokage walking slowly towards him.
Minato came to a stop in front of his teacher who was rubbing his head and growled at the man while clenching his fists. "Don't you ever call my son a traitor. The only betrayal in our relationship with Naruto is on the part of Kushina and myself. I will never stop looking for him until he is found and safely back in the Leaf where I will spend the rest of my days trying to repent for my sins as a father. Now I want you to listen closely Jiraiya because I will only tell you this once. If I ever hear you speak of my kids or Naruto as you have done so in front of me again, I'll kill you. I promise you Jiraiya that I will erase you from existence if you try to ruin my family, am I understood?" the Fourth Hokage asked focusing a massive amount of killing intent on his teacher. The older man quickly nodded and left the office without a word.
Flashback End
Jiraiya frowned and shook his head at that memory. That day was the day that he began to regret telling Minato the prophecy because he realized that in doing so, he had hurt the people closest to him far more than any kunai could. If anyone ever asked him why he said such things to Minato, he would have no answer. The best reason that he could come up with was that he was frustrated and he was so comfortable speaking his mind with his student that some things just slipped out. The memory instilled a fair amount of pain and shame to his heart but the Sannin cleared his mind. Today would be the day of his penance. Today he would right his wrongs whether he had to give his life to do so or not.
(Ten Minutes Later)
The Toad Sannin reached the end of the dark corridor and walked through an open door that led to a large, well lighted room. The floor was black but the walls were blood red with torches hanging along the walls. As the man walked further into the room, he noticed a large black throne at the end of the room that was inhabited by a black haired man with a noticeable scar. The man in the throne unnerved the Sannin because of the grin that was spread across his face. Jiraiya stopped walking when the man started to stand up.
Tsuranabi smiled at the appearance of Jiraiya of the Sannin as he stood. All according to plan. "Well if it isn't the great Jiraiya the Toad Sage" Tsuranabi said chuckling. "I take it that you are here for the Kyuubi jinchuriki are you not?" the black haired man asked with a grin causing the white haired man to clench his fists.
Jiraiya narrowed his eyes at the man ahead of him. He could feel the immense power that the man held and could easily assume that he was a member of the Shinigami's Blade. "I'm here because you kidnapped my godchildren which was mistake number one. Mistake number two was the attempt at my student's life from one of your other members. And mistake number three was the attempt at my third godchild's life by one of your members as well. A pretty hefty bill that I'm willing to overlook if you return to me the two kids that you kidnapped" Jiraiya said in a threatening voice.
The Shinigami's Blade leader's eyes nearly popped out at the outrageous insinuation that he kidnapped Menma and Narumi. "Kidnapped? They practically begged me to take them with me so long as I gave them the power to kill the one known as Naruto Uzumaki. If you don't believe me, then I guess a reunion is in order" Tsuranabi said snapping his fingers. At his snap, two pillars of flames appeared on either side of him that slowly died to reveal Menma and Narumi Uzumaki Namikaze.
Both Menma and Narumi had improved physically as much as possible, the only difference in their appearance from the Leaf were their eyes. No longer did they have their mother's purple eyes, in their place were demonic red eyes that screamed biju chakra. The two Kyubi jinchuriki stepped forward and smirked at their godfather's stupefied expression. "Hello Jiraiya, your appearance is kind of unexpected" said Menma to which Narumi nodded at her brother's statement. While they took in the sudden appearance of their godfather, demonic red chakra began to slowly cover their bodies. "It's a shame that you won't be leaving here alive, otherwise we would tell you to make sure that Naruto knows that we will kill him nice and slow" Narumi commented as the red chakra completely covered her and her brother.
Jiraiya's jaw was nearly to the floor. His godchildren had not been kidnapped, they had left of their own accord. And to make things even more complicated, they seemed to have control of the Kyubi's chakra as it wasn't causing the two to fall into madness. Shaking his head, Jiraiya spoke shakily. "But why? You were given everything you ever wanted. You were showered with love and some of the best trainers that anyone could ever have. How could you do this?" the Toad Sannin asked.
Narumi laughed out loud while Menma chucked before he spoke. "We do this because we are above all of you mortals. We hold power unlike any other and deserve to be worshiped respectfully. By the time we're done, there will be no kages, there will be no villages, all people will be gathered together to look up to and worship us" Menma said getting a nod from his sister, a narrow eyed look from Tsuranabi, and fearful look from Jiraiya. "There's also the little issue of destroying Naruto, brother" said Narumi getting a nod from her brother.
The two were crazy and needed to be stopped. Those were Jiraiya's initial thoughts, but they quickly moved on to a feeling that he had never felt before. The need to protect his only remaining godson. Clenching his jaw, Jiraiya stood up straight. "You won't lay a finger on Naruto. I made a mistake both in raising you two and neglecting him. Only now do I see how special that boy truly is and I refuse to let any of you harm him. Now Menma and Narumi, I will give you one chance to surrender peacefully, otherwise I'll bring you back to the Leaf broken in more than one place" Jiraiya said preparing to attack.
Menma and Narumi looked at each other and smirked before vanishing. Jiraiya narrowed his eyes as he tried to sense the two jinchuriki's chakra. Putting his hands together, Jiraiya went through a series of handsigns but was interrupted by a fist slamming into his stomach. Jiraiya's eyes widened at the amount of force behind the punch and groaned in pain before looking up to see Menma with a dark smile plastered on his face. Menma's eyes left the man for a moment as he glanced at his sister who was behind Jiraiya ready to bring her red biju blade down on the Sannin.
In Menma's lapse of concentration, Jiraiya quickly rolled to the side just as Narumi swung her sword. With Jiraiya no longer in the path, Narumi's sword strike slashed right down Menma's face causing Menma to yell in pain. Jiraiya smirked at the two children still not understanding the importance of coordination on the battlefield. His smirk quickly faded though as Menma started to laugh and his face healed, red chakra removing any evidence of the wound. Menma and Narumi turned to Jiraiya with a smile on their face.
Jiraiya went through a quick series of handsigns before shouting "Swamp of the Underworld". As Jiraiya finished shouting his jutsu, an layer of mud quickly spread throughout the ground and quickly trapped Menma and Narumi in its grasp. The two kids looked down and frowned at the mud keeping them from moving. Jiraiya went through another series of handsigns before following up with another jutsu as he shouted "Dragon Flame Jutsu" sending a stream of fire that covered the two kids. When the attack was finished, Jiraiya hunched over panting slightly. He looked up as the smoke cleared and was shocked to his core at what he saw. Both Menma and Narumi were standing with a bored expression on their faces. Serious burns covered their bodies, but it was quickly rectified with the chakra of the Kyubi which healed their injuries at an alarming rate.
The Sannin bit his lip in concentration before shouting "Needle Jizo". His white hair grew quickly until it covered the man's entire body providing a sharp shell and strong defense for him to think about his next move. Inside of his shell, Jiraiya started grinding his teeth in thought. 'Those two are accessing the Kyubi's chakra with ease, it's almost like the chakra is acting of it's own will. It's okay Jiraiya, you've been in binds before. If I can somehow neutralize the Kyubi, then I should be able to beat these kids. But then there's the problem of that man watching us' Jiraiya thought. His thoughts were interrupted however as the hand of Narumi reached through the sharp defense of Jiraiya's and pulled him out by his face.
Narumi pulled Jiraiya out and ran pulling him by his face before she slammed it into a nearby wall, loving the sound of the man's nose breaking from impact. Pulling his head back by his hair, she slammed his head back into the wall five more times before forcing him to the ground on his stomach. She kept him from getting up by placing her foot that was covered in red chakra on his back.
Jiraiya yelled in pain and tried to get away from the toxic biju chakra that was burning his back. He barely noticed Menma walking to his right arm but that changed when a sharp pain shot through the arm. Looking at it, Jiraiya saw a red chakra chain that had impaled his arm and was now wrapping itself around the limb. "Please no" whimpered the Sannin as he had an idea of what Menma was going to do. Menma chuckled at Jiraiya's short plea. "You always were pathetic Jiraiya" the boy said causing Jiraiya to struggle more vigorously to get away from the two.
Looking down at Jiraiya's arm, Menma saw that his chain had gone around the old man's arm. With a deep breath, Menma grabbed the chain as red chakra covered him and he began to pull. Thanks to the enhanced strength courtesy of the nine tailed fox, he was able to slowly and in Jiraiya's case agonizingly painfully rip the Sannin's arm from the man's body. Jiraiya screamed at the loss of his arm as blood gushed from the loss. Menma frowned at the sight of Jiraiya who was starting to lose consciousness so he reached down and placed his hand on the wound allowing his biju chakra to cauterize the man's wound which woke him from his lucid state and allowed the symphony of screams to resume.
Narumi giggled at the beautiful sound of a man in pain before sending a biju chakra infused chain into Jiraiya's shoulder getting a jerking reaction from the man. Using the chakra as a conduit, she injected her own chakra into the Sannin's chakra pathway which quickly corroded and destroyed the man's chakra. Kneeling down on his back, Narumi whispered "Let's see how great of a ninja you are without the ability to use chakra" before pulling her chain violently out of his shoulder.
Menma smiled at the sight of the man who was now starting to sob at the pain he had just had to endure. "That's enough" said the voice of Tsuranabi causing both kids to look at the man as if he was crazy. Tsuranabi walked forward until he stood above the fallen ninja. "Impressive aren't they Jiraiya? And to think, they weren't even trying to their fullest extent. Perhaps next time don't underestimate an opponent, not that you will be doing much fighting in the future" he said chuckling. Menma spoke up as he noticed a look he was getting from his sister. "May we kill him now master?" asked the boy but to his shock, Tsuranabi shook his head. "No. After all, haven't you heard the expression "Don't shoot the messenger"? Jiraiya here will be our little crippled messenger" he said before kneeling down and lifting Jiraiya's head by his hair. "You will tell your Hokage that anyone who attempts to come for us here will die a very painful death. Also, I want you to tell Naruto that I look forward to our showdown. That is, if he's alive to see you again. I've sent him a challenge that will tell me what I finally want to know about the boy. One that I doubt he'll survive but fingers crossed. Now, let's get you back home" Tsuranabi said before a mass of darkness overcame the Sannin until he was no longer in the Shinigami's Blade Base.
(Near Konoha Gates)
Orochimaru, Kimimaro, and Tayuya walked back to Konoha after a good day of training. Ever since the two had healed, the Sannin had started to teach the two all that he knew in the hopes that they would never be in the situation that he had recovered them from again. A part of Orochimaru still hurt as he thought about Sakon, Ukon, Jirobo, and Kidomaru. Their biggest sin was being intoxicated by his past evil beliefs and getting caught up in his mess. It was just another reason to care for Kimimaro and Tayuya as much as he did. Those two along with Anko were the closest that he had to family and he would not only protect them with his life, but he would train them to become strong enough so that they no longer needed his protection.
The trio continued to Konoha with the gates in sight when all three felt a malevolent short burst of chakra nearby. Orochimaru narrowed his eyes in the direction of the burst. "Kimimaro, Tayuya, on me" the Sannin said as both became serious, Tayuya pulling out her flute and Kimimaro forcing the bones of his arms out. Cautiously, the three made their way through the trees to the location of the chakra. After a short while, the trio came to a small clearing only to see a shocking sight to say the least. Lying on the ground in a puddle of blood was Jiraiya the Toad Sage,
Orochimaru's eyes widened and he quickly turned to his two students. "Kimimaro, get the Hokage. Tayuya, get a medic team" he ordered to which both kids nodded and quickly left. Getting to his knees, Orochimaru checked his wounded friend. The man was in bad shape. Bruises covered his face, he had a badly broken nose, and the man's right arm was nonexistent. From the overwhelming smell of burned flesh, it was obvious that whoever did this cauterized the wound. Orochimaru could recognize the type of beating that his former teammate had taken, it was one of anger and hatred. The person who had injured Jiraiya wanted the man to suffer. The Sannin gave his friend a slight shake to observe whether or not he was conscious. The shake gained a groan which was good. "It's okay Jiraiya, you're back in Konoha" Orochimaru said in a comforting tone.
Not a second later, a new figure in the form of Minato Namikaze appeared in the small clearing. "Jiraiya!" Minato shouted in surprise. Without another word, the Fourth Hokage grabbed his teacher and flashed away from the area.
(Konoha Hospital Eight Hours Later)
Minato, Kushina, and Orochimaru sat outside Jiraiya's hospital room. All three looked up when Tsunade opened the door and came out with a sad look and her clipboard in hand. Minato, Kushina, and Orochimaru each stood to hear what the news was.
Tsunade sighed, her exhaustion evident. "He's stable for now. He lost his arm, that much I'm sure Orochimaru has told you" Tsunade inferred to which Minato nodded. "We were able to heal his nose though it will be slightly crooked from now on" she said before flipping a page of her clipboard. "I'm afraid that the healing of his nose is the last of the good news. He had multiple skull fractures, four broken ribs, a punctured lung, multiple burn marks, and finally a problem that we don't quite understand. His body is producing the bare minimum chakra that a body can produce. I don't know how it happened but it doesn't look like a temporary problem. I'm afraid that it will be impossible to keep Jiraiya in the ninja force" she finished causing the three visitors to look down.
The sad moment was interrupted by Shizune who opened the door to Jiraiya's room quickly. "Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya is awake!" Shizune shouted causing everyone's eyes to widen. Tsunade followed by Minato, Kushina, Orochimaru, and Shizune entered the room to see Jiraiya trying to sit up and grimacing in pain. Tsunade rushed to his side and put a hand gently on his chest to keep him down before raising the bed so that he could sit slightly. "Jiraiya, how are you feeling?" the Slug Sannin asked putting a hand to his head.
Jiraiya was quiet for a moment before looking around and locating Minato. "Minato, I found Menma and Narumi" the Sannin said before interrupting himself with a small coughing fit. Seeing this, Shizune quickly left to get him some water. "Minato, where is Naruto?" the Sannin asked getting confused looks from everyone.
"Naruto is on a mission Jiraiya. You said that you found Menma and Narumi, where are they?" Minato asked quickly as Kushina looked at the man desperate for an answer.
The former toad summoner was about to speak but another coughing fit interrupted him. Luckily, Shizune entered just in time with a cup of water and held it up to the man's mouth. Jiraiya took a few short gulps of water before looking back at Minato. "I was wrong Minato. They weren't kidnapped, they left on their own. Menma and Narumi are a lost cause Minato, I was too late" he said as tears started to fall from his eyes. "Listen to me Minato, they are with the Shinigami's Blade now and they are able to fully utilize the Kyubi's chakra. After those two did this to me, one of the members of the Shinigami's Blade said something" Jiraiya said before getting another sip of water from Shizune. After finishing, he spoke again. "He said that he had a challenge for Naruto that would probably kill him. If he's on a mission, you have to call him back or he could die. I can't fail another godchild Minato so you have to call him back" Jiraiya said before lying down and losing consciousness.
Minato held his head while his wife sobbed at what they had just been told. Orochimaru turned to Minato. "Minato, do you want me to send a message to Itachi and Kakashi's team?" the Snake Sannin asked. The Yellow Flash thought for a long moment before shaking his head. "They will be nearing Demon Country by now. I trust that Itachi and Kakashi will keep my son safe" the blonde said.
"WHAT!" shouted the Hokage's wife causing everyone to look at her. "I don't give a fuck where he is, you bring my baby back now" she ordered with puffy eyes.
Minato once again shook his head. "Kushina, it isn't that easy. Naruto is on a high profile mission that has to be completed. We have to trust in the people that surround him and we have to trust our son" the blonde tried to reason. Kushina said nothing, she just stormed out of the room. Minato put his hand back on his head before turning to Orochimaru. "Orochimaru, add two new names into the Bingo Book. Menma and Narumi Uzumaki Namikaze. S rank, dead or alive" the blonde said looking at the ground with an utterly defeated and hopeless expression on his face. The other three occupants in the room were shocked but understood that at this moment, the Hokage had to be objective, even if that meant declaring his own children as criminals. Such were the duties of a kage.
(Unknown Location)
A black haired man sat on the edge of a mountain cliff watching the sun set. Two scars ran down his eyes, both of which were yellow with a black sclera in the middle. He sat wearing a red shirt and tan shorts without shoes. Only a short time ago had he been brought back to the mortal plane, it felt good for him to see the sunset again. The man looked beside him at one of the reasons he had been brought back. Sitting beside him was a black blade, red handled sword that held a dragon eye right where the blade and handle connected.
The man sighed. Soon, he would be reunited with his long lost friend and the two would fulfill their agreement. The dragons would conquer the serpent.
Author's Note: Hey everyone, hope you all like it. I'm sure a few of you are disappointed that Jiraiya didn't die or didn't get a worse punishment, but I just couldn't do it. Anyways, hope that you all liked the chapter and I hope that you all are enjoying the story. See ya next time.