Naruto cowered from the light, letting himself blend into the shadows. His stomach growled hungrily as he inched his way towards a food stall. Tentatively, he stretched out his hand and reached for an apple. As quickly as his hand came into the light, it vanished. No one was the wiser as he sneaked his way back to his little hideout. He pushed open the rickety wooden door that had "KEEP OUT" plastered onto it. Naruto eagerly devoured the apple that he stole, savoring the taste. He wouldn't risk stealing so soon, it would have to do for the day. After eating it, he stood up and went to the old mattress that seemed to have mold growing on it. Naruto winced as a splinter pierced his foot, an occurrence reminding him of the terrible condition his hideout was in. He gratefully laid down, not minding the dirtiness of his bed. So little food left him with so little energy. He kept a hand on the seal that had been keeping him alive so far. Naruto hated what he was. He hated the monster that resided within him. But, he was grateful for the powers it gave him. He let out a sigh and kept his back turned to the door.
Sarutobi grimly smoked on his pipe as he listened to the masked ANBU in front of him.
"The boy is suffering from starvation and living in deplorable conditions. I could not get an answer out of the Matron as to what happened. But, from what I have observed, he has been severely mistreated."
The Hokage closed his eyes and contemplated the ANBU's words. He cannot let Naruto rot in some hovel. He opened his eyes again, tears barely gathering beneath them.
"The boy should not have to endure such hardship. He needs a guardian, he is not old enough to fend for himself. Hmm...perhaps...no. He would never agree...but, he is the only relative left. I will handle this matter. Keep watch over him, but try not to intervene unless absolutely necessary."
The ANBU bowed respectfully. "Always, Hokage-sama."
An older man with a snow white mane of hair had a tightly held letter in his hands. He narrowed his eyes and folded it carefully before tucking it into his pocket. His eyes were filled with anger as he downed some sake. It would seem he had some work to do.
An ANBU perched on a rooftop, much like a bird, watched the young Naruto navigate through streets of Konoha with talented finesse. Most did not even notice a blur of blond hair run by them, and if they did he was gone in an instant as silent as the breeze that flowed through the air. He was still learning, evident by his occasional trip or bump into something he hadn't expected to be there. The boy would grow up to be a fine ninja, perhaps even an ANBU. Though he lamented the forces that caused Naruto to learn how to do so at such a young age. It had been 3 months since the ANBU first kept watch over Naruto. The boy still survived without a guardian, and the ANBU was close to just adopting the boy should Sarutobi not produce one.
And like an alarm, Naruto's sudden cries interrupted his train of thought. It would seem he had been discovered after trying to steal again. The poor boy's seal was evident to the crowd that now surrounded him, tearing his dirty shirt off Yells of "Demon!" and "Evil!" pierced the air. The ANBU knew if he got involved he would be a scandal to the village. An ANBU, the force who protect Konoha, helping the demon who caused such destruction? It was unfathomable. The village would question the validity and security of the ANBU as a whole. But, it was hard not to assist the boy and the ANBU shifted slightly as the boy's screams echoed. It would seem today the villagers were being extra brutal. The ANBU merely clutched his katana tighter as he heard the telltale sound of flesh being beaten and bloodied.
Villagers stared at the Sage with wide eyes, never seeing the man this angered before. Jiraiya had a scowl on his face as he pushed past everyone, intent on getting to the one thing he swore to protect. They parted, and revealed the frail form of Naruto shaking as he fearfully looked up, wondering why everyone had stopped. Jiraiya's onyx eyes locked onto the boy, noticing the menacing seal stamped onto his stomach. His scowl deepened, which caused Naruto to crawl backwards.
Jiraiya held out his hand and tried to soften his face into a kind smile. "Naruto, I am not here to hurt you."
Naruto's eyes darted between the man who dared to show him kindness and the villagers that still surrounded them. "But...but..."
Jiraiya was not deterred and kept his hand out as an offering of peace. "They will not hurt you anymore. I promise you." He emphasized the word "promise" and glared at those who stayed to watch. Quickly, they left not wanting to anger the Sannin.
Naruto's blue eyes widened and they shone with tears. Tentatively, he let Jiraiya help him up and grimaced as he kept a hand over the seal. He could feel his wounds starting to heal already, giving him the strength to stand and to walk.
"Come with me, I will take you to the infirmary." Jiraiya's face showed nothing but kindness now that he had calmed down.
As Naruto dutifully walked next to the older man he could not help but ask, "Um...who are you? And why are you helping me?"
The Sennin simply smiled brightly at him. "I am Jiraiya. I am your godfather."
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long, been busy with my other story as well as finals. Hope this wasn't too bad, struggled a lot as to how to introduce Jiraiya. Still haven't finished Shippuden either so apologies if I'm not quite accurate when it comes to canon.