"So the brat still hasn't snapped out of it," Kurama said, walking into the Uchiha mansion's basement. In the corner of the training room, Uchiha was shackled around the wrists, ankles, and neck, the base bolted into the ground and wall. Engraved on each shackle was an inscription meant to contain his strength.

Uchiha was crouched against the wall, his teeth bared as his eyes followed Kurama across the room. His movements were slow and graceful yet full of impatience, like a caged predator trying to figure out how to get to his meal on the other side of the bars.

"If he hasn't regained his senses by now, I doubt he will be able to on his own." Kurama leaned on the wall at the other end of the room. His long orange hair was braided into one large braid draped over his shoulder. He was dressed in black yukata, his sash white. He was comfortable despite being in someone else's home. His eye looked on in amusement as he addressed the man sitting only meters away from him. "Any suggestions, Master Jiraiya."

Jiraiya had his eyes locked on the lord's form, his gaze never wavering and watching his every move.

"You can stare at me as much as you wish, it will not change a thing. He's not ready."

"So you say, but I only have your words," Jiraiya responded gruffly. He had grown a beard not very well kept. His face was drawn, and his eyes were hard. Though his appearance was haggard, he was calm and focused. There was a dangerous aura around him directed towards Kurama.

"I don't think you show me enough respect for helping the boy. If memory serves, this is the second time that bastard got hold of him, and this is the second time you've failed to save him."

The muscles in Jiraiya's face twitched. It was the only emotion he had shown in the past 3 days.

"Now, how do you propose we deal with the child? As entertaining as it is to see the baby Uchiha chained up, it's not in my best interest."

"…Kill him."

Kurama chuckled. "A predictable response from a seasoned hunter." He pushed himself slowly off the wall, taking a step towards Jiraiya who did not visibly tense, but Kurama could smell the adrenaline increase in his veins. A seasoned hunter indeed. "Killing Uchiha would cause the kit to be sad. We wouldn't want that, now do we?"

Jiraiya remained silent but did sneak a quick peek at Uchiha.

"What about that woman of yours? Or her apprentice?"

Breathing in deeply, he answered. "Even if they wanted to help, they would know nothing about Orochimaru's work. They wouldn't know where to begin. However, if he had completed the blood pact…"

"You'd have killed him on the spot if he had." Kurama smiled wryly. "Mates are troublesome. I watched three of my brethren fall because of them. They had always been a weak link of great lords. A whore that you'll never care about getting captured and killed is of no consequence to you."

"Even so, a blood pact is said to even wake a blood crazed vampire from his stupor. It might have worked in this case, but as you said, it's not complete."

Nothing could wake a blood crazed vampire. They were animalistic and violent, relying purely on their instincts. The only way to wake one was to feed the hunger until they were sated. That or have a mate. Choosing a mate was on a deeper level than marriage. It was choosing someone to become the anchor of your existence. Mixing chakra so that they entwined, becoming a part of one another, connecting them until death. Should one become weak, they can draw strength from the other. It was a give-and-take relationship. A relationship Uchiha wished to have with his host.

Hey, Kurama. Naruto's fragile voice called out to him from the depths of his mind. Since taking over he hadn't heard a peep from the boy. Kurama… let me help him.

You wouldn't be able to walk two feet let alone handle him. Even if you could, you aren't his mate. He'll kill you.

I know. Naruto's words were listless, as if it was taking all of his energy just to speak. But we can't let him continue on like this either.

You could die.

Naruto stepped out of the darkness, his form pale and weak. He smiled at Kurama, knowing full well that this could kill him. Still got to try.

Kurama stood in contemplation while Naruto patiently waited for his turn in the light. There was no indication that Naruto believed he wouldn't give in. He was patiently waiting for Kurama to yield, to give him back his body. Three months ago, Naruto would have been terrified of him and would have never looked at him like that.

Don't get yourself killed.

Kurama closed his eyes, focusing on his gathering his chakra. "It seems my time is up, Master Jiraiya. Whatever you do, do not interfere. Let the kit do what he needs to." Before Jiraiya could ask him. his chakra flared then reeled back in. His hair shortened, returning to its bright blond color, and his body began to shrink until the kimono was oversized on his frame.

When he opened his eyes again, it was Naruto looking on at his father figure. Within moments, his legs gave out, and he stumbled, grasping the wall to keep himself standing. Jiraiya traversed the short distance ready to assist him then Naruto raised his hand stopping him.

His body was numb while his mind was a throbbing mess of jumbled thoughts. It was a struggle just to pull together a few coherent thoughts. He smiled at his caretaker not even sure if he was smiling. He couldn't speak. He wouldn't last long. Every bit of energy he had was focused on one goal.

Naruto pulled out a key from his sleeve and with shaky steps, walked toward the crouched Uchiha.

"Naruto, what are you doing?" Jiraiya grabbed his arm, pulling him back. "You'll get yourself killed."

A single look. That look said everything Naruto didn't have the energy to say, conveying his resolve.

Jiraiya released him, taking a step back, and Naruto continued forward getting within Uchiha's reach. Each step was a struggle, but he kept his gaze steady and gentle as he approached.

Uchiha pulled at his chains violently, muscles strained, and fangs fully extended, snapping his teeth as Naruto neared.

"Uchiha," he said. His voice was soft and raspy, but he smiled at him all the same. "What do you think you're doing?" He lifted his arms, taking another step closer and entering Uchiha's range of motion.

Uchiha lurched forward, his teeth sinking into Naruto's shoulder. Naruto winced, biting his lip and swallowing the pain. He wrapped his arms around his neck, keeping him there. "It's time to stop slacking off, bastard."

Uchiha growled, his jaw tightening and digging deeper into Naruto's flesh.

"Wake up…Please."

Uchiha trembled in his arms, and slowly, his jaw loosened little by little. Naruto said nothing to encourage him to wake, just held him as Uchiha struggled to regain his senses. Eventually, Uchiha released him. "Uzumaki," he whispered then licked the blood from the wound unable to help himself with the temptation so close. Uchiha's fists clenched as if in anger at being unable to restrain himself.

Uchiha buried his face in the crook of Naruto's neck, inhaling his scent and like a wounded animal, nuzzled his nose against Naruto's skin affectionately as if assuring he was alright. "Uzumaki," he repeated, a little stronger this time. There was pain laced in his voice as well as strain, sounding like Naruto felt. The pain to keep his presence of mind was overwhelming.

"Welcome back," Naruto said, his voice still soft with a disjointed cadence. His thoughts kept trying to slip away like water through his fingers. When they did, Kurama's voice would echo in the recesses of his mind, reminding him. "You okay?"

"I am… here." Even with the vague answer, Naruto understood what he meant, that Uchiha's consciousness was back in control though he was far from alright, but Naruto's presence seemed to help Uchiha as Uchiha's presence helped him. The quiet affection Uchiha seemed to be unable to control, the nuzzling against Naruto's neck, was a comfort to Naruto's tattered mind, reveling in the contact as it smoothed his frayed and tender senses.

Slowly, Naruto took the key from his kimono, and reached forward, releasing Uchiha from his shackles. The moment his arms were free, Uchiha wrapped them around Naruto's waist in a warm and tight embrace.

"Catch me?" Naruto asked.

He felt Uchiha nod against his neck.

Smiling, his legs gave out, falling unconscious in Uchiha's arms.

As promised, Uchiha didn't let him gall, tightening his arms around his waist as he slowly lowered both of them to the ground.

Uchiha almost didn't catch the movement in front of him or the almost silent footsteps that approached him. Slowly, he looked up at the apprehensive Jiraiya, a blade in his hand and inscriptions carved into it. "Take him to the bedroom, if you would," he asked almost humbly. His eyes drifted down to Naruto's unconscious form, cradling his body against him gently.

"Wouldn't you prefer to do it?" Jiraiya asked, voice carefully neutral. Uchiha knew who he was, and the older man's perfect poker face told of Jiraiya's experience with vampires.

"I do not possess the strength," Uchiha replied, slipping back into old English, not even aware at the change as he continued. "I beg you, take care of him." Because Naruto was no longer purely human, because he was a host, there was no certainty that Jiraiya would not kill them with that blade in his hand. Any love that he may have once had towards the boy, the hatred he no doubt held towards his kind as many hunters did, it was uncertain what his motives were. In their current states, their lives were in his enemy's hands.

"I will," Jiraiya responded. The hard eyes softened when they looked over Naruto.

Any concerns over Naruto's safety were now reassured, and Uchiha cracked a small smile before his body slumped against the wall.

Warmth. Sasuke's hand was warm. That was the first thought that drifted into his consciousness.

A long battle ensued with his eyelids until he managed to blink them open. It took a while for his vision to clear, and he was greeted with the sight of Uzumaki lying asleep beside him, holding his hand.

"I see you're up."

Even without speaking, Sasuke knew Jiraiya was sitting beside them. He had felt his presence not long after becoming aware. While he knew that the old man would cause them no harm as it was him who had transported them to the master bedroom, instinctively he could not help but see the potential threat he posed.

"How long have I been out?" he asked, turning his head to catch Jiraiya in the corner of his eye.

"Three days. Whatever you drank must have caused extensive damage." Though the words were civil enough, there was a hard edge to his voice that would make anyone uneasy, yet it was still difficult to tell what Jiraiya was thinking or feeling.

He knew he should release Uzumaki's hand in front of his guardian but could not convince himself to do so instead squeezing it gently. "I figured you would have us separated, given your occupation."

"On the contrary, it's easier to watch you if both of you are where I can see you." Jiraiya had his legs crossed and arms folded, his eyes locked onto Sasuke's. His eyes were the only windows to Jiraiya's hidden emotions. A loathing anger aimed directly at Sasuke and the eyes of a hunter that would not hesitate to kill him. "And I'm not one to separate mates."

Sasuke smirked at the underlying threat. "Then I should be thankful that you still hold your charge close to your heart despite his predicament."

"That could still change," Jiraiya replied.

"I suppose it could."

An uncomfortable silence fell over them until Sasuke decided to clear up one fact. "Uzumaki isn't my mate. He never agreed to anything."

"Is it wise to tell me that?"

"Not at all," Sasuke said. "But as his guardian, I won't get anywhere with you lying."

"If you think you'll win me over so easily, you are mistaken."

"I'm not so naïve as to think I could change your mind, but I do not want to make a habit of lying to Uzumaki or those close to him. I am not you." That deliberate jab made the hunter's face twitch, and Jiraiya stood, attending to a tray placed at the bedside, a plate of food and cup of water as well as supplement pills.

"So why are you here?" Sasuke asked, watching as Jiraiya fiddled with the objects on the tray.

"To kill him." Jiraiya repositioned the plate for the fourth time. "At least, that was the original plan, but then I found out he wasn't changing."

Jiraiya turned his head towards the bed, his eyes landing on Uzumaki who was dwarfed by the black and white comforter and large bed, his face and hair barely visible. "It is impossible not to feel for someone after raising them for as long as I have. Even as a master, my blood is not made of ice." Jiraiya forced his eyes away, his fidgeting finally stopping. "But he is not a normal child. Letting this go could be the death of mankind."

"And yet, we are both alive." Sasuke fought against his heavy body, forcing himself to sit up against the headboard. His head was spinning from the movement, but he didn't let on that he was dizzy or unable to defend himself. "I have a vague recollection of what happened after we arrived, so I won't press further as to how you came to be here, but I do need to know where you stand. Will you continue to protect him, or will you be his enemy?"

"It depends on what he does from here on." He shook his head, and mumbled to himself, "If he hadn't chosen you…"

Using the strength he had gathered, he swung his legs over the side of the bed, folding his hands and placing his elbows on his knees. "If he hadn't chosen me then what? He would continue to be mocked and hated by the people around him while he continued to be clueless about who and what he is? He's a host. Being clueless about how potentially dangerous or powerful he could be is the most foolish thing you could have done. He was a walking target."

"We kept it from him to protect him. Something you wouldn't understand."

"One thing I have learned throughout my years is that you are never protecting someone by lying to them. You do it for yourself and yourself alone."

Jiraiya didn't retort. No doubt the elder human was fuming underneath his mask.

"We went to the Uzumaki compound before arriving back. Have you heard of them?" Sasuke asked, changing the subject abruptly.

There was a noticeable shift in Jiraiya's demeanor. Though it wasn't as obvious as looking away or fidgeting, the air around him became stale and Jiraiya somehow seemed more on edge than before.

"I'll take it you have," Sasuke said with a smidge of amusement. "I saw something strange while I was there. The mountain seemed to call out to him."

"No surprise, the mountain was once the lord's territory."

"I had surmised that much already, but I do not think the will-o-the-wisps would gather around him because of a vampire lord, nor would the sacred tree on the Uzumaki's land exchange its power with him."

"Rather than talking around it, you should just ask directly if you already know."

"But then I wouldn't be able to make you uncomfortable, now would I?"

Jiraiya was close to his snapping point. It was impressive that Jiraiya had been able to keep himself restrained as long as he had with Sasuke poking at tender spots intentionally. He had heard of Jiraiya. Jiraiya was renowned for his diligence in his younger years, killing every immortal that crossed his path. All the more reason to gauge how likely it would be for Jiraiya to change his mind and kill them.

Jiraiya's eyes glanced at Uzumaki, ensuring he was still unconscious before speaking. "Naruto may have ties to the Uzumaki clan through his mother's side. What you described sounds similar to her abilities." He exhaled slowly. "He'll need to have a proper teacher to control it."

"Are you offering?"

"As the majority of the Uzumaki clan is gone, I'm the only one left who has an inkling of what he may be dealing with."

"Then it's convenient that you're on our side for the time being." Too convenient. Lately, there seemed to be one coincidence after another. Things going in their favor despite the odds. Sasuke wasn't one to believe in luck, but he didn't know what else to call it.

"For now." Jiraiya put his hands behind his back. "There is someone I need to consult with about Naruto's future training sessions, so I'll excuse myself." Jiraiya bowed his head in a show of forced respect before leaving the room.

Sasuke sagged heavily against the pillows. Jiraiya had properly drawn the drapes to keep out the sun to aid his recovery. It was ironic that the knowledge used to kill his kind could also be used to heal them as well. If he could turn off the overhead lights, it would be perfect.

His eyes drifted to Uzumaki, who hadn't shifted in the slightest since he had awoken. Sasuke would say even he was a bit concerned by that. Uzumaki had always been active in his sleep. This wasn't how it was supposed to be. He had returned to this cursed island to ensure Uzumaki's safety. With the hunter's eyes around them and on them, he had thought Uzumaki would be untouchable. He had been wrong.

Unconsciously he grabbed Uzumaki's hand, letting its warmth reassure him that he was alive. If the lord had not interfered as he had, Uzumaki nor he would be here. The past two months it was constant running, hiding, training, enduring, adding onto Uzumaki's already miserable life. Despite the darkness around him and his heart, Uzumaki managed not to let it take control of him. Sasuke could not say the same. If Uzumaki knew about him, would he still stay?

Being alone was nothing new, even if Uzumaki left, Sasuke was used to doing everything alone. He was used to doing what needed to be done. Uzumaki leaving him would be the optimal solution to his problems. Uzumaki had brought nothing but headaches since taking him in on a whim, and yet he did not want him to leave.

Inhaling deeply, Sasuke stood up, his legs wobbling the first few seconds before regaining control. He made sure his posture was perfect before traversing the mansion looking for Jiraiya. Thankfully, he had not left. He was in the courtyard, clearing away some rocks near the pond.

The elder human didn't stop what he was doing, but from his tense posture, he knew Sasuke was there.

"Jiraiya-san, does Uzumaki celebrate Christmas?"

At the strange question, Jiraiya stopped instantly looking at Sasuke with pure surprise. "A bit. Why?"

"No reason." With confirmation, Sasuke pulled out his cellphone. Gaara owed him some favors. It wouldn't hurt to turn in one now.

Blue eyes fluttered open, staring blankly at the ceiling for several seconds. It was familiar. Recognizing the accents that belonged to the ceiling of Uchiha's bedroom, Naruto turned his head to see if Uchiha was in the room with him. He was filled with disappointment when he wasn't. Holding Uchiha's hand must have been a dream. Was Uchiha all right or was that moment in the basement a dream too? The last several days were a blur. How long had he been out for?

Waiting a few more minutes, he mustered up the motivation to get up from the soft mattress and silk sheets. His bed was nice, but this one was much better.

It wasn't an easy task. He had to keep reminding himself that he had to check on Uchiha. His feet slid out from under the covers, touching down onto the cool wood floor. A shiver ran up his spine. He pulled the quilt around him, warding off the cold air. A quick glance at the clock on the nightstand told him six days since his kidnapping, making him inwardly groan. He could hazily recall the time spent with Kurama in control, but not much after that.

The mansion was quiet, that wasn't unusual when Tobi wasn't whistling or making a racket somewhere in the house. Pulling the blanket tighter around his shoulders, Naruto walked through the empty halls, listening for any movement that may indicate someone was around. He turned the corner where there were a set of stairs that would lead him down to the foyer. The sight in front of him took his breath away.

It was a scene out of a Western movie. The foyer was decorated beautifully with gold trim and garland with occasional big, red bows placed here and there. Candles were lit on the banisters and throughout the foyer, casting a soft amber light that reflected off beautiful silver snowflakes dangling from the ceiling. Stunned, he descended the stairs. What was all this?

Turning right at the bottom of the stairs, he entered the drawing room where his jaw dropped. A Christmas tree standing three and a half meters tall decorated with silver and blue ornaments with a light layer of white powder to simulate snow on the branches. On top of the tree was a star with 6 points made of some sort of crystal, sparkling from the light in the room. Beneath the tree were several magnificently wrapped gifts, complete with big bows of different fabrics and trims. Naruto half expected a toy train at the base, but upon further thought knew it to be too childish for Uchiha. The fire was going strong in the antique fireplace where several stockings were hanging.

Naruto celebrated Christmas the same way most Japanese people did, go out with their friends to drink, eat some Christmas cake, and receive a gift from Jiraiya, nothing more. This was something out of a movie or magazine, and it was gorgeous. Uchiha had seemed very traditional; he hadn't expected him to celebrate Christmas.

"Do you like it?"

Naruto whirled around, almost tripping over his blanket in the process. Uchiha was standing behind him with a mug of hot tea in his hands, raising an eyebrow at his klutziness.

Quickly recovering his footing and clearing his throat from embarrassment, Naruto managed to ask, "What is all this?" gesturing towards the Christmas tree.

"I know it's about 2 weeks until Christmas, but…" Uchiha stood stiffly and awkwardly, suddenly shoving the mug into Naruto's hands, spilling a bit of the hot contents onto Naruto's hands. "Just think of it as an apology for attacking you."

Naruto didn't immediately recall what he was referring to right away. His mind was still sluggish, and he was distracted by the burning sensation on his hands, choosing to endure it rather than call attention to it. Then, he slowly smiled. "Sit on the couch bastard." Without waiting for Uchiha to comply, he took a seat on the couch that was situated the perfect distance from the fire. Once Uchiha sat down, Naruto leaned against him and placed his head on his shoulder.

"How are you feeling?"

Being pressed up against him, Naruto could feel the uneasiness wafting off him. It made Naruto smile that he had such an effect on the cool and always composed Uchiha.

Naruto took a sip from his tea, letting it warm and soothe him. "Better than the last time I was conscious," he replied. His speech was just noticeably slowed without slurring as if Naruto thought hard before saying each word. "Thinking is easier. Still feel weak." He chuckled. "That bastard's experiments were always bad, but the ones that messed with my head were always the worst."

Uchiha nodded in agreement, and Naruto stared into the fire, watching it cackle and the embers fly up into the chimney. "I never pictured something like this from you."

Uchiha put an arm around his shoulders, pulling Naruto closer. Naruto's cheeks felt heated which thankfully Uchiha couldn't see. "When my family lived in Europe, we were exposed to Christmas. We attended many Christmas parties and dinners to keep up appearances, but my family never celebrated the holiday. No tree or presents. Christmas was just another day. My father had even banned talk of the holiday from the house. We did what we had to do in front of the aristocrats, but my father was determined to keep Japanese traditions."

Uchiha paused in his story. It was difficult for him to speak of his family, so Naruto quietly waited for him to continue. When they had met, Uchiha would have never spoken about them especially not something so personal.

"On Christmas Eve my brother would sneak into my room and leave me a present. He would address it from Santa Claus. When I was 5, I stayed up and caught him red handed. My perfect older brother had gone against my father's wishes." Uchiha recalled the memory with a small smile on his lips, softening his features. "Afterwards, we agreed to exchange gifts. We would sneak out and find a tree to decorate then exchange gifts. After my family's death, I hadn't looked at the holiday since." Uchiha stopped unsure of what to say next.

So Naruto decided to save him using a story of his own. "My dad is half American. It explains where I got the blonde hair and blue eyes, right? Well, he grew up in America too and celebrated it every year with his parents. When he married my mom, he brought the American traditions too." He took another sip of his tea, gathering his thoughts and memories. "I don't remember much. I was only 3 or 4, but I remember my mom and dad decorating the house and cooking a big dinner like the ones we make for New Years, and there was a room filled with presents in the morning, and at night we would go to church." He remembered the memory with such fondness, but the people in them were faceless. He could not remember what his mother looked like, and his father was a vague blur. He had one picture of his father, and Naruto had not looked at it in years due to spite. He found now, he regretted doing so.

"When Dad died, I moved in with Jiraiya. He didn't celebrate Christmas. He was more traditional. That first year I don't remember very well, but I know I was really screwed up. Jiraiya said I didn't show any emotion at all after Dad's death, like I was locked up inside my own head. So that year, Jiraiya went out and got a small Christmas tree and decorated it to surprise me. I was so happy, I just started sobbing without warning. It really freaked the old man out. That tree was filled with holes, missing branches, and sickly, but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. It reminded me of my parents. Since then, I never celebrated like I did with my parents. Jiraiya was already out of his element caring for me, I didn't want to ask for more."

Naruto adjusted himself to get a better look at the Christmas tree. "I forgot how magical it all seemed to me as a kid. At least it's one of the few memories I do have of back then."

"I'm glad you're happy with it."

Naruto tilted his head, looking up at Uchiha. "Why are you being nice to me anyway?"

"It's a one-night thing, I assure you, but I thought a little push couldn't hurt."

"Push? For what?"

"That it wouldn't be so bad with me," the tone of Uchiha's voice was soft and uncharacteristically nervous as if he wasn't convinced that anyone spending their life with him was a good idea.

Naruto sat up, setting his mug onto the side table. "Don't do that Uchiha."

"Do what?"

"Look down on yourself, and don't tell me you don't. I notice when you think no one's looking." Naruto still looked a bit dazed, but he was still determined to get his thoughts across. "You pretend to be a stuck-up prick, but I know better."

"I think you're mistaken. I really am a prick."

With the amount of seriousness in Uchiha's statement, Naruto let a smile slip that he struggled to keep off his face. He maneuvered onto Uchiha's lap, meeting him eye to eye. "I'm 18, and to tell you the truth, I've barely even started dating. Doing anything long term, especially things like getting married never really occurred to me, and we've barely known each two and a half months. It's kind of fast to rush into something when I'm not sure what it all entails when we haven't even started an official relationship yet."

Uchiha averted his eyes, not wanting to hear more. Even if he was being gently turned down, it wasn't something anyone wanted to hear. His expression immediately started to close off.

Warm hands cradled his face, forcing Uchiha to look at him once again. "That being said," Naruto began to lean in, "I wouldn't mind getting into a relationship with you with the prospect of being your mate in the future. Especially if that means I get to piss you off every other day."

Uchiha stopped him a few inches away from his lips, grabbing his biceps and pulling him away slightly. "You're still affected by the drugs. We should stop here." His breath caressed Naruto's lips. They were so close.

"If anything, I'm just honest with myself right now. Can't focus enough to try to be a smart ass." Uzumaki pressed closer, brushing his lips against Uchiha's. "So are we going to do this or not? You owe me since the subway."

Uchiha closed his eyes, trying to restrain himself, his grip tightening on Uzumaki's arms. "Uzumaki."

"Call me by my first name, bastard," he whispered.

Whatever restraint was left snapped. Uchiha crashed his lips into Naruto's and switched their positions, so Naruto was lying down with Uchiha above him. It felt right. The fears Naruto had left towards being gay of what scandal this could cause flitted from his mind as Uchiha ravaged his mouth, all Naruto could think of was how he belonged here with someone who loved him, something he long thought was not possible. He wrapped his arms around Uchiha's neck, pulling him closer.

Jiraiya watched them from the doorway then slowly closed the French doors to the room as quietly as he could. He had mixed feelings about it all. The thought that Naruto was a fledgling still sat ill with him. Every instinct in his body yelled at him to take care of the problem until Naruto was before him. That was when his protective instincts for Naruto were strong enough to overwrite what common sense told him to do. The fact Naruto was gay was another matter entirely. It was unfortunate that Naruto had chosen such a preference, but after seeing them together, he could not bring himself to be against it.

He cared for his charge greatly. No, not his charge. Naruto was his son. He had been for a long time. He wanted Naruto to be happy. He wanted him to have a normal childhood. After everything, the Uchiha could do what he could not. Naruto was self-sacrificing and cared for those around him, but he would always keep some distance in case those people betrayed him or left him. Jiraiya supported this behavior because he knew that in most cases, that would be the case. That there may come a time where he or Tsunade would have to kill him. For the first time, Naruto didn't have the fear of being abandoned. Uchiha had managed to get past Naruto's defenses. Naruto had faith in Uchiha. No matter what Jiraiya thought of Uchiha, he had no right to interfere with Naruto's decision to be with him.

Sighing, he scratched his head deciding to head to his room. Naruto's training can wait another day. For now, he'd let them have this moment.