A/N: Again heartfelt thanks to all readers and reviewers. Hope everyone is staying safe. Enjoy!

Chapter Four

"Hey did you hear about the Uzumaki brat?"

"No, what about him?"

"He failed the graduation exam for a third time and the academy kicked him out."

"What, why the hell would they do that?"

"Who knows?"

He had heard it.

Rumors that the Uzumaki brat had failed the graduation exams, but had been on his way out the gate for a mission at the time. Now that he was back and had come face to face with the kid, he was livid.

"Well, who ate your dango, drank your sake or worst took your smokes?" Genma Shiranui called to a fuming Asuma Sarutobi as he walked into the Rusted Kunai Bar.

"I just came from the Smith's shop and you wouldn't believe who I saw working there." Asuma called back, catching everyone's attention. "I just can't believe my old man is letting that kid go to waste like that."

"Uzumaki Naruto?" Kurenai asked from where she was sitting with Hayate and others. Asuma nodded. "My team and I were surprised to see him with the old man smith, shortly after graduation. Naruto almost had a panic attack when Kiba called out to him. I spoke with them afterwards, and they felt real bad he didn't become a ninja. Something about the clone jutsu always tripping him up."

"How can a genin not know how to do the basic clone jutsu?" A voice called. Everyone just hanged their heads. A shame to acknowledge the simple truth about the matter.

"Kid probably just needed someone to explain what he was doing wrong." Replied Genma.

"According to Hinata, he trained really hard and for long hours, but he did it alone." Kurenai added. "If you ask me that was the biggest problem. If you're doing things wrong you won't know and therefore all that training counts for naught."

"There has to be some way to help him, honestly he should have had a personal tutor." Asuma noted. "He painted the entire Hokage Monument in broad day light, out maneuvered chunins, and even invented his own jutsu, I bet every ryo in my pocket he didn't learn any of that at the academy."

"Maybe we should speak with the Hokage on his behalf." Anko said and everyone looked at her in confusion. "What? You don't think the kid has been given a raw deal? Maybe Hokage might finally allow someone to supervise him this time around. Although I don't understand why Hatake isn't petitioning for the chance, asshole."

"Yosh!" Guy shouted from the corner, causing several of the Jonin to jump as they hadn't actually realized that he was there. "Truly we must do everything in our powers to help young Uzumaki keep his flames of youth! Tomorrow I shall petition the Hokage on his behalf!"

"You do know he's been apprenticed to old man Muso right?" Asuma asked. "He's not about to let that kid go."

"Still he can be an artisan and a ninja." Anko sniggered. "Kid's probably already learned more about weapons from Muso than he learned in his years at the Academy."

"Now that is a true statement, he's apparently the one who is making Hayate's new sword." Kurenai added just for the effect she knew it who have. All the Jonin in the room stared at her. Mouths open and catching flies.

"Hold on." Asuma said slowly. "What exactly do you mean, isn't he only now learning the craft, how can he already be forging?"

Kurenai looked round at the silent crowd. "I suggest you go see for yourselves, after all I'm only recounting what my student told me."

"So are we in agreement about petitioning the Hokage on his behalf?" Anko inquired of her fellow jonins. The ayes had it. "Someone should probably inform Hatake and please for god's sake don't give him the exact time." The place erupted in laughter at her statement.

As agreed, the jonins gathered before the Hokage to petition on behalf of one Uzumaki Naruto. Not present was Hatake Kakashi, he was out of the village for his teams C-rank mission.

However, the Hokage dismissed the petition citing that the boy had failed at the academy and therefore was not eligible to become a ninja no matter how much they wished it. Anko and others tried to argue, but were shut down as the Hokage's words were law.

Once outside the office and tower, Asuma called bullshit to the whole situation and decided he would find a way to help the boy despite what his father said.

"What are you thinking?" Kurenai asked him.

"We speak to Jiraiya the next time he's back in the village. If we all converge on the boy now, it will spook him and he'd refuse any assistance offered."

"That makes sense."

Little did they know, but Jiraiya was already on his way to the village and about to be informed.

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"That's enough for now Lady Hinata."

"Okay Sensei."

"I want you to tell me what you think is the problem why you're not getting the rotation."

"I think maybe it's doing two things at once. I can emit chakra from all my points, but to do it while spinning, it is difficult."

"I understand your plight Lady Hinata. Because this technique is not widely available to all in the clan I can only do so much and no more. However, I've observed your father for many years and I think I've figured out the dynamics to a certain degree. Now here's what I want you to do…" "Understood?"

"Yes sensei."

"Now let's try it out."

"Okay!"

It has been weeks now and still the technique eluded her grasp, not for lack of trying, but because it was a heavily guarded secret move that only the clan head and his heirs are privy to. However, since her father stopped training her many years ago, Hinata has had to resort to learning the rotation on her own. Soliciting a tutor within the clan hasn't made a difference because he doesn't know the technique either. They are operating on a trial and error basis, but she was determined to learn it or die trying.

"Good, adaptation and improvisation, but your weakness is not in your technique. Try it one last time and believe in yourself a little more." He said excitedly or as much as a Hyuga can be. 'If only Lord Hiashi could see how hard you worked. Not even his precious Hanabi can perform this technique.' Iroha was always careful to keep his thoughts to himself. "That's it Lady Hinata, you've done it." He declared as she came out of the rotation.

"Thank you, your suggestion helped greatly sensei. However, it requires practice to be battle ready."

"We will pick up again tomorrow. In the meantime work on improving your chakra output capability. You are dismissed." She bowed before exiting the area where they were.

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Lamentation of Neji Hyuga

Thump, thump, thump…the sound of flesh hitting wood permeated the area as he practiced his strikes.

"Grrrh! Damn it." Frustrated in spite of.

He'd been asked to spar with Lady Hanabi as a way to measure her skills. The girl six years his junior had attempted to use eight trigrams sixty-four palms on him. Why? Because she could; and because her main branch status afford her the privilege of learning the technique. While he, the prodigy of the clan was restricted.

"What am I if not equal?" The answer he supplied himself?

"A servant. Me a damn servant. To a weakling no less."

"Fate has made me its unwilling victim, stamped its mark on my life from birth and refuses to lease me until death cold hands claim me." He tells himself this time and again to keep focused.

Thump, thump, thump…

"One does not defy one's fate. My father never did. He died in his brother's place. A replacement, a servant, a no body."

"I hate them." Thump. "I hate them." Thump. "I hate them." Thump. "Those cold hearted bastards."

"To have been destined to never reach my full potential all because my father was born second to him. He's nothing, but a coward masquerading behind the title of clan head."

"Oh father!" He cried out. "Why, why, why!? Have you gone and left me here to suffer alone?" A constant plea that no one hears.

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he lamented the pitiful state his life has been reduced to all because of fate.

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Having finished the prototypes of Hinata's bow, they were working on the other orders to be filled. That was until Naruto reached for metal and found none. "Shit!"

"Muso! Muso!" He bellowed.

"Yes my boy. What seem to be the matter?" Muso asked as he hurriedly enter the forge.

"We are out of material and we have orders."

"What! The chess, the shelves, they're all empty, is that what you're saying?"

Naruto grit his teeth. "That's exactly what I'm saying."

Muso went to his workplace and began scribbling. "Time to close shop, Naruto. We need to get supplies immediately."

"Aye, on it." And without any fuss, the two of them shut down the storefront, both of them grabbed a rucksack and a pick axe, and locked the doors.

"Come on," Muso said, shouldering the pick axe.

"Yeah, minerals ain't gonna mine themselves," Naruto replied and fell into step behind the bigger man.

And for two days the forge was closed. For two days no one saw the Forge master and his apprentice.

Hinata came by as agreed, but only found a sign on the door reading 'Out for supplies' and nothing more. Understanding there must have been an urgent need she thought nothing of it.

When they returned, the other merchants in the street took a fearful step aside when they passed. Loaded with crates on their backs, stacked to over twice their height, they looked like soldiers returning from a war. Dirty, bloody and most likely wounded they were a fearful sight with their pick axes across their neck. Their load hit the ground in front of the forge hard enough to make the occupants of the weaver's store jump.

"You did well, Naruto," Muso told him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Stretching his sore back from carrying the crates he gave a humorless laugh. "I really wonder how you did that on your own before..."

"Was harder then, boy. Come one, let's wash up and open shop. Wouldn't want to keep our customers waiting longer than they already have." Muso laughed when the shadows vanished out of his apprentice's face and were replaced by a blush.

"I'm not the one who didn't keep stock of supplies- besides Hinata will understand the delay!" he shouted loudly, the pain in his shoulders and the blood on his hands already forgotten. And Muso was glad that Naruto was strong enough to do that. He told him what he needed to do to get the metal they needed to forge and Naruto had accepted that.

The stream was cool, but that didn't matter to Naruto. Ripping off his dirty clothes, he jumped right in. At least he left his boxers on this time. Muso could swear that the lady from the sawmill at the other side of the stream, still looked at him like he had done something wrong since she saw Naruto running nude through the field and into the water one day. The old lady really ought to mind her own business which, mind you, wasn't going all that well.

Naruto always stayed longer in the water than necessary, so Muso was the first one back inside. They had stowed away the goods and Muso was opening the windows and the door when Hinata, stood before him. "Ah yes! Come inside, come! Some have been all too eagerly awaiting your visit! Naruto's out back so feel free to go see him." And while he was eager to show her the prototypes, he knew kids were more enthusiastic to see one another. Hinata offered a meek greeting and apology then left through the door that led into the field behind the forge. 'Besides, she'd probably listen more if Naruto explained how the bow worked.' He wouldn't take offense, it was just how their minds worked.

A loud scream was heard from outside and Muso chuckled lightly to himself. He knew he'd forgotten to tell the little lady something. Well too late now.

Outside, Naruto had submerged himself in the stream while Hinata had just frozen in place. It may have been her to scream, but that had been the surprise. The shock was what froze her. The wounds on Naruto's body. She couldn't imagine were they would come from. Naruto used her shock and flew out of the water and crossed the distance from the stream to the house in a single, ungraceful leap. He managed to throw on a pair of pants before Hinata came inside.

"Ah... this is... well... I'm sorry?" Naruto had his back to her so she wouldn't see the seal. It always appeared when he was wounded, even if it was just a scratch.

His most recent wounds were now only scrapes that would be gone before the sun went down; with the exception of the one stab wound on his back which was still bleeding from being freshly washed out. It had been rather deep, but didn't hit anything vital in his lower back. With a deep frown that Naruto hadn't imagined possible for Hinata she walked up to him and made a few hand signs before letting her softly green glowing palm hover over the wound.

Naruto was absolutely still while Hinata healed him. When the feeling of her palm vanished, so did the seal on his stomach and he sighed in relief. "Thank you, Hinata... It would have healed anyways, but... thank you."

Hinata meanwhile frowned, looking at her palm. She knew she had practiced medical jutsu, but she wasn't that good at it. A wound like that wasn't supposed to heal that fast and without a scar left behind. She was planning to give him some of her healing ointment as well. 'And didn't he have bruises and other little cuts just a minute ago?' She thought to herself. "How... How did that happen?" she asked him then immediately apologized for it. "No, I'm sorry! I shouldn't... I'm sorry for being intrusive!"

Naruto turned around, shaking his head. "No, no you aren't!" he told her. "It's... it was an accident when we were... mining these past two days. You see, we can't buy the special metal we need, merchants don't trade it, so we have to go and get it ourselves and the mines in the north aren't exactly safe." He didn't mention that the roads were even more dangerous. "Anyhow, now that I'm patched up, want to test out the bows..."

"Yes!" Hinata exclaimed enthusiastically only to turn bright red and say, "Yes... I'd like that..." It made him smile. A chill ran down his spine and altering him to the fact that he was still shirtless. Faster than ever before Naruto was fully dressed, gloves for good measure and led Hinata outside. 'Geesh, no one she reacted that way, I was embarrassing her.'

It seemed to Naruto that he had been a natural when it came to handling weapons, especially blades. He knew Hinata wasn't stupid or anything, but he picked up handling any weapon at a frightening speed, lapping it up like a sponge. Still, after they finished working with the bow, he asked Hinata to attack him with the katar of the kite -bow, as Naruto called it. She had long since decided to use the other bow, the one with the blade hidden inside, still it was good training. She attacked without hesitation. Something Naruto was happy for.

Naruto was able to keep up with her movements, not that he was giving it his all, yet.

"I know I'm not a ninja, Hinata. But that doesn't make me weak," he said in a dangerously low voice. "Let's try again and this time we go all out. Understood?" He stepped back nearly as quick as he had approached and Hinata nodded before she took a ready stance.

She didn't stand a chance.

Naruto was fast, his blade in constant motions as he assaulted her crumbling defenses with more power than she believed Tsunade is said to have in these earth shattering punches of hers. Finally, he slipped his foot in between her legs and jerked it back, causing her to fall backwards. Still, with an impromptu cartwheel, she regained her footing and readied herself for another attack. But Naruto stood relaxed and so she followed his example.

"That was good," he told her, "To be honest, I didn't expect you to hold yourself that long. I'm really impressed." He smiled at her and Hinata returned it. But shouldn't she be ashamed? She was a ninja, even though only a genin, and had lost to an artisan. Was she really that weak? No, no, no, no. She didn't allow herself to think like that. Naruto had been strong back then and he was strong now. His skill with weapons far out ranked her at the moment, and he wouldn't lie to her, he never did. She smiled brightly, so, so brightly that Naruto dropped his knife instead of catching it. The tip of the blade embedded itself between Naruto's toes but he didn't even notice the close call. Her smile seemed to promise retribution.

"You better close your mouth, else you'll catch a fly with it."

With an audible clack Naruto snapped his mouth shut and spun around to see Muso at the grinding stone grinning at him. Naruto wanted to say something, but the grin on his master's face was different. It wasn't teasing, wasn't offensive, but relayed genuine happiness for what he saw and that threw Naruto off track.

So instead, he bowed slightly to the man and said, "Yes, master." Muso's grin became even wider as he continued to sharpen some arrow heads.

"Okay, what about the payment?" Hinata sat inside the workshop at a desk, all three prototypes laid before her.

"It depends," Muso said, smirking lightly, "Choose first, we will see to the rest afterwards."

Hinata nodded and pointed out the long bow with the long dagger hidden inside. Muso and Naruto still looked at her expectantly. "Uhm, I like this one the most," she offered, not sure what they wanted.

"Only that one?" Naruto asked her and she frowned at him.

"It's just hard to choose which of the remaining two I want, that's all." she said.

"Little lady," Muso said," We made them with only you in mind, they are all yours." Hinata blinked in confusion so Muso continued. "You have brought us a lump of orichalcum. Do you even know just how rare that metal is? What you brought us would justify you taking all three of these and we'd guarantee you a life time supply for special arrows."

Hinata looked stricken. "But I can't carry three bows... and I couldn't accept..."

Naruto smiled at her reassuringly. "Yes, uhm... you could take the kite-bow and the one you wanted. That and all of these arrows I have yet to finish. That's easy to carry and you'd be more versatile."

Smiling gratefully she was about to reply when Muso jumped up. "You mean to tell me they aren't finished yet? What about the armors? Hayate's blade?"

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Enter Jiraiya the Gallant

"I got your message, vague as it was, sounded urgent so I hurried back." His breath was ragged, evidence he had indeed rushed to get here. "What seems to be the problem this time sensei?"

"Hello to you Jiraiya, glad you got my message." The sarcasm was not lost on Jiraiya.

"Yeah, yeah, but you didn't ask me here for pleasantries, now out with it."

"It concerns Naruto. Have a seat, it will take a while."

Nothing could prepare Jiraiya for what came out of Sarutobi's mouth. His mind flashed back to his genin days, when everyone thought he lacked intelligence because of his jovial disposition. 'Does he really mean to insult my intelligence at this point in time, because I really thought we'd be long past this stage in our relationship?'

'Tell me sensei, have you spoken to Naruto since the failed graduation?" His calm demeanor was fooling his sensei, but he didn't care.

"No I haven't. I wanted to give him time to come to grips with the reality of his situation before suggesting anything to him."

"And what reality would that be?" Jiraiya asked as he pushed back his chair then stood from his seat. The grating sound was telling. "The way I see it, we've all failed that boy and not because he's Minato's son. I'm talking about him protecting us." He was sure Kushina would kill him in the afterlife. "This is all my fault, I should have prioritized him more, could have hired someone to see after him."

"I planned on speaking with him at some point, just waiting for the right time. It really wasn't my intention to leave the matter so long." He really didn't know how to justify his lack of action to Jiraiya. "I honestly thought he would have barged in here and demanded to be given another chance."

"There really is no excuse sensei, he's at risk from factions within and outside Konoha." Hopping onto the window sill, he looked over his shoulder at his former sensei. "I have to talk to him, he needs to be trained before it is too late."

Naruto's eyes snapped open before dawn from a well-deserved rest. He had fought for too many hours to stay dreaming. His dreams, child's play, but he knew there was nothing left to do, but get up. He got out of bed, turned off his alarm to maintain the silence, and stumbled into the bathroom. There he stood in front of the mirror for several minutes, scratching his abdomen. 'Might as well get an early start,' he thought to himself. Finished with his usual morning routine, he made his way to the kitchen, a hearty breakfast firm on his mind. However, as he exited his room soft voices greeted him, one he knew, the other a complete unknown. He paused for a little while before continuing on.

"Good Morning." He greeted as he came in view of the persons speaking.

"Ah good morning Naruto my boy." Muso answered. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes I did."

"Come let me introduce you to an old acquaintance of mine." Muso beckoned his house mate closer. "Naruto, meet Jiraiya of the Sannin."

"Hello Naruto." Jiraiya offered by way of greeting, but his eyes stayed in his godson, observing him closely.

Naruto in turn just nodded to the strange man. He then turned back to Muso with a questioned look.

"Jiraiya wants to speak with you about a few things." Muso answered the unasked question then got up from his seat. As he passed by Naruto he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and whispered. "I'll be in the kitchen."

Keeping his distance he turned to Jiraiya, indicating he should start talking. The look on Naruto's face reminded him so much of both his parents. 'Where to start?' He thought to himself. 'With being honest I suppose.'

So Jiraiya made no excuse for Hiruzen regarding Naruto's failed education. He also had no choice, but to inform Naruto about the beast sealed in him by the Fourth Hokage, indicating that because of it he was as risk. However, Naruto's response was not what he expected.

"Why are you telling me this now? For years the Hokage has lied to my face about why the villages feared and hated me. He also knew I was doing poorly at the academy despite my boasting. It never seemed to bother him then that I was a…a j-jinchuriki."

"I can't speak for him honestly, only he can provide clarifications for your confusion regarding his actions or inactions."

"Okay, but why are you here though?"

"I'm here because I promised your parents I would be." Jiraiya supplied knowing the boy knew nothing of who they were.

"I see." Not what Jiraiya was expecting having mentioned his parents but. "I guess you expect me to ask who they were and what they were like, but honestly at this point in time I'm not sure I care." If this shocked or upset Jiraiya, he gave no indication. "I'm tired of asking and being denied. Being treated like I don't have a right to know. If we had this conversation a few months ago I would have jumped at the chance to find out. However, these past few months have taught me a lot of things no one thought I needed to know, that and I probably sound nothing like the idiot you were probably told I was."

"No you're definitely different, but it's to be expected after what you've been through. I also figured old man Muso would have taught you the life lessons you had missed out on."

"Yes he did, but that still hasn't answered the question of why you are here now. It can't be because of my parents, you're twelve years late."

'I'll be frank with you Naruto. You need training to face what's coming your way."

"What would that be exactly?"

"Imminent danger." Was his response.

"Okay, that's vague. What type of training are we talking about?"

"Well first of all we would get your skills to chunin level and then I was thinking that you'd learn to do the summoning jutsu, maybe a few elemental ones. Then when you're ready sage mode." Jiraiya was not stupid, there was no way the kid would take kindly to being ask to use the Kyubi's power. Not after years of being hated because of it and being lied to in the process. He would discuss that subject with the toads when the time was right.

"That sounds well thought out, but you do remember I'm not a ninja right. I also have no intentions of become one either. That dream is over with. Dead. He paused to ensure the man got the message. "There's one thing you're also forgetting, I'm an artisan now, and nowhere in there did you mention anything about me using weapons."

"That can be incorporated. I should have inquired about your skill with them. Does this mean you're willing to be trained?" Jiraiya asked.

"No, it doesn't mean that at all. I don't trust you or the Hokage not to try and make me a ninja if I accept this training." Naruto wasn't falling for whatever scheme they were cooking. "I'll find a way to get the training I need, but thank you for the offer."

Jiraiya would have argued, but a sign from Muso made him rethink. "Okay Naruto, can't say I understand, but I won't force you. However, if you change your mind, I'd be happy to train you.' Rising from his seat Jiraiya took one last look at the boy that favoured his father and mother so much in not just looks, but attitude. "Listen Naruto, I know I haven't been around for twelve years and I won't make excuses for my abandoning you, but I'd really like to get to know you if you'll allow me."

"I'll think about it." Really wasn't sure he wanted to get to know the man his parents trusted to look out for him, but didn't. He likewise appreciated that the man didn't give him some pitiful excuse for his absence in his life.

"Good bye for now Naruto. Muso, a pleasure seeing you again."

"Good bye."

As he watched the huge man leave, a hand landed on his shoulder and squeeze gently. "He may not be the best person in the world, but he really loved your parents and I think something in him broke at their deaths."

Looking up at Muso with tearing screaming now his face, Naruto asked. "What about me, didn't he love me too?"

The question nearly broke Muso's heart. "I'm sure he did and still does, but that's a question you'll have to ask him, but know this, you are loved more than you could ever know." With that he hugged the boy to him. 'Jiraiya you idiot. I just hope you meant what you said.'

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In the weeks following their conversation, Jiraiya would be seen at the forge master's shop. Little by little getting to know his godson. From sharing stories, making jokes, to cooking meals, advice on seals and watching Naruto train with Hinata. Jiraiya chose to become a fixture in the life of his godson and at the end, it was quality time spent that meant the most to Naruto.

During this time Jiraiya received visits from Asuma, Kurenai and the other individuals who voiced their concerns for Naruto. However, one noticeable absentee was none other than Hatake Kakashi. Jiraya was touched that there were others who were willing to assist with the boy's training should he choose to accept.

Needing to check in with his network as well as other things, Jiraya left the village on a short mission. When he returned, it was with grave news of an organization hunting tail beasts and by extension their jinchuriki. This got not only Muso's attention, but Hinata's as well, and together they worked to convince the stubborn Uzumaki to allow the Sannin to start training him.

Days following, Naruto demonstrated his skillset to Jiraiya who was impressed to say the least. Naruto's chakra control was extremely refined, evidence of his training with Hinata; that he could also perform the shadow clone jutsu really shocked the Sannin. While his taijutsu form was okay, the boy needed an advanced style unique to him and that was where they would start.

Taking the village's resident taijutsu specialist up on his offer to assist, Jiraiya solicited his help to develop a style suited to Naruto's temperament and the fact the boy could use shadow clones.

"Alright my youthful student." The boisterous man began. "Because of your clones, I've designed a taijutsu style that basically uses, low, mid high and spinning kicks, and incorporating elbow and knee jabs.

The kid seemed to be a natural.

This didn't mean everything ran smoothly. On the contrary. There were, temper tantrums?

"I thought I made it clear I'm an artisan, you're training is invading too much on my craft."

Attempts to placate. "That was never my intention Naruto. Please I'm trying here, but you have to meet me half way, sometimes." Jiraiya swore, 'I'm definitely getting gray fast,' tugging at the white strands on top his head, he was tempted to check.

Interventions from Muso. "Naruto, what seem to be the matter?" The old man inquired. And even Hinata "Naruto please, what can I do to help?" She pleaded.

Frustration that became palpable. "It's too much you know!" Naruto yelled until he was red in the face. Voice hoarse till it cracked. "It feels like I'm being suffocated with all this training suddenly. Where the hell was this help when I really wanted and needed it huh?"

More arguments and disagreements that wasn't healthy for anyone. Defiance? "I'm not training today, there's just too much work to be done. Sorry, but no can do."

Eventually understanding and compromise.

'Naruto?" Jiraiya called hesitantly.

"What?" Was the kid pouting? He definitely was. He looked so much like Kushina in that moment. Brought tears to the eyes.

"Can we talk?"

"Isn't that what we're doing?" Okay, definitely channeling his Uzumaki side. Kushina would be so proud.

"You're right but… look kid…umm well…I'm not exact good with… kids."

"You don't say."

"Ah, cut me some slack will you. I'm really trying here."

The look he read on Naruto's face said clearly you're failing. Miserably too.

"Okay then you tell me, where exactly do you see things going wrong?"

"Now you want to know huh. How about you stop treating me like I'm someone else."

"What I never…" A hand gesture, a shake of the head and clear disbelief were evident in the boy's expression.

"Really!? Don't think I haven't heard you were Lord Fourth's sensei."

Bam! Like a ton of bricks.

Jiraiya opened and closed his mouth several times. Then spoke.

"If that was how you felt then it was unfair of me and I'm sorry."

"Yeah and?"

"I'll restrain myself from it." The look of skepticism said it all. "I promise."

"Okay, but if you don't, just know I have lots of weapons and I know how to use them." The warning was done halfheartedly, but he got the point.

"Alright, you have my word."

Clapping and laughter from the back indicated that others were relieved the two had hashed things out and reached a sort of understanding.

Muso for one was ecstatic. He clapped his massive hands in joy before announcing to all. "The food is ready, let's eat!"