(Disclaimer): Yada yada yada, Don't own Naruto, Bla Bla Bla...



Tsunade's eyes were shedding tears by the time Naruto finished describing the old man's last moments

Tsunade's eyes were shedding tears by the time Naruto finished describing the old man's last moments. She knew that Jiraiya had always been brave and powerful, he was a Sannin after all, but to have gone so far to kill Pein after just seeing him injure his apprentice? Brutal injury or not, it still took a lot of courage to go after Pein of all people, and to go out heroically too. In between quiet hiccups to herself, she managed to speak, yet it was such an uttering that Naruto had to crane his neck forward to listen to his Hokage's words.

"He really… He really did that?"

Unable to hold back his sorrow, Naruto too soon found himself drowned in tears. It was as if when Jiraiya died, he took all happiness with him.

"Yeah, he-" Naruto was cut off as he uncharacteristically hiccupped as well "He did all that" He looked down at his hands, and clenched them in sad anger. Then, he looked back up.

"But the worst part of it all, was that he did it for me. It was my fault. If I hadn't gotten myself injured in the first few seconds of the fight, maybe he'd still be here," he looked back up again into Tsunade's eyes. The pain was clear, it was visible in his eyes. All the hurt and loss he had already experienced before was only multiplied several times by Jiraiya's death. The man, while a pervert, had been good at heart, and had always been a father to Naruto.

All the while, Tsunade heard this, her already broken heart shattered some more.

"Oh no, Naruto! Don't ever think that! What he did was nothing short of heroic, and it was his own choice. I'm sure he even knew he might've died. But at least he died protecting one of his precious people, like I know he wanted to go", she then did what no one in the room ever thought could happen. She closed the space, and also did something uncharacteristic of her:

She hugged Naruto.


Sakura and Naruto found themselves doing the same thing they had done before the de-brief, walking around Konoha, enjoying each other's company. After Naruto's break-down, everyone quietly extricated themselves from the Hokage's office, leaving the two blondes to console themselves, like a mothers and son who cry over the death of their father and husband.

Sakura nestled a little more into Naruto's strong arms. She loved how they felt so powerful, yet so soft and caring. His warmth brought her happiness, but when he was in pain, emotional or otherwise, Sakura could feel her own heart threatening to rip itself out. They walked down the streets in darkness, the few villagers smiling small expressions of support. Long ago had they left their hate for the 'demon container' and they all felt the pain of his mentor's death. They had been after all, informed about the Sannin's death shortly after Naruto's arrival back to the village.

Sakura looked up at her boyfriend, who's cerulean blue eyes, were simply looking on into the distance. She knew he was in the past, probably re-living scenes from his childhood with Jiraiya.

"Are you ok?" she murmured silently. To her surprise, Naruto looked down and smiled sadly.

"A little shaken, but I think that the main shock of his death has worn off" He looked down at his sandals, and sighed.

"I miss the old goat a lot though. If anything, I feel anger at myself for not being able to do anything," When Sakura stayed silent, he continued.

"You know, I know that it's not my fault, but it's just that I feel so… responsible for his death. I mean, what would have happened if I had defended myself from Pein. Would he still be alive? Would Jiraiya-sensei have lived?"

Sakura noticed the pained look on his handsome face. She had always thought him good-looking, and even when sad, he radiated a bit of happiness.

Sakura kept silent though, and comforted him the only way she could, with her companionship and love. Because love him she did. Naruto completed a side of her she never knew she had, until recently. All those years chasing after Sasuke were a complete waste of time, and now, with Naruto, Sakura realized that she had found ever-lasting love. Every morning when he met her to eat breakfast, or to go on a mission, or even train he made Sakura feel like the only girl in the universe. It was a connection shared only by them, and they both enjoyed every moment.

And that was Naruto's comfort in spite of all the sorrow.

The couple was now approaching Sakura's house, and yet neither had spoken a word. But Naruto broke the silence by saying,

"They want to make me Sannin" He looked down at his pink-haired girlfriend.

"What do you think?" he asked, truthfully wanting and needing her opinion.

Sakura pondered the question for a while in her head. She knew that Naruto was the correct choice, she knew it. But the problem was that Naruto might still be hurt by Jiraiya's death, and taking his position as Sannin of the Toads for Konoha might seem like disrespect to the memory of Jiraiya. But at the same time, it Naruto would be living on Jiraiya's dream and getting ready to take on responsibilities that would come up as Rokudaime Hokage. Being the Toad Sannin meant not only that Naruto would have to collect intelligence for Konoha, but he would have to be a diplomat at times, and an enforcer at others. The practical aspect of the position sealed the deal for Sakura though. The only was to honor Jiraiya was to do a good job at everything Naruto did. And being the Toad Sannin was a good why to start doing that.

"Yes," she affirmed, "Yes, I think you should do that. It would be honoring Jiraiya in the best way possible," But when Sakura saw the shadow of doubt cross Naruto face she continued, "Besides, I think that the Jiraiya would be honored to have his prize student succeed him as Sannin of the Toads"

And just like for Sakura, that small statement turned Naruto mind decisive. Sakura was right. He wanted to honor Jiraiya, if only the memory at least, and being Sannin would only do just that.

He nodded his head, and then stopped when they reached the Pink blossom's house.

"Yeah Sakura-chan, I guess you're right," he looked mournfully at the small house which his girlfriend owned. "Well, I guess we're here, so I better go" he started to turn around, but was stopped by a slender hand"Sorry there Naruto, I can't let you do that"

And with a mischievous grin, she led the confuse blonde inside


A/N: woooo, getting a little feisty there, Sakura! Anyways, a short little chapter for you, sorry. I know I promised a big juicy chapter update, but I will get unto that after Thursday. For the mean time though, I still will update some more between now and then, but it won't be anything grand or big. Damn SAT's... So, before I leave, just wanted to say thank-you to all the reviewers (All twelve of them!) and to keep on doing your thing. Peace.