Naruto Shippuden – Life After Jiraiya

Summary: Konoha loses a great man leaving emotional burdens especially on his apprentice. Chaos replaces grief as the man's will is revealed.

Disclaimer:I don't own Naruto Shippuden

Life After Jiraiya
Chapter Two - Grief

Naruto's POV

"Naruto-niichan... I was looking everywhere for you."

These were the words that first came out of his mouth. I never thought anyone would find me. I avoided going to the places where people knew I would go. It figures they'd send him. He could always find me no matter where I hid.

"Konohamaru, what do you want?"

"Nii-chan, I wanted to see if you're ok. But looking at you now, I can see it for myself."

Konohamaru's POV

I can see he's a wreck without asking. He's been crying alright. But for how long, I'm not sure. A couple of hours maybe? I hate seeing him like this. Then again, he said the same thing to me when Uncle Asuma died.

"Can I stay here with you?"

"I don't really care right now."

Normal POV

Konohamaru sits next to Naruto in silence. He knows it won't help to rush things. Making Naruto face this too quickly might make him do something he'll regret. About an hour passed in silence before Naruto finally broke the silence.

"I'm hungry. Wanna go to Ichiraku for some dinner?"

"Sure. I'll treat you this time."

Ichiraku was quiet that night having only the duo as its customers. Naruto only ate one bowl which was unusual but Konohamaru let it pass. At least, he thought, Naruto was eating. When his grandfather died, he refused to eat for a few days until they force-fed him at the hospital.

"What are you thinking about Konohamaru?"

"I was thinking about the things I did before."

"What things?"

"The things I did when grandfather and uncle Asuma passed away. You're taking this a bit better than I expected."

"I made a promise. That's why I have to deal with it."

"A promise?"

"I promised ero-sennin that I'd inherit his will of fire. He wanted to stop Akatsuki. I can't do that if I end up crying all day."

"But it's ok to cry. At least while it's still this soon."

"I know. I want to... but..."

"But what? You can cry in front of me. I've cried in front of you lots of times. You crying isn't going to change how I see you."

That was enough for Naruto. Tears started running down his face. Teuchi was standing behind the counter. All he could feel was sadness and sympathy for his best customer. In a way, he was thankful that his store had fewer customers that night. He didn't want Naruto to be a spectacle nor did he want to force them to move somewhere else. As he looked on and felt that Konohamaru could manage the situation, he left.

Konohamaru on the other hand, could not find it in his heart to leave his big brother behind. While it was breaking his heart to see him cry out, he knew that he had to stay.

"He was my master! He was supposed to come back. It was just a damned recon mission!"

"He might have been a perverted ass of a teacher but still. He was my friend."

Konohamaru heard these and more that night. It was then that he realized, no matter how bad Naruto talked about Jiraiya at times, he did hold the utmost respect for the man. And now that he was gone, he would surely be missed. It was somewhat like the relationship he had with his grandfather. He loved him deeply he didn't show it. And as it was with Jiraiya, they never got a chance to give back the kindness both elders gave them. And it hurt a lot more knowing that both elders were probably the ones who acknowledged them the most.

Author's notes: Regarding chapter one, maybe a month is too long for Konohamaru to be grieving but I'll probably stick with it just to stress the relationship between him and his grandfather. Thanks to top for the review! I appreciate it =D