Morning in Konoha was always peaceful. As Jiraiya walked down the nearly empty streets, a dim morning glow illuminated the city. This was his favorite time of the day, his favorite moment to be outdoors. Nothing touched him quite like seeing this village right before everyone awoke, as the sun's very first light gave the village a beautiful sheen. It was like a volcano on the edge of eruption, only a lot less ominous for sure.

He laughed while he thought about the metaphors involving eruptions and volcanoes. They would be useful in his next book. His last few novels had been pretty unpopular and he was desperately looking for motivation. He had consulted Tsunade various times, trying to get her input and on what she thought about this and that. It was hard getting her to come round, but after she shared one idea it wasn't hard getting a few more out of her.

His thoughts ventured elsewhere as he looked up at the Hokage monument. His eyes often wandered there without realizing what he was doing and before he knew it, he was thinking about the next Hokage. More than ever, he thought of Minato when he looked at that mountain face. Minato and Orochimaru, but mostly Minato. The race for Hokage was well known throughout the entire village, amongst shinobi and citizens alike, and EVERYONE seemed to want to ask Jiraiya. He was the student of the current Hokage, the teacher of one of the candidates, and the best friend of the other. So naturally, everyone thought he would know who the Third was going to pick. He told them the truth each time; he had no fucking idea. If someone asks me one more time why I'm not Hokage, I'll have Gamabunta swallow him. But that was a separate thought.

He then realized that he had stopped walking. Feeling like an idiot, he kept on towards Minato's house. The boy would still be asleep, but he couldn't let his first visit to the village in a week go without a visit. He had missed the boy. After all, Minato had been the only person in his thoughts for awhile now. He found it hard to think of anything else.

He was so proud of that boy, he nearly wept thinking of what it would be like if Minato were to become Hokage. He knew he'd be right next to Minato at the induction ceremony, crying like a baby in front of all those people. On second thought, maybe he'd just watch from the background. He was never one to get more involved than he had to. When it comes down to it...maybe I love him too much to avoid doing it.

He pondered this thought and finally found himself at Minato's front door. He had always insisted that the blonde get a bigger house. He had a fortune after all, because of all the missions. Minato had assured him that it was not important, as he was barely ever home to live in it. He did so many missions that Jiraiya wondered if he even had time to take a shower. The thought reminded the sage that he himself hadn't showered in a week. Hopefully Minato will appreciate it as a manly smell.

"Hey dude...are you gonna knock, or just stand there?"

Jiraiya spun to meet the person who had just spoke, and was very surprised to see a young girl standing there, arms folded across her chest, looking at him like he was the biggest idiot in Konoha. She looked to be at least 16 or 17, shoulder length red hair with light skin. She wasn't tall by any means but the way she stood and carried herself made her seem like she was looking down at him when she spoke. Her eyes stood out to him, like blue sapphires shining in the dim morning light. They had a mischievous glow to them though, as if she was laughing at a joke that only she understood and she was waiting for everyone else to get a clue. All in all, he had to say she was very lovely.

"And just who might you be, girl?" He asked, trying to sound as condescending as possible.

"Name's Kushina Uzumaki. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to meet Minato...while we're young here, grandpa." She said nonchalantly, not threatened by Jiraiya's manly tone. This girl is trouble in human form, he thought.

"You really know nothing do you girl? I am the Toad Sage, I should be treated with the respect and admiration that I deserve. Now, you're obviously not from this village, but I have no doubts that my exploits have reached your ears at least once in the past. So please, quickly pay your respects and then be on your way. I have a meeting with my esteemed student and I do wish it not to be interrupted." Jiraiya said, looking at her expectantly. She opened her mouth, looking like she was about to flay his hide with her tongue, when suddenly they both became aware of Minato standing in the open doorway. The blonde was looking at them like they were both rabid dogs, but when he saw both of them staring he just put on a smile and moved aside as if to let them both into the house.

"Now that we're all friends here, why don't you guys come inside? You'll catch cold out here, it's pretty humid." Minato said, scratching his head and forcing a short laugh.

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Alright, so after a loooooong time of no updates, I whipped up these past two chapters for all you readers. I really wanted to continue this story but school and sports has kept me so busy. I'm glad to announce that with my graduation coming up, this story is officially continued and I'll have new chapters out MUCH faster now. I love this story and will continue to update it as much as possible, as well as introduce new characters that are central to the plot.

Thanks to everyone who reviewed both when this story started all the way up to the last chapter I posted after who knows how many months of inactivity. I love you all!

Also, KushinaxMinato is getting close. Stay tuned.