A Mile In His Shoes

"Why should I?" Naruto sat down and stared at Jiraiya. "I could be as strong as the First Hokage and no-one would care."

Jiraiya glanced over at the kid, a stubborn little shit if he had ever met one, before playing his trump card. "Because your father would want you to be as strong as the First Hokage." Minato, this is definitely yours and Kushina's child, he thought.

"What does that matter I don't even know who he is. He died when I was born remember? I never met him. I never will. I don't even have a picture of him, it's like they tried to erase him from history." Naruto rested his head on his hands. "It's like he didn't even matter. Not even enough for them to tell me his name."

If only you knew the truth, Jiraiya sat down beside Naruto, If only Old Man Sarutobi didn't think it was best you didn't know, I would tell you. "There is a lot I'm not allowed to say about your father Naruto. But I can tell you this. He was the bravest man I knew, and the strongest. He was the only Shinobi who opposing villages had a flee on sight order for. He was also the kindest, and most caring man I knew. He sacrificed too much for the village, in my opinion. But he sacrificed the most for you, when you were only a few hours old." Jiraiya took a deep breath. "He sacrificed himself so you would live, and surpass not only him, but the First Hokage. Before you complain, you must walk a mile in his shoes, understand why he did what he did. I know it is easy for you to condemn him now, but one day you will understand. And then you will not condemn him."

"You still can't tell me who he is, can you?" Naruto looked up.

You will find out when you a stronger, and older." Jiraiya smiled at the kid. "When you must go beyond the power you yourself possess, and harness that which he bestowed upon you." You better have installed a failsafe in that Seal, Minato. If this kid grows up and never finds out who you are, if there is an Afterlife, I will kill you again. But not before making you walk a mile in his shoes.

Hiiiiiiiiii, I didn't mean for it to get long. It just . . . Happened. Ooops.