Chapter 4: Free!

He can hear them arguing downstairs. Don't they know that? Naruto looked on the positive side, he would be able to know firsthand what will become of his request of independency this college. The funny thing is Tsunade's all go with what Naruto thought. She wouldn't mind seeing him every once a week or two at most. It's high time their grandson should grow some balls.

"But Tsunade! He hasn't been in a 'real' school yet! He'll get homesick come 4 days I'll tell you that", Jiraiya said with such flourish he almost convinced himself. "I can't believe this crap is coming out of your mouth, your the one who's all 'Oh let him be he'll learn' and 'Don't worry he is going to be alright'.", Tsunade can be childish sometimes in arguments. Better that way than have her break your neck. Naruto smiled gleefully waiting Jiraiya's comeback. "He doesn't even have a GIRLFRIEND, much less a FRIEND! Well, besides us that is.", woah. Lowblow. 'I have half mind killing that old pervert', Kyuubi snarled darkly. "He didn't mean it, but I agree thats pushing limits.", Naruto did have a friend. It was Kyuubi! But of course he can't 'show' them Kyuubi. It'll be one ticket straight to never-ever-seeing-anyone-again. 'That's right, besides. Your grandpa is already mental with boobs and girls.', Kyuubi interjected his thoughts. Naruto ferverntly agreed.

"Psh nonsense, Naruto is a handsome lad. I bet girls will be flocking him unlike someone i know, he has to PAY girls just to flock him!", Tsunade mocked the old man. "Hey! That's a foul! No need to be personal?", Jiraiya pretended to be hurt and frowned like a kabuki. "Huh you belittle Naruto's potential. Just like what you did to Mina-", eyes growing wide with realization. Good thing Tsunade stopped before Naruto ever heard that name. Their names. Tears began to brim on her eyes as she was harshly reminded 'they' were already gone. Dead. "I know what your trying to say,", Jiraiya went to the front door and opened it wide enough so that the morning breeze could come in. "I agree. It's about time Naruto see what the world has to offer," holding Tsunade close as she finally let tears cascade down her cheeks. "And we will be here for him.", she said. "Always." Jiraiya said with finallity.

"YES!"
'YES!'
Both Naruto and Kyuubi said as they heard the part where Jiraiya agreed to their petition for 'real' college. Kyuubi could only smile inwardly as he sees his ward beaming with hope at this new chapter in Naruto's life. 'Yes and I shall be with him always. I will protect him no matter what.'.
Naruto imagined what it would be like in college. Will he see people like Kakashi who is as perverted as Jiraiya? or worse?! Girls stronger than Tsunade? [He thought that since Tsunade is 'old' younger years would've been hell for people who gets her angry]. Maybe he could also see people like Kyuubi? 'Hah! I doubt that', the moody fox said aloud. "Ei look on the bright side for once.", Naruto pouted. He also thought what if, there's someone like him? What if there's someone like him out there. Feeling just as alone and hallow. 'HEY! For once look on the bright side eh?', Kyuubi taunted his ward. "HA HA, very funny", if only he could kick the moody fox that ought to teach him to be mean. 'You wish, now let's go down and get going already kit.', the fox getting impatient inside the orange room. "All right all right, sometimes I think your like my dad if I ever had one.", Naruto grumpily said. Little did he know how it affected the fox. 'If you only knew kit. If you only knew'.

The day was spent with helping Jiraiya sort out the case folders alphabetically, along with gardening outside with Tsunade after. Pretty much the day was spent like normal. Naruto had an extra bounce in his self today and the old couple couldn't help but know why's so. Later that evening, during dinner Tsunade broke the silence with the news Naruto is waiting for.
"Me and Jiraiya have agreed-", she was interupted by the ringing of their telephone. "Probably the station, let me get it." Jiraiya said as he exited the kitchen. "Ok, yes. Well, we have agreed to let you go to a College of your choice and you can choose if you want to be in a dorm or not.", Naruto smiled as it was better than what he thought. "Really Bachan? No catch?", He already knew that morning that everything is go greenlight but he can't help make sure he's not being let on. "Of course it is. Nope, not this time", Tsunade smiled at Naruto's antics. She knew that this is a huge step from being homeschooled.

"Inspector Jiraiya speaking.", he trained his eye towards the kitchen to catch some reactions from the two precious humans left in his life. "Inspector! I -i -i don't know how to say this", Anko's voice was terrible in hiding its anxiousness. This alerted Jiraiya as to what seemed to upset his officer. "Anko, What's wrong?", Jiraiya could think a number of things that can upset the steadfast policewoman. "It's about the Infamous human experimentation.", right then and there Jiraiya knew nothing would be fine. "Go on,". "It's Kabuto Yakushi. He was given parole due to good behavior.", Anko now felt anxious AND scared. If anything, she knows he won't go AWOL and would approach this matter professionally. "I see. Can I trust you Anko?", in all seriousness Jiraiya knew there could only be one way. "But Sir! You ca-", she was cut off. "Anko! He is my only grandson. God knows I'll do anything to keep him from harm's way.", he hoped Anko would agree with the arrangement he has in mind. "I wish I could do more Sir.", Anko reverently said. "Believe me, this already a big favor." Jiraiya laid out the plan to her in which she reluctantly agreed.
"I'll call for a meeting tomorrow then Sir.". "Thank you Anko.", Jiraiya let out a heavy sigh as Anko ended the call.

Jiraiya steadily went back to the kitchen. Relishing the laughs he was hearing. "They'll have to go through me first before anything happens to them." and with a big smile painted over his face. It will be a long while till he gets to enjoy with his family again.

A/N:
Nuuuuh one of the freaks got released! D: Poor Jiraiya, wonder what will be the meeting is all about. Lemme know whatcha think! :D