Chapter 50

The smell of sizzling meat and the crackling sound of the BBQ grill filled the small restaurant. Naruto leaned back in his chair, his arm draped lazily around Ino's shoulders. Her laughter mingled with the chuckles of Shikamaru and the boisterous commentary of Choji, who was, as usual, focused entirely on the food in front of him.

Choji's face turned bright red as he popped a piece of freshly cooked meat into his mouth. "It's hot!" he cried, waving his hands dramatically.

Naruto and Shikamaru laughed, their spirits light for the first time in what felt like forever. Naruto felt something unfamiliar—peace. The Akatsuki were still a looming threat, and Sasuke's absence weighed heavily on him, but at that moment, surrounded by his friends and Ino, he allowed himself a small reprieve. Things were looking up, and for once, he allowed himself to believe that everything would be okay.

The tranquility of the moment was shattered as the restaurant's doors burst open with a loud bang. The hostess let out a distressed yelp, lamenting the fate of yet another broken door. Heads turned to see Sakura Haruno standing in the doorway. Her Anbu uniform clung to her, the tattoo on her shoulder gleaming in the dim light of the restaurant. Her long, pink hair, usually kept up neatly, cascaded down her shoulders in messy waves. Her face was streaked with tears.

Naruto was on his feet in an instant. His voice, usually loud and boisterous, was now laced with urgency and fury. "Sakura-chan, what's wrong?"

The sight of Sakura crying was enough to silence the restaurant. Her stoic demeanor had earned her the moniker of the Ice Queen among her peers. If something had cracked her composed exterior, it could only mean something monumental had happened.

Sakura sniffed, taking a shaky breath as she tried to steady herself. Her emerald eyes, bloodshot from crying, met Naruto's. She didn't answer right away, as if forming the words would make them too real. Finally, her voice, soft and broken, cut through the oppressive silence.

"He's dead."

Naruto's heart sank. He knew before she said it—he could see it in her face. His breath caught in his throat as she continued.

"Jiraiya-sensei… He's gone."

The color drained from Naruto's face as if the words themselves had robbed him of life. His knees buckled, and he slumped to the floor. His mind spiraled, unable to process what he had just heard. Jiraiya—his mentor, his teacher, his father figure—was gone.

Sakura collapsed beside him, her sobs breaking through the silence. Without hesitation, Naruto wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly. His own tears streamed down his face, mixing with hers. The restaurant seemed to fade away, the world shrinking to just the two of them and their shared grief.

Ino watched the scene unfold, her heart heavy with her own sadness for her friend. For a brief moment, jealousy sparked in her chest as she watched Naruto hold Sakura so closely. But it disappeared as quickly as it came, overridden by concern and compassion. She stepped forward, placing a hand on Sakura's trembling shoulder, silently lending her support.

Shikamaru, ever the strategist, stood tall, his dark eyes scanning the room. "Choji, cover the door. Ino, help me give them some space." His voice was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

Choji, uncharacteristically serious, nodded and moved to block the door, his broad frame shielding them from prying eyes. Ino stood protectively beside Sakura and Naruto, her presence a quiet but steadfast comfort.

Naruto's mind was a storm of memories. Jiraiya's loud, carefree laugh. His perverted antics. His unwavering belief in Naruto's potential. The way he had looked at him with pride, as though he were more than just a student—like he was family. The realization that he would never hear that laugh again, never feel that hand ruffle his hair, hit him like a kunai to the chest.

Sakura's sobs grew softer, her voice hoarse. "I should've been there. I should've… done something." Her words were broken, filled with guilt and regret.

Naruto shook his head, his voice trembling but resolute. "No… He wouldn't want that. Jiraiya-sensei… He wouldn't want us to blame ourselves."

The interaction didn't feel real to him. He wasn't sure if he believed his own words, but he said them anyway, hoping they would bring Sakura some semblance of comfort. Hoping they would bring him comfort.

Team 10 stood as silent sentinels, forming a protective barrier around their grieving friends. Ino glanced down at Naruto and Sakura, her blue eyes filled with sorrow. She knew the bond they had shared with Jiraiya, and she knew the pain they were feeling now was immeasurable.

Naruto clung to Sakura as if she were the only thing anchoring him to the earth. And maybe, at that moment, she was. Together, they cried for the man who had believed in them both. For the man who had been more than a teacher. For the man who had given his life for the dream of peace.

And as the tears fell, Naruto made a silent promise to himself. Jiraiya's dream wouldn't die with him. It was now up to him to carry it forward. To honor his memory. To never give up.