Chapter 34: Moving On.

Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!

And like always, remember if you want to read up to 13-15 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer

I'm currently updating the novel 2-8 chapters a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 47 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 49-51.

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Enjoy you sexy bastards.

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[Jiraiya POV]

The sun had fully set by the time I made my way back to the Hokage's office. The village was bathed in the soft glow of street lamps, the bustling energy of the day replaced by a calm, almost serene atmosphere. But my mind was far from calm. The incident at the orphanage had left a sour taste in my mouth, and I couldn't let it go without addressing it with Hiruzen.

Pushing open the door to the Hokage's office, I found Sensei buried under a mountain of paperwork, as usual. He looked up, his tired eyes meeting mine with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Jiraiya," he greeted, setting down his pen. "What brings you back so soon?"

I didn't waste any time, striding over to his desk and placing my hands firmly on the surface, cracking the surface around my hand. "We need to talk, Sensei. About Naruto and the orphanage."

Hiruzen's expression turned serious. "What happened?"

I took a deep breath, trying to keep my anger in check. Kami knew I was trying my best not to fight my Sensei right here and now. "I found Takeshi at the orphanage today, holding Naruto. Apparently one of the matrons was mistreating him, and Takeshi, who is still figuring out how to deal with all of this, found her. She was shaking him and calling him a monster. Takeshi almost killed her in his attempt to protect Naruto, he shattered her arm."

Hiruzen's eyes widened in shock, a mix of guilt and worry crossing his features. "I... I didn't know. I thought he was safe there."

"Safe?" I snapped, unable to hold back my frustration as my chakra flared up. "You thought he was safe? You've left Naruto in the hands of people who see him as the Nine Tails, not as Minato and Kushina's son. How could you let this happen? Scratch that, how in the hell does a simple matron know he's the jinchuriki?! That's supposed to be a S-ranked secret!"

Part of the reason I wasn't supposed to take Naruto with me was because his status as a jinchuriki and his parentage was supposed to be kept a damn secret. And the villagers already fucking knew?!

Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples. "I had no idea the staff there would treat him like that. I should have been more vigilant."

"Damn right you should have," I retorted, my voice rising, glaring at him. "Naruto deserves better than this. Minato deserves better than this. He deserves to be loved and protected, not abused and hated. Takeshi shouldn't have to step in to protect him because the adults around him are failing to do their jobs."

Hiruzen's shoulders sagged, the weight of his responsibilities pressing down on him. "You're right, Jiraiya. I've failed him…"

I took a step back, trying to gather my thoughts. "We need to find someone who can take care of Naruto, someone who understands who he is and what he represents, seeing his jinchuriki status was already leaked. Maybe it's time to reconsider the decision to keep him at the orphanage."

Hiruzen nodded slowly. "I agree. I'll make arrangements to have Naruto moved to a safer environment. I also need to investigate who leaked this information."

"Whoever did so… committed treason," I said, crossing my arms.

"I promise you, Jiraiya," Hiruzen said, his voice firm. "I'll make sure Naruto is taken care of. And I'll personally oversee his well-being from now on."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Good. Because if I find out something like this happens again, even by some rumor… I won't hesitate to take him myself, no matter what the consequences are."

Hiruzen gave me a small, sad smile. "I understand, Jiraiya. And thank you for bringing this to my attention. Naruto is lucky to have you looking out for him."

If this happened again, there would be no luck involved. I take the kid with me, I would raise him, spy network be damned if Sensei didn't keep his word. I failed Minato and Kushina, I won't fail their son. I can't.

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 [Third Person POV]

As the first light of dawn broke over Konoha, casting a soft golden hue over the village, Takeshi found himself standing outside his house, looking at the belongings he had packed for his move to the Uchiha compound, after having finally decided to move on a bit. Today was the day he would be moving in with Mikoto and Fugaku, leaving behind the emptiness of his own home. He felt a mix of emotions—relief, sadness, and a touch of uncertainty.

Tsuki, his loyal cat, circled his legs, sensing the change. He reached down to scratch her behind the ears, drawing comfort from her presence.

As he stood there, lost in thought, he heard a familiar voice calling out. "Takeshi! Ready to go?" Itachi's calm, composed demeanor came into view, followed closely by a more energetic presence, Shisui, the guy who had adopted himself into Takeshi's and Itachi's life.

"Morning, Takeshi!" Shisui called out, practically bouncing on his feet. "Ready for the big move? Need a hand with anything?"

Takeshi smiled faintly at the sight of his friends. "Morning, Itachi. Shisui. Yeah, I'm ready. Just got a few boxes to carry over."

Shisui clapped his hands together, a mischievous grin on his face. "Alright! Let's get this show on the road. Itachi, you take the big stuff. Takeshi, you handle the delicate things. While I'll just supervise and look pretty, okay?"

Itachi rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at his lips. "Shisui, let's just get this done without breaking anything."

"Fine, I'll handle the delicate stuff, Takeshi can look pretty for us this time," Shisui sighed, crossing his arms.

Takeshi chuckled, appreciating the lighthearted banter. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate the help."

With that, the chaotic trio of geniuses set to work. Itachi effortlessly lifted the heavier boxes, his strength and precision making it look easy. Shisui, true to his word, handled the more delicate items with surprising care, all the while chattering away, making jokes, and keeping the mood light.

"Hey, Takeshi, did you know Itachi tried to bake a cake today for you?" Shisui said with a laugh, carefully placing a box on the cart. "It was supposed to be a welcome home cake, but he mixed up the sugar and salt. Let's just say we can use the cake as a weapon in the battlefield now."

Itachi's ears turned slightly pink, but he maintained his calm demeanor. "It's not my fault sugar and salt look the same. Besides, the boars like it."

"They died from sodium overdose, Itachi," Shisui retorted, feigning a serious tone though laughter twinkled in his eyes.

Takeshi couldn't help but laugh at the mental image. "I'll keep that in mind. Maybe we'll have to test your baking skills again someday. Who knows… maybe you'll be known as Itachi the deadly Baker of the Hidden Leaf."

As they continued working, Takeshi felt a sense of warmth and camaraderie. Moving in with Mikoto and Fugaku was a big step, but having Itachi and Shisui by his side made it feel less daunting.

After a few trips back and forth, they finally had all of Takeshi's belongings packed and ready to go. Shisui wiped the sweat from his brow dramatically. "Phew! That was a workout. Who knew you had so much stuff, Takeshi?"

Takeshi shook his head with a smile. "Thanks for the help, Shisui. I couldn't have done it without you two. Actually… I totally could've done it, but I won't say no to free labor."

"That's what friends are for," Itachi said simply, his eyes reflecting a quiet determination. "Let's get everything to our house. My mom has been looking forward to this."

As they made their way to the Uchiha compound, Shisui continued to entertain them with his antics, juggling a few small items and making exaggerated faces. Takeshi couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for having such supportive friends.

When they arrived at Mikoto and Fugaku's house, Mikoto greeted them warmly. "Welcome, Takeshi. We're so glad to have you with us. Thank you, Itachi, Shisui, for helping out."

Fugaku nodded in agreement. "Yes, thank you. Takeshi, consider this your home now."

Takeshi offered them a faint smile. "Thank you, Lady Mikoto, Lord Fugaku. I really appreciate it."

As they settled in, Shisui flopped onto the couch dramatically. "Ah, moving is exhausting! Who's up for some snacks?"

Mikoto chuckled, shaking her head, beaming at the fact Takeshi had finally decided to move with them. "I'll bring some snacks. You all deserve it."

Itachi, always the voice of reason, added, "And maybe some tea to go with it."

"Tea?" Shisui muttered, looking at Itachi like he had grown a second head. "You really are an old man in disguise, aren't you?"

Despite the jab, Itachi simply shrugged, a small smirk gracing his usually stoic features. "What's wrong with appreciating a good cup of tea?"