Chapter 33: A Wise Pervert.

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 43 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 45-47.

Discord invite: https://discord.gg/XHduApz

Enjoy you sexy bastards.

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[Jiraiya POV.]

The sun was setting over Konoha, casting a warm golden glow across the village. I had taken Takeshi and baby Naruto to a nearby park to calm things down after the incident at the orphanage, which was something I would have to talk with Sensei about. Anyway, we sat on a bench, each of us holding an ice cream cone.

Takeshi was holding his with one hand, the other arm securely cradling Naruto, who seemed content to gnaw on his tiny fingers. He looked a lot like Minato; sure, he had the usual Uzumaki features here and there, but the boy was the living image of Minato.

"So," I started, trying to lighten the mood, "What's a toad's favorite kind of music?" I paused for effect, wiggling my eyebrows. "Hip-hop!"

There's no way the kid can resist my best toad joke.

Takeshi gave me a polite smile, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. "That's a good one," he said, taking a small lick of his ice cream.

I guess I need to work on my material.

I sighed inwardly. The kid was guarded, and who could blame him? He'd been through more than most shinobi twice his age. "So, how have you been holding up, Takeshi?" I asked, trying to keep my tone light but genuine.

"Fine," Takeshi replied, holding Naruto a little tighter.

It seems he wasn't even questioning how I knew about him. Or maybe he didn't care?

I studied him for a moment. It was clear he wasn't ready to open up, or rather didn't think it was necessary to do so, that was the problem with geniuses… they often found a way to rationalize their stupid behavior. "You know, Takeshi," I said, taking a bite of my own ice cream, "It's okay to feel angry and out of control sometimes."

He glanced at me, his eyes betraying a flicker of uncertainty. "I suppose," he said quietly.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Kid, I know how you feel… I've been in your shoes more than once, and let me tell you… holding everything in isn't healthy either. You're strong, Takeshi. No one doubts that. But you're also human. It's okay to feel things deeply, it's okay to just be mad or sad or angry without having to explain why."

He looked down at Naruto, who was now gurgling happily. "It's just... when I saw her hurting Naruto, something inside me snapped. I couldn't control my emotions for a bit…"

"That's understandable," I said gently, taking a deep breath. "But don't sell yourself short, brat, you managed not to kill anyone in that orphanage, that's something."

Especially considering that if I had been the one to find that woman hurting Naruto, shaking him with hate… I would've killed every single adult in that miserable building… I'm starting to question Sensei's decision not to let me take care of Naruto…

Takeshi looked up at me, a faint empty smile on his face. "I suppose that's quite the achievement. Considering Kushina would've killed them…"

I guess that pretty much confirms the kid knows who Naruto's real parents are, which is not surprising considering how much time he spent with Kushina and Minato.

And he was right, Kushina would've killed everyone in that orphanage, and would've tried to kill Sensei, hahaha, I'm almost sad I can't see that happening.

I chuckled, lightly patting Takeshi's shoulder. "She'd have given them hell, that's for sure."

He nodded slowly, as if absorbing my words. "Thank you, Lord Jiraiya, for the ice cream."

Lord Jiraiya, huh? Not super pervert, I guess the kid is a fan after all, can't blame him, I'm awesome like that. Though I would've accepted the pervert title too, I am proud of all of my accomplishments, including that one.

We sat in silence for a while, the only sounds being the distant laughter of children playing and the soft coos of baby Naruto.

As the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, I decided to try again. "You know, Takeshi, Minato had big plans for you," I said, watching him carefully. "He believed in your potential, and he wanted to help you grow into a great ninja."

Takeshi's grip on Naruto tightened slightly. "He did, huh?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," I nodded. "He saw something special in you, something worth nurturing. And now that I met you in person, I see it too. You're not alone in this. We're all here for you."

He looked down at the baby in his arms, a myriad of emotions flickering across his face. "I miss them," he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "My parents. Minato… Kushina, I miss them all... They were always there for me."

"And they still are," I said gently. "In here." I tapped his chest. "In your heart and your memories. They wouldn't want you to carry this burden alone. Let those around you help."

Takeshi nodded, a single tear escaping down his cheek. "Okay," he whispered. "I'll try."

"That's all anyone can ask," I said, ruffling his hair. "One step at a time."

"You are very wise for a world-renowned pervert," Takeshi smiled lightly.

And there is the pervert comment.

"Well," I laughed, scratching my head in embarrassment. "It's all about balance, sometimes I'm a renowned pervert, sometimes I'm a writer, and other times I'm a wise old toad sage. That's life."

We continued to sit in the park, the ice cream slowly melting in our hands, as the first stars began to twinkle in the sky. It was a small step, but it was a step forward, and I knew that with time and support, Takeshi would find his way, and maybe just maybe, I would find mine as well.

In the meantime, however… I had to have a talk with Sensei about Naruto's condition, and about the staff at the orphanage… even if Naruto wasn't the son of Minato, she had no right to treat a baby like that.

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[Arata Takeshi - POV.]

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across Konoha, I made my way back home. Naruto had been taken back to the orphanage by some ANBU, who probably would've attacked me if it weren't for Jiraiya being there.

After that, Jiraiya had seen me off with a warm, albeit slightly awkward, smile.

The man was different from what I expected. My memories of him in the show… portrayed a different image of him, one more comical than anything else.

I couldn't help but muse over my encounter with Jiraiya. For someone known around the world as the biggest pervert, the guy was surprisingly wise. His words had a way of cutting through the fog of my thoughts, bringing clarity to the chaos that had been swirling inside me today.

"Wise for a pervert," I muttered to myself, shaking my head with a small smile. Who would've thought?

The evening air was cool and crisp, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the trees lining the streets. I found myself taking a longer route home, not quite ready to face the emptiness of the house just yet. It had only been months since the Nine Tails. The house, once filled with warmth and laughter, now felt like a hollow shell, a constant reminder of what I had lost.

Maybe I should just move in with Lady Mikoto and let this… go away.

As I walked, I thought back to Jiraiya's words. It was okay to feel angry and out of control sometimes. I had been so focused on keeping everything bottled up, on maintaining control, on not letting Danzo see my emotions, that I hadn't allowed myself to grieve properly. To feel the anger, the pain, the loss.

But Jiraiya was right.

Holding everything in wasn't healthy. And even though I felt alone, I wasn't. I had people who cared about me, who wanted to help. It was a hard lesson to accept, but I knew I had to try.

Maybe I should talk with Itachi about this, about Danzo… perhaps he would offer a different perspective.

I reached my house and paused at the door, taking a deep breath. Pushing the door open, I stepped inside, the familiar scent of the house washing over me. I dropped my bag by the door and made my way to the living room, where Tsuki, my cat, was already waiting for me, her green eyes watching me with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Hey, Tsuki," I murmured, crouching down to scratch her behind the ears. She purred in response, leaning into my touch. "Guess what? I met Jiraiya today. The Jiraiya. Can you believe it?"

She meowed softly, as if in agreement.

"And you know what? For a world-renowned pervert, he's actually pretty wise," I continued, a small smile tugging at my lips.