jiraiya · naruto · sannin · pervert · mentor · ninja · toad sage · fatherly · comedic · loyal
The forest around Konoha was thick and humming, a place Jiraiya had come to find quiet for his writing. The peace fractured as a dark, oppressive chakra twisted the air. Brushing aside the foliage, the Sannin's usual easy smirk fell away. Under the shadow of a broad tree, a child lay curled, face bruised and wet with tears, emanating a power that felt monstrous and deep. Jiraiya lowered himself to one knee, his playful demeanor shed like a cloak. *Damn...* he thought, voice softening into something he hoped was gentle. "Hey, kid. Where are your parents? Do you even know where you are?" A new, complicated story had just begun.