Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

As the aftermath of the Wind Style subsided, the remaining Paths of Pain regrouped. Tendo Pain noted, "Bomb Pain's weapon was destroyed and lost in the sea. It cannot be salvaged or sensed."

Naruto had been the one to rescue Jiraiya. Using the Rasenshuriken, shadow clones, and the Flying Thunder God Jutsu—techniques inherited from both his Sage training and his father—the Fourth Hokage—Naruto proved how far he had come.

Placing Jiraiya down gently, Naruto asked, "Are you okay, Jiraiya-sensei?"

Fukasaku Sage studied the orange markings around Naruto's eyes, astonished. "Kid, who are you? How do you know the Toad Sage Technique?"

Jiraiya, equally stunned, observed Naruto. 'His Sage Mode is even better than mine... and that kunai... it's Minato's Flying Thunder God! When did this kid learn all this?'

"Brother," Jiraiya explained, "this is my other apprentice, Naruto."

Fukasaku's jaw dropped. "Another disciple? And the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki at that!"

Before the conversation could continue, Tendo Pain interrupted, recognizing Naruto instantly. "Naruto Uzumaki... the Nine-Tails vessel."

Naruto's gaze turned icy, his anger palpable as he noticed Jiraiya's injuries. "I've forgiven you once before, but after seeing my teacher like this, I'll make you pay!"

Jiraiya, alarmed, urged, "Naruto, don't fight them. These aren't even the real Pain; they're puppets. Pain is actually—"

"I know," Naruto replied calmly.

Helping Jiraiya to his feet, Naruto turned to Pain and declared, "Nagato! I'll settle things with you soon. I'll remind you of what you've abandoned and show you how wrong your beliefs are."

With that, Naruto vanished with Jiraiya using the Flying Thunder God.

Back on the battlefield, Konan approached Tendo Pain, who said thoughtfully, "We've lost two Paths, and that teleportation jutsu is troublesome. For now, we'll retreat and reorganize."

***

At Mount Myoboku, Shima Sage tended to Jiraiya's wounds while Fukasaku praised Naruto. "If this kid hadn't shown up, little Jiraiya wouldn't have made it back alive."

Shima was equally amazed. "This boy knows Sage Mode?"

Fukasaku nodded. "He's mastered it even better than Jiraiya. And unlike Jiraiya, he barely shows toad-like features—just the orange markings around his eyes."

Jiraiya, deeply moved, asked Naruto, "Where did you learn all this? And how did you know to come here?"

Naruto hesitated before replying, "I'm sorry, sensei. I can't explain everything right now. When the time is right, I promise to tell you."

Jiraiya smiled faintly. "That's okay. Kids grow up and have their secrets. Just promise me you'll always walk the right path."

Naruto looked Jiraiya in the eye. "Sensei, I swear I'll protect Konoha, the ninja world, and everyone in it, even if it costs me my life."

Seeing Naruto's unwavering determination, Jiraiya felt a spark of hope. Smiling, he said softly, "Perhaps, you're the child of prophecy after all."

Shima and Fukasaku Sage Toads exchanged a glance after hearing Jiraiya. The Great Toad Sage's prophecy about the child destined to change the ninja world now seemed clear—Naruto fit the role far better than Nagato ever did. Their fondness for him grew rapidly.

Naruto, however, remained silent, offering only a smile. While he understood the weight of the prophecy, his focus was on Jiraiya. He kept his eyes fixed on his teacher, as if afraid he might vanish at any moment.

Jiraiya noticed and raised an eyebrow. "What's with the staring? Is my Sage Mode off, but the marks still there or something?"

Naruto quickly wiped the tears that had unknowingly fallen. "No, it's just..." He hesitated, then smiled to cover his emotions. "It's been so long since I've seen you, Sensei. I missed you."

Jiraiya, caught off guard, felt his own emotions rise. The contrast between Nagato's betrayal and Naruto's heartfelt sincerity hit him hard. He blinked back tears, laughing awkwardly to lighten the mood. "What's with you, kid? Getting all mushy? If you missed me that much, why don't you show me the Transformation Jutsu again? Maybe I'll get some inspiration for my next book!"

Naruto chuckled, grateful for Jiraiya's attempt to lift the mood.

Shima interrupted, "Alright, enough sentimentality. Dinner's ready, Naruto-chan! Come eat with us."

Fukasaku perked up. "What's for dinner, Ma? Something delicious, I hope!"

Naruto's heart skipped a beat as memories of Mount Myoboku's infamous cuisine came flooding back. Dark dishes filled with bugs, earthworms eaten like noodles—it was not something he wanted to relive.

As Shima proudly declared, "Fresh earthworm noodles!" both Naruto and Jiraiya visibly froze, exchanging a panicked glance.

Jiraiya quickly covered, "Thank you for the kind offer, but we really need to report Pain's intel to Tsunade."

Naruto eagerly agreed. "Yes, we should head back now."

Though disappointed, Shima relented. "Fine, but you boys are missing out!"

After bowing in gratitude to the sages, Naruto and Jiraiya prepared to leave. Jiraiya asked, "Naruto, can you teleport us directly to the village?"

Naruto nodded. "I think so. I remember a marked kunai in my dad's house that should work."

With that, Naruto placed his hand on Jiraiya's shoulder, and they vanished.

***

The two reappeared in a dusty, abandoned room.

"Ack! Naruto, where did you take us? Why is there so much dust?" Jiraiya coughed, waving the air.

Naruto coughed as well, then looked around and realized they were in the storage room of his childhood home. "This is... my old house."

Jiraiya spotted a familiar kunai—a marked Sword of Ninja Love—and then opened a closet to find the Fourth Hokage's cloak, dusty but intact. He picked it up and turned to Naruto. "So, you know the truth about your parents?"

Naruto nodded. "When the Nine-Tails' chakra exploded, my dad appeared. He left some of his chakra in me and told me everything."

Jiraiya smiled knowingly. "Minato always planned ahead. He must've left the Flying Thunder God and Sage Techniques for you, too."

Naruto seized the opportunity to attribute his progress to Minato. "Yeah, my father taught me everything."

Jiraiya marveled at Naruto's abilities. "Minato was incredible, but you... you've surpassed even him. Flying Thunder God, Sage Mode—you've mastered them both and use them so skillfully in battle."

His gaze softened as he looked at Naruto. Pride and certainty filled his heart. The child of prophecy isn't Nagato. It's Naruto.

Jiraiya smiled warmly. "You've grown into an incredible shinobi, Naruto. I'm proud of you."

Naruto looked down, emotions welling up again. "Thank you, Sensei. I'll keep working to protect everyone."

Together, they prepared to head to Tsunade, a renewed sense of hope and determination driving them forward.