Naruto: Rebirth Of The Child Of Prophecy

In the Fifth Hokage's office, Tsunade silently examined Jiraiya's broken arm, her expression a mixture of anger and worry. Jiraiya, seemingly oblivious, continued his report in a casual tone. Beside them, Shizune held Tonton and listened intently, while Naruto stood nearby, his heart heavy.

In his previous life, Naruto often blamed Tsunade for letting Jiraiya face such a dangerous mission alone. Yet now, watching the two of them, he realized the truth. Even if Tsunade had tried to stop him, Jiraiya would have gone to the Rain Village anyway.

'Sensei has always been like this—stubborn and selfless,' Naruto thought with a sigh.

Tsunade's voice broke through his thoughts. "Why are you so reckless? If it weren't for Naruto, you wouldn't have made it back alive."

Jiraiya chuckled, deflecting her concern with humor. "Well, look at it this way—you always lose your bets. This time, you finally won one."

Smack!

Tsunade slapped him hard across the face. Her lip trembled as tears welled up in her eyes. "Baka! You idiot!"

Jiraiya froze, his usual smirk fading. Slowly, he raised his good hand to touch hers, which had lingered on his cheek. His expression softened, the levity gone.

Shizune caught the shift in the air and quickly signaled to Naruto.

"Come on," she whispered, leading him out of the room.

As they walked down the corridor, Shizune let out a sigh of relief. "Master Jiraiya is finally back safely."

Naruto, puzzled, asked, "Was Tsunade really that worried?"

Shizune nodded, clutching Tonton tighter. "You have no idea. While Jiraiya-sama was gone, Tsunade-sama barely ate or slept. She might not show it, but she cares deeply for him."

Hearing this, Naruto's heart warmed. 'So, Grandma Tsunade does have a special place for Sensei in her heart.' A thought crossed his mind, one that made him smile: if Jiraiya and Tsunade got married and had a child, maybe he could take that child as his apprentice and train them to become Hokage.

Back in the Hokage's office, Tsunade's emotions spilled over as she leaned into Jiraiya's chest. Years of guarded feelings and suppressed pain began to surface.

For so long, Tsunade had distanced herself from love. Losing her brother and Dan had left scars too deep to heal, and the fear of losing Jiraiya had always held her back. But seeing him return alive—despite the odds—was a moment of clarity. Perhaps, she thought, it was time to let go of her fears and embrace what was in front of her.

As her thoughts drifted, she noticed Jiraiya's gaze wandering south. His lone hand began to move with less-than-noble intentions.

"Baka! You pervert!" Tsunade's fist came down hard on his head, sending him flying into the wall.

Jiraiya groaned, clutching his head. "What was that for? I didn't survive Pain's attack just to die at your hands!"

Tsunade crossed her arms and huffed. "What are you afraid of? I'll heal you if you're hurt!"

"That's not the point!" Jiraiya muttered, rubbing his head. Despite his complaints, a small smile played on his lips.

Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle at his antics.

'He's insufferable,' she thought, 'but somehow, that's what makes him... Jiraiya.'

Outside the Hokage building, Naruto and Shizune heard the distant crash and vibration from upstairs.

Naruto flinched. "What was that?!"

Shizune smiled knowingly. "Relax, it's just Tsunade-sama. You don't need to worry."

Naruto thought about it and nodded. 'If anyone can keep Sensei in line, it's her.'

"I'll head out now," Naruto said. "If Sensei or Grandma Tsunade need me, let me know."

Shizune waved him off. "I will. Take care, Naruto."

As Naruto strolled through Konoha's bustling streets, villagers greeted him warmly. The acceptance and admiration he felt were new but welcome. Reflecting on the timeline, Naruto knew that without his intervention, Jiraiya would have been dead by now, and Konoha would soon face Pain's wrath.

Walking along, Naruto silently vowed to protect the village this time. I won't let Konoha be destroyed again. Not this time.

Lost in thought, Naruto suddenly stopped. He turned his head slightly, sensing something.

From the shadows of an alley, a man wearing a dog-head mask watched him.

***

The Ichiraku Ramen shop was bustling with its usual crowd, the scent of freshly cooked noodles wafting through the air. Naruto finally arrived, his footsteps slowing as a wide grin spread across his face. Pulling back the curtain, he stepped inside.

"Uncle, give me a big bowl of tonkotsu ramen!" Naruto called out excitedly.

Teuchi, busy stirring a pot of broth, glanced up and beamed. "Naruto! You're back? Weren't you out on a mission? How'd it go?"

Naruto sat down at the counter, smiling. "It's a long story, but yeah, I'm back."

"Well, then!" Teuchi said, ladling noodles into a bowl. "You've earned an extra helping. On the house!"

"Thanks, Uncle!" Naruto's eyes sparkled as Teuchi placed a steaming bowl in front of him. The generous portions, the vibrant toppings—everything screamed of the care Teuchi always put into his ramen, especially for Naruto.

The first bite brought a flood of memories. The rich, savory flavor was a comforting constant in Naruto's ever-changing life. As the warm broth hit his tongue, his eyes grew misty. Ramen's always been there for me—like family, he thought.

Placing his palms together, Naruto said earnestly, "Itadakimasu!" Breaking his chopsticks, he dove in, slurping up noodles with gusto.

Teuchi chuckled. "If you need more, just say the word!"

Naruto paused to smile. "Will do!" He knew Teuchi's kindness wasn't just about food—it was one of the few unwavering pillars of support he'd had growing up. When Naruto had been shunned by the village, Teuchi had always welcomed him with a warm smile and a bowl of ramen.

***

As Naruto savored the last sip of broth, a familiar voice called out, "Hey, what a coincidence, Naruto!"

Naruto looked up and grinned. "Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka approached the counter, his warm smile fading into slight concern as he noticed Naruto's red eyes. "Hey, are you okay?"

Without a word, Naruto suddenly stood and hugged Iruka tightly. The memories of his previous life flashed through his mind—of Iruka standing as his shield, giving his life to protect Naruto as Hokage.

"I'm fine," Naruto said, his voice steady but emotional. Pulling back, he smiled. "I just missed you, Iruka-sensei."

Iruka chuckled, though his gaze lingered, searching for answers. "You're acting strange today, Naruto. Did something happen?"

"Nothing serious," Naruto replied, waving him off. "I just haven't seen you in a while."

Teuchi handed Iruka his ramen, and as Iruka began eating, he asked, "Are you sure this isn't about Sasuke?"

Naruto shook his head. "It's not about him. Really, I'm fine."

Iruka studied him for a moment longer, then shrugged. "Alright. But you know you can always talk to me."

Naruto smiled warmly. Iruka wasn't just his teacher—he was family. He had been the first to acknowledge him, the first to believe in him. In many ways, Iruka had been the father figure Naruto never had.

Their conversation was interrupted by a loud, familiar voice.

"Big brother!"

Naruto turned to see Konohamaru burst through the curtain, followed closely by Udon and Moegi.

"Konohamaru! Udon! Moegi!" Naruto greeted them, ruffling Konohamaru's hair affectionately.

"Granny Tsunade sent me to find you," Konohamaru said, catching his breath. "She wants you at the Hokage's office right away!"

Naruto groaned. "Already? I just got here!"

Iruka chuckled. "You'd better go. Hokage's orders."

Naruto sighed, finishing his goodbyes. "Alright, Konohamaru, let's go. See you later, Iruka-sensei!"

As they left, Iruka watched them go, a small smile on his face.

'He's grown so much,' he thought.

***

Meanwhile, deep in the shadows beneath Konoha, Danzo stood before a towering statue. Leaning on his cane, he listened as a masked Root operative knelt before him.

"The Nine-Tails brat has returned to Konoha," the operative reported. "He brought Jiraiya back with him."

Danzo's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Hmm… so he's back."

"Shall we proceed with surveillance?" the masked figure asked.

Danzo nodded. "Keep an eye on him. Report anything unusual."

"Yes, sir." The Root operative vanished into the darkness, leaving Danzo alone in thought, his expression unreadable.