Naruto: Descent into Determination

Harsh Reality

I decided to make this fanfic because I watched Naruto and was frustrated by his obsession with Sakura. I felt that he had so many other opportunities with girls who genuinely cared about him, but the story kept bringing him back to Sakura. So, I wanted to write a story where Naruto, with some help from Jiraiya, realizes that his crush on Sakura might not lead anywhere and begins to grow emotionally, seeking someone who truly appreciates him.

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Jiraiya and Naruto were sitting around a campfire. It had been two years since they left Konoha to prepare Naruto for the Akatsuki. After dinner, Naruto gazed up at the starry night sky.

"Something on your mind, Naruto?" Jiraiya asked, pausing from writing his next volume of the "Icha Icha Paradise."

"Huh? Oh, well... I guess I've just been thinking about how long we've been gone. It's been two years, huh, Ero-Sennin? I wonder how everyone's doing back home."

Jiraiya looked up, his expression softening as he studied Naruto's thoughtful face. "Yeah, it has been a while. Time flies when you're out training to save the world, huh?" he replied with a grin, though his eyes held a knowing look.

Naruto chuckled, but the smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I guess so. But... I can't help but wonder how Sakura-chan is doing. I hope she's okay... you know, with Sasuke gone and all."

Jiraiya closed his notebook and set it aside, giving Naruto his full attention. "Still thinking about her, huh? From what Kakashi told me and from what I've seen, you've had feelings for her since you entered the academy. But tell me, Naruto-why her? Why are you so focused on showing her how strong you've become? What makes her so special in your eyes?"

Naruto blinked, caught off guard by the question. "Huh? What kind of question is that? I've liked her since we were kids. She's... she's Sakura-chan! She's smart, she's pretty, and she's-"

"Pretty? Smart? Sure, but what else? What has she done that makes her stand out to you?" Jiraiya asked, his tone gentle but probing.

"She's not weak! She's got a lot of potential, and she's one of the smartest from our class. And... she's... she's kind when she wants to be," Naruto said, trying to defend Sakura, albeit poorly.

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Kind when she wants to be? Naruto, that's not exactly a glowing recommendation. Let's be honest here. Sakura has her strengths, but I want you to think about whether you're pursuing this for her, or if it's because it's what you've always done."

Naruto frowned slightly, trying to process Jiraiya's words. "What do you mean, Ero-Sennin?"

Jiraiya sighed, seeing the conflict in Naruto's eyes. "I'm not saying your feelings aren't real, Naruto," Jiraiya said, his tone softening. "But sometimes, we hold onto something because it's familiar, because it's been part of our lives for so long. You've been focused on showing Sakura how much you've grown, but have you ever stopped to think about what *you* really need? What will truly make you happy?"

Naruto's eyes narrowed slightly, reflecting on Jiraiya's words. "I just... I always thought that if I became strong enough, she'd finally see me. That she'd finally understand."

Jiraiya hesitated, his expression becoming more serious. "Naruto, strength isn't what makes someone fall in love with you. If it were, I'd have married Tsunade years ago. You're right, I've chased after Tsunade for a long time. I've been chasing after her since we were kids. But you know what, Naruto? She's never seen me that way, especially not after what happened with Dan and her younger brother. I've always known where I stand with her. I'm not deluding myself into thinking that she's suddenly going to fall in love with me because of something I do. I've accepted that. And yet, knowing that, I still choose to try."