Our Duties

The Sage

I was....wrong

The war was over. People rejoiced and people mourned. Some went to count their blessings, others, their losses. But overall, everyone rejoiced. The prophecy was true. They were saved and they wanted to embrace their saviors. Sakura, the apprentice, Sasuke, the redeemed and Naruto, the Child of Prophecy.

No need to let them know that

Most didn't usually notice him. But with all the other things preoccupying the Allied Shinobi Forces, no one did.

Good.

There was a shadow watching them. Analyzing the events and writing down what they saw in their "research" notebook. Finishing their work, they closed the book and went. As they turned to leave they took one more look at the scene before them and an even closer one at the blonde who was at the center of attention. The Prophecy Child.

I'll let them celebrate

So they did.

They trekked though the forest for days on end, not stopping for anything or anyone. Past Konohagakure, past Mount Myòboku. Soon, they stopped at the front of a familiar hideout in one of the open plains of Amegakure.

Stepping inside, they looked around the room until their eyes settled on a wooden plaque painted red.

Well that's on the wrong side

They walked over to it and turned it to reveal a frog's face. The person looked around lazily until they decided to drag their feet to where three other plaques stood. Standing in front of them, they took time to enjoy the silence and think.

I'm not home yet

They reasoned.

You guys are

They persuaded.

But soon, we'll all go home

They assured.

Just not today

They continued.

They brought a hand up and tentatively touched their wood surfaces as though they were glass, always just ready to break.

Red, for when you're home

They studied the red of the plaques before them.

And a frog for when you're away...

They looked back at the solo plaque but quickly averted their eyes to stop the tears that were threatening to spill.

This is not home. Just some memories

The figure was now in front of a table where they shared many meals with loved ones and began to reminisce on their most precious persons.

"In order to save something dear...Wars are waged. As long as there is love there will be hate"

Minato

"Sometimes you must hurt in order to know, fall in order to grow, lose in order to gain because life's greatest lessons are learned through pain"

Nagato

"When people are protecting something truly special to them, they become a strong as they can be"

Naruto

Maybe that's the problem. For my next search, maybe I'll pick someone whose name doesn't end with 'to'

So, they pulled up a chair, sat down, opened up a fresh, plain, and simple white book, and began to write....

Chapter 1
The Search Continues

Hello. If your reading this, hopefully I've completed my mission and died a peaceful death. Although with my life I doubt that.

My name is Jiraiya, and this is my secret.

Naruto Uzumaki is not the Child of Prophecy.