AND BACK AGAIN [ NARUTO ]

Naruto really thought they could do it. That he could do it.

But when the chance was staring him in the eyes, reflecting off of the rasengan in his right hand and the pulsing in his chest, Naruto failed.

Madara sent him back. Back to a time when he had everything once again.

And he couldn't stay.

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Jiraiya shrugged, as if he wasn't discussing his own demise and just some mildly unpleasant weather. "I've got books to write, places to visit, little brats to train. The world needs me as long as it can have me." He spread his hands reasonably, as if to illustrate the surety of his point. "Spill it, come on. How'd I get myself killed?"

Naruto sputtered, sitting a little straighter. "That's--I can't just tell you!" He stopped. ". . .Can I?"

"I don't see why not." Jiraiya smiled softly, the nonchalance gone from his expression and replaced with a hint of understanding that Naruto drank up. "You're thinking a bit too hard into this, gaki. We don't have to follow Fate's path like a strict rule book. We're shinobi--things like this," he gestured to Naruto, "are bound to happen. And if you happen to have important knowledge and if you happen to mention it here and there, well. No one will be the wiser. You want to save us, Naruto? Save us."

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[ earlier chapters are lacking ]
[ cover art creds to artist ]
[ genfic--no ships, but if any, canon implied ]

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