The early morning sun cast golden hues over the rooftops of Konoha as Jiraiya walked through the village, his mind still struggling to process the impossible reality before him. He was young again. Everything he knew—the pain, the regrets, the deaths—hadn't happened yet. But they would.
Unless he changed them.
His hands clenched into fists. He had been given an opportunity, one that he wouldn't waste. If fate had given him a second chance, he would use it to fix everything he had failed to do in his past life.
But where to start?
As he pondered, he found himself standing in front of the Hokage's office. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had always been a guiding presence in his life. If there was anyone who could help him navigate this strange new reality, it was him.
Taking a deep breath, Jiraiya pushed open the doors and stepped inside.
---
Hiruzen looked up from his paperwork as Jiraiya entered. His sharp eyes scrutinized the young man before him. "You're up early," he noted, setting his pipe aside. "That's unusual."
Jiraiya forced a grin, scratching the back of his head. "Trying something new, Sensei."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. And what exactly brings you here?"
Jiraiya hesitated for a moment. He couldn't exactly tell the old man the truth—not yet, at least. Instead, he chose his words carefully. "I've been thinking about my future," he said. "I want to focus more on training. I feel like I've been… distracted."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "That's certainly a change. You've always had talent, Jiraiya, but your lack of discipline has held you back."
Jiraiya nodded, fully aware of his past self's shortcomings. He had been reckless, unfocused, more interested in chasing skirts than honing his skills. But not this time.
"I want to be stronger," he said, his voice firm. "I want to be someone who can protect the people I care about."
For a moment, Hiruzen simply observed him. Then, with a small nod, he leaned back in his chair. "Very well. If you're serious about this, I'll arrange for you to receive additional training."
Jiraiya exhaled in relief. This was his first step toward changing everything.
---
Leaving the Hokage's office, Jiraiya made his way toward the training grounds. As he walked, he spotted familiar figures in the distance—Orochimaru and Tsunade. The sight of them together brought a wave of emotions.
Orochimaru, the genius, the prodigy who had once been his closest friend. The man who would eventually betray Konoha and walk down a dark path of destruction.
Tsunade, the fiery and powerful kunoichi who would one day become the Fifth Hokage. The woman who would experience so much loss, so much pain.
Jiraiya clenched his jaw. He wouldn't let them suffer the same fates this time.
"Oi, Jiraiya!" Tsunade called, hands on her hips. "You actually showed up on time for once?"
Orochimaru smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. "It's unlike him."
Jiraiya chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a changed man."
Tsunade snorted. "Yeah, right."
Orochimaru tilted his head, studying Jiraiya with an unreadable expression. "We'll see."
Jiraiya met his gaze. Yes, we will.
---
The morning training session was intense. Tsunade's strength was already formidable, and Orochimaru's precise, almost surgical movements made him a difficult opponent. Jiraiya, however, pushed himself harder than ever before.
He had knowledge of techniques he hadn't yet learned in this timeline. Strategies and battle experience he had gained over years of war and hardship. But he had to be careful not to reveal too much, too soon. Instead, he focused on refining his basics, sharpening his reaction speed, and pushing his endurance.
Tsunade wiped the sweat from her brow, eyeing Jiraiya suspiciously. "You're actually trying today. Did you hit your head or something?"
Jiraiya smirked. "Maybe I finally realized my potential."
Orochimaru, who had been observing him silently, finally spoke. "You're hiding something."
Jiraiya's heartbeat quickened, but he kept his expression relaxed. "What do you mean?"
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "Your movements. Your instincts. It's as if you've suddenly improved overnight."
Jiraiya shrugged. "Maybe I'm just motivated."
Orochimaru didn't look convinced, but he didn't press further. Still, Jiraiya made a mental note to be more careful. Orochimaru was too sharp for his own good.
---
After training, Jiraiya wandered through the village, his mind racing with possibilities. He needed to plan his next steps carefully. There was so much to do, so much to change.
Minato. He had to start training him soon. The sooner he became strong, the better he could protect him.
Nagato. Yahiko. Konan. He had to find them before tragedy struck. If he could guide them properly, perhaps he could prevent the rise of Pain.
The Akatsuki. Danzo. The Uchiha Massacre. The Fourth Great Ninja War.
So many things he had to fix.
As he walked, he passed by a familiar ramen stand—Ichiraku Ramen. A small smile tugged at his lips. Naruto will love this place one day.
He took a deep breath. His second chance was real. And he wasn't going to waste it.
Jiraiya turned on his heel, determination blazing in his eyes.
This time, he would get it right.