TotW - 24 The Final Chapter
Thank you.
I offered TotW as something I was terrified of posting because I am not the best writer in the world. So now, I offer the last bit with an equal state of fear, happiness, joy, grief, a hug, a sweat drop, and the biggest biggest thank you's to everyone that made it this far with me. (to the top of the world, no less!)
...THANK YOU!!
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The next morning Jiraiya was no where to be found.
Tsunade's eyes were red and tired of crying. People like Lady Koharu and Homura-san couldn't understand why; she supposed it was lucky her sensei had had the highest respect for Sakumo…because after all, she bit her tongue in bitter grief; Sakumo was the strongest guy she knew.
The morning after that started in light rain and only got stronger as it went. Tsunade could not find Jiraiya to save her soul. There was a rumor the town madman was near Kumo, but she didn't believe it. When she came to the funeral, she had hope he'd be there, but he wasn't. The only people she saw were Jiraiya's student, Minato, and the final Hatake who was still just a child. Minato left Kakashi alone when he saw her. The yellow-haired prodigy looked around expectantly for his sensei, but Tsunade shook her head.
Then, the only person that came into sight was Sandaime. Tsunade met him, fighting back the sudden tide of grief—but it brushed her aside like a feather. Sandaime embraced her, noticing her matted blonde hair that said she'd been there a while.
"I…couldn't find Jiraiya…" she said in a muffled voice. "Bastard…" she added glumly. What man doesn't come to his brother's funeral? The whole entire village ought to have come for that matter; Sakumo gave everything to you people…he was a hero…
His embittered son didn't think as much. "He was a fool…" he said in a muffled little voice. What man doesn't follow orders? The whole entire code of shinobi conduct was set up for a reason; Sakumo trashed those rules and that was why we were still in the middle of war…he was a fool.
"Kakashi…" continued sensei. "That rule governs people, not machines. We think independently…"
Lightning flashed in his eyes. It was unnerving to think they spent so much time keeping him down when now he could start over with a slate that was clean. He turned around to storm out into a different world.
Minato cringed as he thought he heard the sound of thunder.
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Jiraiya's naivété had flown to awesome new heights.
And yet, at this moment, he never felt so much sobering gravity in his life.
Who was Jiraiya to think any of this would end well. Who was Sakumo to smile so broadly when something so maddenning rages mortal warfare in your mind? Who was Jiraiya to blame him. You knew I'd defend you until both our names were on this stone…
The night was cool and drenched from the rain, but it may as well have been from his tears.
…You had to protect me 'till the end, didn't you…?
…We have the moments…
Bastard.
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I'm going to be feeling this one for the rest of my life.
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A week later, Tsunade and Jiraiya met Orochimaru outside the gates of Konoha, geared up to go back to their favorite place in the world: Amégakuré. Orochimaru was remarking with interest at the simple fact that he had not seen the two together in one place since their last mission as the saanin. Considering all that had occured during those seven days and beyond, the two looked more than distant. "So," he smiled. "Where have you two been…?"
Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade.
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…to the top of the world.
To the top of the world
To the top of the world
To the top of the world
To the top of the world
To the top of the world
To the top of the world
To the Top of the World. . . .
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--Caliko