The Regression Of Jiraiya

Jiraiya's training under Hashirama and Madara had been rigorous and transformative, pushing him to reach extraordinary levels of power at an unprecedented pace. 

By the age of fifteen, he had already attained a level of prowess that could be considered low Kage level.

Even his exceptionally talented friends, Tsunade and Orochimaru, were overshadowed by Jiraiya's rapid advancement. 

While they were formidable in their own right, they simply couldn't match the sheer power and skill that Jiraiya had cultivated under the tutelage of the two legendary shinobi.

As Jiraiya journeyed through the academy, a very important event occurred. 

Hashirama gathered the tailed beasts and sold them to every village.

Shimura Hanzo, the grandfather of Shimura Dazo, almost got a heart attack when he witnessed that Hashirama actually sold the tail beasts he caught to other villages.

"You will regret this, Hashirama-sama."

"No, I will not."

Despite his recovery, Hashirama still gathered the tailed beasts, distributing them strategically among the villages. 

This audacious plan, while fraught with risk, had yielded a significant result. It had effectively deterred the other major villages from pursuing their own ambitions of power.

The creation of a single Jinchuriki demanded an immense investment of time and resources, including crucial support from the Uzumaki clan. 

This daunting requirement had forced the other villages to temporarily abandon their plans. 

Moreover, the accidental release of a tailed beast in Sunagakure had wreaked havoc on a catastrophic scale, resulting in the loss of numerous skilled ninja and crippling the village's military strength for years to come. 

The disaster had severely disrupted the balance of power, leaving only three major villages capable of challenging Konoha and Uzu.

Adding to the shifting stance was the sudden and dramatic increase in the Uzumaki clan's strength. 

New sealing techniques had enhanced their physical abilities and healing factors to extraordinary levels, making them formidable foes to any village. 

Even a victorious battle against an Uzumaki ninja would rarely prove fatal without overwhelming force.

With this, Jiraiya was sure to have more time to prepare for the second ninja world war as the first one didn't happen.

…

Jiraiya and Tsunade strolled side-by-side towards their clan compound, their synchronized footsteps echoing through the familiar streets. 

This was a common sight, a routine so ingrained that it had become a source of gossip and speculation among the villagers. 

Whispers of a blossoming romance swirled around them, fueled by their undeniable closeness and the easy camaraderie they shared.

Jiraiya, with his charismatic grin and perpetually tousled silver hair, secretly wished those rumors were true. 

He held a deep affection for Tsunade since previous life, a woman whose strength and determination were matched only by her unwavering loyalty and compassionate heart. 

However, Tsunade still did not give him a chance.

Despite their closeness, Jiraiya couldn't shake the feeling that there was an invisible barrier between them, a distance that he couldn't seem to bridge. 

He longed for a deeper connection, a chance to prove his devotion and win her heart.

'Even with my new life, my new appearance, she still keeps me at arm's length,' 

Jiraiya mused, a hint of melancholy in his thoughts. He had undergone a transformation, shedding his former self and embracing a new lifestyle. 

Yet, Tsunade's perception of him seemed unchanged.

Jiraiya's love for Tsunade was pure, untainted by his misunderstood reputation as a womanizer. 

He was still a pervert but with his handsome face and skill his reputation was much better than in his previous life.

'Damn, no wonder nobody hates Kakashi when he reads my novel in front of everyone. Handsome man has privilege.'

He was known for his flirtatious nature and his penchant for risqué escapades, but when it came to Tsunade, his intentions were sincere. 

He yearned for her affection, and her love.

As they continued their walk, Jiraiya stole glances at Tsunade, admiring her graceful posture and the way the sunlight danced in her golden hair. 

He knew that winning her heart wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to try.

Jiraiya's typically easy-going expression shifted when Tsunade spoke to her.

"Hey, are you free tomorrow? I have something to ask you."

Jiraiya's mind raced. 'Is she asking for a date?' A surge of excitement coursed through him, but he quickly tempered it with caution. 

He met her gaze, a silent affirmation in his eyes. Whatever she needed, he'd be there. Training, missions, even his own personal time – all of it could wait.

"What is it?" 

He asked with curiosity.

Tsunade's expression was thoughtful, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

"I met someone. His name is Kato Dan. I don't know why, but he wants to join us in our group."

The name hung in the air, a sudden chill that seemed to still the very air around them. Jiraiya's footsteps faltered, his gaze fixed on Tsunade's retreating back as she continued walking, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil her words had unleashed.

A whirlwind of emotions churned within him, memories and unanswered questions surging to the forefront of his mind. Kato Dan – the name was a ghost from the past, a painful reminder of why Tsunade never opened her heart to him. 

Dan had been her lover, her closest confidant, the one who had captured her heart in a way that Jiraiya never could. His death had shattered her, leaving a wound that never truly healed.

Jiraiya's mind raced, grappling with the implications of Dan's presence. Was it truly him, or some kind of imposter? 

And, most importantly, how would Tsunade react to having him around? 

Would old feelings resurface from previous life.

Uncertainty gnawed at him. He wanted to be happy for Tsunade, to see her find joy and companionship again. 

But a selfish part of him couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness. Would Dan's return push him further into the shadows of her life, forever relegated to the role of friend and comrade?

As he watched Tsunade's figure disappear around the corner, Jiraiya knew that he had a difficult decision to make. 

Could he put aside his own feelings and support her, even if it meant watching her fall in love with another man again? 

Or would the pain of unrequited love finally drive him away, forcing him to seek solace and companionship elsewhere?

...

Craze: 2/3