His girl never returned his affectionate glances like this pink-haired one does, never took an interest in his long-winded exploits or smiled like that at him. His sparring partner never returned to learn from his mistakes and accept the help of those who cared about him. He never found security or socially-taboo bliss in the arms of those who once shared his tears, blood, and dreams.
And he had most certainly never encouraged his boy to wear makeup and pose as another person. Of course, his boy grew into a cruel, twisted being that did these things anyway, but Jiraiya was not the one to help this development along.
It's not that Jiraiya dislikes Saki-chan. She is a gentle and soothing presence that softens the other two, balancing them in a way that is both subtle and shimmering with power. He can even begin to see what his younger self might have seen in her... fine bone structure accenting glossy, pink lips... dark eyes teasing and amused in contrast to the innocent, demure body language... long, powerful legs and muscles beneath milky skin and floral patterns that whisper of endurance... silky hair that...
Yes, it's been established that Jiraiya does not dislike Saki-chan. He may even be jealous of the happiness she has brought to the other two, as odd and cumbersome as their situation may seem. After writing so many tasteful novels on the subject of love, Jiraiya thinks that he should be more willing to accept and support this romantic configuration that has been set before him.
And yet, Jiraiya finds himself wary of the new, united Sennin. He's disoriented now and can't see how these three relate to their pre-assigned roles. The wounds are still there, seeping through their happiness.
When Saki-chan goes on leave, the other two are momentarily thrown off and readjust their behavior to accommodate the boy whose eyes still flash red whenever someone mentions the words "brother" or "hatred." The pink-haired girl hides behind her newfound physical strength to mask her still-present insecurities. The last boy occasionally grows somber and glances nervously between his loved ones, afraid that either one might leave him.
For all of their flaws and rough edges, the three have remained together. Even when one of the three changes beyond recognition on a regular basis, they are together. He sees Saki-chan as a crutch, as another potential weakness in their bonds, but the three do not see it this way.
Jiraiya wonders what it is that prevents them from splintering apart and keeping bonds severed as the three before them did. Why is it that these three are so similar and yet so different? He wants to accept them, but the bleeding edges of his own past won't allow him to.
Re: Jiraiya-centric Saki-chan ficlet-thingy
And he had most certainly never encouraged his boy to wear makeup and pose as another person. Of course, his boy grew into a cruel, twisted being that did these things anyway, but Jiraiya was not the one to help this development along.
It's not that Jiraiya dislikes Saki-chan. She is a gentle and soothing presence that softens the other two, balancing them in a way that is both subtle and shimmering with power. He can even begin to see what his younger self might have seen in her... fine bone structure accenting glossy, pink lips... dark eyes teasing and amused in contrast to the innocent, demure body language... long, powerful legs and muscles beneath milky skin and floral patterns that whisper of endurance... silky hair that...
Yes, it's been established that Jiraiya does not dislike Saki-chan. He may even be jealous of the happiness she has brought to the other two, as odd and cumbersome as their situation may seem. After writing so many tasteful novels on the subject of love, Jiraiya thinks that he should be more willing to accept and support this romantic configuration that has been set before him.
And yet, Jiraiya finds himself wary of the new, united Sennin. He's disoriented now and can't see how these three relate to their pre-assigned roles. The wounds are still there, seeping through their happiness.
When Saki-chan goes on leave, the other two are momentarily thrown off and readjust their behavior to accommodate the boy whose eyes still flash red whenever someone mentions the words "brother" or "hatred." The pink-haired girl hides behind her newfound physical strength to mask her still-present insecurities. The last boy occasionally grows somber and glances nervously between his loved ones, afraid that either one might leave him.
For all of their flaws and rough edges, the three have remained together. Even when one of the three changes beyond recognition on a regular basis, they are together. He sees Saki-chan as a crutch, as another potential weakness in their bonds, but the three do not see it this way.
Jiraiya wonders what it is that prevents them from splintering apart and keeping bonds severed as the three before them did. Why is it that these three are so similar and yet so different? He wants to accept them, but the bleeding edges of his own past won't allow him to.