Digital Emperor (Naruto X Digimon)

Naruto pulled into the driveway of his home, the sound of the engine fading as he parked his car and sighed deeply. It had been a long day filled with a lot of excitement, mainly because of the Digimon partners, but also because he was seeing his friends grow stronger and more content. That sense of progress in their lives warmed his heart. The idea of being able to stand alongside them in battles, to fight together as a team, had always been a dream, but for so long, it had been something that seemed out of reach. The gap in power had been too vast in the past, leaving many of his companions sidelined, and while they didn't outwardly show it, Naruto knew that it had affected them deeply.

He couldn't forget how, despite all their shared history, his friends had become ordinary citizens, carrying out mundane jobs while the excitement of their past seemed to fade. It wasn't that they weren't capable, it was just that the world didn't offer the same opportunities anymore, and that realization often left them feeling obsolete, even if they never voiced it. They had all been warriors at heart, trained to protect the world, yet the world no longer needed them in the same way.

For Naruto, watching his friends evolve, particularly with the addition of their Digimon partners, was like a balm to old wounds. His friends were beginning to shine again, regaining their sense of purpose. He knew that even if the world had changed, they could still find meaning in their battles. This was their chance to prove that they were not useless, and Naruto would fight to ensure they could experience the joy of that camaraderie once again.

Just as he was reflecting on these thoughts, his peaceful evening was interrupted by a familiar voice—a loud and boisterous greeting that immediately brought a smile to his face.

"Yo! Heard my little grandson finally popped, and I arrived running through mountains and rivers just to give you a thumbs up!" The voice belonged to none other than Jiraiya Uzumaki, Naruto's grandfather in this world. His tone was exuberant, filled with excitement, and unmistakably familiar.

Naruto chuckled as he stepped out of the car, his gaze falling on the older man's grinning face. Jiraiya was just as energetic as ever, with the same mischievous twinkle in his eye. In this world, Jiraiya had lived a different life, one that was filled with more happiness than his counterpart in Naruto's original world. The old sage had always been a key figure in Naruto's life, and his relationship with him was something deep and meaningful. Despite the family connection to Minato and Kushina, Jiraiya was the one Naruto felt closest to, and the bond between them was irreplaceable.

A rush of emotion surged through Naruto as he remembered his previous life—the life that had been marked by tragedy and loss. His heart ached as the memories of those he couldn't save resurfaced. Jiraiya's death at the hands of Pain had been one of the most painful moments in his life. It was a harsh reminder of how sometimes, no matter how hard one tried, people still fell victim to their own mistakes and the cruelty of the world. Naruto blamed himself for not pushing Jiraiya harder to train him, for letting the moments of happiness and peace cloud his judgment. He had become too content, too distracted, and in the end, it cost him the life of someone who meant so much.

The same guilt had followed him when it came to Hinata, Tsunade, and others he cared for deeply. He had watched as those he loved suffered, and he couldn't help but feel the sting of failure. Tsunade, especially, had suffered in silence, hiding her pain behind a mask. Despite their bond, Naruto had been unable to reach her in the way he had hoped. Her life, too, had been marked by tragedy, and he feared that she might have lost the will to continue if not for the people who had anchored her to the world.

His regrets, his shame, lingered in the back of his mind, always reminding him of the things he could have done differently, the moments he could have made better choices. Despite the happiness in his new life, the ghosts of the past still haunted him, reminding him of the weight he carried. He would never forget the loved ones he had lost, and no matter how much he tried to move forward, there were days when the past came crashing in, leaving him feeling like he hadn't done enough.

Jiraiya's presence always seemed to light up the room with a sense of chaotic joy and irreverence. His loud voice boomed as he enthusiastically greeted Naruto, making jokes at his own expense and chuckling deeply afterwards. Jiraiya had a unique way of expressing himself, often pretending to be a smug or selfish character to rile people up, all the while making them laugh with his humor. Even in battle, he was larger than life—striking dramatic kabuki poses and giving elaborate self-introductions, though they were often interrupted in amusing ways. Jiraiya would playfully grumble, expressing mock annoyance at anyone who disrupted his over-the-top entrances.

Despite his outward eccentricities and playful nature, Jiraiya was an immensely competent fighter and a brilliant leader. He had a deep understanding of the world's complexities and, although he struggled to find a lasting solution to the cycle of hatred, he remained passionate about changing it. His commitment to peace was something he never abandoned, even when it seemed that the world was against him. He continued to fight for what he believed in, and even though he wasn't able to stop all the world's suffering, he did his best to make things better in whatever way he could.

But beyond his wisdom and battle prowess, Jiraiya was most famously known as a self-proclaimed "Super Pervert." His actions, often bordering on inappropriate, were an open secret. Whether he was peeping at girls in the gym, park, or pool, or indulging in his countless sexual adventures, he was unapologetically lewd. In this world, his Uzumaki stamina and his status as an A-Rank Tamer gave him even more energy to pursue these pleasures. Alongside his Digimon partners, Samudramon and Tylomon, Jiraiya's life took on a distinctly adventurous and indulgent tone, often balancing his noble desires with his more carnal ones.

Samudramon, his main partner, was a fearsome creature that looked like a samurai version of BlackWarGreymon. A towering, muscular black reptilian humanoid, Samudramon had orange eyes and silver spiky hair, with a fierce battle-ready appearance. His armor was a combination of black, red, and bronze, giving him a formidable and intimidating look. Samudramon was a powerful Digimon, stronger than even WarGreymon, and had taken Jiraiya almost three decades to reach this level, surpassing others who had achieved such feats in much less time. His Kikurin swords were particularly menacing, with blades that could cut through anything in their path, and had the ability to combine into a bow. The samurai Digimon's strength increased with each victory, growing even more formidable as it continued to battle and win.

Jiraiya's physical appearance in this world was just as striking as his personality. Standing tall and well-built, he looked younger than his years. His waist-length white hair was typically tied back into a ponytail, with two shoulder-length bangs framing his face. The red lines beneath his eyes were a signature feature that extended further down his face, giving him a battle-worn yet youthful appearance. Despite his age—being in his sixties—Jiraiya's body was still that of a man in his prime. His muscular physique was a testament to his strength, honed through years of combat, training, and, of course, his rigorous pursuits as a Tamer.

Jiraiya's affection for Naruto ran deep, and it was clear that the bond between them was one of the strongest in Jiraiya's life. While his relationship with Minato and Kushina was important, there was no question that Jiraiya loved Naruto even more. He cared for him like a son, and their connection went beyond the typical mentor-student dynamic. Jiraiya's deep love for Naruto was something that shaped Naruto's own growth, both in terms of his strength and his perspective on the world. It was a relationship built on mutual respect, affection, and a shared goal to make the world a better place—though, of course, Jiraiya's way of showing it often involved laughter, exaggerated flair, and a lot of mischief.

For Naruto, Jiraiya was more than just a mentor; he was a guiding force, a pillar of wisdom and strength in a world that often felt overwhelming. His playful nature and eccentric personality made him one of the most beloved figures in Naruto's life, and the bond they shared was one that Naruto cherished deeply, even as he struggled with the weight of his past and the pressures of his present.

Naruto, as he approached the figure of his grandfather, felt a warm smile spread across his face. Jiraiya stood before him, grinning broadly, giving him an enthusiastic thumbs-up. His loud and boisterous presence was a constant reminder of the man who had guided him through so much in life. Despite the complexity of their relationship, Naruto had always wanted to see Jiraiya happy, to see him proud, and that was something Naruto strived for, especially now, as he stood at a pivotal point in his life.

"Grandpa, that's rude. I haven't indulged in those activities yet. There's still some way to go before the bond is stabilized," Naruto said, walking closer, an amused but serious glint in his eyes. "Also, weren't you deep in the Net Ocean?"

As he finished his words, Jiraiya, ever the energetic and affectionate figure, swooped down and caught Naruto in a tight bear hug, lifting him off his feet with an easy laugh. The old man's exuberance was infectious, a stark contrast to Naruto's more reserved nature.

"Well, that doesn't change the meaning," Jiraiya chuckled. "I'm so proud of you, Naruto. Two high-class beauties like that? You've got balls of steel, kid! Even I wouldn't dare go that far!" Jiraiya's voice was full of mirth as he slapped Naruto's back in excitement.

Jiraiya's words, though full of pride, sparked a tinge of concern in Naruto. He was well aware of his grandfather's penchant for exaggeration and his somewhat inappropriate sense of humor. This wasn't the first time Jiraiya had boasted, and it certainly wouldn't be the last, but Naruto had learned to temper his grandfather's exuberance. He didn't want Rika and Kari—let alone Tai or anyone else—to misunderstand his grandfather's words. Their relationship was still fragile, and Naruto wanted to avoid stirring any unnecessary conflicts.

"Thanks for the compliment, Grandpa," Naruto said, trying to hide his discomfort behind a polite smile. "But, please, don't go around spreading it and bragging about it. I don't want to ruin what we've got going. Not everyone has the same sense of humor as you."

Jiraiya paused, seeing the seriousness in his grandson's expression. He sighed dramatically, rubbing the back of his neck in mock defeat. "Fine, fine. Be a party pooper," he grumbled. "I don't know where I went wrong with you. Don't you trust my skills?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms, a wry smile curling his lips. "Grandpa, you get drunk on happiness so easily and make mistakes. It might not seem like a big problem, but it's still something that can be avoided. I know you want to brag, but I gave them an oath. That's important."

The moment those words left Naruto's mouth, Jiraiya's expression changed instantly. His grin faded, replaced by a deep frown. His eyes, once filled with excitement and mischief, now carried a weight of concern.

"What did you do?" Jiraiya's voice was no longer filled with humor, but with a piercing seriousness that Naruto had learned to recognize.

"I put ten years of my freedom on the line for this relationship," Naruto confessed, his tone steady but heavy. "I'm confident in it, so there's no need to worry. I made a promise, and I intend to keep it."

Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock, his face paling for a moment. "What? You did what?"

Naruto met his grandfather's gaze without flinching. "I told them I would sleep with others as well," he added, the words coming out more casually than he felt.

"Get out!" Jiraiya exploded, his eyes wide with disbelief. "How the hell are you still alive after saying that to their faces?!" He let out a loud laugh, his voice filled with astonishment and admiration. "Oh man, I want to tell my buddies about this! They are gonna burst a gut hearing this masterpiece." He shook his head in disbelief, clearly impressed by Naruto's boldness. "I forgive you," he added with a grin. "That was definitely the price for that bullshit, and I am so proud of you. You don't need to do anything else in your life. This alone is enough for a lifetime of stories."

Despite Jiraiya's excitement, Naruto felt a slight discomfort in his chest. He knew his grandfather was exaggerating, but it didn't make the weight of his actions feel any lighter. What he had done wasn't a simple decision, but Naruto believed in it. He had made the choice, and he had to live with it. His confidence in the relationship was what kept him moving forward, even if it meant making difficult promises.

Ignoring the exaggerated praise from his grandfather, Naruto shifted the conversation to a more practical question. "Ignoring all that, how did you get back so quickly? The Net Ocean is huge, and it's filled with crazy powerful Digimon."

Jiraiya grinned, his mood shifting back to something more playful. "Ah, you noticed, huh? Well, I wasn't alone, Naruto. The Whirlpool, The Nonaka Force, and the App Divers—we all went on an exploration together. We covered some serious ground, and I've got a lot of stories to share. But I couldn't miss the chance to see my grandson, could I?" He winked, giving Naruto a nudge.

Jiraiya and Naruto walked side by side, the older man grinning as he patted his grandson on the back. "You know, life really has a funny way of telling you when to get out if you don't want to die. We started out fine, but things spiraled quickly." Jiraiya's voice was lighthearted, but his words carried a deeper weight that Naruto didn't miss.

"At first, we stumbled into a fight between MetalSeadramon of the Dark Masters and one of the sea's true rulers, Regalecusmon. That fight was our saving grace—if we'd been noticed, we wouldn't be having this chat." He chuckled, though there was no real humor in it. "We slipped away during the chaos, only to find ourselves hours later in the middle of a MetalPiranimon swarm devouring a group of Whamon. Just when we thought it couldn't get worse, we realized a bloody BlitzGreymon was hunting nearby."

Jiraiya laughed as if recounting a wild story over drinks, but Naruto could picture it too clearly—the chaotic, desperate scramble for survival.

"With luck that rotten, I just flipped the world off. I mean, seriously, if you're gonna kill us, just do it yourself instead of setting up this horror show!" Jiraiya smirked, but Naruto could hear the tension behind his words. "Luckily, this old man's still got some life left in him. We ran into a couple of MarineAngemon. Cute little things, but don't let their size fool you. They got us out of that hellhole. We escaped, tails between our legs, like proper cowards."

Naruto frowned as his grandfather kept up the joking tone, but there was nothing amusing about the situation. The Net Ocean wasn't like the surface. It was a different world, one where aquatic species constantly battled and grew stronger, with Mega-level Digimon more common than anywhere else. Even in his prime, Naruto doubted he would have walked out alive from a situation like that.

"I hate feeling powerless," Naruto muttered under his breath, clenching his fists.

Jiraiya gave him a fond smile, brushing a hand through his grandson's hair. "Relax, kiddo. I'm not about to die anytime soon. I still need to see your kids grow up. Besides, you know me—I'm too stubborn to croak. If I tried, Tsunade would just drag me back and kill me herself." He laughed, but Naruto could see the shadow in his eyes, the weight of what had happened.

Naruto's own heart tightened. He knew the look in Jiraiya's eyes all too well. He'd seen it in his reflection after fighting Momoshiki and later Ishiki—fights that had pushed him to the brink and forced him to confront his mortality. Nearly dying had a way of reminding a person of what truly mattered.

"Grandpa," Naruto began carefully, "why did you even go there? That's not a place you explore with such a small group."

Jiraiya sighed, his smile fading slightly. "We didn't plan to go deep into the Net Ocean. The goal was to explore a controlled section, territory of just a few Mega-level Digimon. There's an ancient ruin there—rumored to hold something that could aid our survival. The information came from Poseidomon of the App Divers, so it was solid intel. But then the Akatsuki attacked us."

Naruto stiffened. "The Akatsuki?"

"They ambushed us," Jiraiya confirmed, his tone turning grim. "The battle pushed us deeper into the ocean, straight into all that madness. It was one bad encounter after another. We lost good people, Naruto. Digimon we'd raised from babies..." His voice cracked slightly before he shook his head. "Let's drop it. I don't feel like talking about it anymore."

Naruto could see the pain etched in his grandfather's face, even as Jiraiya tried to maintain his usual cheerful facade. He could only imagine the devastation of losing Digimon he'd cared for and trained, knowing they had so much potential, only to see them consumed by the sea.

"Grandpa, I'm here if you ever need to talk," Naruto offered softly, his voice filled with sincerity.

Jiraiya gave a short laugh and thumped his chest. "No need, kiddo. Your grandpa's awesome—there's no room for weakness in this stud body!" He grinned, but Naruto knew better. Jiraiya had always been the type to shoulder his pain silently, much like the mentor he had once revered. It was easier to carry the burdens of others than to share his own.

Naruto didn't push. He understood that part of Jiraiya all too well. They both bore their pain in the same way, drawing strength from the people they loved and refusing to show vulnerability, even when it hurt.