Even though it was so short, it was absolutely heart-breaking.

"And Jiraiya isn’t sure when he went from hoping they would find their perfect time (“I love her”) to realizing that time has passed them by (“I always loved her”)."

Perfect.

You just killed me. In the best of ways. I don't even *like* any of the Sannin, and yet this shook and touched me. It's brilliant. Bittersweet, after the race is over and lost, with this sort of weighty irony. The parenthesis work really well, constrasting the little real-world details from the more abstract. Stunning.

Aw, that was so cute and kinda sad all at once!

Brilliant.

Ouch. Well, unfortunately sometimes life really does turn out like that. Even someone like Jiraiya who eventually got a heroic ending does not necessarily get a HAPPY one, and no one is immune from making stupid mistakes in their personal life. And people like to cling to pain, sometimes. It's tragic (and in fact I almost think that this story should be in that category) but that's life, sometimes.

Your description of their relationship is dead on...and the fact that you were able to do that in such few words is amazing. Really poignant and I really enjoyed reading it.

Wow...that is depressing...but very well written! Keep up the great work_

OH. love this, so much! jiraiya and tsunade...tragic couple, yay geezer love!

good story actually great story! this parring reminds me of naruto & sakura

Finally! More of this pairing!

Bitter and angsty, just the way love should be written *gets killed by fans* lol, well I truly loved it!

Mirai

Well, now my heart is ripped out...ge...

LOVE IT!

Say..where DO you get your ideas...

Your summary got me. It was a very introspective piece, and though I never give much thought to this couple (though it's cute when you think about it ) I did enjoy reading this, so good job.

-MeeLee

Excellent but very sad story.

Good luck & best wishes,

Hououza