The Best Jiraiya Quotes In Naruto, Shippuden, and Boruto

Jiraiya is one of Naruto’s most beloved characters, and as a fan favorite, he left anime lovers with a lot of wise quotes to ponder. As a Toad Sage and one of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya holds an impressive reputation known throughout the Hidden Villages. While doing “research” for his latest novel, he catches Naruto’s attention. Naruto recognizes his incredible abilities and harasses Jiraiya until he agrees to train him. Jiraiya reluctantly agrees, and the show’s best student-teacher relationship is born.

Fans learn much about Jiraiya through his relationship with Naruto and his startling connection with the Akatsuki. It’s through these interactions that fans become emotionally attached to his character, as they discover that he not only trained Naruto’s father, Minato Namikaze, but inadvertently named Naruto and declared himself his godfather. Jiraiya is a kindhearted and powerful shinobi who helps Naruto become the unstoppable force he became later and his influence on the shinobi world remains intact.

Updated on March 19, 2025, by Jenny Melzer: As far as anime mentors go, Jiraiya remains one of the most memorable. He may often be remembered for his unsavory behaviors, but looking past the times he drained his student’s frog wallet dry or encouraged him to peep with him on bathing beauties for his research, it’s clear that of the many mentors in his life, Jiraiya taught Naruto more than any other. This list has been updated with more quotes, as well as to adhere to CBR’s most current standards for formatting.

23

“Oh Man! You Absolutely Have Zero Talent, Don’t You Kid?”

Episode 54: The Summoning Technique: Wisdom of the Toad Sage

Even knowing how close Naruto and Jiraiya become later, this observation on Naruto’s inability to control and summon his chakra, much less identify it, is a little heartbreaking. On the other hand, Jiraiya is confirming what he knows about Naruto through hearsay. There are few in the Hidden Leaf who don’t know what a clown Naruto can be, and while teachers in the real world wouldn’t react to a student’s shortcomings with such blatant disregard for tact, Jiraiya also knows that a kid like Naruto isn’t going to learn through coddling.

“Oh man! You have absolutely zero talent, don’t you kid?”

It’s easy for even Jiraiya to forget that Naruto didn’t have the same advantages other kids had growing up. Learning about things like Chakra and jutsu early on would have more than likely come from one’s parents, and Naruto being orphaned meant he had no one to guide him during a critical time in his life. It’s a mean thing to say, but when stepping back to view the anime as a whole, at the time of Jiraiya’s death in Shippuden, Naruto was the student who made him most proud. If anything, it’s a testatment to how far Naruto came in their time together, and while Jiraiya would love to take credit for his student’s immense growth, it was always Naruto.

22

“It Is I, The Toad Mountain Sage!”

Naruto: Episode 53, “Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!”

Naruto’s first introduction to the great Toad Sage of Mount Myuboku wasn’t Jiraiya’s proudest moment. Caught out peeping on the women’s bath by Ebisu, Jiraiya quickly knocked Ebisu out cold to keep from alerting others to what he was doing. For a lot of Naruto fans and anime lovers, this initial introduction (and many of his actions to follow,) don’t exactly put Jiraiya at the top of any best character of all-time lists. Jiraiya’s peeping and perverse commentary are enough to bother the young and impressionable Naruto, who notes how pathetic he is and gives his future sensei the nickname Pervy Sage, and it sticks.

I’m glad you asked! I’m the Hermit of Mount Myoboku. The Wise and Immortal Spirit. That’s right! It is I, the Toad Mountain Sage!

The perverted old man trope has waned some in anime and manga in recent years, but it’s still more prevalent than a lot of anime-lovers would like it to be. One of the most endearing mentors Naruto gets to work with spends the bulk of his appearances in the anime being referenced by his incredibly immature student as “Pervy Sage”. The fact that Naruto himself is very immature, and even he knows that the things Jiraiya is doing are wrong, says a lot, but it doesn’t excuse the behavior. This quote stands out because it is a lot of anime fans first introduction ton one of the most important people in Naruto’s life, and had it not been weighted down by Jiraiya’s blatant perversion, he might have made a very different impression on a lot of fans.

21

“Children Are Unknown Variables.”

Boruto: Episode 133 “A Village Without Sasuke”

The Boruto episodes that saw Sasuke and Boruto time travel back to Naruto’s youth are some of the best. Not only does the son get to see his father from a whole new perspective, but fans also get to spend more time with everyone’s favorite Toad Sage. The way Jiraiya balances his skepticism with optimism in this scene is a great example of why he was the perfect sensei to train Naruto back then. Fans of the show loved to see Jiraiya back on the show as he talked highly of Naruto.

I’m not sure how this is gonna end up. Especially since Naruto isn’t that adept. A collaboration jutsu might not happen. However, children are unknown variables. Boruto and Naruto are similar beyond just their chakra natures. Both of them are good, strong, honest kids.

Despite Naruto lacking the skills, Jiraiya also understood that he was just a child, and it was only a matter of time before he caught on. Children were capable of pulling off things adults often wouldn’t have expected from them, and Naruto managed to surprise everyone more often than not, especially as he grew. This scene also alludes to him knowing far more than he’s letting on about who Sasuke and Boruto really are, and where they’ve come from, suggesting that he understands just how important this collaboration is.

20

“A Sage Doesn’t Go back on His Word.”

Naruto: Episode 53 “Long Time No See: Jiraiya Returns!”

Naruto’s first impression of Jiraiya set the tone for their relationship. Despite Jiraiya’s questionable activities, Naruto was impressed by his strength and demanded that Jiraiya train him. He eventually gave in and agreed to train the young nin, but quickly discovered the boy’s potential. Naruto is overjoyed and wants to confirm his concession. Jiraiya put his mind at ease and gave Naruto his first lesson at that moment, which helped him control his chakra enough to be able to walk on water.

A sage doesn’t go back on his word!

Though in many ways, it seems like the wandering sage just so happened upon Naruto by chance, the truth goes much deeper. Jiraiya watched over the Fourth Hokage’s son from afar, most likely waiting for the right moment to swoop in and begin his training. While admirable that he finally arrived, it’s also disappointing to realize that all along, Naruto’s godfather was out there watching while the boy suffered through loneliness and isolation. Fans were not too thrilled to know that both Jiraiya and Hiruzen knew what Naruto’s childhood was and yet they never stepped in to help him.

19

“A Tale Is Only as Good as It’s Final Turn of Events.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 133 “The Tale Of Jiraiya The Gallant”

In Jiraiya’s final moments, he reflected on his life and it was so sad that it broke hearts. Not only was he dying, but he found himself looking back at past failures and mistakes. Tsunade’s rejection, and his inability to save Orochimaru, to protect Hiruzen and Minato in their time of need, all of these things made him feel inadequate. As a storyteller, he viewed his life like a story itself, and he’d long been awaiting his plot twist.

A tale is only as good as its final turn of events. The plot twist. And mistakes are an important part of the plot, too. I’ve lived my life believing that the lessons I’ve learned are what honed me.

Though this speech began in a very dark way, his reflection continued, and he saw the plot twist — it’s Naruto. He’d been searching all his life for the child of prophecy he was meant to train, the one who would change the ninja world once and for all. He believed that the child was Nagato, only to discover that he failed Nagato in ways he never saw coming. As he lay dying, the reality of his time with Naruto brought him a deep sense of peace. Naruto had the kind of relentless determination and brilliant spirit to accomplish Jiraiya’s vision, and that brought him a deep sense of peace.

18

“My Duty Is to Be a Model for the Next Generation.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 126 “Twilight”

Tsunade knew tracking the Akatsuki alone is dangerous, but Jiraiya was a master of espionage and worked better on his own. Still, they both knew in a sense, that this mission was different and it could claim his life. As they discussed the risk Jiraiya was prepared to take, they reflected on their lives. Tsunade apologized to Jiraiya for always getting “the short end of the stick.” Jiraiya expressed that he doesn’t regret tracking Orochimaru for years, passing up becoming the Hokage to recruit Tsunade, or preparing to find the Akatsuki’s leader alone.

My duty is to be a model for the next generation and set a good example for them. And for that, I’ll gladly lay down my life, and I’ll be smiling the whole time.

He believed in leading by example and was proud to put his life on the line for the sake of his loved ones and his village. This scene is one of the most touching and intimate interactions between Jiraiya and Tsunade throughout the anime. It was made obvious early on that he was in love with her, though she never reciprocated his feelings. After the fact, viewers learned that he pined for her in silence for decades, refusing to accept a marriage proposal from a powerful and beautiful woman because he’d committed himself to an idea that even he knew would never manifest.

17

“Do It Like Your Life Depends On It!”

Naruto: Epsidoe 56, “Live or Die: Risk It All to Win It All”

Naruto is so young and cocky in these early episodes, a part of him believing everything should just come easy because he wants it to. He doesn’t always put in the effort it requires to rise above the challenges before him, but Jiraiya won’t let him use that as an excuse. Until this point, fans saw Naruto’s mentors and teachers struggling with him as a problem child, with Kakashi preferring to train Sasuke because of their similar capabilities and Iruka getting frustrated early on with his pupil’s antics for all the wrong reasons.

Jiraiya: You’ve been training for three weeks. And you’re still at this level? If you continue like this, it’s pointless

Naruto: Hey! That’s not true. Give me a break. I’m trying as hard as I can here!

Jiraiya: Maybe you are. Maybe you’re not. If you want to succeed at this summoning jutsu, then you must do it like your life depends on it.

Naruto was all too reliant on throwing up his arms and complaining about how hard something was, often teetering at the edge of giving up. This important lesson with Jiraiya, which took several weeks for him to learn, shapes the Naruto he later becomes and reaffirms his core philosophy on never giving up.

16

“Writing On the Wave of the Times Can Never Bring About the Revolutionary Change We Need.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 127 “Tales of a Gutsy Ninja- Jiraiya Ninja Scroll, Part 1”

One of the best parts about the Pain Arc in Naruto Shippuden was all the time fans got to look back at Jiraiya’s history leading up to his death. The shaping of his philosophy and its roots was a critical part of understanding not just the Toad Sage, but the pupils who trained with him over the years. Jiraiya spent a great deal of time in his youth searching for purpose and meaning, and he knew that to achieve peace, a revolution was inevitable.

Writing on the wave of the times can never bring about the revolutionary change that we need to achieve peace.

As a writer, he thought that maybe he could instigate change with his words, but even he was wise enough at the time to recognize it wasn’t enough. The change Jiraiya so desperately longed to see take place in the ninja world wouldn’t happen until more than a decade after his death, when Naruto becomes the Seventh Hokage. Jiraiya had a prophecy that he would play a major role in someone’s life who would make huge changes to the ninja world. He always thought it was Nagato, only to be disappointed toward the end of his life to realize how he had failed him. But this led to him realizing the child of the prophecy was none other than Naruto.

15

“Because It’s No Fun to Train a Genius!”

Naruto Shippuden Episode 128, “The Two Followers”

Jiraiya says this while Orochimaru and him confront each other. They are talking about their respective pupils, Naruto and Sasuke. Jiraiya talked about his preference to avoid students like Sasuke because he claims there is no fun in that, training a genius. Meanwhile, Naruto had to work hard to improve and be better. Jiraiya believed that Naruto’s journey of growth was more rewarding than being a master at things instantly.

Because it’s no fun to train a genius!

The quote reinforces his belief in Naruto and his passion for improving. It is also one of the rare moments when Jiraiya shared his enjoyment of teaching his godson. The quote also establishes his ninja way and his appreciation for hard work, passion and dedication, leading to growth. Jiraiya’s way of teaching only encouraged Naruto and helped him grow up to become one of the strongest and best ninja in the Naruto universe.

14

“There Is Only One Thing That Matters if You Are a Shinobi.”

Naruto: Episode 96 “Deadlock! Sannin Showdown”

The Legendary Sannin Battle brings former friends and teammates, Tsunade, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya together after spending several years apart following different pursuits. The three former Team Hiruzen members displayed their incredible skills and showed fans how they received their titles. Jiraiya and Tsunade fight to stop Orochimaru from continuing on the sinister path that claimed innumerable lives and caused endless suffering. This moment circles back to when they were just kids and how their childhood and the events that followed shaped their ideals.

There is only one thing that matters if you are a shinobi, and it isn’t the number of jutsu you possess. All you need is the guts to never give up.

As they fought, they exchanged words and detailed their conflicting philosophies. Orochimaru measured a shinobi’s worth by the jutsu or genjutsu they possessed. He believed a shinobi should endeavor to “use and master all the jutsu of the world.” Jiraiya responded by informing his former comrade that he was still misguided. Jiraiya understood that a shinobi’s ability had nothing to do with jutsu and genjutsu – a ninja was simply “one who endures.” The Legendary Sannins fought as they battled with Orochimaru’s cunning strategies, often outsmarting others with Jiraiya’s wisdom and wish for peace.

13

“A Person Grows up When He’s Able to Overcome Hardships.”

Naruto Shippuden Episode 126, “Twilight.”

Jiraiya believed that when someone goes through hardships, the person grows. He acknowledged how protecting one is important, but going through hardships by themselves will enable one to learn things on their own. Jiraiya said this to Naruto as he was dealing with the burdens of his past. The quote deeply hits Naruto and impacts his development. Jiraiya shared this while training and that resonated with him.

A person grows up when he’s able to overcome hardships. Protection is important, but there are some things that a person must learn on his own.

His goal was to prepare his pupil for the challenges he might face ahead on his road to becoming Hokage. Naruto had constantly struggled with loneliness and the burden of carrying the Nine-Tails inside of him. Jiraiya tried to remind him that hardships are a part and parcel of life and one must learn to independently handle them. The Legendary Sannin did not want to coddle his godson and make him a strong individual who could handle difficulties on his own.

12

“A Ninja’s Life Is Not Measured by How He Lived.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 133 “The Tale Of Jiraiya The Gallant”

As a writer, Jiraiya values an epic tale. He was constantly trying to augment his storyline. While dying, he thought about his failures: his rejection of Tsunade and his inability to save Orochimaru from his own twisted pursuit of power and eternity. Jiraiya always tried to better the situations he encountered, and he had this opportunity with the three Rain Village orphans he encountered during the Third Ninja World War. However, he was unaware of the impact of his presence on Nagato’s life.

A ninja’s life is not measured by how he lived, but rather what they managed to accomplish before their death.

As a sensei, Yahiko, Nagato, Konan, Minato, and Naruto are pupils he holds dear. He helped them reach their greatest potential and wanted to see them improve the world. Despite his questionable actions in other things, as a shinobi, he took it upon himself to embark on dangerous journeys to try to save his friend, Orochimaru, and track formidable enemies to ensure Konohagakure’s safety. He wanted to obliterate his failures and died like a Hokage. In the life he led, and in his last moments, he does just that!

11

“Rejection Makes a Man Stronger.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 126 “Twilight”

There is no doubt that the nickname “Pervy Sage” bestowed on Jiraiya by Naruto had its roots. He was a man obsessed with the female form, and it often led him to attempt to get away with peeping at hot springs. Even his comments about Tsunade, and sometimes to her, were sexually charged, with him confessing openly that he memorized her measurements to Kakashi. The quote came when Jiraiya was thanking Tsunade for her rejection and credited those experiences to him being stronger.

You know I’m grateful to you. Rejection makes a man stronger. I believe that you can’t really call yourself a man unless you can laugh off all the bad stuff that happens to you, or at least use it as writing material.

Despite his perversions, he had genuine feelings for Tsunade. His love for her, though unrequited, ran deep, and had they actually explored a romantic relationship, things might have turned out very differently for them both. Her rejection of his continued advances over the years inspired him as a writer, and though they certainly hurt, he felt that they made him a stronger man. But this never stopped fans from shipping them together and a lot of viewers and manga readers all over the world carry a torch for the Tsunade/Jiraiya pairing that never was.

10

“Generosity Towards Others Becomes Second Nature.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 128 “Tales of a Gutsy Ninja- Jiraiya Ninja Scroll, Part 2”

Once you’ve been hurt, you learn to hate, but if you hurt another, you become hated, and you shoulder a sense of guilt. But it is because one understands such pain that generosity towards others becomes second nature. That’s what makes us human. It’s a process called growing up.

Jiraiya choosing to stay behind and protect the orphaned Hidden Rain trio, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, wasn’t a decision many would have made, especially considering his own team’s participation in the war. But that was why Jiraiya stayed behind. The orphans had been through too much, and they needed to learn how to care for themselves to survive. What he didn’t recognize at first was just how powerful Nagato was. He played a pivotal role in the orphans’ lives which led to them being a part of the Akatsuki.

When an enemy ninja threatens Yahiko, Nagato lashes out with his rinnegan, instantly killing the ninja. He felt a deep conflict over this, as he was only trying to protect his friend. There was a deep sense of anger under the surface, which was only natural after what the orphans had been through, but Jiraiya tried to put it into perspective in the best way he could. In time, and long after Jiraiya had left them, Nagato would twist his sensei’s words into something much darker. Nagato became Pain, and after all he suffered, he came to believe that only through experiencing pain would people learn to be kinder to one another.

9

“You Bet That I Will Die. After All, You Always Lose.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 126 “Twilight”

Jiraiya’s ominous joke to Tsunade foreshadowed his death. Before he leaves for his fatal mission, he spends time with Tsunade discussing their lives and reminiscing. Tsunade’s sadness and worry were obvious, as she knew her friend might not return from this mission. She had seen so much death already, having watched the people she loved most in the world die tragically because of war. The quote comes at a rather unique and beautiful moment when both Jiraiya and Tsunade knew what was at stake.

You bet that I will die. After all, you always lose. But if I make it back alive… I’m just joking! You know, I’m grateful to you.

Tsunade was a habitual gambler with bad luck. For her, winning was a bad omen. In an attempt to ease her mind and make her smile, Jiraiya told her to bet against him to ensure his safe return. Tsunade was surprised to hear him talk about his death so casually and his laughter made her feel uneasy. In a rare and beautifully sad moment, Tsunade finally displayed the love and affection Jiraiya always wanted from her. This moment is one of the most heartbreaking conversations, especially knowing what follows.

8

“The Pain of Being Alone…”

Naruto Shippuden, Episode 127, “The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant.”

Jiraiya said this quote while confronting his former student, Nagato. He acknowledged Nagato’s feelings of loneliness and pain, which were similar to Nagato’s. The Legendary Sannin showcased his commitment to protecting people even if it costs him his life. Jiraiya tried to resonate with Nagato and reach him emotionally to convince him to move to another path than the one he was walking on.

The pain of being alone…is not an easy one to bear… why is it…that I can understand your pain? But…I already have many people who are important to me now…and I can’t let you hurt any of them…even if I have to kill you!

Nagato was Jiraiya’s pupil and he had great affection for him. He was deeply hurt when he learned that his student, who he once thought would positively be the child of prophecy, would go on this path. Nagato walked along a path Jiraiya never anticipated due to his past suffering, and became a part of the Akatsuki. He tried to reach toward him by telling him he understood and made an attempt to reason with him.

7

“To Me, It Feels as Though I’m Looking at My Grandson.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 126 “Twilight”

Tsunade and Jiraiya discuss several things before he leaves, and Naruto is one of them. Tsunade expressed her belief that Naruto would become Hokage, and Jiraiya mocked her because Naruto obviously won her over. Tsunade responded by reminding him that he set high standards for him as well as teaching him the Rasengan, which was Naruto’s father Minato’s signature move.

I can see Naruto’s father in him. To me, it’s like I’m looking at my grandson.

He then tells Tsunade that if Minato were his son, he’d be proud of him. As such, Naruto’s success and growth made Jiraiya feel as though he was watching his grandson excel. In teaching Naruto, “the will of the Leaf from the past to the future,” is passed on. The quote from Jiraiya showcased how highly he thought of his pupil and how far he had come. He was Naruto’s godfather and related his growth to what he saw in his former pupil and Naruto’s father, Minato.

6

“Even I Can Tell That Hatred Is Spreading.”

Naruto Shippuden Episode 133, “The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant.”

Jiraya looked back on his ninja journey and the war that took place. He addressed his own limitations in resolving these conflicts. The Legendary Sannin was disappointed with himself for not being able to find a solution to hatred. As per him, hatred only leads to endless cycles of violence, death and revenge turning into war. Jiraiya was talking with his star pupil while they were resting during training when he said that he was aware of the hatred that keeps on spreading.

Even I can tell that hatred is spreading. I wanted to do something about it…but I don’t know what. I believe… that someday the day will come when people truly understand one another!! If I can’t find the answer, it will be up to you to do it!!

However, despite his failures, Jiraiya showcased great admiration for Naruto and believed in his dream of becoming a Hokage. He was aware that Naruto would be a peaceful leader and potentially make great changes to the shinobi world. Naruto’s dream was motivated and he pushed ahead with the help and training from Jiraiya, his mentor and his godfather. Jiraiya instilled his values in Naruto and passed on that it would be up to him to find an answer to hatred.

5

“Rather Than Rule the World Through Pain… I Wish You Moved Past the Pain.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 132 “In Attendance, The Six Paths Of Pain”

Jiraiya was shocked when he learned that his former student Nagato was the Akatsuki leader he’d been tracking. He was sad to see that the young, sensitive child who cried about wanting to protect his friends, became a ruthless villain intent on doing the exact opposite of what Jiraiya once taught him. When Jiraiya finally obtained the upper hand in his intense battle with Pain, he expressed the disappointment he felt for the path his former pupil decided to take.

Rather than rule the world through pain… I wish you moved past the pain and harnessed your power to bring about peace in a positive way.

Jiraiya remembers the night he consoled Nagato as a child. He told Nagato that understanding pain creates kindness and it “makes [them] human.” He trusted that Nagato would understand this better when he grew up. Unfortunately, it takes more time, several deaths, and Konoha’s destruction for Nagato to learn this lesson. This is not a reflection on Jiraiya’s teaching but the way Nagato interpreted his teachings into something entirely different.

4

“Everyone Knows a Student Inherits His Ninja Way From His Teacher.”

Naruto Shippuden: Episode 133 “The Tale Of Jiraiya The Gallant”

Though Jiraiya could’ve escaped with his life, remembering the Great Sage Toad’s words encouraged him to stay and continue to fight Pain. The Great Sage Toad told Jiraiya that he would have to make a choice that would decide the ninja world’s fate. He wanted to confirm Pain’s identity to give his comrades the chance to defeat him. This was also one of the few moments that led to Jiraiya getting strength from his star pupil’s words. He thought of giving up but remembered Naruto’s resolute to never give up.

For everyone knows, a student inherits his ninja way from his teacher. Isn’t that so, Naruto? Never give up… That was the true choice I was supposed to make.

When he confirmed his theory, he was already dying. He was impaled, and his throat was crushed. Pain was sure Jiraiya’s heart had stopped, but miraculously, the Legendary Sannin began to rise. It was a heartbreaking and inspiring scene, as Jiraiya used his last bit of strength to etch a coded message onto Fukasaku’s back. As he struggled to write, he thought about Naruto and his inability to give up. Determination pushed him onward, Jiraiya reiterated that he can’t give up, and that’s Naruto’s ninja way.