ANIME'S GREATEST SUPPORTING CHARACTERS: PART 1.

Meet Jiraiya, one of the major pillars of support to the growth of Naruto from an ostracized boy into a powerful leader and protector.

“Toad sage” Jiraiya was a figure of authority in the Hidden leaf village, largely because he was one of the three legendary sannin, a group of fabled ninjas that were renowned for surviving the attacks of Hanzo during the Second Great Ninja war.

At first encounter, he saw the potential in Naruto. He saw greatness in the one feature for which Naruto faced prejudice from the rest of the villagers, so he took the kid under his wing and started to nurture him. 

He trained Naruto intensively for years outside the village, preparing him for the biggest challenges. Under Jiraiya, Naruto also learned to master the Nine Tails Chakra, an ability that proved pivotal for him on the road to redemption.

He served as a figure of great influence in the life of Naruto, like a godfather, giving him both life and mastery lessons, and teaching him the values much needed to achieve his goals.

He's regarded widely as one of the biggest supporting characters, not just in the Naruto anime series, but the entire anime multiverse.