Synopsis.

One of a trio dubbed the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya lived a decorated if troubled life. From a young age, he was weighted down with the responsibility of a prophecy that fortold him teaching a child who would either save or destroy the world. Every acomplishment was overshadowed by the looming prophecy and Jiraiya's adult life was fundamentally shaped by it.

Over the years, he ran into several children he suspected of being the Child of Prophecy. The first was Namikaze Minato who later became the Fourth Hokage. The second was Nagato who later became the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain. Both would become influential in their own rights, and both would die early deaths.

After Minato's death and the defection of Jiraiya's comrade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya took on the life of a hermit in order to travel and keep tabs on his old friend. Only ever returning to Konoha for assignments, and even then he was difficult for the village to contact. During one return, he met Uzumaki Naruto and began training him. Unfortunately, only a few short years later Jiraiya died at the hands of Pain. In the end, he found peace in believing that he had finally truly found the Child of Prophecy in Naruto and that he would save the world.

Notes.

My portrayal of Jiraiya is canon divergent I won't be erasing all of the lewd elements of his character, but I will be toning it down and retconning the criminal/more abhorrent elements (eg. peeping, comments towards minors, etc.).
Do not refer to Jiraiya as Pervy Sage, Ero-Sennin, Perverted Hermit, or any other variation. This is for my personal comfort, for reasons outside of the narrative.

Hooks.

Writer of the Icha Icha books, a popular series of adult novels, and Tales of A Gutsy Ninja which was a critical failure.
Incredibly skilled ninja known as one of the Legendary Sannin.
Travels constantly; both to "research" for his novels and to complete various missions for Konoha.
Has an affinity for toads.

Verses.

Canon - Catch all for any interaction that takes place within the canon of Naruto, right up until his death.

Alive - Rather than die at the hands of Pain, Jiraiya manages to escape. It remains canon compliant in every other regard with Jiraiya being in too critical a condition to help out, for now.