Jiraiya may not be as popular as the main trio or Kakashi, but he is one of those Naruto characters that you simply have to love. Jiraiya is a specific character, very skilled and wise, and he has certainly made his mark on the whole franchise.
The list is going to include a total of 46 best Jiraiya quotes from the Naruto anime and manga. The quotes are taken from various contexts and situations, and they are grouped based on the message they’re sending.
Best Inspirational Jiraiya Quotes
“You’re wrong, that’s not what makes a shinobi. You never did get it, a real ninja is one who endures no matter what gets thrown at him… Let me explain something to you, there is only one thing that matters if you are a shinobi, and it isn’t the number of techniques you possess. All you do need, is the guts to never give up.”
Jiraiya was a great master, probably one of the best and most inspirational ones in the whole franchise, and this lesson he gave Naruto is a brilliant example of his principles and his values.
“Even I can tell that hatred is spreading. I wanted to do something about it … but I don’t know what … but 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!!”
Along with being a great mentor, Jiraiya also had a great perception of the events in the world of shinobi. But, regardless of the fact that he sensed the hatred around him, Jiraiya was always hopeful and that was one of hit most famous traits.
“Now my job is to help 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. It’s what makes us old guys cool, you see.”
This one shows how dedicated of a mentor Jiraiya was. Jiraiya was an exceptionally skilled shinobi but he wasn’t egoistic; his main goal was to raise a new generation of skilled shinobi, while he himself was not important there.
“Never go back on your word… and never give up. That’s your ninja way… and as your mentor… I have no business whining! Because… the student’s ninja way should be the master’s too! Isn’t that so, Naruto?!”
This might seem like Jiraiya cared more for his own image than Naruto’s, but it’s not true. Jiraiya was a strict and not necessarily conventional teacher, but he cared deeply for his pupils and he simply wanted them to be the best they could be.
“I think we all have to acknowledge you. Gamatatsu, Gamakichi, Sakura, Tsunade … and I … we all admit you’ve worked really hard. But I wonder what’s pushing you forward.”
This is another example of how much Jiraiya valued his pupils and the great work they put in, especially in Naruto’s case, since Naruto had a very special place in the whole franchise.
“Any man that doesn’t learn to laugh at rejection, is worthless as a man.”
Aside from teaching them the skills necessary for a good shinobi, Jiraiya was also a very practical man who had dozens of everyday living advice for his pupils, especially when it came to love. Most of them were hilarious.
“Let me explain something to you—there is only one thing that matters if you are a shinobi, and it isn’t the number of jutsu you possess. All you do need is the guts to never give up.”
While teaching them what a shinobi should be, Jiraiya also taught his pupils what a shinobi shouldn’t be and what actual values a shinobi has to have in order to become great.
“I believe that the day will come when people can truly understand each other.”
This is yet another illustration of how much Jiraiya valued hope, despite all the grim experiences he had and the times he was living in.
“Getting dumped always makes a man stronger, but then again, men aren’t meant to pursue happiness.”
This one is actually one of the rare pieces of love advice that Jiraiya gave that weren’t hilarious, that actually had some depth to them.
“The most important thing for a shinobi is the spirit and the will to never give up.”
This is a variation on the above-cited quote, emphasizing the essence of shinobi and their skills.
“Every shinobi is on a quest for self-improvement, and through perseverance, victory becomes the goal.”
We actually pondered whether this one was more of a philosophical or inspirational one, since it has elements of both. Be that as it may, it certainly hit the right spot when it came to its meaning.
“When you feel your time has come, then I shall rewind time. When you feel alone, I’ll be there to wipe away the fears. You can’t see me, but I am there.”
This is really a heartbreaking moment. Jiraiya was actually well aware of his own mortality and he knew that his pupils would outlive him, but he taught them that whenever they needed him, he would be there.
“If you can’t accept and move past rejection, or at least use it as writing material – you’re not a real man.”
And another brilliant piece of love-related advice that shows how pragmatical Jiraiya was. And how utterly blunt as well.
“Never give up! No matter what. That was the true choice that I was supposed to make. Naruto, you are the child of prophecy. I’m sure of it now. I leave the rest to you.”
This one is a great illustration of how much Jiraiya valued Naruto and how high his opinion of his pupil was.
“I was given a prophecy by a certain sage, that my student will bring forth a great change to the world of shinobi.”
Related to Naruto and his destiny, Jiraiya was well aware that he had a very special pupil with him and being blunt as usual, he didn’t try to make it easy for Naruto.
“Naruto… I know you know this, but… don’t use that power.”
A warning. Unusual for Jiraiya to be honest, but it made sense back then.
“Actually, I’ve started to look at him as my own grandson.”
Jiraiya formed a bond with his pupils. Of course, he was too old to call them his children, but they could be his grandchildren and that actually made a lot of sense, seeing how tied to them he was.
“Instead of using your powers to bring pain, I wanted you to use it to change the world into something better.”
This was the best way to close off this section, seeing how Jiraiya was all about such quotes and such lessons. He taught his students to be better, not to be great fighters, but to be better in every aspect.
Best Funny Jiraiya Quotes
“Yo! I’m Jiraiya! You can send me the love letter later!”
This one probably best describes Jiraiya when he’s not a mentor. Funny, blunt, and ultimately a miserable failure when it comes to women.
” Wow Sarutobi Sensei, You’re a perv. “
“I’m not a pervert… I’m a super pervert!”
Perverts in Naruto were a normal thing, but that was nothing bad, really. It was absolutely hilarious and this is certainly one aspect of Jiraiya’s character that has to be explored via quotes.
“Because it’s no fun to train a genius!”
Well, the guy liked a challenge and he was everything but conventional, so this one actually makes perfect sense when you look at it properly.
“How sad that this will be the end twist to the ‘Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant’. What a worthless story it turned out to be.”
Jiraiya was, in his own humorous way, obsessed with stories, tales and legends, so he actually “had” a story for practically all the people he encountered, including himself. This motif will reappear on this list.
“You have the means to erase the things we shouldn’t know, correct?”
This one sounds funny. It actually isn’t, but out of context – we had to put it into this category.
“A wise one like Tsunade is meant to be Hokage more than I, someone with no motivation.”
As stated above, Jiraiya was no egomaniac and he always thought that he wasn’t all that suited for a lot of things, having very high opinions of his friends and colleagues.
“Geez, you really need to practice what you preach.”
Like you Jiraiya, like you…
Best Badass Jiraiya Quotes
“Protection is important, but there are some things that a person must learn on his own.“
This set of quotes shows just how strict of a mentor Jiraiya was; he was a pretty badass dude and this quote illustrates it perfectly if you ask us.
“Die! Just die! You have no talent at all!”
Yeah, he might have overdone it a few times here and there, but that’s just Jiraiya being Jiraiya.
“Give up on trying to make me give up.”
Because Jiraiya simply doesn’t give up and that is what he demands from his pupils as well.
“You should bet that I’m going to die. Knowing your luck, you’ll definitely lose.”
This one could’ve been in the funny papers as well, but Jiraiya’s hazardous self-esteem made us giggle on more than one occasion.
“It’s a million years too soon for that kid to take me on.”
Like this one. You couldn’t really hope for any leniency if you were his pupil.
“From North to the South, and the East to the West, not even celestial beings can defeat this ‘Legendary Sannin’.”
Told you we’d see the legends and tales once more. And it’s not the last time, no.
Best Philosophical Jiraiya Quotes
“When people get hurt, they learn to hate… when people hurt others, they become hated and racked with guilt. But knowing that pain allows people to be kind. Pain allows people to grow… and how you grow is up to you.”
This one has an unusual amount of depth when Jiraiya is concerned, but like many others – it hits the bullseye.
“A person who feels nothing at the death of those close to him is no different than a butcher.”
What a perfect description…
“I’d wager, we even learned things we shouldn’t know.”
Of course, we did, Jiraiya, everyone does. It’s what we do with all that unnecessary knowledge that defines us.
“There, that ending… was a little better. The frog at the bottom of the well drifts off into the great ocean. Heh heh… yep… pretty damn honourable… pretty damn honourable… I guess it’s time to put down my pen. Right… I need a title for the next book… let’s see… Ah, got it… The Tale of Naruto Uzumaki… perfect.”
And another mention of Jiraiya the narrator. These were, sadly, his last words before he died.
“Wherever someone thinks of you, that’s where home is.”
Another unexpected example of depth from Jiraiya.
“The true measure of a shinobi is not how he lives, but how he dies.”
This is actually a play on some earlier quotes on the essence of the shinobi.
“Hatred is a strong emotion that can harness the worst inside a person, pushing them to commit heinous acts.”
“A person grows up when he’s able to overcome hardships.”
“A smile doesn’t always mean they’re happy.”
“A tale is only good as it’s final turn of events. A plot twist. And mistakes are important part of a plot, too.”
Oh, you thought that up there was the end? Nope. Neither is this.
“The route of self-discovery and becoming is a long one.”
“One person is all everyone needs.”
“From North to the South, and the East to the West, not even celestial beings can defeat this ‘Legendary Sannin’.”
Yes, yes, another reference, we know…
“And they say a novel is much more interesting if you don’t know how it ends.
The last one, we promise. This is also the last quote we have for you, so it’s also the last reference.