Jiraiya did recognize Naruto when they first met. However, it’s important to note that their initial meeting was not by chance. Jiraiya had prior knowledge about Naruto and the seal that was placed on him.
Jiraiya’s recognition of Naruto can be traced back to his close relationship with the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, who was Naruto’s father. As one of the legendary Sannin and a former student of the Third Hokage, Jiraiya had been entrusted with the task of looking after Naruto’s well-being.
Before Naruto was born, the Fourth Hokage sealed the Nine-Tails, a powerful and malevolent tailed beast, within Naruto’s body. This was done to protect the village and ensure that the Nine-Tails’ destructive power would not fall into the wrong hands. Jiraiya was aware of this seal and its significance.
When Jiraiya encountered Naruto for the first time, he immediately recognized the Nine-Tails’ chakra within him. This recognition was not only due to his knowledge of the seal but also because of his own familiarity with the Nine-Tails. Jiraiya had encountered and battled the Nine-Tails in the past, which gave him a unique understanding of its presence.
Furthermore, Jiraiya’s recognition of Naruto went beyond just his physical appearance or the presence of the Nine-Tails. Jiraiya also recognized Naruto’s potential as a shinobi and as the child of prophecy. He saw the determination, strength of will, and unwavering spirit within Naruto that mirrored the traits of his father, the Fourth Hokage.
Additionally, Jiraiya’s recognition of Naruto was solidified when he discovered that the seal placed on Naruto by the Fourth Hokage had been tampered with by Orochimaru, one of the main antagonists in the series. This further emphasized the importance of Jiraiya’s role in mentoring and guiding Naruto.
Jiraiya did recognize Naruto when they first met. His recognition was not based solely on Naruto’s physical appearance but also on his knowledge of the seal placed on him by the Fourth Hokage and his own experiences with the Nine-Tails. Jiraiya’s recognition of Naruto’s potential and his role as the child of prophecy played a significant role in their subsequent relationship and Jiraiya’s dedication to training and mentoring Naruto.