"Finally mastered all those jutsu."
Jiraiya stretched lazily on a flat clearing in Mount Myōboku, letting out a contented sigh. It had been four months since he first arrived here, dedicating every spare moment to training.
Under the guidance of Fukasaku and Shima, Jiraiya had worked through countless scrolls detailing various jutsu, learning them all. The process had taken longer than expected—not because of a lack of talent, but because many of the jutsu required precise cooperation with the toads of Mount Myōboku.
These collaborative techniques demanded an extraordinary level of synchronization between the user and the toad partner. Without that, the jutsu would fail entirely.
Even with Jiraiya's exceptional talent, building that level of synergy was something that could only be achieved over time. Four months of hard work were dedicated almost entirely to refining that bond. Otherwise, Jiraiya could have completed the training in far less time.
"Why haven't I seen Bunta around lately?" Jiraiya asked, glancing over at the toad lying beside him.
Gamahiro, nicknamed Hiro for his relentless training, was the most disciplined of the toad brothers. He spent every free moment practicing taijutsu and ninjutsu until he was utterly spent. According to him, he was a "useless toad" who needed to work twice as hard to become someone reliable.
Hiro, despite his humility, was one of Jiraiya's most dependable allies. He would carry out any task given to him, no matter how difficult, even if it meant risking his life. In a life-or-death fight, Hiro could potentially outlast even Gamabunta or Gamahiro due to his versatility in both offense and defense—an advantage the others lacked due to their focus on offense alone.
"He's been avoiding you lately. After all those cuts you gave him during training, he's scared of getting dragged into another session. And his injuries haven't fully healed yet," Hiro replied with a slight chuckle.
Jiraiya scratched his head, puzzled. "Still not healed? I last sparred with him six days ago. With his resilience and the healing baths of Mount Myōboku, he should've recovered by now."
The toads of Mount Myōboku possessed remarkable regenerative abilities, bolstered by the natural energy of senjutsu chakra within their bodies. While they weren't quite on par with the legendary vitality of the Senju, they could heal far faster than most living creatures.
Hiro smirked. "Oh, he's healed. But this time, he went to extreme measures to avoid you. He took a blade to himself—on purpose—just to make sure you wouldn't drag him into another sparring session."
Jiraiya blinked in disbelief before breaking into laughter. "That's… intense."
He couldn't believe Gamabunta would go to such lengths. Was he really that terrifying? Scratching his nose awkwardly, Jiraiya dismissed the thought with a shake of his head. It wasn't his fault—it was Bunta's for being too weak.
If Gamabunta could hear Jiraiya's thoughts, he'd probably shout, "Do you even know how many times you've cut me?! Even if I were made of steel, I wouldn't survive this kind of training!"
Just then, Fukasaku and Shima approached, their expressions filled with admiration.
"Little Jiraiya, your talent is truly astonishing. When we started this training, we thought it'd take you at least a year to master all those jutsu," Fukasaku said.
"How soon can I start training in Sage Mode?" Jiraiya asked, standing up to face them. The allure of mastering Sage Mode had always been strong.
"If you keep this up, you'll be ready to start in six months," Shima replied.
"Little Jiraiya, the Great Toad Sage wishes to see you. Come with me," Fukasaku said.
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. The Great Toad Sage—Mount Myōboku's most revered figure—had finally summoned him. It could only mean one thing: the time had come to reveal his destiny.
Following Fukasaku, Jiraiya entered a grand temple. The moment he stepped inside, the rich aroma of sake filled the air. At the far end of the hall sat an enormous, ancient toad clutching a sake bottle—none other than the Great Toad Sage, the most powerful being in Mount Myōboku.
Though the Sage appeared frail with age, the senjutsu chakra radiating from him was immense and awe-inspiring. Few in the world could challenge such power.
"Great Sage, I've brought Jiraiya," Fukasaku said with deep respect, bowing before the throne.
Jiraiya stepped forward and gave a polite bow. "It's an honor to meet you, Great Sage."
The Great Toad Sage opened his eyes slowly, his voice resonating with the weight of centuries.
"So, you're the guide for the Child of Prophecy. Your talent is indeed remarkable."
Jiraiya feigned ignorance. "The Child of Prophecy? What do you mean, Great Sage?"
The Sage chuckled faintly. "I see visions of the future in my dreams. I saw that one of your future students will bring true peace to the shinobi world. That is why I summoned you here—to tell you this and to remind you to guide your students with care. Ensure they walk the right path."
"One of my students will bring peace to the entire world?" Jiraiya repeated, his expression filled with doubt.
"Indeed. The shinobi world's fate rests on your shoulders, Jiraiya. Each new student you train could be the one—do not let them stray."
"Do you know who the Child of Prophecy is?" Jiraiya asked, though he already suspected the answer.
The Great Toad Sage shook his head. "The future is unclear. It could be anyone among the next generation. Your task is to find them, to nurture them, and to lead them toward peace."
For the rest of their meeting, the Sage imparted various instructions, though much of it boiled down to vague advice. The core message was clear: when Jiraiya grew stronger, he must travel the shinobi world, seeking the Child of Prophecy and guiding them onto the right path.
As Jiraiya left the temple, Fukasaku's expression was grave.
"Little Jiraiya, your responsibilities are immense. The future of the shinobi world depends on you."
"Don't worry, Sensei. I'll do everything I can to ensure peace," Jiraiya said firmly.
In his heart, he resolved to shape the shinobi world through his own means and bring about the peace the Great Toad Sage envisioned.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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