A Morning Surprise
The next morning, Naruto woke up early and prepared a hearty breakfast for himself. Just as he was about to sit down and eat, there was a knock at the door.
Jiraiya stood at the entrance, his grin wide and unapologetic. "Naruto, are you making breakfast? It smells amazing! Mind if I join you?" Without waiting for an answer, he strode into the house, sat at the table, and began helping himself to the food.
Naruto sighed but didn't protest. "I'll make more," he said, returning to the kitchen.
As Naruto cooked, Jiraiya continued to heap praise on the meal. "This is incredible! Naruto, you've got some serious skills in the kitchen!"
It was the first time Naruto had shared a meal at home with someone else, and while it felt strange, he couldn't deny the faint warmth it brought.
The Art of Summoning
After breakfast, the two made their way to the training ground. Jiraiya pulled out a large scroll and unfurled it, revealing a complex array of symbols and names.
"Naruto, today I'm going to teach you the Summoning Technique," Jiraiya announced. "This scroll is a contract with the toads of Mount Myōboku. Once you sign it, you'll be able to summon toads to aid you in battle. A powerful summon can turn the tide of any fight, and every great ninja needs a reliable partner."
Jiraiya's tone was brimming with pride. As one of the most renowned summoners in the ninja world, he had every right to be confident. His mastery of the toads and their Sage Mode had cemented his place among the legendary Sannin.
Naruto recalled Minato's words about the spiritual energy in the summoning realm being ideal for Reiatsu training. Without hesitation, he signed his name on the contract.
The scroll glowed faintly, sealing the pact between Naruto and the toads of Mount Myōboku.
"Now, let me demonstrate," Jiraiya said, forming a series of hand seals. With a forceful slap on the ground, he called out, "Summoning Technique!"
A cloud of smoke erupted, and when it cleared, a massive toad stood before them. The toad, Gamabunta, was a towering figure with a pipe in his mouth, a bandage around his waist, and a short sword strapped to his back.
"Jiraiya, what's the meaning of this?" Gamabunta growled, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "You called me out for no reason again?"
Jiraiya grinned. "Gamabunta, meet my new student, Uzumaki Naruto."
Gamabunta's eyes narrowed as he studied Naruto. "This kid… he looks familiar."
Before Jiraiya could explain, Naruto stepped forward. "Hello, Mr. Gamabunta. It's an honor to meet you."
Gamabunta grunted, still sizing Naruto up. "Alright, kid. If you want my respect, you'll have to prove yourself. Stand on my back and don't fall off."
Naruto nodded, leaping onto Gamabunta's back with ease. The giant toad began to move, jumping and twisting in an attempt to shake Naruto off. But no matter how hard he tried, Naruto remained steady, his balance unshaken.
After several minutes of intense movement, Gamabunta finally stopped, panting heavily. "Alright, kid. You've got my respect. Jiraiya, this one's a keeper."
Jiraiya beamed with pride. "Of course! He's my student, after all."
A Father's Pride
In the sealed space within Naruto's mind, Minato watched the scene with a smile. "Naruto's talent is truly remarkable. He takes after his old man."
Kurama, the Nine-Tails, snorted. "The better his talent, the sooner he'll break free from Konoha's control. When he destroys this village, let's see if you're still smiling."
Minato's expression grew serious. "Naruto won't destroy Konoha. To him, the village is just a stepping stone."
Kurama's eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh? And if he does decide to destroy it, will you stand by and watch?"
Minato hesitated, then nodded firmly. "If that day comes, I'll stand by Naruto's side."
Kurama clapped his massive paws, his laughter echoing through the sealed space. "How tragic! The Fourth Hokage, who loved Konoha so much, would betray it. What a disgrace."
Minato ignored the jab. He had grown used to Kurama's taunts over the years. The fox thrived on provocation, and engaging with him only made things worse.
Journey to Mount Myōboku
With Gamabunta's approval, Jiraiya and Naruto prepared to travel to Mount Myōboku. Using the Reverse Summoning Technique, they were transported to the mystical realm of the toads.
The landscape was unlike anything Naruto had ever seen. Towering mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls stretched as far as the eye could see. The air was thick with natural energy, and Naruto could feel it resonating with his Reiatsu.
"This place… it's incredible," Naruto murmured, his eyes wide with wonder.
Jiraiya grinned. "Welcome to Mount Myōboku, Naruto. This is where you'll begin your training in Sage Mode."
As they walked deeper into the toads' domain, Naruto couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. This was the next step in his journey, and he was ready to embrace it.