A Warm Welcome
"Long time no see, Jiraiya. And this must be Uzumaki Naruto," Fukasaku Sage said warmly, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Naruto.
The fact that Naruto had successfully summoned Gamabunta on his first attempt was a testament to his extraordinary talent. Mount Myōboku might have just welcomed its most promising contractor in history. Naruto's elegant demeanor and warm smile only added to the sages' fondness for him. He reminded them so much of his father, Minato.
"Perhaps Naruto is the Child of Prophecy," Fukasaku thought to himself.
While Fukasaku and Shima greeted Naruto, he took the opportunity to observe the two sages. Unlike Gamabunta's massive size, the sages were small, no larger than Jiraiya's head. One was green, the other purple, and despite their diminutive stature, their wrinkled faces and long beards gave them an air of wisdom and age.
From them, Naruto sensed an incredible energy—different from chakra, yet equally powerful. It was vibrant, brimming with life and nature, like sunlight or moonlight given form. It was the energy of the natural world, a stark contrast to the Reiatsu he was familiar with.
"This energy… it's different from Reiatsu," Naruto mused, his brow furrowing slightly.
Reiatsu, the spiritual energy of the Soul Society, was a force tied to death and the afterlife. It was the essence of souls, the building blocks of the spirit world. But the energy here in Mount Myōboku was the opposite—a force of life and regeneration.
Aizen, residing within Naruto, also noted the distinction. "Reishi forms the foundation of the Soul Society, but this energy… it's something else entirely. Perhaps it can be converted into Reiatsu, though the efficiency remains to be seen."
Naruto agreed. "This place might be even better for Reiatsu training than the ninja world."
The Pure Land and the Prophecy
After introductions, Jiraiya explained his plan for Naruto to train under the sages. Not only would this lay the groundwork for Sage Mode, but it would also give Naruto a chance to experience a world beyond Konoha. The sages were eager to help, especially after witnessing Naruto's Bloodline Limit, Kyoka Suigetsu.
"This ability is similar to genjutsu, yet fundamentally different," Fukasaku observed. "The energy it produces isn't just chakra. It feels… familiar."
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "I remember now! It's like the energy of the Pure Land!"
"The Pure Land?" Jiraiya asked, confused. Naruto, however, listened intently.
"Yes, the Pure Land is where souls go after death," Fukasaku explained. "The ninja world is the realm of the living, while Mount Myōboku is a natural realm, filled with life energy. The Pure Land is its opposite—a place of death and rest."
He turned to Naruto, his expression serious. "To awaken a Bloodline Limit tied to the Pure Land… its potential is beyond imagination. But such power comes with risks. If the death energy of the Pure Land overwhelms you, it could be fatal."
Naruto's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "How does one enter the Pure Land?"
The sages exchanged worried glances. "Naruto, only the dead can enter the Pure Land," Shima said firmly. "For the living, it's a one-way journey. You must abandon such thoughts."
Naruto nodded politely, but his mind was already racing. The Pure Land could be the perfect place to hone his Reiatsu—or even build his own kingdom. The idea of transforming it into a realm like the Soul Society or Hueco Mundo filled him with excitement.
A Feast of… Bugs?
As the conversation shifted, Shima Sage brought out a spread of dishes. "Enough talk! Let's eat. My cooking is the best in Mount Myōboku," she declared proudly.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "I'd love to try the cuisine of the summoning realm."
Jiraiya, however, paled at the sight of the food. The first dish was a plate of deep-fried insects, crispy and golden. The second was a platter of spicy worms, their vibrant colors and aroma almost deceiving.
Naruto, ever the polite guest, picked up a fried insect and took a bite. His smile widened. "This is amazing! The flavor is incredible."
Jiraiya stared in disbelief, his stomach churning. But under Fukasaku's watchful gaze, he reluctantly joined the meal, his expression a mix of horror and resignation.
The Child of Prophecy
As they ate, Fukasaku and Shima exchanged thoughtful glances. Naruto's potential was undeniable, and his connection to the Pure Land added another layer of mystery. Could he be the Child of Prophecy, the one destined to bring great change to the ninja world?
Jiraiya, too, found himself reflecting on Naruto's future. He had once believed Nagato, with his Rinnegan, was the prophesied child. But now, Naruto's unique abilities and unwavering determination made him a strong candidate.
And then there was Sasuke Uchiha—the boy with the Sharingan, relentless in his pursuit of strength. Jiraiya couldn't help but smile as he recalled Sasuke's antics. "Perhaps he'll be Naruto's greatest ally," he thought.