Suddenly finding himself summoned to Mount Myōboku, Naruto was greeted by two small toads who informed him that the Toad Sage wished to meet him.
Perplexed by the unexpected turn of events, Naruto furrowed his brow. He recognized the two little toads immediately, despite their diminutive size. Despite their appearance, these toads held significant status in Mount Myōboku. Even Jiraiya showed them great respect.
They were Toad Shenzuo and Toad Zhima, also known as Shenzuo Xianren and Zhima Xianren, renowned masters of chakra manipulation among the toads.
The Toad Sage, on the other hand, was of even greater stature. As a Sage of Six Paths, he had existed since the time of Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, with a lifespan of over a thousand years.
Although most interactions between the Toad Sage and the Sage of Six Paths were original to the animation, their significance was undeniable. The Toad Sage possessed profound wisdom and the gift of prophecy.
Naruto couldn't help but speculate on Jiraiya's intentions. Did he want the Toad Sage to divine Naruto's future? To ascertain whether he was destined to bring destruction or peace to the ninja world? Was he the prophesied child?
Amused by the prospect, Naruto chuckled. He found himself intrigued rather than resistant, opting to follow the two Toad Sages deeper into Mount Myōboku.
As they journeyed, Naruto couldn't help but voice his curiosity. "By the way, how do the toads here taste? They're so big," he quipped.
Hmm.
Even Kurama couldn't resist interjecting, reminding Naruto, "Don't forget, you still need the key."
It was a surprising revelation that Kurama was actually looking forward to being unsealed.
The two Toad Sages cast curious glances back at Naruto, feeling somewhat perplexed.
After all, it was the first time they had heard someone express a desire to consume toad.
"So, what's your opinion on the taste of humans?" the Immortal Zhima inquired with amusement.
Naruto shrugged nonchalantly. "Guess you'll have to find someone to try."
His unexpected response left the two Toad Sages momentarily speechless.
During the rest of the journey, the Toad Sages remained focused on leading the way, seemingly hesitant to engage in further conversation with Naruto.
Naruto couldn't help but ponder whether he had inadvertently offended the two leaders of Mount Myoboku by signing the contract. Would they still be willing to interact with him in the future?
But Naruto wasn't too bothered by it. He might not even need the assistance of the mountain toads in the future.
After all, toads couldn't compare to Kurama, let alone his own Susanoo. They were essentially redundant.
Unbeknownst to him, Naruto was led to a vast cave, and as he traversed its depths, his eyes suddenly widened.
Before him sat a colossal toad with vibrant orange skin, perched upon an ornate stone throne within the cavernous space.
A cushion adorned the stone seat, with the word "Immortal" embroidered on the curtain behind it, accompanied by a row of scrolls of unknown significance.
The ancient toad appeared to be dozing off, emitting gentle snores.
"Hey, old man," Naruto greeted.
"Hey, don't be rude to the Toad Sage," Immortal Zhima scolded her husband.
Amidst their bickering, the grand Toad Sage slowly opened his eyes, fixing his gaze on Naruto with a sleepy yet discerning stare before blinking heavily.
Immortal Zhima was on the verge of shouting again, but the elder Toad Sage spoke first: "You've arrived."
Naruto understood that the sage was addressing him, so he replied, "You were looking for me?"
"We've brought the person," Chi Shanren announced bluntly.
"Who are you?" The Toad Sage seemed to inquire about Naruto despite his title.
"Are you kidding? Didn't you instruct us to bring him?" Shima Senjin retorted. If the Toad Sage truly didn't know Naruto, who had directed them to fetch him?
"Hahaha, age catches up with us all," chuckled the Toad Sage, feigning forgetfulness. Or was he playing dumb?
Naruto, sporting a bewildered expression, couldn't help but wonder if he could trust this apparent act.
Suddenly, the Toad Sage's eyes snapped open, a glint of insight piercing Naruto's facade, leaving him unnerved.
"You've arrived," the Toad Sage addressed Naruto once more.
Just as Naruto was about to take his leave, the Toad Sage uttered something profound: "The blue-eyed, white-haired youth, who laughs amidst the calls of the nine beasts, accompanied by the fox, will usher in true peace for the ninja world, granting peace and freedom to the nine beasts."
With that, the sage closed his eyes again, appearing drained of energy.
Naruto froze in astonishment.
"Old man, are you blind? Can't you see this kid's got yellow hair? Seriously, are you playing games with us?" Immortal Zhima interjected with frustration.
Yet, the Toad Sage remained unfazed, chuckling before turning to Naruto. "So, who might you be?"
Even Shen Zuo Xianren couldn't resist a retort. "Is this your idea of fun, always pulling this act?"
Despite the exasperation, the Toad Sage's jovial demeanor seemed genuinely amusing.
However, Naruto's countenance darkened. He glared at the Toad Sage, sensing there was more to this than meets the eye.
What did the sage see? What did he know? Would it disrupt Naruto's plans?
Damn it, should he just turn all these toads into soup?
Neither Shima Senren nor Shensuo Senren comprehended, but Naruto understood that the Toad Sage was far from befuddled.
Though Naruto typically sported yellow hair, in battle, especially in Six Paths mode, his hair indeed turned white. Moreover, after mastering the technique to harmonize Rinnegan and Sharingan, he could manifest Mangekyo Sharingan in his Rinnegan state.
So, blue eyes and white hair? It fit.
The old sage was truly getting under Naruto's skin.
As Naruto emanated a faint aura, the Toad Sage addressed him once more. "I know why you're here. Shinsaku, Shima, bring forth the scroll toad. The father has left his legacy to his child. The key shall finally pass to him."
"Did you say he's Minato's child?"
....
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