After the meeting concluded, Minato Namikaze was called to Kakashi's presence.
"Sensei, is there still no response from your summoning contract?" Kakashi asked.
Minato nodded, unable to comprehend why he had suddenly been blacklisted by Mount Myōboku despite never harboring any ill will toward them in the past.
But as an observer, Kakashi had a rough idea of the reason.
Since Minato was now cultivating qi instead of chakra, he had essentially grown estranged from Mount Myōboku, whose senjutsu relied on chakra-based cultivation.
"It doesn't matter. Even if you don't wish to fight those toads, I hope you won't interfere in this matter.
Those toads have crossed my bottom line, as well as the bottom line of that great god. They must die," Kakashi said coldly.
Minato opened his mouth to speak but ultimately chose to remain silent. After all, Kakashi was not only the one who had resurrected him and his wife but also the architect of this peaceful era.
Though Minato had a good relationship with the toads, he knew where to stand when it mattered.
Soon, a wave of toad slaughters swept across the Vast Ocean Realm. Whether ordinary toads or others, seeing them meant death.
What about ecological damage?
Hmph. The ecosystem of a planet never collapses entirely due to the loss of a single species. Without toads, other amphibians could easily take their place.
However, Jiraiya and the powerful toads of Mount Myōboku remained elusive because Mount Myōboku existed in a unique alternate dimension.
But the Vast Ocean Realm wasn't infinite. With the entire world united in purpose, finding them was only a matter of time.
Watching this fervent wave of destruction, Jiraiya grew increasingly troubled. Fortunately, his mastery of disguise kept him hidden from being discovered in his true form.
"What an evil god, mobilizing the forces of the ninja world to commit such monstrous acts," Jiraiya cursed under his breath.
However, he didn't care much about these ordinary toads. In his mind, only the toads of Mount Myōboku were truly worthy of the name.
Though a ninja traveling at full speed could circle the ninja world in about a month, Jiraiya had to keep stopping in various cities to search for the "Child of Destiny." A full year passed, and he still had nothing to show for it.
"Great Sage, at this rate, when will I ever find the Child of Destiny?" Jiraiya lamented.
Moreover, Gamamaru's prophecy was frustratingly vague, only stating that the savior would be Jiraiya's disciple without providing any specific details. It was like groping in the dark, leaving Jiraiya feeling utterly helpless.
Over the past year, Jiraiya had taken on several disciples. At first, they were excited to learn from him, given the impressive display of strength he showcased.
But as he taught them, they began to notice something off. There were clear differences between the chakra and qi systems, and some of Jiraiya's old ninja habits persisted. Eventually, they all reported him, forcing Jiraiya to flee in disgrace.
However, according to Gamamaru's words, Jiraiya believed none of these individuals were the prophesied savior. If they were, why would they have reported him?
One day, Jiraiya continued his search for the destined savior.
While traveling, Jiraiya sensed something amiss. He abruptly stopped, as the surroundings were eerily quiet.
It was summer—the season when insects chirped incessantly.
Jiraiya activated his Rinnegan to scan the area.
Though the qi and chakra systems were different branches, their essence stemmed from the same source: life energy. Thus, the Rinnegan could perceive qi as well.
"This chakra!?"
Seeing the chakra signature before him, Jiraiya's hair stood on end, and cold sweat trickled down involuntarily.
A defiant figure clad in black appeared before him.
Uchiha Madara loomed above, looking down at Jiraiya with disdain.
"These eyes, this ocular power—it truly is the Sage of Six Paths' eyes."
Though Jiraiya had long known that Madara, the ancient monster, had returned from the dead, facing the once Warlord of the Ninja World—even at his current strength—left Jiraiya unable to let his guard down.
The pressure Madara exuded even surpassed that of Kakashi.
At this moment, Madara spoke: "Insect, hand over your Rinnegan, and I'll spare your wretched life."
Jiraiya didn't respond. Instead, he immediately performed a summoning technique.
A thick cloud of smoke erupted, and three mountain-sized giant toads appeared beneath Jiraiya's feet.
By now, the two Great Elder Toads had also taken their positions on Jiraiya's shoulders, and he instantly entered Sage Mode.
Though Jiraiya could achieve Sage Mode independently, the assistance of the two elders allowed him to control its power more effectively.
Madara remained unfazed, watching the scene unfold with cold indifference.
"So this is your answer? How laughable."
"Gamatatsu, Gamaken, Gamabunta, I'll leave it to you three to restrain him!" Jiraiya commanded.
The trio of toads from Mount Myōboku acknowledged his order and charged at Madara.
With just a few swift movements, Madara dodged the attacks of the three giant toads and commented:
"Your courage is admirable, and your strength isn't bad either. But attacking me is sheer folly.
Shinra Tensei!"
A massive shockwave sent the three toads flying. Madara's eyes shifted to reveal his Rinnegan.
Seeing Jiraiya attempting to escape using the shockwave, Madara's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Banshō Ten'in!"
Without resistance, Jiraiya was pulled toward him.
However, the battle-hardened Madara quickly sensed something unusual.
When the distance between them closed to just ten meters, Jiraiya unleashed Sage Art: Five Righteous Gods Technique!
The ignited oil from the toads combined with wind release surged forward with overwhelming force, seemingly capable of burning mountains and boiling seas.
Jiraiya had been informed by the toad sages of all the abilities of the Rinnegan. The legitimate Rinnegan born from this planet possessed both the Six Paths and Outer Path powers.
Madara, possessing the Rinnegan, could naturally absorb chakra-based attacks. However, with the addition of natural energy, this ninjutsu became unabsorbable.
After carefully considering the techniques at his disposal, Jiraiya had chosen this close-range explosive technique, which couldn't be detected in advance.
As the raging flames approached Madara, a hint of smugness flashed in Jiraiya's eyes.
Even the Warlord of the Ninja World could fall prey to carelessness.
But the next moment, Jiraiya's eyes widened in disbelief.
Madara had abandoned chakra cultivation and switched to ki. With no political duties to distract him, Madara had become the strongest in qi cultivation.
Blue armor enveloped his body, making Madara resemble a mythical crow tengu warrior.
Dou Qi-Infused Armor: Susanoo!!!
{T/N: Somehow BTTH got in here? Did I miss something?}
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