It was born in the era of Kaguya, active during the time of the Sage of Six Paths, and had once chatted jovially with the reincarnation of Asura. It possessed incredible skill, could croak tunes both muddled and wise, and a mysterious smile often lingered at the corner of its mouth.
Now, though it had retired from the front lines, it still intervened in matters of importance, and its words carried weight. Rumors once claimed it had passed away, and over time, the world had largely forgotten it. Today, only a few knew for certain whether it was still alive.
It was the Great Toad Sage—Gamamaru.
Gamamaru's life was steeped in legend.
In its youth, it had served as mentor to the Sage of Six Paths, guiding him in Sage Jutsu and aiding in the overthrow of Kaguya's rule.
For the next thousand years, it quietly observed the ninja world, using prophecy to guide successive generations and thwarting Black Zetsu's attempts to revive his mother.
Some regarded it as a symbol of longevity; others became its disciples, spreading "Toadology" for life. Some even speculated it was a time traveler. The truth, however, had long been lost to history.
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Leaving aside sensationalist tales, Hayashi, guided by Fukasaku, ascended the steps into the depths of Mount Myōboku.
The first sight to greet him was a standing stone pillar, marking the temple gate. Beyond it, a building resembled a sacrificial hall, its central doors open. The main hall had weathered time but radiated a simple, ancient majesty that inspired awe.
Inside, the space was modest but allowed the entire scene to be seen at once. Directly opposite the entrance was a colossal seat, flanked by giant scrolls inscribed with jutsu formulas.
Seated upon it was an aged toad, wearing an oil necklace and a cap resembling a scholar's hat. The Great Toad Sage.
"Old Lord," Fukasaku greeted respectfully.
Hayashi looked up, feeling the immense chakra emanating from the sage. Even without sensory abilities, the pressure was almost overwhelming.
"Probably only a Tailed Beast could match it… Truly a Toad God," Hayashi thought.
The Great Toad Sage opened its eyes slowly, a slit forming in its round gaze. It looked at Fukasaku, then at Hayashi, and asked with a confused croak, "Who are you?"
Fukasaku patiently reminded him, "It's Little Hayashi."
"Oh, right, right," the Great Toad Sage nodded.
Hayashi wiped a bead of nonexistent sweat from his forehead, smiling awkwardly.
Fukasaku's expression turned serious. "Old Lord, have you summoned Little Hayashi with new instructions?"
Hayashi's face shifted to seriousness.
"Hmm…"
The Great Toad Sage paused, then asked, its voice ancient and gravely, "What is your name again?"
Hayashi's serious expression collapsed. He looked at the sage, speechless.
Fukasaku intervened gently: "Old Lord, it's Hayashi—Hayashi!"
Shima muttered from the side, "Honestly, you called him over, and now you act forgetful, old toad…"
Fukasaku waved her off. "Mother, how can you speak to Old Lord that way?"
"I'm just telling the truth," Shima replied.
"Enough bickering," the Great Toad Sage said, his eyes widening slightly. "A couple should live in harmony. I summoned Hayashi because I had a dream."
"Hmm… a prophecy," Fukasaku added.
Hayashi leaned forward. "What kind of dream?"
"In it, the entire ninja world disappears…"
"What?" Not just Hayashi, but even Fukasaku and Shima were shocked.
The ninja world had existed for centuries. For it to vanish entirely, what could possibly happen?
Hayashi frowned. "Great Toad Sage, you once said my disciple would bring a major change to the ninja world, leading to either stability or destruction. Why does it now point to outright destruction?"
The Great Toad Sage fell silent, then said slowly, "Prophecies have never been wrong, but this one is different. At a certain point, changes occurred…"
"Changes?" Hayashi asked.
"Yes. A person who belongs neither to the past nor the future has appeared in the ninja world. His existence causes everything to shift, and this change may lead to the complete disappearance of the ninja world."
"Is this disappearance good or bad?"
The sage's tone became erratic. "I do not know. But your disciple will be involved… guiding humanity either toward stability or destruction."
Hayashi fell silent. He now had four disciples: Minato and the three orphans from the Rain Village.
Because of the Rinnegan, he had believed Nagato was the child of prophecy. Now, he was uncertain.
The Great Toad Sage's gaze shifted skyward. It remembered when it first brought Hagoromo to Mount Myōboku, centuries ago, facing Kaguya's threat and guiding him to seal her.
Now, thousands of years later, the world faced a new threat, but the final outcome remained unseen. It could only hope that this repeating destiny would finally conclude. The centuries of aiding Hagoromo's descendants had left it weary.
Lost in thought, the Great Toad Sage drowsily closed its eyes and fell asleep.
Hayashi looked at Fukasaku. "Alright. I will continue training! No matter what the future holds, I will become stronger."
Fukasaku nodded. "That is the way."
Hayashi bent down, hoisting the two Great Sages onto his shoulders, and walked toward the hall's exit.
"By the way, Lord Fukasaku, can Minato learn Sage Jutsu too?"
Fukasaku shook his head. "Little Minato is too young. His chakra reserves are small, and it takes time to activate Sage Mode in battle. Let us wait another two years."
Hayashi nodded. "I was too impatient."
Shima, meditating nearby, opened her eyes and asked suddenly, "Hayashi, something I've always wanted to ask. You went on a trip with Little Tsunade before—why come to Mount Myōboku? Where is she?"
Hayashi gritted his teeth. "I'm looking for her too, but she better pray I don't find her."
"Why?"
"Because I'll break her legs."
Shima blinked. "…"
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