Naruto: The new beginning

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Naruto and Hinata spent a quiet afternoon together. They didn't have any extravagant plans or go on a shopping spree. Naruto simply accompanied her, doing what she enjoyed.

But they were both content, as if this was exactly how life was meant to be.

Naruto has heard two types of love stories. One is where you wore a white shirt, and the sun was shining just right that day. The other is where she playfully acted spoiled, and you bought her a gift.

Which one is better? Everyone has their answer, but what Naruto desires in his heart is probably what he has right now.

...

The next day, Kakashi went rock climbing with Akebi, and Team 7 had the day off. Naruto returned to Mount Myoboku to continue his Sage training.

Sitting on a slab atop the spikes, after countless falls, Naruto could now last a few minutes. It would still take time before he fully mastered calming his mind.

Naruto couldn't control his restless mind, but he knew that even the smallest progress was better than none, though he sometimes despaired at the slow pace of mastering Sage Mode.

When Naruto fell for the thirty-eighth time that day and returned to the peak using the Flying Thunder God Jutsu, Shima suddenly arrived.

"Little Naruto, can you take a break for a while?"

Naruto panicked, thinking, She's not here to drag me for dinner, right? Then, he fell again.

This time, Naruto descended to the ground and asked, "What's the matter?"

Fukasaku also descended and said, "What's going on, my child?"

Shima explained, "The Great Toad Sage wishes to see Jiraiya and Minato. Can you let them know to be ready? Fukasaku and I will summon them with the reverse summoning technique."

The Great Toad Sage, also known as Toad Maru, once taught the Sage arts to the Sage of Six Paths, whose sons eventually sealed Kaguya. His influence played a part in that as well.

The Great Toad Sage has the unique ability to foresee glimpses of the future through dreams. So far, none of his prophecies have been wrong.

Jiraiya firmly believes in his prophecies. His travels across the ninja world, his writing, and even the apprentices he took under his wing were all due to the words of the Great Toad Sage.

This has led to various conspiracy theories suggesting that the Great Toad Sage orchestrated the major events in the ninja world, including Kaguya's family affairs, to elevate Mount Myoboku's status.

Others believe he is akin to the Ancient One from the Marvel universe, able to see both past and future. Even time travellers couldn't escape his gaze, and everything he does subtly guides the world toward a better future.

Curious whether the Great Toad Sage was truly so powerful, Naruto readily agreed. "Alright, I'll go right away."

As expected, Minato was in the Hokage's office. After hearing Naruto's message, he nodded. "I understand. Go and tell Jiraiya."

Naruto opened his mental map and found Jiraiya's location, which wasn't surprising.

Jiraiya was perched on a tree outside the bathhouse, peering through a monocular, with an impish smile on his face.

Naruto shouted, "Pervy Sage!"

Jiraiya flinched, barely catching the monocular that almost slipped from his hand. He jumped down, grabbed Naruto, and dashed away.

"Hey, what's the rush?"

Jiraiya didn't answer until they were far enough. Only then did he complain, "Naruto, can you be a little less sneaky? You scared my inspiration away."

Ignoring the complaint, Naruto asked, "Tsunade-sama is a consultant just like you. Why is she always so busy, yet you find time to peep like this?"

Jiraiya, of course, denied peeping. "This is research! I'm only free because I delegate to Shikaku and Inoichi... Ahem, I mean, I'm good at helping the younger generation grow by giving them opportunities."

Naruto shot him a disapproving look, "Yeah, right."

Seeing the judgment, Jiraiya quickly changed the subject. "Alright, so why are you here? I'm very busy."

"The Great Toad Sage wants to see you and my father. Fukasaku will summon you both soon."

"The Great Toad Sage?" Jiraiya's playful demeanour disappeared, replaced with a serious expression. "Understood."

...

At Mount Myoboku, in front of the Great Toad Sage's residence.

"Master, Lady Shima."

"Fukasaku-sama, Shima-sama."

Jiraiya and Minato greeted the elder toads with respect.

Shima complained, "Oh, so Jiraiya still remembers me! You haven't visited in so long."

Jiraiya sheepishly scratched his head but didn't reply, not wanting to admit that he avoided coming just to escape Shima's insect-filled meals.

Fukasaku quickly intervened, "Now, now, you can catch up later. Let's go in."

Naruto raised his hand. "Can I come too?"

Jiraiya frowned, "Naruto, this is serious. Don't cause trouble."

Fukasaku reassured them, "It's fine, Naruto can join us."

Naruto grinned triumphantly, eager to witness the conversation. He thought, 'Hah, pervy sage, trying to stop me from seeing this? I'll remember this grudge.'

Inside, the Great Toad Sage's residence was simple. The most notable features were the large backrest and armrests, along with a massive footbath bearing mystical markings.

That's right, a footbath. Naruto had always thought it was a throne, but it turned out that the Great Toad Sage didn't sit on a seat, but instead soaked in a water basin.

So this ancient sage, with a doctor's cap on his head for thousands of years and oil beads around his neck, had been squatting in a water basin this whole time?

Naruto thought, No way. How could such a laid-back toad be the mastermind behind it all? Honestly, I trust Gamabunta more than him.

Fukasaku and Shima leapt onto the armrests and gently woke the Great Toad Sage, who had been dozing off.

The Great Toad Sage spoke in his slow, measured tone, "Ah, you've come. Now, what was the reason again...? Who are you?"

Fukasaku quickly reminded him, "It's Jiraiya and Minato!"

The Great Toad Sage suddenly remembered, "Oh, yes, it's been a while."

Shima scolded him, "Didn't you summon them here yourself? Stay focused, you old fool!"

Fukasaku scolded back, "My dear, how can you be so rude?"

The Great Toad Sage intervened, "Now, now, don't argue. You're like an old married couple."

Then he turned back to Jiraiya and Minato. "Ah, yes, I called you here because I dreamed of you..."

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