Naruto: The new beginning

If you're enjoy the chapter, don't forget to drop some Power Stones! Your support keeps me inspired to create and share more. Thank you!💎💎💎

---

The Great Toad Sage spoke slowly: "Jiraiya, your disciple will bring changes to the ninja world, there is no doubt about it."

Jiraiya, thinking that the Great Toad Sage might be forgetful again, reminded him, "You have already predicted this."

The Great Toad Sage replied, "Indeed, but this time, I saw a person with blond hair standing beside you."

"Is it Minato?" Jiraiya looked at his most accomplished student with pride.

The Great Toad Sage continued, "Minato, you will become an unprecedented Hokage and lead the entire ninja world forward."

"Do you have more detailed information?" Minato asked though he didn't show excitement. He believed in his efforts more than in prophecies or fate.

Aside from his official duties and strengthening Konoha's overall power over the years, Minato had also been dedicated to studying ninjutsu, preparing himself to handle future challenges.

The Great Toad Sage apologized, "I'm sorry, I can only glimpse fragments of the future in my dreams. What I see is often out of my control."

Minato quickly waved his hand. "No, it's not your fault. We're grateful to have received this much insight."

Naruto, observing the exchange, felt out of place. What am I even doing here? Am I just supposed to sit back and win at the end?

Sensing Naruto's gaze, the Great Toad Sage turned to him and asked, "Are you Naruto, who recently signed the contract with Mount Myoboku?"

Considering the Great Toad Sage's age, the contract signing did seem recent. Naruto nodded and asked, "Yes. Do you have a prophecy for me?"

The Great Toad Sage was silent for a moment before replying, "Ah, yes, I do."

Naruto looked at him with anticipation. Is this toad really that divine?

"You will... be very happy in the future."

Naruto:?

What kind of prediction is 'happiness'? Seeing that the Great Toad Sage didn't elaborate, Naruto pressed further, "And then?"

The Great Toad Sage added, "One day, you will make an unrealistic wish, and that wish will come true."

'What kind of prophecy is this?' Naruto thought, torn between amusement and confusion.

He was about to ask more questions when Fukasaku raised a finger, signalling silence, and jumped down from the railing to escort them out.

Naruto glanced at the Great Toad Sage, who had already fallen asleep, leaving him no choice but to follow them.

These half-spoken prophecies are just as frustrating as those writers who leave stories hanging online.

"Could it be that the Great Toad Sage just had a regular dream and it doesn't mean anything?" Naruto suggested.

Fukasaku responded, "No, so far, the Great Toad Sage's predictions have never been wrong."

"Hahaha!" Seeing Naruto's frustration, Jiraiya ruffled his hair and said reassuringly, "Naruto, I get how you feel. When I was your age, I fantasized about being a great ninja, saving the world, and being adored by countless girls…"

'No, no, we're different' Naruto broke free from Jiraiya's hand and retorted, "After all that, the last part was your focus, wasn't it?"

"Naruto," Minato said, wrapping an arm around his son's shoulders, "Isn't it great? Knowing that you'll be happy is more important than knowing you'll save the world."

Naruto didn't resist this time but sighed in frustration, "I'm just curious what kind of wish I'll end up making."

Jiraiya stroked his chin thoughtfully, "Maybe you'll wish to become a great writer like me?"

"Hahahaha." Naruto tried to mimic Kakashi's deadpan expression. "My mom may not want to kill me, but she'll kill you for sure"

Jiraiya felt a chill run down his spine and resolved never to let his manuscripts fall into Naruto's hands.

"Naruto, don't say that about your mom. Kushina wouldn't... uh..." Minato paused, unsure. "She probably wouldn't react that way, Jiraya-Sensei. Don't worry, she won't do anything like that....probably."

"Dad, your uncertainty isn't helping."

"You three are like three generations of a family," Shima chuckled. "Stay for dinner; I've prepared some wonderful ingredients today."

Jiraiya and Minato's expressions soured. They had miscalculated by not cancelling the summoning earlier, now, leaving would seem impolite.

Jiraiya tried to get out of it. "Well, big sister, actually I…"

"What's that? Are you saying that my husband and I are boring for you?" Shima's tone sharpened.

"No, no! I mean, I've already cleared my schedule before coming, so we can stay a bit longer." Jiraiya surrendered. Shima wasn't someone to mess with.

"That's the spirit," Shima said, smiling warmly.

Later, when they returned to Konoha, both Minato and Jiraiya looked pale.

It wasn't just because of the feast of insects; it was the moment when Naruto brought out various cooking tools and casually demonstrated his deep-fried dishes in front of them egg batter, breadcrumbs, golden-brown frying...

The contrast was too much. Why didn't you bring this out earlier?

"You don't have to look at me like that," Naruto said. This is just a small payback for being abandoned at Mount Myoboku the last time and for Jiraiya stopping me from entering the cave today.

Minato, thinking Naruto was in a bad mood and pulling a prank, lightened the mood. "Jiraiya-sensei, let's go to the office. I have some matters I'd like to discuss with you."

"What's it about? Can I join?" Naruto was curious, thinking it might have something to do with the prophecy.

Minato gave Naruto a kind smile. "No, you'll find out in a few days."

Naruto's smile faded. Is Dad holding a grudge?

Jiraiya added, "I've got to gather some research materials anyway."

"You're still doing that?"

"What do you mean 'that'? It's crucial for my work."

"Right, next time I'll inform the police to arrest you."

"Come on, I'm your teacher!"

"That's exactly why."

…

Naruto watched them walk away, kicking a small rock in the street.

"Ouch!" A familiar voice called out.

"Konohamaru? Skipping class again?" Naruto noticed the two little kids beside him. "And bringing your classmates along too?"

---

For early access to advanced chapters and exclusive illustrations made by me, visit my P@treon:

P@treon/iamxeno

Thank you so much for your support and for reading!