Uchiha Yoichi asked, "Are you not interested in toads?"
"Hehe, how could we not be interested? These creatures are our favorites~"
Upon hearing this, Tagitsuhime smiled slightly and continued, "However, I've heard there are Sages on Mount Myoboku as well. Ordinary toads aren't worth it; we prefer energy-rich Toad Sages..."
Summoned Beasts who have become Sages are no different from humans, except for their appearance. Moreover, they have long lifespans, and their bodies are rich with Sage Art Chakra.
Consuming these Summoned Beasts is beneficial to them!
Ichikishimahime said nothing, but secretly thought to herself; what's so good about eating those toads? If I could drink some of this guy's blood, I'd gain much more than from eating toads.
Uchiha Yoichi said, "Let's go inside too, lest the old toad suddenly escapes!"
Hyuga Satomi smiled and said, "Teacher Yoichi, don't worry, I've been observing them with my Byakugan. They're all still in place... including traitorous ninja Jiraiya."
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A single Golden Wheel Rebirth Burst created a bottomless abyss on Mount Myoboku.
It's unclear how many toads perished under this golden light, but Fukasaku Sage was terrified because the golden light passed just three meters away...
It was almost the end!
"The barrier, the barrier is breached...."
Seeing this, Fukasaku Sage knew the attack was coming. He immediately said to the Great Toad Sage, Shima, and Jiraiya, "Jiraiya, stay here to protect the Great Toad Sage. Old woman, you and I will head out to help!"
"Alright!"
Upon hearing this, Shima Sage hopped out of the hall with Fukasaku Sage.
After the two toads left, the Great Toad Sage said to Jiraiya, "Little Jiraiya, head to the barrier by the Toad Oil Pool behind. There's a barrier there; when you hear my command, open the scroll inside the barrier immediately."
Jiraiya asked, "Great Elder, what is that scroll...?"
"It's the scroll to restart the barrier of Mount Myoboku. It can only be opened at a critical moment."
"I understand. I'll wait for your orders, Great Elder."
After saying this, Jiraiya immediately ran toward the Toad Oil Pool. For over twenty days, he had also trained there and knew it was the place richest in Natural Energy on Mount Myoboku. Staying there too long could even alter one's physique, making it the most crucial place on the mountain.
After Jiraiya left, the Great Toad Sage closed its eyes, and the entirety of Mount Myoboku fell within its perception.
In its hunger, the Ryuchi Cave Giant Snake became even fiercer. Upon encountering the toads of Mount Myoboku, even if outmatched in size, it would team up in twos or threes to assault the toads.
One snake wrapped around an arm, while another coiled around the toad's head.
The toad, Myoboku Kawakawa, just attempted to draw its sword to counterattack, but in the next second, a Lightning Release Ninjutsu struck the neighboring area, instantly paralyzing the toad, causing it to drop its sword.
Hiss~!
Hiss~!
Two Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes hissed, opening their jaws wide and biting down on both ends of Myoboku Kawakawa, pulling with all their might in different directions!
Puff!
The massive body of the toad was torn into two, then devoured by the two Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes.
This scene played out across Mount Myoboku. Although the toads had the upper hand, the Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes and Konoha ninjas outnumbered them two to one.
In another part of the battlefield, Gama Bunta, Gama Ken, and Gama Hiroshi were also under siege. These three were considered the strongest toads on Mount Myoboku, aside from the Sages and the Iwayado Giant Toad.
But now Manda and Shinga led over a dozen Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes of similar size to encircle them.
"Damn! Take this from me!"
Gama Bunta drew a short blade and swiftly attacked Manda, aiming to decapitate it in one stroke and simultaneously rescue Gama Hiroshi!
"Don't underestimate your lord Shinga!!"
With a hiss, Shinga opened its mouth and spewed flames!
This was the energy bestowed upon it by Uchiha Yoichi. The high temperature and ability to spit fire greatly enhanced Shinga's strength.
Seeing this, Gama Bunta had to jump back to evade, while the other two toads formed seals and shouted, "Water Release: Cannon Orb!"
Bang! Bang!
Two solid water spheres collided directly with Shinga's Fire Release. The clash of water and fire generated a dense fog, enveloping the battlefield in a thick mist.
"Ken, Hiro, be careful!"
Gama Bunta shouted while gripping the short blade. But soon after, a sound came from a distance...
"Brother Bunta..."
"Ken, what's wrong?"
Before Gama Bunta could fully inquire, Shinga emerged from the ground in front of it, jaws wide, attempting to devour it, saying, "Worry about yourself, you rotten toad!"
"You damn snake, die!"
Gama Bunta swiftly slashed with its blade, but Shinga shut its mouth in advance, biting down on the short blade.
Immediately, the snake and toad engaged in a test of strength.
Hiss hiss~
Another Ryuchi Cave Giant Snake saw an opportunity and lunged with its jaws wide open toward Gama Bunta.
Realizing the danger, Gama Bunta hurriedly withdrew its blade and jumped away, narrowly avoiding the attack, but losing its short blade to Shinga in the process.
"Bah, filthy toad! Without your weapon, how will you deal with me? Just let me eat you!"
Shinga flicked its head, tossing Gama Bunta's short blade aside, then advanced with another Ryuchi Cave Giant Snake to attack Gama Bunta.
"Water Release: Cannon Orb!"
Bam! Bam! Bam!
Gama Bunta spat out three water spheres, two of which were solid enough to push back Shinga, while the other hit another Ryuchi Cave Giant Snake, causing it to hiss and coil back in pain.
"Brother Bunta!!"
Just as Gama Bunta wanted to press its advantage, it suddenly heard Gama Hiroshi's desperate cries for help.
At that moment, just as the fog cleared, Gama Bunta realized that it had been unknowingly moved far from Gama Ken and Gama Hiroshi. Gama Hiroshi's two swords were nowhere to be seen, and its limbs were bitten by Manda and three other Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes...
"No, damn it, stop it!"
Despite Gama Bunta's furious shouts, Manda and the Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes did not relent. The four snakes pulled back simultaneously, tearing Gama Hiroshi's limbs apart.
"Aaaah!!!!"
Gama Hiroshi's painful cries were futile. Manda and the Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes, after devouring its limbs, continued to bite Gama Hiroshi, ready to consume it completely.
"Hiro!"
"Brother Hiro!"
Gama Bunta and Gama Ken were desperate to rescue Gama Hiroshi, but they were blocked by the Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes, and Konoha ninjas also barred their way.
The elite of the Uchiha Race were there to handle the three Gama brothers. They unleashed their curse seals and used Immortal Techniques to harass. Accompanied by Shinga and other Ryuchi Cave Giant Snakes, Gama Bunta and Gama Ken could only hear Gama Hiroshi's tragic screams until they abruptly ceased.
"Gama Hiroshi!!!"
Even Jiraiya, far away at the Toad Oil Pool, sensed this scene. Having mastered Perfect Sage Mode, Jiraiya's sensory abilities had become incredibly powerful. He could even sense Gama Hiroshi's fear before being torn into pieces!
This was his ally, often helping him against enemies, but now...
"Sorry, Bunta, Hiro, and Ken, I have the mission from the Great Elder..."
Jiraiya's hand trembled as he held the scroll. If it weren't for the need to restart the barrier of Mount Myoboku, he would rather go out and fight alongside Gama Bunta, even if it meant dying honorably.
But to save Mount Myoboku, he must remain here!
In the Sage Hall of Mount Myoboku, the Great Toad Sage suddenly opened its eyes, looking gravely at the intruders.
"Finally, we meet, the thousand-year-old Great Toad Sage..."
Upon entering, Uchiha Yoichi smiled at the Great Toad Sage and said, "I apologize. Initially, I wanted to wait until all of Mount Myoboku's toads were consumed before seeking you out, but fearing you might escape, I've come early."