Chapter 125: Tobirama's Request
"Old Monster, it's a good thing you're here. Otherwise, I, Lord Jiraiya, would have had to eat bugs."
Nearly a month had passed since Jiraiya signed the contract, and both Masahiko and Jiraiya remained on Mount Myōboku.
Originally, Masahiko had planned to leave after scrounging some Witness Points, but the Great Toad Sage's prophecy had left him feeling uneasy. He wanted to stay for a while to see if the Great Toad Sage would offer any other prophecies upon waking up again.
However, even after a month—during which Jiraiya-kun had almost mastered the Summoning Jutsu—the Great Toad Sage had not awakened.
Looking at Jiraiya-kun gorging himself on food, Masahiko let out a sigh.
Ever since he was forced to eat grass in Shikkotsu Forest, Masahiko had kept a constant supply of food stored in sealing scrolls. But after a month with a "big eater" like Jiraiya-kun around, his reserves were finally depleted.
"Jiraiya-kun, when do you plan to leave? If we stay any longer, they'll start worrying back in Konoha."
Jiraiya-kun paused. "Weren't you the one who wanted to stay here?"
Masahiko's face stiffened. He cursed himself for becoming senile. Jiraiya-kun was only learning a Summoning Jutsu; there was no reason for him to stay here indefinitely. As for training in Senjutsu, he wasn't quite ready for that yet.
"Then we..." Just as Masahiko was about to say they should leave, Fukasaku Sage appeared beside them.
"Jiraiya-kun, the Great Elder is awake. He's asking for you."
Over the past month, Jiraiya-kun had gotten along quite well with the Toad Clan, and they had grown familiar with one another. With a simple nod, he prepared to follow Fukasaku to the Toad Palace.
Masahiko frowned. "Did the Great Toad Sage not ask for me?"
Fukasaku shook his head and led Jiraiya-kun away.
"Is there no prophecy regarding me?" Masahiko actually felt a sense of relief. Over the last few days, he had realized that the more prophecies the Great Toad Sage made about him in this world, the more the things he was familiar with would change.
Masahiko didn't follow them this time; he waited right where he was. Jiraiya-kun would surely describe it to him later anyway.
After waiting for about an hour, Jiraiya-kun came running back with his head held high, pride written all over his face.
Masahiko looked at him in a daze and asked, "Did the Great Toad Sage praise you? You look so happy."
Jiraiya-kun nodded. "I, Lord Jiraiya, am indeed incredible! He said my disciple will become the Child of Prophecy and end the wars of this ninja world." He paused, shaking his head with a look of regret. "Why couldn't I be the Child of Prophecy?"
Masahiko let out a long breath and muttered, "That sounds more like it..."
During these past few days, he had even prepared himself to force Kushina-kun onto Minato. He refused to believe he couldn't bring about the birth of a Naruto.
"There's nothing to regret. You are the teacher of the Child of Prophecy," Masahiko said, offering Jiraiya-kun a rare compliment.
"That's true!" Jiraiya-kun accepted the praise wholeheartedly.
"Let's go. Back to Konoha." Masahiko didn't flatter him further to prevent him from getting too arrogant. He spoke flatly and took flight with Jiraiya-kun in tow.
"Hey, hey, Old Monster! Why are we flying out? Fukasaku Sage could have reverse-summoned me out!"
Masahiko didn't answer, thinking to himself: If I did that, wouldn't I have to travel through that cold, damp place alone? Or let you hold onto me while being summoned? I can't afford to lose face like that.
The environment grew darker, and Jiraiya-kun's mouth twitched. "Old Monster, where are you flying? The exit Fukasaku Sage mentioned isn't in this direction."
Masahiko's expression stiffened. Having flown all the way from Shikkotsu Forest, he was single-mindedly thinking of returning the same way, completely forgetting that Mount Myōboku should have its own exit. Of course, he would never admit it.
Masahiko hummed a small tune and increased his flight speed, ignoring Jiraiya-kun's words.
Confirming that the prophecy of the Child of Prophecy still existed made him feel exceptionally cheerful. As for the black-haired youth with the hair buns, he didn't care at all. Even if he couldn't win, he could always stall. Once Naruto dealt with his own opponent, they could team up. When Masahiko Uzumaki makes a move, failure is never an option.
The journey passed in silence. Masahiko only gave a quick greeting to the Slug Sage when they passed Shikkotsu Forest. For the rest of the trip, he flew at high speed, leaving Jiraiya-kun unable to speak due to the wind.
This time, Masahiko didn't fly straight to the Hokage Building; he landed at the gates of Konoha.
"Jiraiya-kun, go find your teammates and teacher. You've been missing for a month; they're likely very worried."
Without needing another word from Masahiko, Jiraiya-kun left excitedly, likely intending to show off his summoned beast to Orochimaru.
Masahiko greeted the two guards and walked step by step toward the Hokage Building.
The sky was dimming, but Tobirama's chakra was still within the building. Masahiko nodded to the Anbu guarding the sides and walked in.
"Great-Uncle, you're finally back. Was the journey smooth?"
Masahiko hadn't bothered to hide his footsteps, so Tobirama's voice rang out the moment he entered.
Masahiko nodded with a smile. "Of course. How could I fail? Besides, Jiraiya-kun gained quite a bit this time."
"Things are settled here. I'm really leaving this time."
Tobirama hesitated, appearing as if he wanted to say something.
Masahiko shook his head. "What, are you going to use something else to lure me into staying this time?"
Tobirama smiled bitterly and shook his head.
"Go ahead, what do you want me to stay for?" Masahiko asked with a smile, his curiosity piqued.
Tobirama stammered, "Great-Uncle, can you give me a bit of your blood?"
Masahiko's smile slowly froze. Tobirama was asking the same question Orochimaru had. Masahiko wasn't surprised—everyone wanted longevity. But for Tobirama to ask now gave Masahiko an ominous feeling.
"Your body..."
Tobirama smiled bitterly. "I still can't hide it from you. My health has been declining over the past two years. If it weren't for that, I wouldn't be in such a hurry to select the Third Hokage within two years."
"Did the injuries from back then still affect you? It's my fault..." Masahiko sighed. "My cells aren't as useful as your Big Brother's. My longevity has other causes."
Tobirama was stunned. "Is that so?"
Seeing Tobirama's look of disappointment, Masahiko shook his head. "It's okay. When your Great-Uncle is strong enough, I can resurrect you and your Big Brother."
Tobirama sighed. "I'm not afraid of death. It's just a pity. If I had ten more years, the Reanimation Jutsu might have developed into a technique to truly resurrect Big Brother. No, perhaps five years..."
Masahiko paused and shook his head. "Not even in a hundred years."
Seeing Tobirama's confusion, Masahiko explained: "While resurrection ninjutsu are rare, some do exist in the ninja world. I could even bear the cost of using them now. But I've always emphasized being 'strong enough' for a reason. You'll understand later."
Masahiko knew full well that if he were to resurrect the dead at will, he would likely be visited by the Sage of Six Paths at his home the very next day.
Tobirama was startled, looking thoughtful. "Is that so?"
Would you like me to translate the next chapter regarding the Third Hokage selection process or more about Tobirama's final plans?
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