Hokage's Office.
Tsunade had already forced down the storm raging in her heart, once again donning the cold composure of the Hokage.
After all, of Konoha's so-called "F4," only one old man remained. If it were anyone else, she might have chosen better to kill wrongly than let one slip. But Hiruzen Sarutobi…
"The waters of this world," Tsunade said in a low voice, "are far deeper—and far murkier—than we ever imagined."
"We can't remain in the dark any longer. We must start from the beginning and thoroughly reexamine this world."
"From history to legend—truth or myth, no matter how absurd—collect everything first."
"Perhaps among the stories we once dismissed as jokes lies real intelligence."
At her words, Jiraiya unusually shed his usual carefree demeanor and nodded solemnly.
"I agree. You're right, Tsunade."
"The Great Toad Sage has lived for over a thousand years and knows many ancient secrets. I'll leave immediately for Mount Myōboku. No matter what, I'll pry something out of Fukasaku-sama and the Great Toad Sage."
Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke, eyes deep in thought.
"That alone won't be enough. We need documented proof—written records. I propose we immediately compile and cross-reference every archive Konoha possesses from the Warring States Period and earlier."
"No matter how contradictory or absurd the records seem—gather them all and analyze them systematically."
"The truth may lie hidden in what we once dismissed as myth… or waste paper."
"Good." Tsunade made the decision at once. "Shikaku is sharp. Kakashi is capable as well. You'll take the lead—bring those two, and anyone else you deem suitable."
"Gather in the archives immediately. Form a temporary analysis team."
She issued the order swiftly to the Anbu at her side.
Then she turned to another masked operative.
"Deploy all Anbu. Approach every clan in Konoha—especially the Hyūga. Collect their internal oral traditions and unpublished records, particularly from the Warring States Period. Make copies and submit them."
"Be discreet. Do not incite panic."
The Anbu hesitated briefly before accepting the order and vanishing.
Hiruzen frowned. "Deploying all Anbu… it will cause unrest. Isn't this too aggressive—"
Before he could finish, Tsunade cut him off.
"This isn't the time for hesitation. The sooner we obtain intelligence, the better for Konoha."
Hiruzen fell silent.
He disliked such methods. Why couldn't matters be resolved through discussion?
But Tsunade was Hokage.
And more importantly… something about her recent decisiveness unsettled him.
Jiraiya looked between them.
"If that's settled, I'll depart for Mount Myōboku at once. Old man, I'll leave the village analysis to you."
"Be careful, Jiraiya," Tsunade said gravely. "And keep your wits about you around those toads."
Jiraiya blinked—then burst into laughter.
"Tsunade, you're being overly cautious. You're not seriously suspicious of Mount Myōboku, are you? That's impossible."
Tsunade shook her head slightly, expression severe.
"Not just Mount Myōboku. Whether it's the Sage of Six Paths or the great sacred lands—I will not place blind faith in any of them."
The smile froze on Jiraiya's face.
Seeing the unshakable resolve in her emerald eyes—and Hiruzen's silent acquiescence—a chill rose from his core.
Tsunade… is guarding against Mount Myōboku?
The thought felt absurd. Even betraying.
To him, Mount Myōboku was his teacher's home. His sanctuary. A place beyond human lifespan and narrow human wisdom.
Fukasaku, Shima, and above all, the ever-drowsy yet prophetic Great Toad Sage—they had taught him senjutsu, guided him toward the Child of Prophecy. To him, they were mentors, companions—nearly sacred figures.
To "guard against" them felt like guarding against family.
Jiraiya's trust in Mount Myōboku rivaled his loyalty to Konoha itself. Otherwise, he would never have walked the shinobi world bearing Mount Myōboku's forehead protector as a Toad Sage.
He had even neglected village affairs for years in pursuit of a prophecy delivered by an ancient toad.
"Tsunade… do you hear yourself?" Jiraiya's voice grew dry. "Mount Myōboku is a sacred land. The toad sages—"
"'Sage' only means they are toads proficient in senjutsu."
"Not human."
Tsunade cut him off sharply, her green eyes unwavering.
"Jiraiya, what did the Heavenly Screen speak of? 'fish pond.' 'Invasion.' 'Baiting.'"
"The Great Toad Sage has lived for over a millennium. Their power system—senjutsu—though combined with chakra, is rooted in natural energy."
"What is natural energy? Is it this world's own power… or another form of 'infiltration'?"
"We don't know."
"And what we don't know deserves suspicion."
She stepped closer, lowering her voice—sharper than before.
"The Great Toad Sage's prophecies guided you precisely toward your mission to find the Child of Prophecy."
"But did it foresee the revelations of the Heavenly Screen?"
"Did it warn us? Did it tell us our chakra might be 'bait'? That we might be fish in a pond?"
Jiraiya felt as though struck by lightning.
He opened his mouth—only to find no answer.
The Great Toad Sage's prophecies were always fragmented and symbolic. Never had they touched upon such fundamental truths of the world.
"I'm not saying Mount Myōboku is an enemy," Tsunade continued, her tone softening slightly though her vigilance remained.
"But in a time when every assumption may be overturned, we cannot place unconditional trust in anyone."
"The Sage of Six Paths—the progenitor of shinobi—may, according to the Heavenly Screen, have been a 'harvester' with hidden motives."
"If even he is subject to doubt… then what of the sacred lands? Ancient as well. Wielding powers different from chakra."
"Do we truly understand their stance? Their purpose?"
She saw the struggle in Jiraiya's eyes. She knew this was painful.
But as Hokage, she had to confront the worst possibilities.
"Jiraiya, I'm sending you to seek answers—to cooperate, to investigate."
"But you must go with a clear mind. Listen with caution."
"Don't let the title of 'sage' and past sentiment cloud your judgment."
"In the end, they are toads who mastered senjutsu. You revere them too much."
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 70 chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789