Konoha: Tsunade, I am the Hokage

"So this so-called Mount Myōboku is really that old toad's territory. Hmph, he instigated those two traitors to betray Mother."

"When Mother is resurrected, you will all die!"

Black Zetsu cursed inwardly.

He had always thought the old toad was dead, and that Mount Myōboku might have been created by its descendants, but he never expected...

Old but not dead!

This guy is still alive!

Black Zetsu quietly crept underground, searching for Nagato's location. Soon, he sensed Nagato's position.

That guy—

???

Why is this kid everywhere?!

Black Zetsu was startled and immediately shrank back several dozen meters, no longer daring to observe the surrounding situation.

That kid's wicked!

Although he was very confident in his Yin-Yang Release, even ninjas of Madara and Hashirama Senju's caliber could not accurately detect his presence.

but……

What if?

Black Zetsu would rather wait several more decades until this era passes than risk gambling that Kyohiko cannot seal him.

above.

Nagato is working hard to hone his Sage Mode, fusing his chakra with natural energy in a faster way.

He is not yet able to accelerate the speed at which he perceives natural energy, so...

This is the only option.

Beside him, Kyohiko scrutinized Nagato's body, subtly observing the situation around Nagato with his own senses.

Just then, he sensed a fluctuation of chakra.

Spiritual communication?

What happened to Jiraiya-sensei?

He vanished from the spot in an instant.

The next second, Kyohiko teleported to the side of the toad that had returned by the summoning technique.

The toad looked somewhat bewildered.

It didn't feel good; for a moment, it felt like it had been touched by something strange.

ghost?

The toad croaked, its whole body trembled, and then it looked up and saw Jingyan appear in front of it in an instant, causing it to shudder.

"Quack! What are you doing here!"

"Just arrived. Is there some news about Jiraiya-sensei?"

How did you know?

The communication toad was very surprised, but still spat out the scroll hidden in its mouth as instructed.

"Jiraiya asked me to give this to you."

"it is good."

Jingyan picked up the scroll.

Once opened, it contains some of Jiraiya's thoughts.

Protect the land of grass and the land of water caltrop.

That's how it should be.

Even if Jiraiya didn't suggest it, he would still send people to support the Land of Grass and the Land of Waterfall. Kakashi has already led a combat squad to the north.

The reason for not using the Flying Thunder Formation is that there are currently very few ninjas who have mastered it.

For emergency purposes, the Flying Thunder Formation technique should not be used frequently in the short term.

He packed up the scroll and quickly wrote down his transfer on a piece of paper, which he then had the communication toad deliver back to Jiraiya.

This was originally a perfect opportunity for Black Zetsu to leave.

He already knew the information he wanted to know and had roughly determined the location of Mount Myōboku.

and so.

There's no point in staying here any longer.

but.

He dared not show his face.

Kyohiko's perception was too strong, and he always managed to give him some "surprises," so Black Zetsu had to speculate about Kyohiko's level of understanding.

We must avoid it!

Do everything possible to avoid Kyohiko's detection, and on that premise, maintain control of Nagato, or—

Getting just those eyes is fine too!

Black Zetsu's thoughts raced as he considered possible strategies.

He currently only has his physical form and lacks the help of White Zetsu, so he is severely deficient in terms of actual abilities.

Even if Black Zetsu takes control of Nagato's body, he still has to ensure that Nagato can escape, or somehow send his eyes away!

It quickly thought it through and soon came up with a strategy.

Psychic!

The Rinnegan's eyes can summon special summoned beasts.

This is the power of the animal realm.

These summoned beasts are very special; through them, one can complete the plan to steal the eyes and escape!

The premise is—

There must be enough opportunity and time.

Yoshimine Kyohiko is too powerful.

Even though Nagato possessed the Rinnegan, Black Zetsu wasn't confident that he could defeat Yoshimine Kyohiko after taking control of Nagato.

otherwise.

He wouldn't have to worry about it so much.

After much deliberation, Black Zetsu stealthily followed, secretly observing from a great depth underground.

anyway--

During this period, he needs to remain calm.

We've been preparing for both scenarios, and it should be starting soon.

It's not too late!

……

Jingyan frowned.

The toad's reaction just now struck him as odd.

I'm not a rare visitor to Mount Myōboku, nor am I anything to be afraid of, so why is it so emotional?

Could it be the effect of some kind of ninjutsu?

He couldn't be sure.

When the Flying Thunder God Technique arrived, he didn't sense any special aura or chakra influence, ruling out the possibility of genjutsu.

Could it be Black Judgment?

Not sure.

but.

He didn't hesitate to assume the worst about Black Zetsu—

For Madara and Black Zetsu, the most important thing right now is to obtain the Rinnegan!

and so.

Without further thought, he immediately used Thunder God Technique to leave and return to Nagato's side.

Nagato opened his eyes. There were some traces of frog transformation on the skin at the corners of his eyes, but they were very slight and almost invisible to the naked eye.

This is very close to Naruto's state.

A near-perfect Sage Mode!

"What's wrong?"

Nagato looked at Kyohiko.

"The ninja world is about to descend into chaos. Madara has collected most of the tailed beasts, and his next targets may be the One-Tail and the Nine-Tail."

Kyohiko informed Nagato, who had moved to Mount Myōboku, about the current situation in the ninja world.

Nagato listened quietly.

After a few seconds, a look of deep suspicion appeared on his face.

Destroy your eyes?

Even if Yahiko brought it up, he would find it hard to believe it directly, let alone Kyohiko.

Although they had some connection with each other, they had also helped each other a lot over the years.

but.

After all, the two sides are not from the same ninja village.

Nagato harbored considerable resistance and wariness towards Kyohiko.

Even now, this remains true.

and so.

When Kyohiko explained everything, he didn't believe her, even thinking that Kyohiko was deceiving him and trying to take his eyes—

This kind of thing is not uncommon.

No matter how kind Kyohiko is, he is still a Konoha ninja and needs to consider Konoha's interests.

Nagato remained silent, a hint of subtle hostility emanating from him.

Jingyan knew that this was inevitable.

He was about to speak.

In the distance, a giant toad leaped rapidly toward them.

Bang!

With a leap, it landed on the open ground in front of it.

Wen Tai lowered his body.

Above, the immortals Fukasaku and Shima jumped down quickly.

"Kyohiko, Nagato, the master has woken up and wants you to come with him."

"what?"

Kyohiko was pondering how to persuade Nagato to go to Konoha with him for a full-body checkup when he suddenly heard the news that "Master" had awakened, leaving him momentarily stunned.

Why is the old toad yelling at them?

Could it be some kind of prophecy again?

Kyohiko pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Let's go over there first, and we'll talk in detail later. If you don't trust Konoha, you can have a full-body check-up in Amegakure."

Nagato nodded slightly upon hearing this.

He could accept it if it were Amegakure.

after all--

In principle, he is willing to believe Jingyan's conjectures and judgments.

Konoha's intelligence network is definitely more powerful than that of their Bird Village and Amegakure.

In addition, the other party rarely makes mistakes.

just.

No matter what, Nagato couldn't believe that the eyes he had awakened that night might actually belong to someone else.

and.

He might still have control talismans from Madara on him.

Although it was just a guess, the mere conjecture made him feel suffocated.

If the truth is as Kyohiko said, then...

What is his life worth?

This is one of the reasons Nagato resisted; the second reason is the hatred between him and Konoha.

In short.

Nagato is currently in a very complicated situation.

Kyohiko didn't want to fall out with Nagato.

Currently, Konoha, Amegakure, and Sunagakure cooperate seamlessly, forming a community of shared interests, and this bond will only grow stronger in the future.

At that time, "unification" will be achieved simply by issuing a proclamation, without needing to go through too much war.

and so.

He needs to find a middle ground between the two.

of course.

If all else fails...

Acting first and informing later is also permissible.

A sharp glint flashed in Jingyan's eyes.

He brought Nagato to Mount Myōboku, to the palace where the Great Toad Sage resided.

rear.

boom!

Wen Tai jumped and quickly followed.

Above, the immortals Fukasaku and Shima jumped down and quickly entered the palace.

"My lord, Kyohiko and Nagato have arrived."

"The immortal said in a low voice."

The giant toad above opened its eyes and looked laboriously at Kyohiko and Nagato.

Obviously.

It hadn't been asleep long enough and was still a bit tired, speaking with difficulty.

"I see darkness enveloping the ninja world."

"The terrible end of the world has come!"

"The key lies with the two of you and Minato. I saw you fighting a terrifying enemy..."

As it spoke, its tone gradually became somber.

The Great Toad Sage has fallen into slumber once more.

Fukasaku paused for a moment, then looked down at Kyohiko and Nagato, as well as Shima and Bunta not far away.

Although it was only a brief account, it was clear that the matter was serious!

Jingyan frowned.

He is not Jiraiya after all.

If it were Jiraiya, upon hearing this, he would undoubtedly believe it without hesitation, but he would also have doubts and reflections—

Is it possible that the Great Toad Sage is just making a wild interpretation?

but.

He wouldn't be foolish enough to say that here.

The Great Toad Sage's prophecy still holds some significance.

It at least proved that what he said was true: Madara was indeed very dangerous and had already embarked on the path of reviving Kaguya.

This is an interpretation direction that is advantageous to oneself.

Intelligence, the key is how you use it!

He looked at Nagato.

"You heard it too, Madara might be orchestrating an apocalypse. Now, what's your answer?"

"It doesn't necessarily have to be spots."

Nagato answered.

Kyohiko sighed and said, "It seems I can't convince you, but Mount Myōboku is in great danger right now."

"Kyohiko, why do you say Mount Myōboku is in danger right now? Is it because of the prophecy?"

Fukasaku Immortal was puzzled.

Jingyan thought for a moment and then explained his doubts about the nine tailed beasts and the Rinnegan.

Shima the Immortal was utterly astonished.

"So, you suspect Madara wants to obtain the Rinnegan, then reassemble the Tailed Beasts and gain the power of the Sage of Six Paths?"

"Yes."

Jingyan nodded.

Master Shima found it hard to believe.

What kind of insane person could come up with such a plan?

The nine tailed beasts merged into one...

How powerful must that be?

No wonder the old master woke up and prophesied that the ninja world was facing an unprecedented disaster.

If Madara were to actually complete the fusion, calling it the end of the world wouldn't be an exaggeration.

after all.

In that situation, who could defeat Madara Uchiha?

No one can do it.

Including Kyohiko.

Fukasaku hesitated, saying, "But destroying the Rinnegan for this seems like an exaggeration..."

If used properly, this can also be a powerful asset for them.

They clearly still believed the old man's words.

This is a difficult matter.

Jingyan sighed.

However, the current situation is exactly what he expected.

Mount Myōboku is certain that both he and Nagato may be "Children of Prophecy," so how could he easily give up on Nagato?

If they were willing to sacrifice Nagato, they wouldn't have let him go to Mount Myōboku to train in sage techniques.

not to mention.

Nagato himself would not agree to a sacrifice made without a reason.

He was thinking about it.

Outside, Gamabunta suddenly disappeared from Mount Myoboku.

Before leaving, he left with a sentence—

"Jiraiya is channeling me!"

The two monks, Fukasaku and Shima, exchanged a glance, their expressions turning serious.

"Is Jiraiya in danger?"

In the past, they wouldn't have been so worried.

After all, this wasn't the first time Jiraiya had used a summoning script.

Basically, Bunta can easily resolve most battles.

But now.

They were also frightened by what the old man and Jingyan said, thinking that the end of the world was really just around the corner.

next second.

Bang!

Fukasaku and Shima both disappeared from the spot.

"The teacher is in danger!"

Nagato's pupils contracted.

He knew that Jiraiya-sensei would not easily summon the two sages.

Now that even two immortals have been summoned, they must have encountered unimaginable danger over there and must activate immortal mode.

but.

He had heard from Fukasaku that Jiraiya's Sage Mode had a major flaw...

Nagato's expression was grave.

"Now is not the time to argue about those things; we should help the teacher."

"Perhaps, this is the moment they've been waiting for."

Jingyan frowned.

Nagato paused for a second, then said, "You mean, they did this to force me out?"

"Yes, but it could also be a backup plan; who knows, that guy might have already followed us!"

Jingyan's face was gloomy.

Black Zetsu can possess people and is able to penetrate any part of their body.

The Great Toad Sage's sudden awakening might be related to Black Zetsu.

that……

Now, Black Zetsu has most likely arrived at Mount Myōboku!

Jingyan instantly formed hand seals, unleashing a burst of chakra within him, and two wood clones carrying powerful chakra separated from him.

In order to deal with any unforeseen circumstances, he needs to make some special preparations to avoid being suddenly taken to Jiraiya's side by a reverse summoning technique.

but.

At that very moment.

A black shadow instantly appeared on Nagato's face.

Following closely behind—

boom!

A tremendous repulsive force suddenly emerged.

Even Kyohiko couldn't maintain his balance in the face of Shinra Tensei, which was beyond his limits. Moreover, there was also the Great Toad Sage in the palace at this moment.

His newly created wooden clone instantly grabbed the Great Toad Sage and sent him away with Flying Thunder God Technique.

Following closely behind—

Bang!

He was thrown more than ten steps away by the force of the repulsion, but quickly regained his footing.

Black Zetsu was very surprised.

Such a strong repulsive force couldn't even make this guy retreat too far.

Do not!

Distance to Kyohiko...

Meaningless!

He instantly controlled his body, biting his finger and forming hand seals.

This is his last chance!

boom!

A summoned beast appeared. (End of Chapter)