I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI

The Prophecy of the Great Toad Sage

Standing near the path, Naruto caught the attention of a passing Uchiha.

After facing this brutal yet efficient medical ninja, the Uchiha smiled politely and said, "Doctor Menma, you've also settled in the Land of Whirlpool. With you here, we don't have to worry about falling ill."

Naruto nodded at the Uchiha and simply smiled in response to their inquiry about treatment.

Medical Ninjutsu could be used to heal injuries like broken bones and deep cuts by utilizing Yang Release to accelerate cell regeneration. However, when it came to common illnesses like fevers or colds, ninjutsu alone was ineffective without proper medicine.

Not long after, Naruto spotted Uchiha Mikoto and Uchiha Izumi walking together, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

Minato Namikaze, his presence manifesting in Naruto's mind, spoke softly:

"That's Uchiha Mikoto—your mother, Kushina's, close friend. We once even joked about a betrothal between you and her child… It's a shame… you're a boy."

Naruto sighed and shook his head, pushing away the image of himself in disguise.

"So, Sasuke's mother, huh? But according to Shisui, she nearly perished by Itachi's blade that night, and Fugaku failed to protect her. Now she and Sasuke are apart… she really is unfortunate."

Minato sighed. "Yes… but thanks to you, Mikoto survived. If she hadn't, it would have grieved Kushina deeply."

"You don't have to thank me. I saved her first because she's Sasuke's mother. Second… her cooking is pretty good."

"…That's the reason?" Minato stared at Naruto, then added meaningfully, "But you were aware of the growing rift between the village and the Uchiha. You sought out Shisui ahead of time and secretly assisted Uchiha. None of this was done on a whim."

Naruto met Minato's gaze and replied matter-of-factly, "Of course it wasn't. I wanted to see if Uchiha's fate would change once they left Konoha's control."

He smirked. "Think of it as a social experiment on the Uchiha clan. Maybe I'll write a thesis about it one day."

"…A social experiment?" Minato was speechless. But with Naruto's current strength, few in the ninja world could challenge him. If Minato were still alive, he might have tried to intervene—but as a lingering chakra imprint, he could only watch.

One day, his chakra would fade entirely, and even this moment would be lost.

---

The Capital of the Land of Fire

On the rooftop of a bathhouse, the white-haired Jiraiya lay flat, peering down with a grin—until security drove him off. Retreating in embarrassment, he dashed into an inn, eager to record his "research material" for his next novel.

Between Tale of the Gutsy Shinobi and Make-Out Paradise, readers preferred the latter.

"For the sake of my loyal readers," Jiraiya muttered, "I must brave the dangers of being labeled a pervert… and risk my life for inspiration."

After scribbling several pages, he set down his brush and gazed outside. The bustling streets of the capital stretched before him.

Though he was constantly traveling, his work as a spy for Konoha meant he was often engaged in high-stakes intelligence missions. Yet it had been some time since his last assignment, and there had been no new directives from the Hokage.

"Could it be… the old man is finally giving me a break?"

He quickly dismissed the thought.

"The Third Hokage? Giving me free time? Ha. The moment you're useful, he works you to death. With Orochimaru's defection and Tsunade gone, I'm the only S-rank ninja still on active duty."

A short break was reasonable, but an extended one? Something didn't add up.

After a moment of thought, Jiraiya picked up his brush again. The capital wasn't far from Konoha. He could check in on Minato's son while he was at it.

Just as he dipped his brush into the ink, his senses sharpened.

A sudden wisp of smoke curled in the corner of his room, and from within it, a small toad appeared. The creature croaked, "Jiraiya-sama, Fukasaku and Shima Sennin are calling for you."

Before the toad could finish, Jiraiya felt a familiar Reverse Summoning Jutsu activate beneath him.

---

Mount Myoboku

The sky over Mount Myoboku was a perfect shade of blue, the landscape brimming with lush greenery.

Jiraiya steadied himself as Fukasaku and Shima perched on his shoulders.

"What's up, Boss Toads? Did the village send news?"

Fukasaku shook his head. "It's not us. The Great Toad Sage wants to see you."

Jiraiya blinked. The Great Toad Sage?

That old toad rarely summoned him unless something significant was happening. He had made two prophecies before—one about a boy with the Rinnegan, Nagato, and another about Minato Namikaze, who became Hokage.

Neither had fulfilled their destinies.

As Jiraiya followed Fukasaku toward the temple, a familiar unease settled in his chest.

Before him, seated in the Toad Temple, was the Great Toad Sage, his massive form hunched, his ancient eyes half-lidded as if caught between dreams and reality.

Fukasaku hopped onto the stage. "Elder Sage, Jiraiya is here."

The Great Toad Sage's eyes opened slightly, cloudy with age. Jiraiya, skipping pleasantries, asked,

"Did you see another prophecy? Is there another 'Child of Prophecy'? I'll find him immediately."

The ancient toad's heavy lids lifted further. His voice, slow and deliberate, resonated through the chamber.

"This time, the vision was clearer than before. The Child of Prophecy is a golden-haired youth. His eyes… shift constantly, as though they hold many fates at once."

Jiraiya frowned. "Golden hair… and shifting eyes?"

That was even more cryptic than usual.

The Great Toad Sage nodded.

"Perhaps the fluctuations of time and space interfere with my vision. But one thing is certain—this child will reshape the entire shinobi world. And he is a ninja of Konoha."

Jiraiya exhaled, a relieved smile tugging at his lips. "If he's from Konoha, that makes my job easier. I'll find him and train him myself."

But the Great Toad Sage shook his head. "No need to seek him out. Fate will ensure you meet."

Jiraiya fell silent, contemplating the words.

A golden-haired boy.

A fate intertwined with the world's destiny.

Jiraiya had a feeling he already knew who it was.

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