Haruki stared at the unfamiliar little frog before him.
Mount Myoboku, Ryuchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest were known as the three great sacred lands of summoned beasts.
They had existed long before the Otsutsuki Clan set foot on this world.
As a Medical Ninja, Haruki had only visited Shikkotsu Forest, primarily to study Sage Mode.
Though he had not fully mastered it, Katsuyu the Slug Sage left an indelible impression on him.
Compared to Shikkotsu Forest, which housed only one enormous slug, Mount Myoboku and Ryuchi Cave could truly be called Frog Kingdom and Snake Kingdom respectively.
Among them, the Great Frog Sage of Mount Myoboku appeared most frequently in the original story.
His prophecies profoundly influenced the entire ninja world multiple times.
From predicting that the Sage of Six Paths would defeat his own mother Kaguya, to foretelling Naruto's mastery of the Nine-Tailed Beasts,
hardly a single prediction had gone wrong.
In Haruki's personal opinion, the Great Frog Sage might have made those predictions deliberately to guide events for the sake of safeguarding this world.
According to the original story, the Great Frog Sage possessed power rivaled only by the Sage of Six Paths.
He was also regarded as one of the oldest native inhabitants.
Facing the invading Otsutsuki Clan,
his interventions were the simplest yet most effective course of action.
Especially manipulating the Sage of Six Paths.
But why had he invited Haruki now?
Haruki thought about everything he'd done.
If the Great Frog Sage was playing a huge game and Haruki was the one disrupting the board,
then according to current progress, would there still be room for Naruto to save the world?
The so-called "Child of Prophecy" might soon find himself out of a job.
"I understand."
Haruki nodded. "I'll definitely come in a couple days."
Given it was an invitation from the Great Frog Sage, logically speaking, he shouldn't refuse.
Besides, he was genuinely curious about what the Great Frog Sage wished to reveal.
Was it another prophecy?
He inscribed a Flying Thunder God marking onto the frog's back.
The three sacred places were all located in extremely remote areas.
Normally, ninja would be summoned there through reverse summoning techniques.
However, Haruki wasn't bound by a Summoning Contract with Mount Myoboku.
Walking there would take far too long.
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique was clearly the most convenient option.
Satisfied with the answer, the small frog departed.
Waiting a day or two was no issue at all.
After all, the Great Frog Sage tended to drift into thought or fall asleep unpredictably.
"Now should be fine?"
Haruki turned to Tsunade, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous glint.
"You're not done with your work yet."
Tsunade stepped back, crossing her arms warily. "You were the one who introduced the eight-hour workday. As Hokage, I can't set a bad example by skipping work."
"I don't see you following rules so strictly on regular days either."
Haruki couldn't help but retort.
"Which part? I've always followed the rules strictly!"
Tsunade straightened her posture, her chest rising slightly with indignation as she retorted, "Don't accuse me like that—it's *you* who always breaks the rules!"
Haruki pondered for a moment.
Now that he thought about it, maybe she was right.
Except for those occasions when he carried her home halfway through work, Tsunade actually showed up every day and worked very diligently.
Well, maybe being *too* conscientious isn't always such a good thing either.
"Tsunade-sama, Haruki-sama."
Shizune, who had originally left the office, knocked on the door and returned.
"We received an encrypted intelligence report from the Anbu. It bears traces of a powerful genjutsu, so strong we can't break it."
"It must be Obito's work."
Haruki picked up the scroll and dispersed its chakra seal, revealing the hidden text inside.
As expected, the message was indeed sent by Obito.
It stated he had already gathered four teammates: Darui, Zabuza, Raiga Kurosuki, and Kakuzu.
The first three didn't surprise him, but the last one did catch him off guard.
Haruki remembered that Kakuzu had spent most of his time in Konoha since depositing all his wealth into the bank.
He never imagined Kakuzu would join the Akatsuki.
After thinking for a moment, Haruki roughly understood the reason.
It might have been because of him—his actions caused nearly every high-value bounty hunter in the black market to come from Konoha.
Kakuzu had practically become unemployed, losing his main source of income.
Now with the strong Akatsuki recruiting members, joining them might allow him to hunt more ninja outside Konoha.
"I hope Konan doesn't bankrupt you," Haruki chuckled and continued reading.
After assembling his four team members, Obito wanted to prove his loyalty to Madara Uchiha while demonstrating his own value, so he asked Haruki which Tailed Beast they should target next to benefit Konoha the most.
This was actually an interesting question.
Haruki handed the scroll to Tsunade.
After a moment's thought, Tsunade murmured, "Right now the Two-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails are all in Konoha. Among the remaining Tailed Beasts, those belonging to Iwagakure and Kirigakure would be the most advantageous for us if captured."
In the long run, capturing the Tailed Beasts from these two hostile villages could indeed reduce the threats Konoha faced.
But Haruki didn't think it was necessary.
Those Tailed Beasts wouldn't cause too much trouble.
Instead, he had a better idea.
The Tailed Beast of Sunagakure.
Considering their current relationship with Suna, directly targeting them wouldn't look good.
But the power of a Tailed Beast far surpassed ordinary ninja.
Once Haruki and Tsunade eventually left Konoha and were no longer managing its affairs, the Tailed Beasts would become the biggest threat.
Just like nuclear deterrence in his previous life.
Such power should best remain under their control.
Plus, without its Tailed Beast, Sunagakure would become even more dependent on Konoha.
All things considered, though it wasn't exactly noble, Haruki wasn't someone to hesitate.
He explained this idea to Tsunade.
Tsunade looked surprised but didn't immediately reject it.
What Haruki said made perfect sense.
After all, they were both ninja of Konoha, and the fact that they hadn't already conquered Suna was already showing great mercy.
Haruki immediately wrote back to Obito, recommending he target the One-Tail from Sunagakure.
Since Gaara hadn't been born yet, the current jinchuriki of the One-Tail should still be Bunpuku.
Bunpuku was old and relatively weak.
Obito's carefully selected team should easily qualify as capable of handling the One-Tail.
After finishing the letter, Haruki and Tsunade worked for another two hours before finally finishing their day.
"Ahhhh~"
Tsunade stretched her arms wide, yawning as she leaned back in her chair.
At that exact moment, Haruki accidentally leaned into her ample chest.
Before she could say anything, he scooped her up in one swift motion.
The next thing she knew, they disappeared from the office and reappeared in their room.
Several days after the storm, Haruki arrived at Mount Myoboku with great vigor.
True to its name, the place was filled with breathtaking mountains and rivers—a truly picturesque landscape.
Being known as the Toad Kingdom, and considering the toads' large size and long lifespan, it's naturally not confined to a small valley, but rather an entire mountain range capable of accommodating them all.
"Haruki, you've finally come!"
No sooner had Haruki set foot on Mount Myoboku than Jiraiya suddenly appeared before him.
There were many things Jiraiya paid little mind to, but when it came to the Great Frog Sage, he was unusually enthusiastic.
In the original story, he had devoted his entire life to this prophecy.
"Quick, quick, come with me to see the Great Frog Sage."
Before Haruki could respond, Jiraiya grabbed his arm and rushed deep into the mountains.
Outside a temple stood a stone platform shaped like a lotus throne. On it, Haruki saw a giant, elderly frog—Gamamaru, the Great Frog Sage.
His entire body was orange, wearing a scholar's cap atop his head, and around his neck was a rosary bearing the kanji for 'oil'. His eyes were half-lidded, appearing drowsy—as though they never fully opened—and he wore a serene smile. A sake bottle sat beside him on the left.
"Great Frog Sage!" Jiraiya shouted loudly.
At the sound, Gamamaru slowly raised his head and asked, "Who is the visitor?"
"Jiraiya and Haruki," Jiraiya answered, accustomed to Gamamaru's habitual question. "It was you who wanted to see him."
"Oh, Haruki," Gamamaru said, making a visible effort to open his eyes wider as he looked toward Haruki standing next to Jiraiya.
"Great Frog Sage," Haruki acknowledged, noticing the gesture and giving a slight bow, keeping up the proper decorum.
Though he wasn't particularly fond of Mount Myoboku, he still honored the customs of respecting elders and cherishing the young.
"I've heard you inherited the Wood Release, but I don't see any sign of Hagoromo within you," Gamamaru remarked as he picked up his cup and took a sip.
Haruki didn't respond.
Hagoromo—who was also known as Otsutsuki Hagoromo, the Sage of Six Paths.
He himself was no descendant of Hagoromo.
Naturally, there would be no resemblance to the Sage of Six Paths.
"Don't take offense, child. I'm merely reminiscing about an old friend," Gamamaru sighed and continued, getting back to business.
"In my long life, I once glimpsed a vision of my own future—a few hundred years later, I would meet Jiraiya and pass the power of the frogs to him—an event destined to shape the ninja world. With no guidance, Jiraiya came to Mount Myoboku and became our contract holder, destined to guide the Child of Prophecy."
Jiraiya roamed the lands precisely for that prophecy.
He sought the legendary Child of Prophecy, hoping to save the future ninja world.
According to the original storyline, he eventually discovered Nagato, Minato, and Naruto in succession.
And ultimately fulfilled the so-called prophecy through Naruto.
Yet Haruki harbored doubts.
The Great Frog Sage should have knowledge of the reincarnations of Indra and Asura.
After all, it was he and the Sage of Six Paths who originally decided that Asura would inherit the ninja teachings, which sowed the seeds of Indra's discontent and ensuing conflict.
"But recently, I experienced a new prophetic dream."
Gamamaru's tone shifted subtly as he spoke, "I summoned Jiraiya and learned that Konoha has defeated the Land of Lightning and the Cloud Hidden Village. The timing couldn't be more perfect."
Haruki raised an eyebrow skeptically and asked, "What's the new prophecy?"
Gamamaru met his gaze and said solemnly, "Jiraiya is no longer the key figure guiding the Child of the Prophecy. That role now belongs to you, Haruki."
"Me?"
Haruki shook his head, wearing a blank expression. "I have no intention of searching for this so-called Child of the Prophecy. No disrespect intended, but this isn't fair to Jiraiya."
"Haruki?"
Jiraiya hastily tugged at his sleeve, signaling him not to speak recklessly.
Although Jiraiya himself had felt deeply disappointed upon first hearing the news.
It felt as though all his efforts from the past decades had vanished in an instant.
But he soon came to terms with it. Without the prophecy looming over him, life might actually become much easier.
Perhaps now he could finally travel freely through the ninja world, unburdened and free of expectations.
It was like lifting a great weight from one's shoulders to be free from such obligations.
Haruki glared at him.
He couldn't tell if this guy was genuinely oblivious or just feigning ignorance.
Prophecies were nothing more than turning someone into a tool to be used.
Once no longer useful, they'd be discarded like trash.
"No matter your willingness, this is the prophecy I've seen."
Gamamaru remained completely unaffected by Haruki's attitude, smiling as he continued, "I only ask that before you make your decision upon meeting the Child of the Prophecy, you consider the future of the ninja world."
Haruki felt irritated.
He hated these mystical types the most.
Back in his previous life, his mother dragging him to fortune-tellers created exactly the same annoying feeling.
Still, with Jiraiya beside him, he wouldn't resort to violence immediately.
Moreover, he could sense the nearly endless natural energy within this old Great Toad Sage who seemed on the verge of death.
By conventional standards, likely reaching Six Paths–level power.
His current strength still fell short.
Just like Hashirama Senju—unrivaled by anyone beneath Six Paths.
"As the key figure, you'll enjoy the same privileges as Jiraiya—you may freely enter Mount Myoboku, access relevant information, and learn all Sage Arts."
Gamamaru continued.
He clearly noticed Haruki's lack of awe toward him.
To Haruki, he seemed no different from an ordinary toad, not the Great Toad Sage.
Yet Gamamaru had to admit Haruki had such boldness.
A ninja capable of altering prophecies.
Far rarer than the so-called Child of the Prophecy.
As Jiraiya described, if Haruki truly had the power to unite the ninja world, then who really deserved being called the Child of the Prophecy?
The prophecy speaks of bringing peace through changing the ninja world.
Judging by Haruki's current path, he seems already walking toward fulfilling the prophecy.
"Haruki?"
Jiraiya elbowed him again.
He desperately hoped to avoid any conflict between Haruki and Mount Myoboku.
Haruki glanced at him, then nodded slightly. "If I ever meet this Child of the Prophecy, I promise I'll give him proper guidance."
For now, there was nothing he could do against the Great Toad Sage anyway.
Besides, it aligned with his personal plans regardless of the prophecy.
Jiraiya visibly relaxed.
Gamamaru observed Haruki for a moment before speaking, "Jiraiya, take him away."
"Understood."
After bowing, Jiraiya and Haruki exited the temple gates.
"Now that you've lost your so-called prophecy, you should return to Konoha and get back to your duties."
"What's the point of just working?"
Hearing this, Jiraiya quickly waved his hands. "I still need to keep traveling for my research and writing."
He'd grown used to drifting from place to place. Therefore, going back to Konoha just didn't sit right with him.
Besides, with Teacher gone, only Tsunade was left from their team.
"Fine, do as you please."
Thinking for a moment, Haruki didn't push him further.
"Come on, I'll take you to the library."
Jiraiya led him toward a white building.
Haruki glanced around before stepping inside.
The room was crammed with scrolls and books.
After thousands of years, the Toad Kingdom's collection surpassed even his imagination.
"Haruki, do you want to become the Toads' summoning contractor?"
Jiraiya suddenly asked.
"No need."
Haruki shook his head.
Summoned beasts didn't hold much value for him.
Of the Three Great Summoning Clans, maybe only the Slugs would be suitable.
At least they offered some support.
As for fighting, he was more than enough on his own.
Haruki grabbed a nearby book and began flipping through it.
It detailed events from ancient times.
After skimming through it, he grabbed another one.
[Sage Art]
Sage Art referred to ninja techniques created by blending natural energy, physical energy, and spiritual energy into chakra.
Chakra was said to have been introduced by the Otsutsuki Clan.
Natural energy, however, was an innate force—though very few could harness pure natural energy effectively.
The primary reason the Great Frog Sage opposed the Otsutsuki Clan was that the God Tree would consume all life on the planet.