At this stage, Mokgetsu also doesn't have a foolproof solution; he can only try to enhance the abilities of both Obito and Kakashi. The stronger they are, the more dangers they can handle, which is undoubtedly beneficial.
"I'm very interested. A sage who has lived for over eight hundred years must have profound insights into cooking." Mokgetsu smiled and nodded.
Though a bit wary of the Great Toad Sage's prophecy abilities, contacting Mount Myoboku brings more benefits than disadvantages.
If you want to improve strength, Sage Mode is an excellent option. Among the Three Great Holy Lands that can teach Immortal Technique, Mokgetsu believes Mount Myoboku is currently the best choice.
As for Shikkotsu Forest, getting along with Tsunade is not an easy task, and in the original work, there's no clear appearance of the Shikkotsu Forest's Sage Mode.
As for Ryuchi Cave, Orochimaru is too dangerous; Mokgetsu has many secrets that he doesn't want to attract Orochimaru's interest for the time being.
After some comprehensive consideration, Mokgetsu agreed to Jiraiya's proposal for a cooking discussion.
It's uncertain whether Mount Myoboku will sign a contract with him, but if there's a chance to foster goodwill, he should take it. Having more friends is never a bad thing.
"Summoning Technique!" Seeing Mokgetsu agree, Jiraiya used the Summoning Technique to summon the two Toad Sages.
"Little Jiraiya, why did you summon us at this hour?" Fukasaku Sage noticed there wasn't a battle going on and asked with a puzzled look.
"Indeed, I was about to go to bed, and I have to get up early to make breakfast tomorrow." Shima Sage chuckled and said.
"Didn't I say before that after the battle, I'd introduce you to a cooking expert? His name is Habu Mokgetsu, and I've never had food more delicious than his throughout the entire Ninja World." Jiraiya formally introduced Mokgetsu to the two sages.
He genuinely believes Mokgetsu's cooking has reached an unsurpassable pinnacle, so much so that he hasn't even tasted cooking half as good as Mokgetsu's.
"His culinary skills can be called the best in the Ninja World!"
"The best in the Ninja World?" Fukasaku Sage showed a surprised expression, not expecting Jiraiya to hold Mokgetsu's cooking in such high regard.
"I wouldn't dare call myself the best; perhaps there's an unknown master in a mountain somewhere who's better than me." Mokgetsu humbly said, admitting being the best seemed a bit too boastful.
"Indeed, the housewives in our mountains are also quite skilled." Shima Sage's eyes softened toward Mokgetsu.
Recalling the dishes Shima Sage had once made for him, Jiraiya couldn't help but twitch his mouth; in a certain sense, they were indeed not to be underestimated.
"Since little Jiraiya calls you the best in the Ninja World, let this housewife compete with the top chef of the Ninja World." Shima Sage became interested.
Mokgetsu smiled and nodded in agreement.
Hearing the two wanted to compete in cooking, Jiraiya instantly had a bad premonition. He was happy to eat Mokgetsu's cooking, but Shima Sage's insect delicacies were another matter.
"Then let me and little Jiraiya be the judges." Fukasaku Sage smiled and said, finding the idea quite amusing.
With Fukasaku Sage's words, Jiraiya knew he couldn't escape tonight. Having summoned them earlier for the Tailed Beasts battle, how could he refuse?
"Minato, Dekai, Sohei, since you're free anyway, come join us as judges." Jiraiya cleared his throat and invited his disciples.
"Such a great opportunity!" Dekai instantly beamed with joy, feeling Jiraiya was too kind, never forgetting them when food was involved.
He had just been savoring the taste of Mokgetsu's cooking, and now he could taste it again.
Kamiyama Sohei smiled and nodded. Although not as excited as Dekai, his thoughts were quite similar.
Minato also smiled and agreed, feeling it was a good thing to taste Mokgetsu's cooking.
Though Minato had signed a contract with Mount Myoboku, he had yet to visit there, so he didn't know that Shima Sage's dishes were insect delicacies.
Having dragged all three of his disciples into the matter, Jiraiya also thought of Obito, who had just been arguing with him.
"Since it's your teacher's competition, why don't you also participate as a judge." Jiraiya invited Obito.
Hearing this, Obito immediately agreed and brought Might Guy and Kakashi along to support Mokgetsu.
Seeing this, Jiraiya couldn't help but chuckle secretly, as if he could foresee their expressions upon seeing Shima Sage's insect dishes later.
"I'm going back to cook now; summon me again in one and a half hours." Shima Sage said.
Though there were also insects here, Shima Sage believed the insects from Mount Myoboku had the best taste. For a competition, naturally, she wanted to use the best ingredients.
Jiraiya released the Summoning Technique, letting the two sages return to Mount Myoboku.
After they left, Mokgetsu briefly thought and then quickly began looking for ingredients to start cooking.
During this time, Jiraiya and the others followed Mokgetsu throughout, some wanting to help, others curious about how Mokgetsu created such delicious dishes.
"Besides being extremely skillful and fluent in all aspects, there seems to be nothing particularly special." Kamiyama Sohei remarked more confused after watching.
"Yeah, Jiraiya-sensei, did you figure it out?" Dekai turned to Jiraiya.
"This is skill at its peak, returning to simplicity; every step is done to perfection. It's like cultivating Ninjutsu, where mastering every step leads to an immensely powerful technique." Jiraiya replied after thinking for a moment.