Chapter 177: Half-Day Tour of Mount Myoboku

As Fukasaku hopped over to greet him, Kirito responded politely, "Hello, Sage Fukasaku."

"Ah, hello, Kirito!" Fukasaku said warmly, then immediately started grumbling. "Honestly, Jiraiya didn't even think to bring you here earlier. What's wrong with that boy?"

Kirito chuckled. "It's not really his fault. I never mentioned wanting to come."

"Well, no matter," Fukasaku said, jumping onto the back of a toad mount that had appeared. "Come with me. Ma has prepared a fantastic meal for you. You'll love it!"

Kirito followed with a polite nod, though he remembered the infamous insect feasts from the original series. I have a bad feeling about this…

As they passed through a lush clearing, Kirito noticed a familiar fountain bubbling with toad oil in the distance. Next to it sat a familiar figure—Naruto, cross-legged on the stone steps, wearing only a pair of underpants.

Though Naruto appeared to be meditating, Kirito's Byakugan quickly revealed that natural energy wasn't gathering toward him yet. Naruto was simply in a state of deep focus.

The sight amused Kirito, as Naruto's restless personality contrasted sharply with his current attempt at calm meditation.

Noticing Kirito's gaze, Fukasaku stopped and said, "Ah, that Naruto. He's a determined child, I'll give him that. He's progressing far faster than Jiraiya ever did. Truly, he has great talent for the Sage Mode."

Turning toward Naruto, Fukasaku raised his voice. "Naruto! That's enough practice for today. Come have dinner with us!"

Naruto's head shot up in excitement at the mention of dinner. But the moment Fukasaku said the word "dinner," Naruto's face darkened with dread.

"Oh, come on now," Fukasaku scolded lightly. "If Ma saw that expression, she'd lose her temper."

Naruto grumbled under his breath but complied. Kirito, curious about Naruto's reaction, fell in step beside him.

As they walked, Kirito whispered, "Is the food really that bad?"

Naruto shuddered. "Bad? It's alive. Slippery, sticky, wriggling... You'll feel it move in your mouth. It's like some kind of punishment."

Seeing Naruto's horrified expression, Kirito decided to change the subject. "How's your training going?"

At this, Naruto perked up. "It's going great! Grandpa Sage said I'm learning faster than the pervy sage ever did. I can already use toad oil to control natural energy!"

He clenched his fists with determination. "I'll master Sage Mode soon and bring Sasuke back!"

Kirito smiled faintly at Naruto's enthusiasm. Though Naruto's rapid progress was partly due to his massive chakra reserves, Jiraiya's experience as a teacher likely played a significant role as well. However, the true test of Naruto's skill would come when he began practicing without external aids like toad oil.

Soon, they arrived at Fukasaku's home—a quaint, low building nestled among the rocks and greenery.

As they entered, Kirito's eyes were immediately drawn to the massive table in the center of the room, laden with an assortment of bizarre "dishes." Wriggling white worms, gelatinous lumps, and unidentifiable slimy substances dominated the spread.

"Eat up! Don't be shy!" Shima, Fukasaku's wife, said enthusiastically, ushering them to the table. "This is a feast I prepared myself! Even Fukasaku doesn't get this special treatment."

"Yes, yes," Fukasaku said, sitting down and happily popping a plump white worm into his mouth. "Dig in!"

Naruto sighed dramatically but took his seat. Picking up a pair of chopsticks, he stared grimly at a wiggling "earthworm soup."

Kirito hesitated, eyeing a plump "taro worm" that shimmered unnaturally. I guess there's only one way to find out... He steeled himself and popped it into his mouth.

The experience was... unforgettable. The worm exploded with a gooey texture, releasing a pungent, nose-stinging flavor.

After dinner, Kirito and Naruto took a walk outside to clear their heads.

Naruto looked up at the starry sky, groaning. "I bet the pervy sage is secretly eating ramen back in the village."

"The taste wasn't so bad," Kirito offered diplomatically. "It's... unique."

Naruto shot him a skeptical look but didn't argue. "I just have to finish this training quickly and get out of here."

Kirito chuckled. "With your talent, it won't take long."

"Right? I think so too!" Naruto said, puffing up with pride. Then, his expression softened. "When I'm done, I'll bring Sasuke back. No matter what."

Kirito paused, considering Naruto's resolve. After a moment, he asked, "What if... Sasuke decides to destroy Konoha someday?"

Naruto stopped in his tracks, startled. "What? That's impossible! Sasuke wouldn't do something like that. He's just been taken by Akatsuki—"

But Naruto cut himself off, his expression hardening. "No matter what, I'll bring him back. I won't let anything like that happen."

Before Kirito could say more, Fukasaku's voice called out from behind them.

"Kirito!"

Turning, they saw the old toad hopping toward them with urgency.

"What is it, Grandpa Sage?" Naruto asked, curious.

"The Great Toad Sage contacted me," Fukasaku said, addressing Kirito. "He wishes to see you tomorrow. Would you be willing to meet him?"

"The Great Toad Sage?" Kirito asked, intrigued. "Of course, I'd be happy to."

"Good," Fukasaku said, nodding. "Rest well tonight. You'll want to be sharp for your audience with the Great Toad Sage."

(End of this chapter)

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