Chapter 178: Future Prophecy

With curiosity brewing in his mind, Kirito followed Fukasaku to the peak of Mount Myoboku the next morning. Their destination was the grand "shrine" that housed the Great Toad Sage, the revered seer of the mountain.

The shrine itself was an imposing, yet humble structure. Its interior was an open hall with smooth stone slabs covering the floors and walls, exuding an air of simplicity. The atmosphere inside was serene, yet carried an undeniable weight of mysticism.

As Kirito entered, his gaze was immediately drawn to a massive toad seated on a high platform at the far end of the hall. Its immense size rivaled that of Gamabunta, and its ancient presence filled the room.

So, this is the Great Toad Sage, Kirito thought, feeling the overwhelming natural energy radiating from the toad. The Great Toad Sage's body seemed to constantly absorb and cycle natural energy, maintaining a state of perpetual Sage Mode.

Kirito recognized this as a stark contrast to Jiraiya and Naruto, who needed time and preparation to enter Sage Mode. The Great Toad Sage's lazy demeanor was deceptive; there was no doubt its true capabilities were awe-inspiring.

"Grandpa! I've brought him!" Fukasaku called, hopping forward to the Great Toad Sage's platform.

The Great Toad Sage, wearing a hat resembling a scholar's cap and an opal necklace inscribed with the kanji for "oil," slowly opened its heavy eyelids to reveal ancient eyes. "Ah... you're here," it said, its deep voice reverberating throughout the hall.

After a pause, the sage added, "Now, who might you be again?"

Fukasaku sighed. "His name is Kirito! He's the one who saved Jiraiya!"

"Ah, yes, yes..." The Great Toad Sage nodded slowly. "My memory isn't what it used to be, I'm afraid."

Kirito smiled faintly. "It's an honor to meet you, Great Toad Sage. Is there something you need from me?"

The Great Toad Sage regarded Kirito with a slow nod. "You're a polite young one. I called you here to thank you for saving Jiraiya's life. His survival has... altered the path of the future."

The mention of altering the future caught Kirito's attention. He listened closely as the sage continued.

"Long ago, I foresaw Jiraiya's destiny. He was to give his life in pursuit of his prophecy—to guide the 'Child of Prophecy' who would lead the world to peace. His death was to serve as a turning point for that child's growth.

"But now... Jiraiya remains alive, training Naruto at Mount Myoboku. His heart is lighter, freed from the burden of regret."

Fukasaku, standing beside Kirito, looked shocked. "Grandpa, are you saying Kirito changed your prophecy?"

The Great Toad Sage nodded. "Indeed. The threads of destiny are not so easily altered. Yet, Kirito, your presence has reshaped the future in ways even I cannot fully perceive. This is no small feat."

Kirito absorbed the sage's words, his mind racing. He had known his actions would impact the ninja world, but the idea of altering a prophecy was unprecedented.

The Great Toad Sage's voice broke his thoughts. "Despite this, the shadows of war still loom over the future. While the 'Child of Prophecy' may lead the ninja world to peace, you, too, have the power to guide its fate. I ask you, Kirito, to walk alongside that child and help bring an end to the coming strife."

"Will there truly be war?" Kirito asked.

The Great Toad Sage closed its eyes briefly before answering. "Yes. A storm gathers on the horizon. But now, the future is veiled in mist. Your actions have made it impossible to see clearly. Even so, I glimpsed fragments—images of you clashing with... horned ones from a time long past."

Kirito raised an eyebrow. "Horned ones? Is that all?"

"Yes," the sage replied simply.

Kirito resisted the urge to sigh. Kaguya, or perhaps the Ōtsutsuki clan. I didn't need a prophecy to see that coming.

As the conversation seemed to wind down, the Great Toad Sage spoke again. "Before you go, I must tell you—though your past is a mystery, the Slug Sage has spoken highly of you. Both she and I believe you possess the strength and resolve to guide this world to peace.

"If ever you find yourself in need, know that the toads of Mount Myoboku will stand by your side."

Turning to Fukasaku, the Great Toad Sage added, "Bring him the contract."

"Are you sure, Grandpa?" Fukasaku hesitated.

"I am. He has earned it."

Fukasaku hopped forward, carrying a large scroll. As he unrolled it, Kirito recognized the names inscribed upon it: Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Naruto...

"This is the contract with Mount Myoboku," Fukasaku explained. "Signing it will allow you to summon the toads and call upon their aid when needed."

Kirito raised an eyebrow. "You're willing to let me sign this, even though I already have a contract with the Slug Sage?"

"Yes," the Great Toad Sage replied. "When the time comes, you will need every ally you can gather. This is our way of offering our trust."

Kirito considered the offer for a moment before nodding. With practiced ease, he signed his name on the scroll.

As he finished, Fukasaku smiled. "With this, you're officially part of the Myoboku family. Don't hesitate to visit us."

Kirito chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you for the hospitality."

As Fukasaku led him out of the shrine, Kirito couldn't help but glance back at the Great Toad Sage. The ancient toad had closed its eyes again, lost in thought.

Even if the future is uncertain, I'll face whatever comes head-on, Kirito resolved silently.

(End of this chapter)

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