"The entire ninja world is irreversibly declining under the stranglehold of the village-nation system. No matter one's stance or nature—whether ambitious or gentle—all attempts by individuals to save the so-called order of the Five Great Countries and their five great ninja villages can at best only delay this process. More likely, their efforts are only making things worse."
Inside the towering headquarters of the Rain Ninja Village, Hyuga Soushu—who had been invited for a visit—sat at the head of the conference room, sharing his views on the ninja world with Sanshouo Hanzo.
This was also the first time Hyuga Soushu openly expressed his perspective on the order of the ninja world.
The ninja attending the symposium all fell into deep thought.
Especially Sanshouo Hanzo's close subordinates felt uneasy, as they struggled to understand why Soushu would bring up such an argument.
Everyone already knew the village-nation system was falling apart. After the Third Mizukage of Mist defied every taboo in the ninja world by slaughtering the daimyo, courtiers, and nobles of the Land of Water, the ninja clearly saw how the aristocrats of the four major countries on the mainland could do nothing but issue dry verbal condemnations. They failed to take any real action, let alone form a coalition force to strike back at Mist and set things right.
Thus, everyone understood that the complete collapse of the village-nation structure was only a matter of time. The uncertainty lay in how ninja could fully assume control over the ninja world without severely disrupting civilian life—as even if ninja became the new nobility, they would still need a large number of civilians to support their privileged, non-productive lifestyles.
Moreover, once ninja became rulers, how should governing power be distributed?
How should responsibilities and authority be divided between ninja clans and commoners, and among different ninja clans themselves?
It was common knowledge that all ninja clans were "equal," enshrined in the founding treaties and legal codes. Yet, behind closed doors, everyone understood that ninja from powerful elite clans were naturally more equal than those from smaller or lesser-known clans—an unspoken truth universally acknowledged.
Then there were the immediate economic concerns: Without continuing to accept missions, how would ninja earn income? Would commoner ninja still toil away while clan ninja just reaped the rewards?
And once they rose to become the new nobility, free from worries, would ninja still maintain the diligence of the village era? If they no longer focused on training, through what means could ninja power continue to develop?
All these were pressing issues bound to arise after the collapse of the village-nation system.
And so far, no consensus had been reached.
Hyuga Soushu didn't disturb the thoughts of those present. Instead, he calmly poured himself a cup of hot tea and sipped it with quiet satisfaction.
"Order..."
After a long silence, Sanshouo Hanzo sighed deeply, his face revealing a look of utter weariness.
"Sanshou Hanzo, if you happen to have some free time, would you be willing to train a group of ninja forces?"
Hyuga Soushu tactfully changed the subject. "The Ninja Clan Capital Corporation's direct Standing Ninja Army is currently undergoing training in the Herb Country. If you're interested, Mr. Hanzo, I'd really appreciate it if you'd offer your guidance and show those arrogant juniors what a half-god senior looks like."
"That wouldn't be unacceptable."
Sanshou Hanzo hesitated slightly before swallowing the bait that Hyuga Soushu had intentionally thrown out.
Soon the conversation shifted toward topics regarding the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation's support for the Rain Ninja Village and even the Land of Rain—industrial investments and ninja employment issues. Under this fierce financial offensive, the financially strapped Sanshou Hanzo gradually transitioned from feigned reluctance to full cooperation. Particularly, the Rain Jonin who were completely captivated by the beautiful vision painted by Hyuga Soushu fell into endless reverie.
"Water is the most precious asset in the Ninja World!"
Soushu continued drawing tempting pictures: "Especially for the Land of Rivers and Herb Country, the biggest problem restricting their development speed is insufficient water supply, while the Land of Rain suffers from constant heavy rains and frequent flooding. The recent opening of the southern outlet of the Hengduan Mountains has brought change to southern Rain Country; if we duplicate this project in northern Rain Country, its future prospects would be limitless!"
"This matter is extremely significant, but our Rain Ninja Village lacks sufficient capability. Therefore, we hope Commander SOUSHU would be willing to offer guidance and advice!"
Without hesitation, Sanshou Hanzo swallowed this yet-to-materialize enticing prospect.
"That's not a problem at all. Later I'll have someone draft up the guidelines for you to review and suggest improvements, Mr. Hanzo!"
Hyuga Soushu laughed heartily, generously offering lavish praise during the conversation.
After all, giving compliments doesn't cost money, and satisfying the Rain Ninja Village's vanity could yield additional benefits—so why not?
Most importantly, once the Rain Ninja Village was completely entangled by the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation, and the entire Land of Rain thoroughly infiltrated from top to bottom, then Sanshouo Hanzo—this once-feared half-god who commanded entire regions—would become the perfect trump card in the hands of the Ninja Clan Capital Corporation!
When Jiraiya hurriedly arrived at Mount Myoboku through Reverse Summoning Technique, his first impression was that Senior Fukasaku and Shima appeared composed on the surface, but closer inspection revealed their heavy moods.
"Have both Sages been well lately?"
Jiraiya bowed respectfully to the two sages while exchanging pleasantries.
"Not particularly good, nor particularly bad either."
Senior Fukasaku sighed slightly before saying, "Come with me. The Great Sage wishes to see you."
"Understood!"
Immediately dropping his usual joking demeanor, Jiraiya solemnly followed behind the two sages heading toward the Great Sage's palace.
The likely reason for Senior Fukasaku and Shima's sudden moodiness probably related to Senior Toad Sage; after all, he had never before seen these esteemed sages display such obvious emotional changes.
For a Sage Art practitioner, this was extremely unusual. As everyone knows, synthesizing Sage Chakra requires maintaining inner calmness. Only with such composure can one balance chakra and natural energy calmly, avoiding fluctuations that might turn oneself into an inert stone statue.
Along the way, Jiraiya passed through various areas of Mount Myoboku and noticed that the ninja frogs were still busily attending to their own affairs as usual, without any abnormalities detected. This further solidified his belief.
"Exactly what instructions did Senior Sage give?"
Jiraiya couldn't help but ask.
"We don't know either. Lord Elder will explain everything to you."
Elder Fukasaku unusually refrained from answering directly, so Elder Shima provided the explanation.
Faced with this situation, Jiraiya could only suppress his curiosity and unease, carefully following them step by step until they reached the entrance of the royal chambers.
After reporting and requesting permission, Jiraiya finally entered the sleeping quarters.
Yet this time felt somewhat different.
Upon entering the Great Sage's palace, Jiraiya immediately sensed that something seemed dimmer than usual.
Glancing cautiously around the hall, he soon realized why—the Eternal Lamp that normally illuminated the ceiling was gone!
"Good day, Senior Toad Sage!"
However, standing before the mighty Toad Sage, Jiraiya dared not act carelessly. He respectfully bowed toward the enormous, half-dozing amphibian occupying the throne.
"Oh, it's young Jiraiya."
The Senior Toad Sage slowly opened its eyes and looked at Jiraiya, who was still bowing slightly: "You showed up earlier than expected."
"Since Senior Sage summoned me, I naturally wouldn't dare delay."
Jiraiya answered formally while taking this opportunity to straighten up and gaze at the tall, aged Senior Toad Sage.
This time also turned out noticeably different from before.
Previously, when summoned to the sleeping quarters of Mount Myoboku, the Senior Toad Sage usually slept deeply, seemingly wandering outside in dreams. Although Elder Fukasaku would loudly call it awake, it typically took several minutes for it to fully recover consciousness, often muttering things like "Who are you?" or "What do you want?" as if still dreaming.
But this time, the Senior Toad Sage woke up immediately, addressing Jiraiya by name and even commenting that he'd come early. Obviously, it hadn't been drifting through dreams perceiving future events, and judging from its current alert state, it likely had merely dozed off from exhaustion.
"You're considerate."
The weary tone of the Senior Toad Sage not only confirmed Jiraiya's suspicions but struck heavily on his heart like drumbeats, creating waves of anxiety.
"Senior Toad Sage..."
Jiraiya hesitated, seeming eager to speak yet holding back.
"How is the deployment going in the Ninja World? Are those dispatched ninja frogs obeying you?"
Without beating around the bush, the Senior Toad Sage cut straight to the point.
"It's progressing decently. However, due to unforeseen circumstances at our base originally stationed in the Land of Rain, we temporarily decided to relocate entirely underground within the caves beneath Hakone Prefecture city to enable closer surveillance operations."
Jiraiya answered respectfully.
As for the question about whether those ninja frogs obeyed orders—well, he chose simply to ignore it.
Senior Toad Sage understood Jiraiya's intentions as well. Soon, he sighed deeply and asked, "Are they not very obedient?"
"Ninja Frogs usually know what they want."
Jiraiya responded in a measured tone, neither hiding the truth nor condemning them outright.
"I understand. Thank you for still trying to cover up for those incapable ones."
After a long pause, Senior Toad Sage finally spoke: "I will bestow upon you the Cursed Seal of the Ninja Frogs. From now on, if they dare defy you again, do not be too lenient with them."
"Is that appropriate?!"
Jiraiya's eyelid twitched visibly, quite surprised.
Fukasaku and Shima hesitated, equally puzzled by the Great Sage's decision.
As a summoning beast clan, Mount Myoboku strictly upheld hierarchical discipline.
From the lowest frogs without any intellect, to the cannon fodder Ninja Frogs with barely a spark of chakra but enormous bodies, all the way up to sentient Ninja Frogs who could speak human language—these ranks were strictly enforced and impossible to cross.
And this Cursed Seal existed specifically to bind and punish every Ninja Frog except the Sages themselves.
In other words, Senior Toad Sage had just directly handed Jiraiya, the one who had signed the summoning contract, absolute authority over the lives of those Ninja Frogs.
"You are the Chijinkai of Mount Myoboku, acting on its behalf. If you cannot control these Ninja Frogs, it simply won't do."
The Great Sage's voice resonated within the Royal Chambers, while Jiraiya felt increasingly uneasy in his heart.
"Do what you believe is right—even if your methods must be harsh. Most importantly, thwart those schemes and hidden hands attempting to overthrow the order!"
"This is the responsibility bestowed upon you by the Ninja World!"
"This..."
Jiraiya felt even more uncertain now.
Wasn't the original plan to find the legendary savior, have Jiraiya personally nurture him until he came of age, and only then let him save the ninja world? When did things change so that Jiraiya himself had to step forward and directly shoulder this burden?
"Great Sage! Perhaps I..."
Jiraiya tried to object.
"I can no longer enter the Path of Time to glimpse the future," Senior Toad Sage revealed bluntly. "Jiraiya, I am incapable of receiving further prophecies."
Previously unaware of this truth, Jiraiya suddenly broke into a cold sweat, at a loss.
He turned to Elders Fukasaku and Shima, his face filled with disbelief, as though asking whether the Great Sage had perhaps gone mad or was still dreaming.
Although serious, both elders nodded solemnly, confirming the Great Sage's words.
This destroyed the last glimmer of hope Jiraiya had been holding onto.
"It is precisely because the future is unknown that it remains 'future'; prophecy is nothing more than tracing the most likely path from countless branches along the Path of Time," explained Senior Toad Sage. "Jiraiya, do not rely everything upon prophecy."
"But... I'm just a ninja. How could I possibly bear the mission of saving the entire Ninja World?"
Jiraiya felt almost unable to believe it himself, filled with apprehension yet strangely eager at the same time.
"The Mount Myoboku has decided—you, the Chijinkai, shall bear the responsibility of saving the world!"
The Senior Toad Sage declared firmly without giving others a chance to speak.
"I will not refuse."
Jiraiya immediately became serious.
"Excellent! Full of spirit!"
The Senior Toad Sage was very satisfied with Jiraiya's response.
"Jiraiya, you're our Chijinkai from Mount Myoboku, a top ninja renowned across the ninja world. Don't you dare falter!"
Elder Fukasaku chimed in: "If you need help, just come to us. We will never neglect our duty!"
"That's right! From now on, stay sharp! Don't tarnish the honor of Mount Myoboku's line!"
Elder Shima also cheered him on.
"I appreciate the trust from all the Sages. I'll definitely give it my best effort!"
Jiraiya took a deep breath and declared.
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