The Terror of It All

"The predicted future is being changed one after another."

In a huge stone temple, a huge old toad with an orange body, a string of Buddhist beads around his neck, a lavender cat's eye stone in the middle, and a doctor's hat on his head, sat on a throne with the word "immortal" written on it, and opened his yellow eyes that were turbid yet shining.

"The change of the Third Generation of Konoha, the premature death of the reincarnation of Indra, the future landscape of the Ninja World, a world connecting the two realms, a martial god standing tall and unyielding, and Mount Myōboku, ravaged by blood..."

"Hmm."

The founder of Mount Myōboku, one of the three sacred sites of immortals, lived for over a thousand years and was revered by the world as the Great Toad Sage. Gama-matsu, who possessed the ability to foresee the future, saw his own future death.

It picked up the wine bottle beside it, took a sip, and a human-like smile appeared on its wrinkled Toad face. Its mellow and peaceful self-talk echoed within the temple hall.

"The general trend of the world is overwhelming and unstoppable; those who follow it prosper, and those who oppose it perish."

"Just like how betting on Hagoromo Otsutsuki and Hamura Otsutsuki, who were destined to rise to power, allowed Mount Myōboku to enjoy a thousand years of peace and prosperity, this time, the future master chosen is a descendant of the Uchiha Clan."

The Great Toad Sage took another sip of the clear, spicy sake, a hint of helplessness in his orange-yellow eyes. "All the fighting in the Ninja World is just that one family's unfortunate mess."

"That guy Hagoromo doesn't even bother to do anything. He's always sitting in meditation in the Pure Land the Ninja World, only occasionally checking on the Ninja World. What's the use of that? The limit of Chakra is Kaguya Otsutsuki; no one can surpass her."

"Eh, the Ōtsutsuki Clan, they are terrifying indeed."

The Great Toad Sage shook the wine bottle, drank the last bit of the fortune-bringing wine, put the bottle aside, and sighed, "I'm just a weak and pitiful Toad who likes to drink a little and ask people for small investments, how did I end up with such a terrible thing as my family being destroyed?"

After a moment's thought, the Great Toad Sage summoned the elders of Mount Myōboku and his trusted confidants, Fukasaku and Shima, two sage Toad who had cultivated for over eight hundred years and whose bodies were filled with Senjutsu Chakra.

Fukasaku is a small green Toad with white whiskers and eyebrows, and Shima, a small green Toad with purple hair and purple lips, is a couple. The two Toad wear black robes with stand-up collars and stand respectfully before the throne of the Great Toad Sage.

"This prophecy concerns the survival and continuation of our clan. You two frogs must be cautious. If you cannot reach Uchiha Takeyasu, you can start with his disciples and relatives."

Having arranged everything, the Great Toad Sage watched Fukasaku and Shima hop away, then closed his eyes in peace. The originally predetermined fate was constantly being deflected under the influence of Uchiha Takeyasu.

Even it must be prepared at all times to glimpse a corner of the future in fragmented dreams.

This continent is no longer a paradise for aliens. Even the Great Toad Sage walks on thin ice, his steps slow but firm as he treads the right path—it's good to take shelter under a big tree.

"Naori, we should go back."

"Kaori is still waiting at home."

The melodious singing gradually faded away. Uchiha Takeyasu embraced the dazed Uchiha Naori and used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his own residence.

The more he used the Flying Thunder God Technique, the more useful it became, and he couldn't help but give Senju Tobirama a thumbs up.

The Hokage's residence was now dark and quiet.

After placing the already sleeping Uchiha Naori back on the bed, Minamoto Kaori was sleeping while hugging Tachibana, was nearby.

The girl, who was sleeping lightly, opened her eyes after noticing the noise, and was then held in Uchiha Takeyasu's arms before falling back asleep.

Time flies, and the next morning, Uchiha Takeyasu took Minamoto Kaori out the door.

The Administration Department staff who handle trivial matters have been arranged by Mito Uzumaki, greatly reducing the workload of the secretariat. Feeling that he should not show favoritism, Uchiha Takeyasu decided to take Minamoto Kaori out for a walk to relax.

The girl's frequent absent-mindedness these past few days has also worried him.

"Darling, can we go there?"

Something is calling to me from over there.

The words spoken by the woman in his arms left Uchiha Takeyasu somewhat puzzled. He pondered for a long time but still couldn't understand what kind of thing in the Ninja World could summon people. However, since it involved his beloved wife, he couldn't ignore it.

"Then let's go take a look."

Following Minamoto Kaori's guidance, Uchiha Takeyasu first used the Flying Thunder God Technique to arrive at the Ninja Army's encampment facing the Land of Wind. After summoning his mount, the Two-Tails Matatabi, the two passed through the Land of Rivers and the neighboring Land of Sky, arriving at a mountain valley.

"Darling, the call ends here."

"Let me see if anyone's around."

Carefully sensing the energy fluctuations within a radius of over forty kilometers, Uchiha Takeyasu quickly discovered them. He embraced Minamoto Kaori's waist, rode the Two-Tails, and landed at a winding river. Wisps of smoke were rising from the riverbank, indicating that a large merchant caravan was lingering there.

Upon discovering the arrival of the Tailed Beast, the merchant guild panicked. Fortunately, the appearance of Uchiha Takeyasu, with his gentle demeanor and luxurious attire, and Minamoto Kaori eased the guild's anxiety. An elderly man with a red nose then emerged from the crowd.

Before he could even introduce himself, a ferret with white fur all over its body, but black fur on its four legs and tail, red eyes, and a diamond-shaped mark on its forehead darted away from the old man's feet and ran towards Minamoto Kaori.

Following the hem of the girl's kimono, it nimbly ran to her shoulder, spun around excitedly, and then let out an affectionate call.

Looking at this adorable little creature, which resembled a cat, Minamoto Kaori felt an immediate sense of closeness and reached out to hug it. She stroked the ferret's long, soft fur with a smile on her face.

The old man standing to the side was secretly alarmed.

"Nilgiri, come back quickly."

Although it's unclear why Nilgiri, who is not friendly to strangers, has started acting coquettishly towards outsiders, the merchant group might face annihilation if they offend someone important.

Looking at the silent giant beast beside him, the old man felt uneasy and anxious.

"Its name is Nilgiri? What a lovely name."

Minamoto Kaori teased the ferret's wet nose with her finger. Its blood-red eyes, just like hers, delighted the girl, who couldn't help but look up at the old man.

"Can I sell Nilgiri? Money is not an issue."

As a bridge between the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and Konoha, Minamoto Kaori is equally wealthy and generous, never considering problems that can be solved with money as a big deal.

The old man looked troubled, but said in a flattering tone, "Miss, Nilgiri are our family, we don't buy or sell them."

"I see."

Seeing the dejected Minamoto Kaori, Uchiha Takeyasu chuckled, "Since we're family, if a family member wants to leave for a better place, the old man won't stop him, right?"

The old man's face stiffened, and he could only nod.

"Little guy, come here."

Uchiha Takeyasu reached out and grabbed Nilgiri, who was showing hostility and making low growls.

"Darling."

"It's alright. If I'm not mistaken, it's this little thing calling you."

Glancing at the struggling Nilgiri, Uchiha Takeyasu's dark, cold eyes immediately subdued Nilgiri. He then removed a gem containing immense energy from the diamond-shaped spot between its eyebrows.

Long-forgotten memories surfaced in his mind, and under the sunlight, the colorful gems brought a smile to Uchiha Takeyasu's face. "Kaori, this time we've found the real treasure."

Under Minamoto Kaori's questioning gaze, Uchiha Takeyasu looked at the old man whose expression had drastically changed and said with a smile, "Old man, would you mind telling us about the Gelel Stone?"