The New Prophecy

I woke up to find nothing had happened.

The nameless man beside him had already woken up and was standing in front of the entrance to the pit where he had been sealed, looking at something in the dark.

Kazashiro stretched, seemingly doing nothing, but in reality, he was plotting how to deal with the guy in front of him.

Leaving them unattended is definitely not an option, but bringing them back to Konoha seems to be something they don't intend to do.

"That..."

Before Kazashiro could figure out how to start the conversation, Wuming spoke first, "Could you take me to see this so-called Konoha?"

The nameless woman spoke in a low voice, seemingly worried that Kazashiro would reject her.

"Well, it's a bit difficult, but it's not impossible."

Kazashiro appeared conflicted, but inside he was overjoyed.

It's like I'm begging for an ice bomb, and I was just wondering what excuse I could use to fool the other person, but I didn't even have to say a word, and the other person just delivered themselves to my door.

Kazashiro believed that everything would be alright once they reached Konoha.

Even if the other side has any bad intentions, we have Fugaku and Obito, two Gundams, to act as henchmen.

I'm sorry to have troubled you.

Seeing Kazashiro's conflicted expression, Wuming politely expressed his apology.

"It's nothing, just remember our promise. However, before we go to Konoha..."

Kazashiro looked Wuming up and down in front of him, his gaze lingering on Wuming's bare feet for a moment before he sighed helplessly, "You should tidy up your appearance first."

The way he was dressed made it seem like the person in front of him was someone he had picked up from a garbage dump.

She's just as impressive as Haku from the Land of Water.

Within the territory of the Land of Hot Water.

As usual, Jiraiya was searching for the Child of Prophecy under the guise of gathering information when he was about to take out his binoculars. Suddenly, the scenery in front of him changed, and the voluptuous older sister turned into Toad wearing clothes.

"Huh? Big Sister, Boss?"

Reluctantly putting the telescope back in his pocket, Jiraiya, though displeased, still forced a smile and greeted the two Toad Sages.

"Kid, it's been a while. You didn't even bother to come to Mount Myōboku to find us."

Elder Shima, still holding a plate of food, rudely placed it in front of Jiraiya upon seeing Jiraiya.

Jiraiya glanced at the large, fat worm still wriggling in the dish, swallowed hard in fear, and quietly pushed the "delicacy" away a little.

"That senile old fool has come up with some new prophecy, so he asked us to call you over. We'll go see him after we eat."

"Honey, how could you call the great sage senile?"

The Sage Fukasaku, who hadn't said much, immediately reprimanded the other party.

"Huh? Isn't that guy senile? He probably can't even remember his own name, right?"

"Alright, alright, you two immortals, since the Great Toad Sage has made a prophecy, I think we should skip the meal and head straight there."

Seeing that the two immortals were about to start arguing, Jiraiya quickly tried to smooth things over, while also expressing his desire to see the Great Immortal immediately.

Finally, amidst Shima's reluctant grumbling, Jiraiya managed to avoid the embarrassment of eating insects and arrived before the Great Toad Sage.

"Oh, you are... who are you again?"

Just like when they first met, the Toad Sage sat on the high platform with his eyes closed, looking very old, and unsurprisingly, he had forgotten Jiraiya's name.

"It's Jiraiya, the Great Sage."

Fukasaku hurriedly reminded him in a low voice.

"Oh, it's Jiraiya. Um, who are you again?"

Jiraiya: "..."

"Haha, how lecherous! Just as you heard, the prophecy has changed."

In the end, even the Great Toad Sage couldn't pronounce Jiraiya.

However, Jiraiya was already used to it, and he suppressed the urge to retort, listening carefully to what the other person was about to say.

"The future of the Shinobi World is shrouded in mystery. The Child of Prophecy has vanished without a trace. Your mission is over. You are now free to live as you please."

The Toad Sage's words not only shocked Jiraiya, but also made the two other sages open their frog mouths.

What does that mean? All my efforts over the years have been in vain?

Jiraiya found this outcome difficult to accept.

I've worked so hard for so many years, searching for that so-called Child of Prophecy to change the Shinobi World, and you're telling me it's all gone?

And what do you mean by "the future of the Shinobi World is shrouded in mist"? What exactly is the Shinobi World going to become?!

The Great Toad Sage was unable to answer any of the questions raised by Jiraiya.

Because that's exactly what happened in his dream.

"Anyway, he's a womanizer, let's just take it one step at a time."

The Great Toad Sage mustered his strength to say those words, then, as if having used up all his remaining energy, fell silent.

With an unpleasant expression, Jiraiya bid farewell to the two immortals, declined their invitation to stay for a meal, Jiraiya returned to his previous spot where he had been gathering materials.

Watching the young ladies still frolicking in the hot spring, Jiraiya completely forgot all his worldly thoughts and only felt that his life had been a complete failure.

In the end, was it all for nothing?

Sitting cross-legged on the ground, Jiraiya reflected on the first half of his life and realized that he had never accomplished anything of note and had left almost no trace in the Shinobi World.

"Let's finish the final chapter of the Snow Woman story in Konoha."

Looking up at the sky, Jiraiya squinted and made a decision.

"Perhaps, Tsunade now would accept my confession, hahaha..."

With a self-deprecating laugh, Jiraiya dusted Jiraiya off and turned to walk towards Konoha.

Meanwhile, in Konoha.

Itachi looked resentfully at the Kazashiro Shadow Clone of Kaze, who was leaning back in his chair and slacking off. He sighed inwardly that both the real body and the Shadow Clone were indeed the same, diligently working on the thick document in front of him that was almost as tall as himself.

Beside Itachi, Shisui remained calm as he discussed the new roster with Yamato.

The Main Family's compromise saved them from a major purge, and all the blame was placed on Hyuga Isamu, who is currently in the Ministry of the Internal Affairs Department's prison, awaiting his final verdict.

Therefore, the two crossed out all members of the Hyuga Main Family from the list, and the new candidates will be chosen from the die-hard faction of the Sarutobi Clan.

"Teacher, I've drafted the work plan for a comprehensive crackdown on pornography, gambling, and drugs. You can sign it now."

With a hint of envy, Itachi glanced at Shisui and Yamato, who only needed to deal with enemies opposing Konoha, and handed the document he had just drafted to Kazashiro, gesturing for him to sign it.

"Let me see. Hmm, classify 'Icha Icha Paradise' and 'The Story of the Snow Woman' as restricted books, and prohibit their sale to underage ninjas... Isshiki two copies of this report, one for the Internal Affairs Department and one for the Military Police Force, and have them thoroughly investigate these books."

Kazashiro waved his hand and signed his name on it.