Toads, Katsuyu, and Snakes

Before the dust had even settled, the black runes of the Summoning Technique erupted in three directions at once.

Naruto pressed both hands to the ground, and the Nine-Tails' golden Chakra surged underground along the pathways of the runes. His senses pierced through several layers of space, precisely locking onto that familiar Chakra deep within Mount Myoboku—slightly reckless and brimming with excitement.

Not Gamabunta.

Gamakichi.

A massive cloud of dust rose before him, thicker than ever. From within it, an orange figure leaped out of the void—not Gamabunta's mountain-like steadiness, but a lighter, sharper figure carrying the fierce spirit unique to the younger generation. When Gamakichi landed, both feet smashed two enormous craters several meters deep into the ground. He had grown another size larger since Naruto had last seen him, nearly matching Gamabunta from back then. Two short blades hung at his waist, a red cloak draped over his back, and a small straw hat sat atop his head. He was no longer that little toad who followed behind Gamabunta.

"Naruto!" Gamakichi's voice came from above, carrying a trace of displeasure. "You haven't called me for so long, I thought you'd forgotten all about me!"

Naruto stood atop Gamakichi's head, nine golden tails swaying behind him. He withdrew his right hand from the summoning runes and gripped the rough protrusion on Gamakichi's head. "Kichi, I didn't forget—I was waiting for the right moment."

Gamakichi drew the two short blades at his waist, their edges glinting coldly beneath the moonlight. His eyes swept across the battlefield—the countless dark-red Ten-Tails Splitters, the scorched earth still burning, the ninja fighting desperately. "Whoa... this is one hell of a show. The old man would definitely be jealous if he knew." He meant Gamabunta.

"Then let him be jealous." Naruto's lips curled slightly. "Today,