On the way into the depths of Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya's mouth never stopped running.
He was tied spread-eagled to a wooden pole like a piglet waiting for slaughter, carried front and back by two frogs as they strode steadily through the forest.
The scenery around them grew increasingly secluded and shadowy. Towering trees reached for the sky, vines hung down, and stone statues occasionally peeked out from amid the grass and foliage.
But Jiraiya had no mind to appreciate it.
"Can't you guys be reasonable?"
He twisted his body, his tone gradually shifting from initial fury to attempted reason:
"I only wandered in by accident! It wasn't like I deliberately meant to disturb your training! Was this really necessary?"
The frogs carrying the pole turned a deaf ear and kept walking.
Jiraiya changed tactics. "This is kidnapping! You know that? Kidnapping! In the Land of Fire, you'd get sentenced for this!"
There was still no response.
After they walked a little farther, Jiraiya's tone began to soften:
"Mr. Frog... Grandpa Frog... I'm begging you, okay?
"I'm only here looking for my companions. I accidentally disturbed you. Please, be magnanimous and let me go, alright?"
The lead frog glanced back at him, then expressionlessly turned away again.
Jiraiya completely lost heart and threw back his head with a long wail. "Somebody save me—!"
And so, he cycled through seven or eight different attitudes along the way. From reasoning to threats, from flattery to wailing, he pestered those frogs the entire journey.
The frogs carrying him remained expressionless, but their occasional exchanged glances clearly said: Why can this kid talk so much?
Finally, the view ahead suddenly opened up.
An enormous temple complex appeared before them—more magnificent than any they had seen before. Stone steps rose layer upon layer, countless frog statues