"Oh my, it's little Jiraiya! What did you summon us for? I was just about to make my specialty, insect cuisine. I'm sure Little Naruto will love it this time."
The first to speak was a green toad with purple hair who looked rather like a housewife. She was Sage Shima of Mount Myōboku.
Beside her, Fukasaku, a toad with a tuft of white beard who resembled a little old man, spoke before Jiraiya could reply. He raised a hand to stroke his beard, as though he already knew why Jiraiya had summoned them, and continued:
"Oh, don't worry, little Jiraiya. Little Naruto is at the most crucial stage of learning Sage Mode right now. He's much more talented than you, and he isn't far behind the Fourth, either. I'm sure he'll finish his training soon. When that happens, you might find yourself outdone by your own student."
At this point, Sage Fukasaku seemed to picture that scene and couldn't help chuckling.
Hearing Sage Fukasaku's words, a trace of relief flickered in Jiraiya's eyes.
But this was hardly the time for a chat. Jiraiya's expression immediately turned serious, and he lowered his voice.
"Sage Fukasaku, Sage Shima, I've run into someone terrifying. Not only does he possess the legendary Rinnegan, he's also in the undying, indestructible state granted by Impure World Reincarnation. With my strength alone, I'm no match for him, so I had no choice but to ask you to help me."
Hearing Jiraiya's words, Sage Shima and Sage Fukasaku realized how serious the situation was. Sage Fukasaku even drew in a sharp breath.
"The Rinnegan and the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu-how did those two troublesome things end up together? Good grief, who created such a terrifying fellow?"
Sage Fukasaku was an old veteran of the Shinobi World and