Upon entering Mount Myōboku's hidden realm, they were greeted by a forest steeped in an ancient atmosphere. A thin mist hung perpetually in the air, while giant mushrooms, towering old trees, and strange plants grew everywhere. The air itself brimmed with rich natural energy.
Deep within Mount Myōboku stood an enormous toad palace. Presumably, that was where the Great Toad Sage slept.
As Yechen walked along, the plants and flowers on the ground grew at a rate visible to the naked eye. Without anyone realizing it, the plants here were being influenced by his life force-another manifestation of his Wood Release energy.
Jiraiya was utterly astonished, though he did not show it.
Suddenly, two toads leaped out of the mushroom forest ahead. They were Sage Fukasaku and Sage Shima.
"I was wondering who had come. So it's little Jiraiya."
As Sage Shima finished speaking, she spotted Yechen beside Jiraiya, and her toad eyes widened.
"The sage realm! Incredible, simply incredible."
Yechen had not concealed his aura. The two sages, highly sensitive to sage power, recognized it at a glance.
They were so surprised because, throughout the Shinobi World's history, only the Sage of Six Paths had ever reached such a realm.
"You must be Uchiha Ye Chen." Sage Fukasaku recalled the Great Toad Sage's instructions. This was the first time the Great Toad Sage had treated anyone with such gravity, and coupled with the strength Yechen had revealed...
Sage Fukasaku immediately arrived at that conclusion.
"Indeed, I am." Yechen cupped his fist in greeting.
"Could you take me to see the Great Toad Sage?"
Sage Fukasaku nodded, then pointed toward the toad palace in the depths.
"Jiraiya, take him there."
"All right."
Jiraiya nodded and led Yechen deeper into Mount Myōboku.
The two sages watched Yechen's retreating figure and sank