If it were an ordinary person arriving for the first time, they might be startled by such a scene, but to Jiraiya, every grass and tree here seems quite familiar.
"Fukasaku boss."
Jiraiya saw Fukasaku Sage from afar, hands clasped in meditation by the pond, practicing Immortal Technique, and quickly walked over to call out to him.
The calls from Jiraiya echoed in his ears, and Fukasaku Sage came back from his training, opened his eyes, seemingly unsurprised by Jiraiya's arrival:
"You really came, young Jiraiya."
"Really?"
Jiraiya was a little puzzled by Fukasaku Sage's reaction.
Additionally, he seemed not surprised at Jiraiya's safe return.
Fukasaku Sage nodded and answered, "Yes, that day when you were forcibly sent back to Mount Myoboku, both my wife and I were very worried about your safety, but the Great Toad Sage suddenly summoned us and told us not to worry too much. Because this time, you would get through the peril unharmed and return safely to Konoha. It seems the Great Toad Sage's prophecy was quite accurate; you indeed had no issues."
"The Great Toad Sage already knew?"
Upon hearing this, Jiraiya's expression froze.
Even though he had learned half-baked Immortal Technique, enough to stand proudly above most ninjas in the Ninja Realm, he still felt immense reverence for the Great Toad Sage who could glimpse fate.
The Great Toad Sage prophesied that he would pass through this peril unharmed, and Jiraiya was surprised by this, but upon closer thought, it seemed reasonable, not worth too much surprise.
"Not to mention that, your return to Mount Myoboku this time, besides visiting us, you also want to inquire about some things from the Great Toad Sage, right?"
Fukasaku Sage seemed to have seen through Jiraiya's thoughts.
Jiraiya nodded without concealment. He indeed had some questions he wished to ask the Great Toad Sage at this time.
He was deeply concerned about the potentially bad situations that might arise in the Ninja Realm's future.
He hopes to obtain some clues from the Great Toad Sage so that he can prepare in advance for potential future crises, avoiding larger casualties.
"I knew you would do that; the enemy you fought that day was truly terrifying. Especially that white-haired boy wielding a peculiar red gun..."
Fukasaku Sage recalled something at this point, feeling lingering fear as he spoke.
"What do you mean?"
Jiraiya asked in confusion.
"You remember that during the battle that day, when my wife was accidentally stabbed by the gun, your Sage Mode was disrupted?"
Fukasaku Sage prompted.
"That's right, I remember that. What's wrong with that gun? Fukasaku boss, did you learn something?"
Jiraiya's expression became serious.
Because Shima Sage was accidentally stabbed by the unnaturally red gun that day, it led to the unexpected disruption of his Sage Mode.
It also laid the groundwork for his defeat later.
To this day, he doesn't know how that gun managed to dismantle his Sage Mode.
If he can't figure out the secret of that gun, then even if he uses Sage Mode again next time, it will certainly still be countered.
In other words, if he cracks the secret of that gun, next time there might be a chance to turn defeat into victory.
"I'm not very clear about the specifics; I can only say that the gun is very dangerous for ninjas. Even to us immortals, getting stabbed by it would be very troublesome. Anyway, young Jiraiya, come with me and you'll know."
Fukasaku Sage finished speaking, hopping ahead to lead Jiraiya.
With an uneasy heart, Jiraiya followed the pace of Fukasaku Sage.