His senses returned to the present, Gamabunta's eyes drifted back to Ash, who was immersed in his training, utterly focused. The young warrior moved with precision and determination, each motion a testament to his dedication. "HAHAHAHA!" Gamabunta's laughter boomed through the air, quickly turning into a vigorous cough that nearly had him choking on his own tongue. His massive form shook with each breath as memories and reflections collided within him.
'I remember hearing stories about him when I was but a mere tadpole,' he chuckled. 'And now, he's here, serving under me. How the mighty have fallen. His power has faded in time, and now he must seek out and regain his former strength.' Gamabunta sighed 'looks like my humble teachings wount be enough to satisfy you for long...'
Meanwhile, Ash continued his intense training, blissfully unaware of the chief toad's contemplations. "Oi! Get ready, we're heading out!" Gamabunta called out to Ash. Finishing off his opponent, Ash turned to his lazy teacher and sheathed his blade. He climbed onto Gamabunta's back, using his naturally adhesive, webbed fingers along with precise control of his Chakra to maintain his grip. The energy flowed through his fingertips, allowing him to stick firmly to the surface.
Without warning, Chief Toad leaped into the sky, the forest below whizzing by in a blur. With every powerful leap, they steadily approached Mount Myoboku. Upon their final descent, Gamabunta landed with a catastrophic thud, shaking the ground beneath them and sending a shockwave through the surrounding forest.
Walking down the streets of mount myoboku they were greeted with respect, the crowd of toads split like the red sea. "Evening boss" "good day chief" The crowd politely greeted him in a casual manner as he walked by when all of a sudden, "Wooaahhh.... HE'S HUUUGE!!" a little one leaped infront of him under the exitement stopping Gamabunta and Ash in their tracks.
"Ah.. sorry, sorry, you know how kids are they get excited whenever they see something new" a female toad about half the size of Gamabunta stepped in and grabbed her trouble maker of a son and slowly dragged him out of the road while apologizing. "Don't worry young miss I understand well enough how you feel, I have kids of my own... Maybe I'll introduce you to them what do you say kid?".
"Really! You're the boss hahahahaha!" The kid cheered on as he watched Gamabunta resume his march through the street "Hehe, see you later boy". Ash watched Gamabunta's interactions with the villagers and a sense of emptyness filled him, he longed to form a bond with them aswell but it seemed to be a hopeless endeavor. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't utter anything other than that cursed word "Fro...gadier.... Fffff,...".
A heavy depression fell upon him as he felt alienated within his own body. All of a sudden, a warm sensation flooded him, an embrace from countless miles away eased his worry and gave him a sense of belonging. Both Naruto and Garm knew what it felt like to be alone. They understood his pain and related to his thoughts without the need for words.
"Hey, I didn't bring you here for you to just laze around all day. Get moving, brat!" Receiving a sudden shove, Ash stumbled forward. Gamabunta's stern voice echoed in his ears as he marched ahead, leaving Ash to catch up. Ash stood there, stunned. He watched as the massive toad strode confidently, the crowd parting respectfully.
"You heard the chief!" a villager toad cheered Ash on. "Every step you take matters, now move.". The toads' gazes were filled with expectation, not just curiosity. Ash clenched his fists, ready to prove his worth.
Curiosity gnawed at him, he had no idea as to where they were going, or why Gamabunta had brought him along. As they walked, the landscape of Mount Myoboku unfolded around them, each step revealing new sights. Ash kept his eyes on Gamabunta's retreating figure, determined to find out where this trip would lead him.
They moved deeper into the mountain and arrived at the heart of Mount Myoboku, a place of gathering and vibrant activity. The Myoboku Library stood proudly at the center, an imposing structure with three entrances, each leading to different sections: giant, middle, and small.
The surrounding area buzzed with life as toads of various sizes mingled together. Giant toads conversed with their smaller counterparts, their deep voices resonating through the air. By the pond, middle-sized toads exchanged scrolls and discussed techniques with each other. Small toads darted in and out of the crowd, their excitement palpable as they navigated the lively scene.
Messenger toads sprinted with urgency, slipping through the crowd and disappearing into the library. The air was filled with the hum of conversation and the rustle of turning pages, a testament to the vibrant exchange of knowledge within this sacred place.
Ash marveled at the sight, feeling a mix of awe and curiosity as he followed Gamabunta into the heart of the Myoboku Library.
Gamabunta approached the large entrance and pushed the massive door open with ease. Ash followed, stepping into the giant section of the library. The interior was just as impressive, with towering shelves filled with ancient scrolls and books, all meticulously organized. The sheer scale of the place left Ash in awe, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement as he ventured deeper into the library
Inside, Keeper of Secrets Naoko awaited them, her presence commanding respect despite being a small toad in the giant section. She oversaw the Myoboku Library and its intricate information network, ensuring the flow of knowledge while guarding the most precious secrets.
"Welcome, Gamabunta, and greetings to our guest," Naoko said with a slight bow. Her voice was calm yet authoritative. "I've been expecting you both."
Gamabunta nodded in acknowledgment. "Naoko, this is Ash. He's here to learn."
Naoko's gaze softened as she looked at Ash. "Ah, excellent. I have prepared everything for your arrival. Follow me, and I will show you the way." She got up, leading them further into the library.
As they moved deeper into the library, Ash was struck by the sheer scale of the collections. Scrolls and books of various sizes filled the towering shelves, a repository of ancient techniques, historical records, and sage wisdom. The air was thick with the scent of old parchment and ink, a testament to the ages of knowledge preserved within these walls.
Naoko led them to a quiet alcove, where a large scroll lay open on a pedestal. "This is the Archive of Techniques," she explained. "Here, you'll find the teachings of the great toads of the past and present, as well as the wisdom they have passed down through the generations."
Ash approached the scroll, his curiosity piqued. The symbols and diagrams were intricate, each one a piece of the puzzle that made up the vast knowledge of Mount Myoboku.
"Take your time, Ash," Naoko said gently. "There is much to learn, and I am here to guide you."
As Ash began to study the scroll, he felt a deep sense of gratitude. This was more than just a place of learning; it was a gateway to understanding and mastery. As he delved into the contents, he discovered an abundance of hidden techniques within its segments, a single outlying technique caught his eye, the "Toad's Mist Arsenal".