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Fukasaku's house isn't large. Naruto has to bend over when entering, but he can still move around inside. In such a small room, Gamabunta rarely comes home.
Shima was very enthusiastic, serving a plate of "plump" bugs. To the toads, the word "plump" was likely meant as a compliment for these insects.
"Come on, eat up! Don't be shy!"
Fukasaku was eating happily. "These taste great!" he said.
Shima pushed the plate towards Naruto. "Of course! I made this especially for you. Little Naruto, try this taro bug."
Naruto stared at the wriggling bugs on the plate and swallowed hard.
I just survived Granny Sanshō's life-risking curry; yesterday, I saw Sakura's 'dark cuisine,' and now I'm about to face a bug feast in Mount Myoboku.
Could I possibly collect the three dark dishes of the ninja world and trade them for a reward from the Sage of Six Paths?
I'm not Bear Grylls! This isn't something you can just eat without hesitation!
At that critical moment, Naruto suddenly thought of a foodie: "Hey, Kurama, want to try this?"
Kurama declined immediately: "Get lost."
With no other option, Naruto could only muster up his courage and ask, "Would it be alright if I adjusted the taste a little to my liking?"
Seeing that Shima had no objection, Naruto pulled out a scroll. Inside were charcoal, a grill, seasonings, and various leftover ingredients from a picnic the day before.
Recalling how to roast silkworm chrysalis, Naruto hummed to himself as he began cooking:
"High-quality ingredients often require the simplest cooking methods…"
He boiled the fresh larvae in water, added the right amount of salt, sugar, and five-spice powder, drained them, and placed them on the grill. After sprinkling some pepper and brushing them with chilli oil, he grilled them for a few minutes.
Before long, a tempting fragrance filled the air, and Naruto took a bite. It tasted like crispy chicken.
Fukasaku and Shima were stunned. They had seen many contractors come and go in Mount Myoboku, but this was the first time they had seen someone prepare food like this.
Why do ninjas these days carry an entire kitchen set up with them?
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Naruto handed over two skewers. "Would you like to try some?"
Fukasaku shook his head. "No, as a frog Sages, we prefer lighter food."
Naruto glanced at the larvae rice ball in his hand. How can you even call this food?! But they're indeed old. After all, these two have lived for centuries.
After wrapping up his "Mount Myoboku on the tip of the tongue" segment, Naruto eyed the remaining bugs on the table. A thought struck him, and he asked, "Can I take these with me?"
Shima beamed. "Little Naruto, do you like these?"
Naruto grinned with an evil smile on his face. "Of course! They're so delicious. My dad left in such a hurry earlier, and I didn't get a chance to share them with him. I thought I'd bring some back for him to try."
Fukasaku was pleased and praised him. "Little Naruto is truly a good boy."
Shima smiled and added, "Take them all! There are enough here anyway. I'll prepare more for you to bring to Jiraiya when you leave."
Naruto cheerfully agreed. "No problem! They'll thank you!"
He thought to himself: I can dodge for now, but there's no escaping later. Dad, are you ready to feel the love of your son?
Meanwhile, back in the Land of Snow, Minato suddenly shivered, having just received a message from the Snow Kingdom.
...
After packing up, Naruto followed Fukasaku to a small waterfall. Below the waterfall was a small pool with a stone frog statue, resembling an artificial fountain.
A brown liquid was sprayed from the frog's mouth likely toad oil.
Fukasaku held a black staff and said, "Since Minato has already explained some basics of Senjutsu to you, I'll just emphasize a few key points."
"Understood." Naruto sat down obediently.
Minato had already given him a crash course, so Naruto felt like he was just waiting for the final revision before the big exam.
Fukasaku's Senjutsu chapter no 101 officially began:
"First, mental and physical energy are internal, while natural energy is external. The fusion of these three creates sage chakra, which is the essence of senjutsu."
"Natural energy exists in the atmosphere and the earth. The first step in mastering Sage Mode is to immerse yourself in nature and perceive this energy."
...
Fukasaku then applied a bit of toad oil to Naruto's hand. "We'll start by helping you perceive natural energy. This oil helps attract it to your body."
Naruto felt a cold sensation on his hand, as if something was flowing down it. It felt like applying a strange ointment.
Moments later, webbed skin began to grow between Naruto's fingers, and toad-like bumps appeared on his arms.
Naruto looked at his reflection in the water. His face had swelled, and red marks appeared.
"Ugly," he muttered.
"This happens when you fail to control the natural energy," Fukasaku explained. "If you can't manage it, you'll gradually turn into a toad and eventually become a stone statue. Don't worry about your appearance focus on feeling the natural energy."
"Got it." Naruto sat cross-legged, closed his eyes, and tried to sense the energy inside him. But the natural energy darted around like a slippery eel, impossible to grasp.
Whack!
"Owww!" Naruto yelped. "That hurts worse than getting hit by my mom!"
"This stuff is designed to knock natural energy out of your body," Fukasaku explained. "When the energy leaves, your body becomes highly sensitive, which makes it very painful."
Naruto quickly recovered. "Alright, I'm ready. Hit me again!"
A few minutes later:
"Owwww!"
"Again!"
"Owwww!"
That afternoon, Naruto's howls echoed through Mount Myoboku.
Meanwhile, in a nearby valley, Gamabunta calmly imparted some wisdom to his son Gamakichi. "Don't be surprised. I remember decades ago when Jiraiya was here, he screamed even louder than this kid."
Hours later, Fukasaku wiped the sweat from his brow. "That's enough for today, Little Naruto."
"Master Fukasaku, I'm fine! I can handle more!" Naruto remembered a wise cultivator who once said, "You must endure pain, get used to pain, and eventually realize it's nothing."
Since he was training to become a sage now, it only made sense to listen to the wisdom of his seniors.
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