Looks like Jiraiya can now enter Sage Mode with the help of that old toad.
No wonder he's acting so smug!
Sage Mode did indeed significantly boost his strength.
But unfortunately, Jiraiya was still only halfway there.
He needed help to enter Sage Mode, and his entire face turned into something resembling a toad—not the most appealing look.
Plus, Sage Mode had a lot of limitations.
Wait, I could suggest Minato learn it, couldn't I?
As Jiraiya's disciple, Minato going to Mount Myōboku to learn Sage Techniques just makes sense, right?
The Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku combined with Flying Thunder God, plus Minato's ongoing work on the Rasengan...
That setup sounds like a dream team!
Apart from his terrible naming skills, Minato was pretty much flawless—especially his talent.
If it were Nawaki, Takuya definitely wouldn't recommend it, but Minato? He could give it a try.
After asking around a bit, Takuya found the tent assigned to their squad.
When he walked in, he saw a fire already burning, hot water ready, and pots and dishes cleaned. He couldn't help but twitch his eyelid.
Well, well, well—looks like everyone's gotten pretty self-sufficient here.
Everything was prepared, just waiting for me to start cooking, right?
"What did Jiraiya-sensei talk to you about? I've already cut the meat for you," Minato said.
He twirled the knife in his hand a few times before sticking it firmly into the cutting board.
"Your teacher has mastered the Sage Techniques of Mount Myōboku. He kept me back just to brag about it," Takuya replied bluntly, selling Jiraiya out without a second thought.
"Sage Techniques?"
Minato and Nawaki perked up immediately, their ears standing straight in attention.
"Yeah, that's what he said. I don't know the details, but his strength has definitely improved a lot."
Takuya intentionally left them hanging and started cooking, while Minato and Nawaki felt like there was a little cat scratching at their hearts—they were dying of curiosity.
Why aren't you saying more?
Their curiosity piqued, the two started pacing around the tent, practically ready to run straight to the command center to find Jiraiya.
After dragging it out long enough, Takuya finally filled them in.
"Mount Myōboku, Ryūchi Cave, and Shikkotsu Forest—these are the Three Great Sage Regions, all capable of teaching Sage Techniques. Nawaki, your grandfather, the First Hokage, is said to have learned his Sage Techniques at Shikkotsu Forest.
"Jiraiya learned his at Mount Myōboku. Minato, if you're interested, you should talk to Jiraiya. As for Nawaki…"
Takuya recommended Minato give it a shot because Minato had the talent. Nawaki, on the other hand...
Forget it—better let Tsunade handle this one.
Shikkotsu Forest was different from Mount Myōboku. Whether Nawaki could learn there was still an open question.
"After the war ends, go talk to your sister. But remember, don't even think about going to Ryūchi Cave. It's far too dangerous."
Takuya remembered that Tsunade had tried to learn the Sage Techniques from Shikkotsu Forest once, but she had failed.
She hadn't gone into the details, but Tsunade had come out of it in one piece—without any visible issues. This meant that the slugs of Shikkotsu Forest ensured that even if someone failed in their training, they wouldn't get hurt.
Ryūchi Cave was a different story—it was filled with man-eating snakes, and the White Snake Sage was definitely not an easy entity to deal with.
"I won't do anything stupid," Nawaki said, raising his hand as if taking an oath.
With his contract with the creatures of Ryūchi Cave, Nawaki knew how dangerous the place was. He wouldn't risk his neck for no reason.
Shikkotsu Forest, though, was another matter. Tsunade was familiar with it, and if he didn't understand something, he could always ask her.
In the original storyline, during the Fourth Great Ninja War, when Edo Tensei Minato said he wasn't adept at using Sage Techniques—then immediately went into Sage Mode like Hashirama—it left everyone gobsmacked.
Honestly, Little Sun really liked to play those mind games—acting like he couldn't care less and then turning around to blow your mind.
Minato was especially good at that.
"What is it?"
Noticing Takuya's odd look, Minato blinked. Was there something on his face?
Takuya's mouth twitched.
"Nothing. I was just thinking—again—that if you ever have a son, you really should name him Uzumaki Naruto."
"..."
Minato's face instantly darkened.
"If I ever have a son, he'll be named Namikaze Naruto. No—actually, no Naruto at all!!"
He really didn't like that name. It reminded him of some books that Jiraiya had written… not exactly the best association.
And why on earth should his son bear the Uzumaki surname?
Was the Namikaze name somehow not good enough to carry on?
"Don't listen to him, Takuya. This 'Little Sun' is sneaky. He's always wandering around Uzumaki grounds. Why do you think he keeps going there?" Nawaki said, revealing some of Minato's secrets.
"Oh~~~~"
Takuya deliberately drew out his reaction.
Minato's handsome face flushed instantly. After a few moments of silence, he shot back:
"At least it's better than getting rejected when you confessed!"
Come on, bring it on—let's hurt each other. Do you think I'm scared of you, you weakling?!
Even sneaking around beats being rejected, or worse, choosing the wrong person to pursue.
Going after a girl from the Hyuga Clan—now that's just playing with fire when it comes to your future happiness.
"What's going on here?"
Jiraiya showed up just in time to see his dear disciple Minato and Nawaki glaring at each other.
"Nothing serious, just some 'normal' interaction. They'll be fine in a while," Takuya said, staying calm.
You young people and your complicated ways of getting along.
Maybe I'm just getting old and can't keep up with the times.
Forget it—why overthink it? Better take advantage while they're distracted to get more food.
Even Orochimaru came around for meals, so Jiraiya was no exception.
Good thing Takuya had prepared in advance; otherwise, given Jiraiya's appetite, Minato and Nawaki would be left licking empty plates.
One by one, they boarded the warship, setting sail under the cover of night.
A sense of tension hung over the ship. Standing on the deck, Jiraiya spoke gravely:
"Everyone, our mission is both dangerous and crucial. Kirigakure holds the advantage, sending their people out for constant skirmishes, avoiding a head-on clash, and wearing us down in the process.
"Our mission isn't just to break through enemy lines; we must also force them into a direct confrontation.
"I'll be leading this mission, and I expect everyone to follow my orders precisely. Don't get greedy, and don't take unnecessary risks, or you'll endanger not only yourself but everyone else."
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya!!"
Everyone present understood the gravity of the situation. Jiraiya had absolute authority here, and no one in their right mind would challenge him at a time like this.
_____________Bonus Chapter for 500 Power Stone_____________
Next Bonus: 900 Power Stones. ╰ (´꒳`) ╯
__________________________
(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 340+ at patreon com/ Emik01. ಥ‿ಥ
___________________________