309. The Child of Prophecy is Hanekawa

"Kaguya."

Hanekawa glanced at the dispirited Great Toad Sage and asked, "Does the Divine Tree have any self-defense mechanisms?"

His concern was that someone—or some toad—might try to sabotage the tree while they were away.

If something went wrong, it would waste a lot of time.

"It does."

Kaguya’s voice was cold. "No one can harm the Divine Tree except you and me."

The Divine Tree was not an inanimate object.

Having absorbed the Two-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Kaguya’s own chakra, there was no shinobi in the world who surpassed it in raw power.

Moreover, the Divine Tree and Kaguya were intrinsically linked.

Any attack or disturbance would immediately alert her, allowing her to intervene instantly.

"Good."

Hanekawa took her hand and walked up to the Great Toad Sage.

"Lady Kaguya."

The Great Toad Sage forced a smile. "Divine Envoy."

Even though the Divine Tree had ruined Mount Myoboku, it dared not show anger.

At least being alive meant there was still hope.

Worst case, they could always find a new Mount Myoboku.

"I’ve always believed in fairness."

Hanekawa looked at the Great Toad Sage. "If you wish to relocate to Konoha, I can allocate land for you."

While he didn’t particularly like Mount Myoboku, it was still one of the three great summoning realms.

If Konoha shinobi could contract with the toads, their strength would increase significantly.

For them, it was nothing but benefit—as long as the toads behaved.

But with him and Kaguya around, Hanekawa was confident the toads wouldn’t dare cause trouble.

If they did, exterminating them would be simple.

The Great Toad Sage was momentarily stunned.

Were they being absorbed into Konoha?

It felt an odd sense of relief.

As long as they were useful, they could survive.

But then it realized—Mount Myoboku had lost completely.

Not only had they lost their home, but they were now being conscripted into Konoha’s service.

"Thank you, Divine Envoy."

The Great Toad Sage sighed inwardly.

What choice did they have?

Stay here and guard the Divine Tree?

That would only mean eventually being devoured as nutrients.

Wander the shinobi world?

But Konoha was now the strongest village.

Might as well go there directly—at least the conditions wouldn’t be terrible.

Especially since their primary contractor, Jiraiya, was a high-ranking Konoha shinobi.

"I recall you once made a prophecy."

Hanekawa suddenly remembered something.

"Which prophecy?"

The Great Toad Sage tensed.

Its mind raced, trying to recall if any of its past prophecies could be seen as offensive.

"The one about the Child of Prophecy."

Hanekawa reminded it. "You said this child would bring great change to the shinobi world."

"Ah… yes, I did say that."

Under Hanekawa’s gaze, the Great Toad Sage broke out in a cold sweat.

The strongest beings in the world now were Hanekawa and Kaguya.

If the Child of Prophecy was supposed to "change the world," didn’t that imply opposition to them?

"I… I don’t actually know who the Child of Prophecy is."

The Great Toad Sage quickly improvised. "But now it’s clear—it must be you, Divine Envoy!"

Hanekawa almost laughed.

But then he considered—this "Child of Prophecy" title could be useful.

He’d been wondering how to broach the topic of unifying the shinobi world with Tsunade.

Now, this prophecy might serve as the perfect justification.

Tsunade didn’t believe in prophecies, but many others did.

If the entire shinobi world believed it, even a lie could become truth.

Tsunade might start doubting herself.

And maybe he’d even get a new talent from the system.

"In that case, I have a task for you."

Hanekawa thought for a moment. "Spread the word across the shinobi world that I am the Child of Prophecy."

"Understood."

The Great Toad Sage didn’t fully grasp the reasoning, but it had no choice but to comply.

It just hoped this wouldn’t disrupt future events or strip it of its prophetic abilities.

"Once you reach Konoha, you can contact me."

Hanekawa paused. "Or you can seek out Jiraiya."

With that, he and Kaguya left Mount Myoboku.

The Great Toad Sage finally relaxed.

From the moment it recognized Kaguya, its nerves had been stretched to the limit.

One wrong move, and it could have ended up in the Pure Land.

And the worst part?

Even in death, it would likely still face Kaguya and Hanekawa.

There was truly no escape.

"Great Elder, what exactly is happening?"

Gamabunta couldn’t hold back any longer.

It had wanted to ask earlier but was stopped by Fukasaku.

Not just Gamabunta—other toads like Gamaken and Gamahiro had also gathered.

The Divine Tree’s emergence was impossible to ignore.

And what they saw left them speechless.

The Great Toad Sage—revered as a deity—acting so subservient.

"Fukasaku, explain it to them."

The Great Toad Sage decided.

There was no point hiding the truth now.

They’d all witnessed what happened.

And with the Divine Tree planted here, they’d have to relocate to the human world.

Without clarity, resentment would fester.

"Very well."

Fukasaku took a deep breath.

Only it and the Great Toad Sage fully understood Kaguya and Hanekawa’s history.

The younger toads only knew of the Sage of Six Paths, not the Rabbit Goddess.

The Great Toad Sage watched the toads, deep in thought.

Though reluctant to leave, staying near the Divine Tree was too dangerous.

It had witnessed the tree’s power a thousand years ago—not under Kaguya or Hanekawa, but under Princess Tsuki.

If they had to leave, Konoha was the only option.

Hanekawa hadn’t explicitly demanded it, but the Great Toad Sage didn’t dare go elsewhere.

After consideration, it decided to recall Jiraiya.

As Tsunade’s teammate, he held influence in Konoha.

With him, the toads might survive.

The rest was simple—work for Konoha obediently.

Gasps filled the air.

The Great Toad Sage snapped back to reality—Fukasaku had finished recounting the ancient tale.

The toads were stunned.

Now they understood their leader’s submission.

"Now that you know the truth, prepare to depart."

The Great Toad Sage declared. "We leave for Konoha in two days."

"Yes."

The toads responded with mixed emotions.

They knew the Great Toad Sage’s decision was correct.

But leaving their home still stung.

As one of the three great summoning realms, this was unprecedented humiliation.

"Abandon any foolish thoughts."

The Great Toad Sage glared. "If you want Mount Myoboku to survive, obey without question!"

"Yes!"

The toads quickly assented.

"Fukasaku."

The Great Toad Sage turned. "Summon Jiraiya immediately."

"I’ll fetch him now."

Fukasaku left.

As Mount Myoboku’s primary contractor, Jiraiya’s whereabouts were always known.

Within half an hour, Jiraiya stood before the Great Toad Sage in the temple.

"Great Elder, since when did Mount Myoboku have such a massive tree?"

Jiraiya marveled.

Upon receiving the summons, he’d reverse-summoned himself to Mount Myoboku—and immediately noticed the Divine Tree.

Its sheer size made it impossible to miss from anywhere on the mountain.

"It was recently planted."

The Great Toad Sage kept a straight face. "Its purpose is to purify Mount Myoboku’s natural energy."

"I see."

Jiraiya didn’t question it. "Great Elder, did you summon me because of a new prophecy?"

"Not a new one."

The Great Toad Sage shook its head. "It’s about the Child of Prophecy."

"My apologies."

Jiraiya scratched his head sheepishly. "I still haven’t identified the Child of Prophecy."

"I’ve determined who it is."

The Great Toad Sage paused.

"Who?"

Jiraiya’s eyes widened. "Nagato? Or Minato?"

The prophecy stated he would be the Child of Prophecy’s teacher.

Among his students, Nagato and Minato were the most outstanding.

"It’s Hanekawa."

The Great Toad Sage explained. "He possesses the power and capability to bring change to the shinobi world."

"What?"

Jiraiya was stunned. "But he’s not my student. How does that work?"

Though he’d been traveling in search of the Child of Prophecy, he knew Hanekawa had become Konoha’s new Hokage.

Given Hanekawa’s feats in the Third Shinobi War, the appointment made sense.

Objectively, Hanekawa surpassed both Nagato and Minato.

But he didn’t fit the prophecy’s description.

"..."

The Great Toad Sage hesitated.

It had forgotten that detail.

But claiming Hanekawa was Jiraiya’s student was impossible.

Admitting the prophecy was wrong would undermine its credibility.

And after all Jiraiya’s efforts, that would be a bitter pill to swallow.

"Prophecies are inherently vague."

The Great Toad Sage improvised. "It spoke of the Child of Prophecy bringing change—but didn’t specify whether for peace or destruction."

"That’s why your guidance is crucial."

"You mean…?"

Jiraiya was still confused.

"The prophecy mentioned guidance, but we assumed it meant a teacher-student relationship."

The Great Toad Sage countered. "Guidance doesn’t require that, does it?"

Jiraiya blinked.

That… made sense.

The Great Toad Sage’s logic had holes, but Jiraiya had long been conditioned to trust it without question.

Doubt didn’t even cross his mind.


"Hanekawa is Tsunade's student," the Great Toad Sage added. "You and Tsunade are teammates, so he’s practically your half-student. You’re qualified to guide him."

"Is that so?"

Jiraiya felt he’d already been convinced by the Great Toad Sage.

Most importantly, Hanekawa truly fit the image of the Child of Prophecy.

Unrivaled strength, the youngest Hokage—just these two traits alone were enough to bring massive change to the shinobi world.

Jiraiya couldn’t think of anyone more suitable.

Even if the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, were resurrected, he’d only be on par with Hanekawa.

Unless it was the legendary Sage of the Six Paths.

"I understand! I’ll return to Konoha immediately!"

Jiraiya declared enthusiastically.

After searching for so many years, he’d finally found the Child of Prophecy—of course he was excited.

And this Child of Prophecy was Konoha’s Fifth Hokage.

As a Konoha shinobi, he wouldn’t have to face any dilemmas.

He’d always worried the Child of Prophecy might be from another village.

What if they clashed with Konoha?

Now, that concern was gone.

Konoha was about to bring change to the shinobi world. Just the thought thrilled him.

"Not just you—Mount Myoboku as well."

The Great Toad Sage spoke solemnly. "Now that the Child of Prophecy has been found, Mount Myoboku must contribute."

"As expected of the Great Elder!"

Jiraiya sighed in admiration.

It was Mount Myoboku’s teachings that had driven him to search so tirelessly.

Now, it seemed Mount Myoboku shared his dedication to peace.

"I want you to return to Konoha and discuss with Hanekawa about allocating a dedicated residence for Mount Myoboku."

The Great Toad Sage thought for a moment.

Though Hanekawa had already promised land, the Great Toad Sage feared him and Kaguya too much.

It was safer to let Jiraiya handle this.

"With Mount Myoboku’s strength, Konoha will reach new heights."

Jiraiya assured. "As Hokage, Hanekawa won’t refuse."

"Once we have a residence, I plan to increase the number of Mount Myoboku contractors."

The Great Toad Sage smiled. "I’ll need you to draft a list of candidates."

"No problem!"

Jiraiya grinned. "Konoha has many outstanding shinobi. They’ll meet your expectations!"

"Then return to Konoha first."

The Great Toad Sage instructed. "We’ll prepare for two days, then join you."

"Understood!"

Jiraiya agreed readily.

Fukasaku sighed inwardly.

As Jiraiya’s sage arts teacher, it held no ill will toward him.

But under these circumstances, deception was unavoidable.

After bowing, Jiraiya left.

Instead of returning to the Hot Springs Village, he headed straight for Konoha.

"Who would’ve thought Hanekawa was the Child of Prophecy?"

Walking down familiar streets, Jiraiya couldn’t help but marvel.

Though unexpected, he was satisfied.

After all, Hanekawa was Konoha’s Hokage—and Tsunade’s student.

Soon, he arrived at the Hokage Building.

"Lord Jiraiya."

An ANBU named Haru greeted him. "The Hokage is away on business."

"When will he return?"

Jiraiya asked.

"Unknown."

Haru shook his head. "He didn’t inform me."

"What about Tsunade? Where is she?"

After a moment’s thought, Jiraiya asked.

With only two days and Hanekawa’s return uncertain, Tsunade was his next option.

She wouldn’t refuse such a beneficial arrangement.

"Casino."

Haru replied.

"As expected."

After getting directions, Jiraiya headed there.

By noon, sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating Tsunade’s gloomy face.

Without Hanekawa, her gambling luck was hopeless.

"Damn it!"

She slammed the table in frustration.

"Need a loan?"

A familiar voice spoke nearby.

"Jiraiya?"

Tsunade looked up, surprised. "When did you get back?"

"Just today."

Jiraiya eyed the gambling table. "Your luck hasn’t improved, I see."

"Did you come back just to get punched?"

Tsunade clenched her fists.

"I need to discuss something."

Jiraiya quickly changed the subject. "I met with the Great Toad Sage. Mount Myoboku wants to form contracts with Konoha shinobi."

"Meaning?"

Tsunade frowned.

"Konoha will gain many summoners like me."

Jiraiya explained. "This is a good thing."

"Why?"

Tsunade’s frown deepened. "The three great summoning realms rarely seek contractors actively."

"Mount Myoboku has found the Child of Prophecy."

Jiraiya couldn’t hide his excitement.

"Who?"

Tsunade’s expression darkened.

She remembered Jiraiya saying the Child of Prophecy would be his student.

Nagato? Or Minato?

If so, trouble loomed.

With Hanekawa’s supremacy, any conflict would be disastrous.

"Hanekawa."

Jiraiya smiled.

"What?"

Tsunade stared, then narrowed her eyes. "He’s my student. Not yours."

"I know."

Jiraiya envied Hanekawa for her protectiveness.

"Then why is he the Child of Prophecy?"

Tsunade remained wary.

Prophecies meant little to her.

Only Hanekawa mattered.

"Here’s the explanation."

Jiraiya repeated the Great Toad Sage’s words.

"Sounds like it’s lying to you."

Tsunade snorted. "By that logic, your entire search was wasted?"

"The Great Elder wouldn’t lie. Prophecies are vague by nature."

Jiraiya stood firm.

"Whatever."

Tsunade waved him off. "I’m retired. Talk to the ANBU about Mount Myoboku’s housing."

"Fine."

With his goal achieved, Jiraiya offered, "It’s noon. Let me treat you to lunch."

"No."

Tsunade refused. "I’ll keep gambling until that brat cooks for me."

Hanekawa’s cooking had spoiled her palate.

Jiraiya hesitated, but Tsunade had already turned back to the table.

He sighed.

Her stance was clear.

Leaving the gambling hall, he headed to the ANBU.

As a Konoha elder, arrangements were made swiftly—though not within the village.

The Forest of Death was chosen instead.

Toads weren’t suited to human architecture.

Jiraiya stroked his chin.

His task now was to guide Hanekawa.

Securing a high-ranking position in Konoha would help.

But after an hour of research, he grew more confused.

Departments like Mineral Resources and Market Finance were completely foreign.

Was this the "change" foretold by the prophecy?

Jiraiya was lost.

How could he guide what he didn’t understand?

---

Kumogakure, Raikage’s Office.

Hanekawa and Kaguya appeared without warning.

"Lord Raikage!"

Samui and Mabui stood immediately.

"Progress?"

Hanekawa glanced at Mabui before taking the Raikage’s seat.

Kaguya stood silently behind him like a guard.

"I’ve informed Kumo’s jonin."

Mabui reported. "They’ve agreed to elect you as the Fifth Raikage."

Persuasion hadn’t been easy.

She’d even brought the Fourth Raikage to sway them.

"Good work."

Hanekawa smiled faintly.

Their sincerity didn’t matter.

As long as Kumo functioned.

"Your first task: survey all mineral resources in the Land of Lightning."

Hanekawa ordered.

"The Land of Lightning?"

Mabui hesitated. "What if the Daimyo questions this?"

"He won’t."

Hanekawa said casually.

Mabui’s heart skipped a beat.

What did that imply?

Given Hanekawa’s methods, the conclusion was obvious.

She bit back objections.

Attacking the Daimyo violated shinobi codes—but Hanekawa wouldn’t care.

Kumo was in no position to argue.

"Understood."

Mabui bowed. "We’ll begin immediately."

Hanekawa appreciated her intelligence.

"Lord Raikage."

Mabui ventured carefully, "Yugito is imprisoned. What should be done with her?"

Samui also looked to Hanekawa.

"Keep her confined."

Hanekawa dismissed the matter.

"...Yes."

Mabui suppressed a sigh.

The uncertainty only deepened her unease.

"That’s all for today. I’ll return tomorrow."

With that, Hanekawa and Kaguya vanished.

His objective was achieved.

Samui and Mabui could handle the rest.

He’d rather go home and cook lunch for Tsunade.

__

Worth 2 chapters