Chapter 141: Key
Finally relenting, Jiraiya made good on his promise to entrust the key to seal Kurama to Naruto. He had already grasped the situation when summoned by the Toad Sage, who had confirmed it for him.
Without further delay, Jiraiya swiftly performed hand seals, summoning a toad with an orange belly and green-patterned skin. With a bounce, the toad's belly opened, revealing a scroll nestled within.
It dawned on Naruto that the scroll toad, containing the sealed key, had been concealed within Jiraiya's belly all along. Without the Toad Sage's approval, Naruto wouldn't have been able to locate it in Mount Myōboku, no matter how thoroughly he searched.
Understanding the necessity of his personal visit, Jiraiya addressed the scroll toad, who seemed initially perplexed by the situation.
"Why the sudden 'check-out', Jiraiya? Do you not realize my significance?" the scroll toad chided, until it spotted the relieved expressions of the Toad Sage and his companions.
Jiraiya explained the gravity of the situation to the scroll toad. "Toad, circumstances have changed. The individual before you is Naruto, son of Namikaze Minato and the Jinchūriki of the Nine Tails. I intend to transfer you to him."
The scroll toad's response was one of incredulity. "Do you understand the implications? Placing me, the key, alongside the Jinchūriki who seals the Nine Tails? Have you lost your mind?" it exclaimed in shock.
"This decision was made by the Toad Sage," Shen Zuo Xian Ren interjected, explaining the situation.
Infuriated, the scroll toad turned on the Toad Sage, accusing him of confusion.
Yet, the Toad Sage remained unperturbed, maintaining his calm demeanor despite the accusations thrown his way. With a serene smile, he observed the unfolding exchange, unfazed by the scroll toad's outburst.
Naruto's expression darkened, his impatience evident as he finally spoke in a cold tone, "Enough. That item was meant for me, it's my father's legacy. When will it be my turn? Are you outsiders going to dictate what happens?"
"Hey, don't be so touchy, what's with the attitude? Are you sure you're the same baby?" Toad Yin exclaimed, eyeing Naruto closely. "I mean, you're not exactly a baby anymore."
Naruto's face contorted with frustration, almost on the verge of swearing. "I'm not a baby anymore," he retorted sharply.
"Seriously, a baby who's grown to be 1.8 meters tall?" Toad Yin muttered to himself, recalling the sight of baby Naruto he had glimpsed years ago.
It had only been twelve years, yet Naruto had matured far beyond what Toad Yin had expected. It couldn't help but wonder if this Naruto was genuine.
"Okay, Toad Yin, Naruto is no longer affiliated with Konoha Village. I don't think he'll feel comfortable leaving you with me, so just hand it over," Jiraiya intervened, a tinge of sadness in his voice.
The realization that Namikaze Minato's son had become a renegade from the village left Jiraiya conflicted. It wasn't quite betrayal, but it certainly stirred mixed emotions in him.
Yet, he had no choice. If only he had returned earlier after the tragedy, and taken care of Naruto from the start, perhaps things would be different now.
He couldn't use the excuse of protecting Naruto's identity anymore. With his strength, he could have protected the child without a problem.
With both the Toad Sage and Jiraiya in agreement, Toad Yin finally relented. It slowly unraveled the scroll within its belly, revealing a complex seal.
Approaching, Jiraiya channeled chakra into his right hand's fingers, pressing them onto a box within the seal. "The technique for accessing the library has been activated. You can establish a contract with Naruto now. The storage seal is complete."
The method involved concealing Toad Yin within its own body when entering and exiting the storage space, ensuring the sealed items remained secure.
Though toads might not excel in combat, they were adept at keeping secrets, making them a valuable asset on Mount Myoboku.
Following Jiraiya's lead, Naruto concentrated chakra into his right hand's fingers, mimicking the procedure. Then, he approached Toad Yin.
"You."
Naruto snorted, raising his hand to press his finger where Jiraiya had stood just moments ago.
It was a storage contract.
"Alright, the warehousing contract is complete. Open up," Toad Yin instructed Naruto while stowing away the scroll.
Naruto's expression stiffened as he eyed Toad Yin suspiciously. "What's your game?" he questioned.
"Obviously, it goes into your body through your mouth," Toad Yin replied matter-of-factly.
"Crystal clear," Toad Yin reminded Naruto.
Suddenly, Naruto's face darkened, his anger rising. "I just need the key, nothing more. Just hand it over and I'll be on my way."
Toad Yin retorted angrily, "Have you never locked your door? You use the Nine Tails seal as a lock. I'm the key to unlock it. Do you expect me to stand outside and chat?"
Naruto's expression froze. Was there really no other way?
But swallow a live toad? Despite his fondness for food, that was pushing it.
"Fine, let's cook it first," Naruto relented.
Toad Yin huffed, "Quit the nonsense or I'll follow Jiraiya. I'm in no hurry."
Taking a deep breath, Naruto gritted his teeth and glared at Toad Yin. He couldn't shake the feeling that the toad was playing him, but he had no proof.
Yet Toad Yin's logic was sound. If he wanted to unlock the seal, he needed the key, and Toad Yin was that key now.
What to do?
Naruto found himself in a dilemma.
Kurama remained silent, waiting for Naruto to decide.
"Damn it, Kurama, if you say we can't unlock this seal, I'll leave," Naruto silently scolded Kurama for his lack of help. Yet Kurama's silence indicated no objection.
Kurama finally spoke quietly, "It's up to you. Even if I'm trapped here for eternity, I won't blame you for it."
"But you're already complaining! Alright, I get it. For your sake, you stinky fox, I'll do it. Just remember to thank me," Naruto gritted his teeth, finally making up his mind.
He opened his mouth and addressed Toad Yin, "Alright, come on in."
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