This made Fukasaku unable to hold back any longer. He asked,"Grandfather, has the prophecy about Jiraiya's student changed?"
The Great Toad Sage shook his head.
"Although I haven't seen any new changes, it no longer matters. Fukasaku, remember this—Xia Li's existence may be more important to us than the entire ninja world. Even more important."
Fukasaku's eyes widened, and he stood there in shock for a long time. But the Great Toad Sage had no intention of explaining further.
In the end, Fukasaku simply nodded respectfully.
"I understand, Grandfather."
As he withdrew, the Great Toad Sage's eyes revealed a trace of confusion.
He recalled what he had seen in his prophecy about Xia Li.
The "bloody storm" he foresaw was not just the small amount of killing Xia Li had done in the ANBU. After all, if mere killing could bring peace, the ninja world would have achieved it long ago.
What he saw was a storm that would engulf the entire ninja world.
Yet for now, Xia Li's actions were insignificant on that scale—just a drop in the ocean.
As for the future… the Great Toad Sage denied that possibility.
Ever since Xia Li stepped onto that path, the Sage could no longer clearly perceive his fate. Even their intertwined destinies had become blurred.
So… had he been wrong?
After returning home, Xia Li immediately went to find Tsunade and Ino. Fortunately, the messenger toad had already informed them that he had gone to Mount Myoboku, so they weren't overly worried.
Xia Li let out a sigh of relief. If he had disappeared for seven days without explanation, they would have been extremely anxious.
Afterward, he learned from Bai Diao what had happened in Konoha during his absence.
At first, nothing seemed unusual.
Seven days was simply too short for major changes. Even elite jonin couldn't complete many missions in such a brief time.
On the Sand Village's side, however, things progressed quickly.
Thanks to their numbers and status as one of the Five Great Nations, they quickly located the Sound Village.
But instead of launching a direct assault, they chose a cautious approach—gradually weakening the enemy and conserving their own strength before delivering a final decisive strike.
This caution made sense. The Sand Village could not afford further losses.
They had also requested Xia Li's support, but since he was absent, the operation had been delayed.
As compensation, Konoha released Gaara and the others early. Gaara had reportedly performed exceptionally well, without losing control.
It seemed Naruto's influence had paid off.
All of this was good news.
But the final piece of information made Xia Li's expression darken.
Rumors about him had begun spreading throughout Konoha—including his past achievements in the ANBU.
His reputation was rapidly rising again.
That alone wasn't a problem.
But someone was deliberately spreading the idea that Xia Li should become the Fifth Hokage.
Given his current reputation, such rumors spread like wildfire.
Even those who thought he was young did not question his strength or qualifications.
Within days, the entire village was talking about it.
Xia Li did not believe this was orchestrated by the Third Hokage.
Even if the Third were foolish, he wouldn't do something so shortsighted—especially with Tsunade about to return.
So who was behind it?
Xia Li rubbed his temples, not yet realizing it was Danzo.
Danzo, however, had clearly thought this through.
By analyzing Jiraiya and Naruto's movements, he had guessed the situation and devised this scheme.
It was ruthless—and effective.
By the time Xia Li noticed, it was already too late to stop the momentum.
Sometimes, having too much fame was a burden.
Thinking this over, Xia Li headed toward the hospital. He wanted to see the Third Hokage and Sasuke.
Chapter 154: Primordial Chakra?
He soon found the Third Hokage in a hospital room.
"I've returned from Mount Myoboku," Xia Li said.
"I see," the Third replied with a smile. "It seems you encountered something unexpected."
"Yes, it delayed me for a while."
"It's fine."
A brief silence followed.
"Third Hokage, you've heard the rumors in the village, haven't you?" Xia Li asked.
"Yes," the Third sighed. "You probably know who's behind it."
"Danzo," Xia Li said directly.
"Don't worry. Tsunade doesn't care about such things, so it won't affect you much," the Third reassured him.
"I trust your judgment… but—" Xia Li continued,
"Danzo shouldn't have the authority to expose the identity of an ANBU captain, even if I've already left, right?"
The Third hesitated, then nodded.
"So if he did something wrong, he should be punished, correct?"
After a long silence, the Third said slowly:
"Yes… I will handle it."
Xia Li said nothing more and left.
As he walked through the hospital, he reflected on the Third Hokage's attitude.
It revealed a lot.
Although the Third had never intended to pass the Hokage position to Danzo, he had tolerated him far too much—allowing him to build power in the shadows.
If Xia Li hadn't brought it up directly, the Third might not have punished Danzo at all.
Even now, the punishment would likely be mild.
Still, Xia Li did not regret saving the Third Hokage.
He carried both vengeance and compassion in his heart. Nothing more.
Next, he planned to have Sasuke sign the Ryuchi Cave contract so he could catch up to Naruto.
But when he asked, he learned Sasuke had already been discharged.
Xia Li slapped his forehead.
Seven days had passed, yet it still felt like yesterday.
Sensing his Flying Thunder God marker, Xia Li instantly teleported to the Uchiha district.
After locating Sasuke's chakra, he found him training intensely despite being exhausted.
Clap!
Xia Li got his attention.
"Who—?!" Sasuke turned, then lit up. "Xia Li! You're back?"
"More or less. But I'll be leaving again soon," Xia Li said.
"Can I join you?" Sasuke asked eagerly.
"No need. It'll be over quickly," Xia Li replied with a smile.
Sasuke trusted him completely.
"Sasuke, do you remember Naruto's summoning technique?" Xia Li asked.
"Of course."
"That was a toad from Mount Myoboku—one of the Three Great Sage Regions. I've signed a contract with them."
"Can I do that too?" Sasuke asked.
"I don't have the Myoboku scroll," Xia Li said—then smirked.
"But I do have another one. Ryuchi Cave."
Sasuke's eyes lit up.
Xia Li handed him the scroll.
"Sign your name in blood at the end."
Sasuke nodded and quickly signed it.
Then Xia Li explained Ryuchi Cave and warned him about the dangerous snakes.
Sasuke immediately began practicing summoning.
As Sasuke trained, he felt a surge of emotion.
Xia Li had given him something incredibly valuable—something he could never repay.
But that only strengthened his resolve.
He would not disappoint him.
Meanwhile, Xia Li sat down and examined his own condition.
Soon, he noticed something strange.
His chakra… had decreased.
Not increased—decreased.
At the same time, his cells now contained traces of natural energy, as if it had replaced part of his chakra.
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