[Outside The Gate Of Mount Myoboku]
Clouds and mist wrapped around the green peaks. Amid the ancient atmosphere of the immortal mountain, dozens of modern high-rise buildings stood scattered throughout.
Ancient charm and mortal civilization blended together, forming a unique sight.
"It really looks alike... like the cities from my previous life..."
With his hands behind his back, Arisu stood before the mountain gate and looked at the Mount Myoboku he had not seen for a long time. Countless emotions rose in his heart.
"Since the era of chaos, this old man has walked the human world, lived long among the Uchiha clan, then personally founded Konoha and held the position of Hokage. In my later years, I hid within the village and ran a ramen shop to pass my days."
"Thinking carefully, it has already been several hundred years since I last stepped foot in Mount Myoboku..."
Arisu slowly closed his eyes, standing with his hands behind his back as memories of the past surged and settled within him.
A moment later, he lifted his foot and slowly stepped into Mount Myoboku.
The current Mount Myoboku had long become a peaceful land. The White Zetsu race and the toad clan lived together in harmony and got along extremely well.
The Hyuga clan and the Otsutsuki clan that had moved here from the moon had also settled in this place. Every race had cast aside barriers and treated each other equally.
There was no discrimination or conflict. They lived together peacefully day and night, like a real-world utopia.
Walking along the ancient Sage Avenue, the White Zetsu and toads along the road caught sight of Arisu. At first they all froze, then their eyes widened as surprise and reverence instantly filled them.
"Th... that's the Great Sage?!"
"My god! The Great Sage has returned!"
"Quickly inform Sage Gamamaru, the Great Sage has returned to the mountain!"
In the blink of an eye, countless toads and White Zetsu gathered around Sage Avenue, surrounding the area layer upon layer until there was no gap left.
Among the huge crowd, everyone bowed and knelt together. Their voices shook the mountain clouds.
"Welcome back to the mountain, Great Sage!"
"Welcome back, Sage!"
"Welcome back, Sage!"
Countless eyes gathered on Arisu. Some were curious, some shocked, and many filled with sincere admiration.
Many young creatures had never personally seen this legendary figure before. They had only seen his appearance in portraits passed down through generations.
Gamamaru, who managed all affairs of Mount Myoboku, hurried over after hearing the news. Black Zetsu, Fukasaku, and Shima also appeared together to welcome him.
The moment Gamamaru saw Arisu, tears immediately streamed down his face.
The older one became, the more nostalgic they grew. Seeing his teacher again at this moment, he could no longer hold back his emotions.
He quickly stepped forward with his massive body and gently pulled Arisu into an embrace.
Arisu's pupils shrank slightly, then softened. He raised a hand and lightly patted Gamamaru's back.
"It's only been a few hundred years since we met. Have you really missed this old man that much?", Arisu asked with a faint smile.
Gamamaru wiped away the tears at the corners of his eyes, his voice full of sincerity. "Yes. I missed you every moment."
At that moment, Arisu suddenly raised his brow slightly and looked toward Fukasaku and Shima's side.
The two of them were holding the hand of a young little toad with a confused and innocent look.
"Oh? So this is Bunta."
Arisu looked at the little toad with a smile and immediately said his name.
"Amazing, Great Sage."
Fukasaku and Shima were both shocked inside. As expected of the Great Sage, he recognized their young son with just one glance.
"Bunta, quickly greet the Great Sage.", Fukasaku quickly reminded him softly.
Little Bunta obediently stepped forward and bowed respectfully. His young voice sounded polite and steady.
"Greetings, Great Sage. This junior is Bunta. May the Great Sage enjoy endless fortune and longevity equal to the heavens."
"Good, good."
Arisu gently rubbed Bunta's small head.
———
[Deep Within Mount Myoboku, Longevity Peak?
Kaguya sat before a mirror, holding lipstick between her fingers. Her movements carried a rare sense of panic as she hurriedly traced her lips. Her heart was full of excitement for the coming reunion, yet hidden nervousness could not be concealed.
"That guy Arisu, he came back without even telling me beforehand...", She muttered softly.
Uchiha Hikari watched all of this from the side and could not help smiling helplessly. She gently said, "Sister Kaguya, you're already peerlessly beautiful."
"There's no need for makeup at all. Even without any makeup, the Great Sage would definitely think you look the best."
Hearing this, Kaguya's hand paused slightly. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she lightly curled her lips upward, though traces of uneasiness appeared in her eyes.
"Of course I know that..."
But after so many years, meeting Arisu again still stirred indescribable nervousness in her heart, even after living for a thousand years. Her usual calmness was gone.
For a moment, she did not even know what she should say when they met later. She could only use makeup to quietly hide this helplessness.
Right then, a gentle knock at the door slowly broke the scattered thoughts inside the hall.
Uchiha Hikari quickly stood up to open the door. The moment the wooden door opened, a tall figure entered her sight.
Arisu wore a black and red robe and stood within drifting immortal mist. Time seemed to have left no trace on him at all. He still looked like the same handsome and dazzling young man from back then.
The same familiar immortal mist body flicker.
The same black and red robe.
The same familiar peerless face.
Uchiha Hikari froze slightly at first. After staring blankly for a moment, she suddenly came back to her senses and immediately smiled as she bowed.
"Long time no see, Sage!"
"Hikari, it's been many years in the blink of an eye."
Arisu spoke gently with a trace of emotion.
The little girl Uchiha Hikari from before had now become a mature and tall woman.
After a brief exchange of greetings, Arisu shifted his gaze slightly and directly asked, "Where's Kaguya?"
Uchiha Hikari covered her mouth and laughed softly. She pointed inside the room with teasing in her tone.
"Sister Kaguya heard you came back, so she's been sitting in front of the mirror putting on makeup since early morning. She's still busy even now."
"Oh? After knowing each other for so many years, she's still dressing up on purpose?"
Arisu slightly raised his brow and looked inside the room.
As soon as he finished speaking, Kaguya walked out from inside with unfinished makeup on her face. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and her steps looked somewhat stiff.
She lowered her eyes slightly, her fingers unconsciously gripping the edge of her clothes as she softly spoke, "You... long time no see."
Arisu looked at her awkward appearance and froze slightly before speaking, "Kaguya, why are you talking so strangely?"
Kaguya's face reddened slightly. It was because they had not seen each other for too long.
Arisu did not pursue the matter further. He had only come here to exchange greetings anyway. Later, he still planned to visit the Pure Land.
"What have you all been doing these years?", Arisu asked.
"Bingeing dramas, reading the novels you wrote, enjoying delicious food.", Kaguya answered.
Uchiha Hikari also smiled and nodded. "Great Sage, Mount Myoboku's technology has influenced too much."
Arisu slightly nodded and smiled faintly as he spoke, "Perfect timing. Let's eat together. I'll cook personally."
Kaguya and Uchiha Hikari's eyes immediately lit up, their faces full of anticipation, "Really, Arisu? You're cooking personally? I rarely get to see that."
Excitement flickered in Kaguya's eyes.
"Hehe, in the human world, I'm a famous top chef in Konoha Village...", Arisu smiled slightly and walked toward the kitchen.
He skillfully tied on an apron and began busying himself in the kitchen.
Kaguya and Uchiha Hikari curiously followed behind him, occasionally helping by passing seasonings or washing vegetables.
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