Naruto: Boruto Returns to Shippuden

Chapter 142 Toad Oil

The plants growing on Mount Myoboku are exceptionally tall, and Boruto felt as if he were in a land of giants, with everything around him appearing so magnificent.

The hermit Fukasaku introduced Boruto to the mountain, saying, "This is Mount Myōboku in the Toad Country. Follow me." He then gestured for Boruto to follow him deeper into the land.

Upon hearing Fukasaku's call, Boruto responded, then withdrew his gaze from all around and followed closely behind Fukasaku as they continued on their way.

"We've arrived at our destination."

The immortal pointed ahead.

Fukasaku had already led Boruto to a strange pool. Above the pool, toad oil was constantly flowing from the mouth of a toad statue, like an oily waterfall.

"How magnificent!" Boruto exclaimed softly, while gently touching the surrounding toad statues, feeling their rough and ancient texture.

At this moment, the immortal Fukasaku spoke up to remind him: "These toad statues are your 'predecessors' in cultivating immortal arts. They have witnessed the growth and efforts of countless cultivators."

"Senior? What do you mean?" Boruto was a little confused about what Fukasaku meant by "senior".

"It means that if you fail to master Sage Mode, you will become one of them." Fukasaku explained to Boruto's question, revealing the risks of practicing Sage Mode.

Boruto felt a chill run down his spine at Fukasaku's words. He realized that these stone statues were actually transformed from living beings, and he quickly withdrew his hand.

The sage Fukasaku continued, "Those who failed in their cultivation in the past ended up as these stone statues, but you don't need to worry about that happening. I will personally guide you in cultivating immortal arts."

The hermit Fukasaku stretched out his claw and pointed to the ever-flowing waterfall before him, explaining, "This waterfall was formed by the toad oil, a secret technique passed down from Mount Myōboku."

"Toad oil?"

Boruto's gaze followed the direction Fukasaku pointed, looking at the gushing yellow liquid, which was the toad oil that Fukasaku had mentioned.

At that moment, Fukasaku beckoned to Boruto: "Boruto, come over here for a moment."

When Boruto approached, Fukasaku gestured for him to extend a hand and pulled up his sleeve.

Then, Fukasaku dipped a little toad oil in his claw and gently rubbed it on Boruto's hand: "This toad oil has the effect of attracting natural energy, and it will become an important aid in your training process."

Fukasaku planned to have Boruto absorb some natural energy using toad oil so that he could identify and distinguish the difference between natural energy and his own chakra.

"In this way, natural energy can enter your body, and your skin can directly feel its presence," Fukasaku explained to Boruto while applying toad oil.

Boruto excitedly replied, "Oh! I did feel a surge of energy entering my body."

Fukasaku nodded to Boruto, indicating, "That's it. Once you grasp this feeling, one day you'll be able to do it even without this toad oil."

"However, there will be some risks in this process..."

A moment later, a hint of surprise flashed across Fukasaku's face: "Boruto, don't you feel anything unusual about your body?"

Boruto focused his attention on his body, and after a moment's thought, replied, "Aside from feeling a special energy and a slight coolness in my arm, I don't feel anything else."

“I see. It seems your body is a bit special,” the sage Fukasaku said after a moment of contemplation. “Try putting your hand into the toad oil.”

Boruto nodded to show he understood, and then, following Fukasaku's instructions, slowly immersed his entire hand into the pool of toad oil beneath him.

After a while, Boruto noticed through the reflection in the toad oil pool that his hand seemed to have changed and looked a bit strange. Boruto quickly pulled his hand out of the pool.

Boruto looked at his hand in surprise and found that it had swollen up and turned into a toad-like claw, so he hurriedly waved his arm.

"What's this."

Fukasaku explained, "Normally, those who cannot skillfully manipulate natural energy will turn into frogs once they come into contact with toad oil, but this change usually returns to normal after a period of time."

"But the fact that you are able to take in more natural energy shows that your body is highly adaptable to natural energy."

"However, you must not be too complacent and absorb too much natural energy." Fukasaku continued, "If it is only a slight change, the body can return to its original state. But once you have completely turned into a frog, you will never be able to turn back into a human and will eventually be frozen in time like the stone statues around you."

During this period, Boruto's task is to learn to sense and absorb natural energy. This step is crucial because natural energy, although omnipresent, is extremely subtle and elusive.

He must learn how to accurately sense these energies and guide them smoothly into his body, thus laying a solid foundation for mastering immortal arts.

......

Fukasaku called out to Boruto, who was engrossed in his training, "Boruto, it's time to eat. Take a break. You need to eat well even when you're training."

"Coming!" Boruto responded immediately upon hearing Fukasaku's call and quickly walked towards him, wondering what delicious local specialties awaited him on Mount Qimu.

However, Boruto doesn't feel particularly hungry yet because Jiraiya had given him so much food before he arrived at Mount Myōboku that he was quite full.

Fukasaku led Boruto into a wooden house located in Mt. Myoboku. The house was simply furnished, and its size allowed Boruto to move in and out freely.

Boruto sat down at the dining table at Fukasaku's suggestion, while Shima was busy in the kitchen preparing dinner.

With a smile, Fukasaku said to Boruto, "Your mother's cooking skills are excellent. I hope you will like it."

Boruto nodded slightly, unable to help but look forward to what Fukasaku would say.

"Dinner's ready!" Shima-sensei said gently as he walked out of the kitchen carrying a steaming bowl of "noodles."

After Master Shima brought the food over, Boruto began to doubt his own judgment, as the color and shape of the noodles looked somewhat unusual.