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From the shadows, Ye Wen watched the battle unfold, clicking his tongue thoughtfully.
"Sage Mode…"
It wasn't that Ye Wen had any particular aversion to animals achieving enlightenment or immortality—it was just that these beings so brazenly calling themselves "sages" despite their limited power struck him as rather presumptuous.
But upon further reflection, he realized this world of Naruto was shaped by Japanese culture, and it all made sense. While the broader Chinese cultural sphere had influenced the series in some ways, the result was often a mishmash of ideas that didn't quite fit together.
Especially on the Japanese side, where things seemed to lean heavily toward the macabre.
Ye Wen pondered further. In Japanese culture, anyone capable of cultivating longevity or supernatural abilities was often labeled with titles like "sage," "immortal," or "divine being." However, these weren't the same as the traditional Chinese concept of immortals—they were more like honorifics for those who pursued eternal life.
While Ye Wen's thoughts wandered, Jiraiya unleashed his ultimate technique.
"Senjutsu Art: Five Righteous Guardian Technique!!!"
In terms of scale and spectacle, it was indeed intimidating. But to Ye Wen, this move was essentially just an upgraded version of the Toad Oil Fire Bullet—same core concept, different packaging.
The Fire Release technique enhanced with natural energy and Wind Release might not have appeared overwhelmingly fiery, but its destructive power was undeniably shocking.
However, Orochimaru wasn't one to be underestimated.
"Summoning Technique: Triple Rashomon!!!"
Though somewhat abstract, Ye Wen couldn't help but chuckle. The three layers of Rashomon gates reminded him of something out of a cartoonish sheep pasture.
Still, upon closer consideration, Ye Wen had to admit that Orochimaru truly was Hiruzen Sarutobi's most prized disciple. The Rashomon was practically a symbol of the Hokage's legacy—something even Jiraiya hadn't inherited.
The prestige of Sage Mode in the ninja world was immense. Any technique prefixed with "Senjutsu" saw its power increase exponentially.
In an instant, two layers of the Triple Rashomon were shattered, closing in on Orochimaru.
As the final layer of Rashomon crumbled, Orochimaru vanished without a trace.
Jiraiya's toad-like face scrunched up in confusion. His sensory abilities, now greatly enhanced by Sage Mode, clearly indicated that Orochimaru should still be there.
Something was off.
Staying vigilant, Jiraiya crouched low.
"Senjutsu Art: Hair Senbon Barrage!"
Jiraiya's messy, unkempt hair suddenly stiffened, resembling the spines of a porcupine. In an instant, they transformed into a torrent of needle-like projectiles, raining down furiously on the spot where Orochimaru had disappeared.
With the infusion of natural energy, what were once ordinary senbon-level hairs now became miniature crossbows, kicking up clouds of dust as they tore through the area.
"As expected," Jiraiya muttered.
True to his prediction, Yamata no Orochi was still there—it had merely burrowed underground. Though Jiraiya's attack had forced the serpent out of hiding, he soon noticed a blind spot. Why had Orochimaru gone into hiding?
In just a few breaths, the wounds on Yamata no Orochi had healed significantly. Jiraiya's earlier assault had been rendered futile.
However, this regeneration speed was noticeably slower than before, and Yamata no Orochi's movements had grown stiffer.
"Not good!" Jiraiya's furrowed brows shot upward in alarm.
All signs pointed to Orochimaru preparing something—buying time.
"Senjutsu Art: Ultra Big Ball Rasengan!!!"
The longer Orochimaru needed, the more terrifying the technique he was likely preparing. Jiraiya didn't dare waste a single second. The pressure Orochimaru had exerted on him throughout their lives was immense, and even with Sage Mode, Jiraiya couldn't afford to gamble.
Though the Ultra Big Ball Rasengan lacked technical sophistication, its sheer power placed it firmly in the realm of S-rank forbidden techniques.
Yamata no Orochi offered no resistance, collapsing like a soulless husk as Jiraiya's Rasengan tore it apart.
"A decoy?!"
Having fought Yamata no Orochi fiercely moments ago, Jiraiya knew full well that it couldn't have been annihilated by a single Rasengan. Clearly, this Yamata no Orochi was nothing more than an empty shell—a distraction, though not a Shadow Clone.
"Magnet Release: Iron Sand Rain Shower!!!"
Just as Jiraiya was carefully sensing where Orochimaru might have gone, an abrupt chakra signature appeared nearby, swiftly launching an attack at him.
With his current skills, Jiraiya easily evaded the ambush, but his mind was filled with questions.
Magnet Release?! But the only person capable of using Magnet Release now was Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, who had already surrendered.
No… wait!
Jiraiya quickly realized the anomaly. The Magnet Release that had attacked him wasn't Rasa's gold sand—it was black iron sand.
But the person who wielded this ability had already been turned into a puppet by Sasori and defeated by Uchiha Itachi! What was going on here?
"How infuriating! Did that accursed Orochimaru summon me again with Edo Tensei? And damn you, Tobirama Senju, for creating such an evil technique! I curse you to be summoned back someday too!"
As the curses rang out, the attacker didn't press the assault. Jiraiya focused his gaze and recognized the figure immediately—it was the Third Kazekage, who had gone missing during the Third Shinobi World War.
From the Third Kazekage's words, Jiraiya quickly deduced what had happened.
"The Second Hokage's forbidden technique—Edo Tensei, huh? The techniques Orochimaru has mastered are becoming increasingly sinister."
Though Jiraiya had always suspected Orochimaru wasn't a good person, he never imagined he'd stoop to such levels of depravity. Even someone like Jiraiya, who had spent years searching for the "Chosen One," found himself at a loss for words.
With the Third Kazekage's appearance, even Rasa and Chiyo, watching from afar, were left speechless.
Are you two just fixated on summoning the Third Kazekage over and over again?!
Jiraiya quickly snapped out of his daze. He was confident in his current Sage Mode-enhanced state—the Third Kazekage was no match for him. But why would Orochimaru send out an opponent he knew wouldn't stand a chance?
It didn't take long for Jiraiya to understand. Orochimaru was stalling again—but not to fight him.
Orochimaru had fled—
At first, Jiraiya refused to believe it. After all, this was the aloof and self-assured Orochimaru. But upon considering the current balance of power, even if Orochimaru fought now, the outcome would inevitably be defeat. Running away was the wisest choice. The current Orochimaru no longer had to follow Konoha's orders or stubbornly fight to the death.
Realizing Orochimaru was escaping, Jiraiya felt a surge of urgency. This wouldn't do. Setting aside their past bonds as teammates—
Orochimaru was now the topmost wanted criminal on this battlefield. If he, the renowned Toad Sage, couldn't capture him, it would be a devastating blow to the reputation of the old Hokage faction.
Jiraiya clasped his hands together, pouring all his focus into enhancing his sensory abilities.
"Don't run, Orochimaru!"
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