Chapter 118

Looking exhausted, Kato Dan, who had been carried by his team members, nodded to Orochimaru's satisfaction after successfully performing spiritualization.

In that moment, Orochimaru truly recognized Kato Dan's dedication to Konoha, deserving commendation. He made a firm resolution in his heart, deciding not to inform Jiraiya about the situation. Orochimaru didn't mind Jiraiya chasing after Tsunade; let him find out slowly. After all, Kato Dan was working very hard, and his strength was commendable.

"Orochimaru-sama, we don't need to notify Jiraiya-sama. He should be able to gather some troops on his own," a Jonin hesitated to advise Orochimaru.

"No, we can't rely on that. Kumogakure is full of lunatics. When they go to war, they go all out. Jiraiya-sama doesn't have enough troops, and it will be a struggle for him to hold them off," the Nara Clan Leader interjected, explaining the situation helplessly when Orochimaru remained silent.

Their conditions simply didn't allow for diverting troops back and forth. The reality was just as the Nara Clan Leader described it—Jiraiya was already overwhelmed and unable to defend himself. Since the start of the conflict, the intensity between Konoha and Kumogakure had reached levels comparable to the peak of the Second Shinobi World War. It was evident that Jiraiya's Sage Mode had become increasingly familiar during the battles, on the verge of achieving instant activation. It was worth noting that in the original storyline, Jiraiya hadn't reached this level until the end of his life. Now, in his youth and with the continuous battles, his Essence, Qi, and Spirit were at their peak, bringing forth his hidden potential. Jiraiya was surpassing his original Sage Mode.

Jiraiya stared at the formidable Third Raikage on the opposite side, feeling a mix of incredulity and admiration. The Third Raikage was incredibly powerful and also capable of using Sage Mode. However, he was an experienced expert, while Jiraiya was still a newcomer. The fact that Jiraiya could hold his ground was largely due to the two toads on his shoulders. Fire Release and Lightning-Style combined seamlessly, unleashing a wide range of ninjutsu. Chakra Nature Transformation was practically child's play in their hands.

It was a back-and-forth battle, with fire and thunder clashing, punches landing, and both sides displaying incredible strength. As they fought, Jiraiya couldn't help but thank Tsunade for training his combat abilities. He also couldn't help but acknowledge the contribution of his hobby—peeping into bathhouses—thanks to those encounters with elder sisters, his speed and strength had been honed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have stood a chance against such a formidable opponent, a humanoid rare beast.

Orochimaru was aware of Jiraiya's situation, which is why he chose not to notify him. Orochimaru knew that if Jiraiya learned of Sarutobi Hiruzen's danger, he would undoubtedly grit his teeth and send Shinōbi back for assistance.

In Ame no Kuni, Hatake Sakumo's mood was complicated as he found himself blocked by someone he had deemed almost impossible to stop.

"Kazekage-sama, please grant me a favor. What do you say?" Hatake Sakumo stepped forward and calmly addressed Hitoshi, who was sitting under a tree, leisurely making tea and eating snacks.

"Sakumo, why worry? It's already over, no need to fuss," Hitoshi replied with a laugh.

"I can't let it go. I've already set up Genjutsu around here. If you can break free, I suppose you'll be able to leave. If you can't, just sit down, have a cup of tea, and enjoy some snacks. When the time comes, I'll surely let you go," Hitoshi explained generously, gesturing towards the Konoha Shinōbi who were ready to attack at any moment.

Taking a deep breath, completing a hand seal, and noticing no change in his surroundings, Hatake Sakumo stepped forward, bowing his head respectfully. "Kazekage-sama, forgive my intrusion. You mentioned the Genjutsu, and I believe you. However, we must try to break free."

"Say what you will. If you manage to break free, you may pass. If you can't, then sit down, have some tea, and wait for my mood," Hitoshi shrugged indifferently.

Seeing that Hitoshi made no move to stop them, Hatake Sakumo exhaled and secretly formed a hand seal. He moved forward with his team, passing Hitoshi without any hindrance.

If Hatake Sakumo managed to pass, Hitoshi would twist his head off and kick him. Hitoshi used the Void Engine to forcefully alter the space, creating a closed-off area. No matter which way they went, they would eventually return to him.

After walking around for a long time, Hatake Sakumo and the Konoha Shinōbi found themselves in front of Hitoshi once again. Hitoshi smiled and said, "Well, why don't you sit down and have some tea and snacks? These snacks are special to Sunagakure and not easily found elsewhere."

"Let's rest. Kazekage-sama won't let us leave, so we mustn't waste our energy," Hatake Sakumo said resolutely, taking a deep breath.

"Haha, Sakumo, you're decisive as always," Hitoshi laughed, shaking his head. He used wormhole transportation technology to bring some food and water. The Konoha Shinōbi had a strong mindset, and they quickly adjusted to the new environment, preparing for battle at a moment's notice.

"These are high-quality Shinōbi. If they survive, becoming Elite Jonin will be no problem," Hitoshi praised the clean and composed Konoha Shinōbi.

In the current situation, the enemy could strike at any moment, yet they were still able to make the right choices. Hitoshi couldn't guarantee this level of quality among Sunagakure's Shinōbi.

"It is an honor to be praised by Kazekage-sama. However, it is Kazekage-sama who trained the Hiraisin no Jutsu, a Space Ninjutsu that is very difficult to deal with," Hatake Sakumo responded calmly.

"Oh, how did you know that I trained the Hiraisin no Jutsu? Maybe I've trained something else," Hitoshi scratched his head, feigning suspicion.

Although Hatake Sakumo was nearsighted, he hadn't heard of any other Space Ninjutsu in the Shinōbi World apart from the Hiraisin no Jutsu. Furthermore, the scroll for the Hiraishin no Jutsu had been given to Orochimaru by the Third Hokage himself, so he naturally had to ask.

"Well, since you mentioned it, why don't you take a guess?" Hitoshi replied, realizing that he couldn't reveal his current use of technology.

Unconvinced, Hatake Sakumo took a deep breath and said resolutely, "