Chapter 29: Top-tier Aptitudes of the Ninja World! Jiraiya’s Toolman Path
[You've acquired 50 points in Chakra]
[You've acquired 20 points in Yang Release aptitude]
[You've acquired 30 points in Yang Release aptitude]
[You've acquired 30 points in Yang Release aptitude]
…
Yang Release aptitude was now in hand!
Kazuya chuckled.
Yin Release is the power to create form from nothingness. Yang Release is the power to breathe life into those forms.
These two powerful forces were mainly controlled by Konoha's elite clans, such as the Uchiha's Yin Release-powered Sharingan, the Senju's Yang Release-enhanced life force, and the Akimichi clan's Yang Release-based expansion jutsu.
These abilities were either kekkei genkai or secret clan techniques, making them hard to access—even for someone like Kazuya.
But now, he had finally acquired them!
With Fire, Lightning, Wind, Water, Earth, and Yang, Kazuya now possessed six nature transformations. At this point, his natural chakra foundation was on par with Jiraiya, placing him firmly in the top tier of the ninja world.
He felt invincible!
And then there was Yamato, the sole user of Wood Release. A walking fortune.
People shouldn't underestimate Yamato. In the original story, his stats were only four points lower than Kakashi's and even three points higher than Kurenai's!
Such was the power of Wood Release.
Of course, in Kazuya's eyes, Yamato was just a small appetizer before the main course.
"Wood Release has been secured…" Kazuya mused.
Next, he would have to find a way to obtain the Sharingan.
"With roughly three years left until the Uchiha Clan Massacre, I have plenty of time to make my move."
Even though Kazuya already possessed Kage-level power, he remained cautious.
At the start of the original story, Kage-level shinobi were still considered strong. But once those overpowered characters started appearing, Kage-level shinobi were relegated to mere background figures.
If Kazuya wanted to live freely and without worry, he would need strength on par with the Six Paths level or even beyond.
Quietly suppressing his presence, Kazuya remained hidden.
With his power, the Iburi clan's ninja had no chance of detecting him.
Before long, Kakashi and Yamato managed to escape.
And then…
Orochimaru arrived, wiping out the entire Iburi clan.
[You've acquired 100 points in Chakra]
[You've acquired 50 points in Chakra]
[You've acquired 50 points in Chakra]
[You've acquired 60 points in combat experience]
A series of golden lights continuously shot toward Kazuya.
Before long, Kazuya had gathered nearly 1,000 chakra points—a pretty decent haul!
Moments later, Orochimaru used the Body Flicker Technique to escape.
Kazuya's expression shifted.
Now was when the real fun would begin!
Meanwhile...
The entire Land of Fire had been put on high alert.
A large number of shinobi were deployed, searching for Orochimaru.
The defection of Orochimaru, one of the Three Legendary Sannin, was a significant event that had widespread negative implications.
If not handled properly, it would deal a heavy blow to Konoha's prestige.
No matter what the Third Hokage truly felt, on the surface, he had to be ruthless. Otherwise, if one defection inspired others, how could he maintain authority? What if everyone defected? Wouldn't he be left ruling over an empty village?
Before long...
Konoha's shinobi located traces of Orochimaru in the northern region of the Land of Fire.
As a result, numerous pursuit teams were sent out.
This time, they were serious—many of the search teams included members of the Hyūga or Aburame clans, known for their sensory abilities.
At that moment...
Three ANBU squads were moving rapidly through the dense forest.
Leading the group was a tall, imposing figure with long white hair.
It was none other than Jiraiya, one of the Three Legendary Sannin!
However, Jiraiya's expression was grim. His mood was far from good.
"Orochimaru..."
"You went this far, huh?"
Jiraiya's heart felt heavy.
He had sensed something was wrong for a while, but he never expected Orochimaru to take it to such an extreme—defecting!
This wasn't just a betrayal of their friendship, but a betrayal of everything they stood for. It was something Jiraiya could never forgive.
"Lord Jiraiya!" a nearby ANBU ninja called out seriously. "We've just received word—Orochimaru and his rogue followers have been spotted heading toward the Land of Rice Fields."
"The Land of Rice Fields, huh?"
Jiraiya nodded. "Then let's pick up the pace. Orochimaru's injured; he won't be able to move quickly."
"Yes, Lord Jiraiya!"
The ANBU nodded, and they increased their speed.
"Kazuya... you are an exceptional ninja!"
Jiraiya couldn't help but feel some admiration.
Mastering the Flying Thunder God and even injuring Orochimaru—he had already heard of Kazuya's unbelievable feats from the Hokage.
On top of that, Kazuya's unwavering loyalty to the village and his care for his comrades left Jiraiya convinced that Kazuya had the potential to be Hokage someday.
The only downside was Kazuya's lack of strong lineage or influential mentors.
"Sigh..."
Jiraiya suppressed his wandering thoughts.
There were more important matters at hand—this was not the time to dwell on such things!
For the next two days...
Jiraiya led three ANBU squads, frantically searching for Orochimaru.
Finally...
On the border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Rice Fields, they located Orochimaru's temporary camp.
It was in a swampy area far from any water sources, a rather inconspicuous spot.
A sensory-blocking barrier had been erected around the camp, preventing detection by ninjutsu-like sensory techniques.
"This is just like Orochimaru..."
Jiraiya muttered to himself.
Orochimaru was always cautious. Of course, he wouldn't camp near any obvious landmarks like a water source, and even when resting, he would ensure there were anti-sensory measures in place.
But a sensory-blocking barrier couldn't stop the Byakugan!
"What's the situation on the other side?" Jiraiya asked.
An ANBU ninja from Squad Eight, a Hyūga jonin, responded, "There are 21 people in total. One of them has an enormous chakra signature. I'd recognize it anywhere—it's Orochimaru!"
"And the others?"
"Their chakra levels aren't weak. At the very least, the weakest among them seems to be at the chūnin level. There are quite a few jonin among them."
At these words, the expressions of the ANBU members became more serious.
The enemy had greater numbers and strength.
"During the battle," Kurenai Yuhi said in a low voice, "you two take care of the enemy's chūnin. I'll handle the jonin."
Since Kazuya wasn't with them, Kurenai had to take responsibility for protecting her squad.
"Yes, Captain."
Uzuki Yugao and Hayate Gekko nodded in agreement.
They knew this mission was extremely dangerous and had already steeled themselves for the possibility of not making it out alive.
"Lord Jiraiya, should we move in now?"
The Hyūga jonin asked.
"Wait a moment..."
Just as Jiraiya was about to give the order, a deafening explosion erupted from the distance.
BOOM!
BOOM!
Jiraiya's face darkened.
The explosion was coming from Orochimaru's temporary camp.
Someone...
Had already started the fight?!