Chapter 89 : Chunin

The Jonin lunged towards Jiraiya with swift determination, his movements mirroring the erratic nature of his advanced ninja skills. It was a challenge to withstand a head-on confrontation with him, even when considering his stance.

"Wind Release: Gale Breakthrough!"

Unable to predict Jiraiya's evasion path, he employed a ninjutsu with wide-reaching effects, lacking lethal power but possessing vast coverage. Despite the strength required, he pushed forward.

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Jiraiya, committed to his relentless strategy, continued using swift ninjutsu for disruption. He remained uncertain about the outcome, prioritizing distance.

"Frustrating!"

His agitation heightened, and the Jonin was infuriated. This young ninja was evidently stronger than the average Chunin. Direct confrontation was proving to be a challenge.

The massive fireball closed in, engulfing the area in blinding light. Temporarily blinded, Jonin clenched his teeth and executed two rapid hand seals.

"Hei—!"

This time, the Jonin learned his lesson, attacking from the side and replacing his kunai with a forceful punch.

"Haha," Orochimaru smirked wryly.

In the next instant, Jiraiya dispersed into a cloud of smoke, revealing himself to be a shadow clone.

"Close call, close call!"

Jiraiya reappeared on the opposite side, dashing in the opposite direction.

This was the drawback of being versatile but not specializing. While this might provide more opportunities on the battlefield, when direct taijutsu couldn't match up, ninjutsu couldn't guarantee swift victory, and genjutsu struggled to find openings, battles often devolved into chases and tests of endurance.

"Is he really going to last like this for ten minutes?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, watching Jiraiya's struggles with empathy.

Most spectators cheered for Jiraiya while observing the excitement. The Jonin's expression grew darker.

"Run, run. You'll run again, and I'll make sure of it!"

The Jonin's face turned a shade of frustration. He had to admit, Jiraiya was surpassing his expectations. Could he handle this on his own? Even the horse-faced instructors were snickering.

"I'll put an end to this with this ninjutsu. Let's see where you can run!"

The Jonin immediately began weaving hand seals, channeling chakra that radiated with power. A significant technique was about to be unleashed.

Jiraiya's gaze turned icy as he observed the unfolding scene. The jutsu's scope was vast enough to envelop the entire training ground.

Nine minutes had elapsed. The Jonin aimed to catch Jiraiya off guard at the final moment and exact his revenge.

"This technique... Could it be... The Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique?!"

Ninjutsu specialist Sarutobi recognized the signs, his expression growing sombre. The Great Waterfall Technique demanded an immense amount of chakra, and while it lacked fatal potency, its power and range ranked among the best in Water Release. The Jonin was resorting to desperate measures.

Jiraiya charged forward without reservation. His chakra was dwindling, and any hasty approach would spell his defeat. He sneered at the Jonin in the distance, challenging him to confront him head-on.

" Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!!"

Seventeen seals intertwined, and a colossal wave surged forth like a mountain cascading down, resembling the Roaring Rapids Waterfall. Its destructive force devoured everything in its path, as though any obstacle would be obliterated in an instant.

"Jiraiya! Evade!"

Tsunade's voice rang out as the water levels surged, reaching the knees of the onlookers. Civilians, unaccustomed to such devastating ninjutsu, fled in panic.

Facing the torrents, Jiraiya clenched his teeth. His chakra was waning, but he had to prevail.

"Ninjutsu : Summoning Jutsu!!"

Jiraiya's desperate cry echoed, expending the last of his chakra. Finally, a massive smoke cloud emerged from the ground.

"Damn it! Why'd you pull me into this... Damn it!"

"Wow—!!"

Gamabunta was still in a daze upon arrival, but the raging wave snapped him awake. Though his stature saved him from being swept away, he ingested a mouthful of water.

"Cough, cough... Who's the fuck is plotting against me!"

The irritable Gamabunta steadied himself, fixing a glare on the Jonin who remained frozen in his stance. At that moment, he realized, Jiraiya had been drained of chakra, collapsing atop Gamabunta's head with a grin.

"Water Style: Water Cannon!"

Gamabunta harnessed the water within him, sending it surging toward the suspended Jonin. Caught off-guard and fatigued from the previous technique, the Jonin hastily evaded.

"Hei—!"

A massive tongue, swift as lightning, ensnared the Jonin, threatening to thrust him into a gaping maw.

In the face of that gaping maw, the Jonin's terror was palpable. He strained with all his Jonin-level strength to break free.

"Hmph—!"

Gamabunta emitted a disdainful snort, retracting his tongue. Yet, the Jonin was still airborne, vulnerable as an enormous frog palm slapped him away like an annoying insect.

"Crack—!!"

A collective gasp followed by a gut-wrenching crack resonated through the air as the figure was sent hurtling off the field...

"In ten minutes, even the Genin have passed the assessment and successfully advanced to Chunin!"

Instructor Arima proclaimed the outcome, while others rushed to check on the unfortunate Jonin.

"Jiraiya, splendid job!"

"Fantastic work!"

"What an astonishing summoning jutsu!"

...

"Little brat, next time you yank me in like that, I'll be the one teaching you a lesson!"

Gamabunta contemplated reprimanding Jiraiya, having been harmed by the waterfall technique as well. But observing the jubilation and mirth of the crowd, he opted for a stern glance instead.

"I can definitely summon such a powerful creature!"

Tsunade murmured, already initiating a connection with the slug.

"The toad of Mount Myoboku truly possesses remarkable strength. It deserves its place among the legendary summoning beast."

Sarutobi silently lit a cigarette. Jiraiya, now back on his feet, giggled exuberantly, basking in the cheers celebrating his triumph.

Originally, Jiraiya had been reluctant to involve Gamabunta. After all, summoning beast were external aids. However, dealing with a Jonin required earnest effort.

Factoring in the might of summoning beast and legendary weapons, Orochimaru could potentially rival Senju Tobirama in his prime.

Across the way, the struggling Jonin managed to rise unaided. His injuries weren't severe, but his pride was shattered. Swiftly, he slinked away, the embarrassment too much to bear.

Observing the joyful atmosphere, Orochimaru smirked. Jiraiya had been put through an enjoyable assessment, but the true purpose was to visit the Hyuga clan.

Orochimaru glanced at the invitation in his hand, issued by Hyuga Shiro. It acknowledged Orochimaru's talents and sought to address any misunderstandings that may have arisen during their time in ANBU. The clan extended an invitation, hoping to host Orochimaru as an esteemed guest.

The "misunderstanding" was clearly a pretext. Orochimaru pondered the reason behind the Hyuga clan's invitation. The Hyuga had long maintained a low profile, shying away from the politics of Konoha. Yet, their unparalleled strength remained concealed.

Konoha's eldest, and the only one remaining from the old generation, was Hyuga Hiroshi. He was a force to be reckoned with, rivaling Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama in his prime. Though old, he hadn't been seen in action for a while, his strength dormant.

Orochimaru, while neither high-ranking nor negligible, was still an part of the Hokage Faction. The Hyuga's overture merited serious consideration.

Perhaps Orochimaru's caution was excessive, but he couldn't afford complacency. He treaded carefully in a world as treacherous as thin ice, fully prepared for whatever awaited him. He had even informed Sarutobi of his destination. Orochimaru couldn't shake the unease surrounding this unfamiliar clan.

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