177.Ninja! Be Perseverant!

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Within the borders of the Land of Rain.

In a forest near an abandoned village.

Several slender figures were swiftly running among massive trees, and behind them, a terrifying white-haired lion was closely chasing them.

The white-haired lion had sharp claws and a massive body. At this moment, it was leaping and bounding through the trees with ferocious eyes fixed on the three figures ahead!

"Heavy breathing!" "Heavy breathing!"...

The figures were panting heavily, fear evident on their small faces, yet they dared not stop, gritting their teeth and desperately running.

"Jiraiya-sensei, is this for real!?"

Seeing a panting Yahiko with orange hair, taking large strides, shouted loudly.

"Don't... don't let your guard down... This is a test from Jiraiya-sensei for us."

Beside him, the slender Nagato breathed heavily, glancing at the white-haired lion behind them, his gaze solemn.

"And... and if we can't deal with it, how can we follow Big Brother Aizen..."

At this moment!

"Ah!"

With a cry, Konan, who was exhausted from running, accidentally tripped over an extending vine.

Seeing this, Yahiko and Nagato both tightened their gaze!

"Water Release: Water Stream Technique!"

Yahiko instantly formed hand seals, flashed, and positioned himself in front of the fallen Konan. Facing the massive, terrifying white-haired lion, he showed no fear, opening his mouth!

"Boom!"

The water hit the white-haired lion, but it had no effect. It continued with its fierce expression, charging towards the three.

In the face of this situation, Yahiko stood firm in front of Konan, his eyes showing determination!

"Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall!"

At this moment, a young voice beside them shouted, and with the words falling.

Nagato slammed both hands into the ground. A ripple of earth swiftly rose, successfully halting the white-haired lion's advance momentarily!

"Success!"

Yahiko rejoiced, but Nagato's expression changed, murmuring softly.

"Not yet!"

He quickly formed hand seals again!

"Wind Release: Gale Palm!"

With a calm face, he swiftly swung his hand towards the white-haired lion, creating a swirling whirlwind underneath it!

Lifting the massive white-haired lion into the air, Nagato's face reddened. Obviously, this was a challenging task for him. He quickly shouted.

"Yahiko!"

"Got it!"

Hearing his call, Yahiko's mouth curled up. He answered while rushing forward!

He swiftly leaped high under the belly of the white-haired lion, taking advantage of its inability to exert force in the air. His eyes glinted!

"Receive my move, you smelly lion!"

"Leaf Style: Ascending Dragon!"

His body rotated forcefully in the air, chakra gathering in his legs. With a "bang," he kicked the belly of the massive lion, sending it flying to the side, crashing into several trees, with debris and rocks falling on it, creating chaos.

"Heavy... heavy..."

After landing, Yahiko and Nagato both bent over, panting heavily.

"As... as expected... the taijutsu taught by Big Brother Saki is my strong suit!"

Yahiko grinned while catching his breath.

Longing smiled but remained silent, instead turning to look at the embarrassed Konan behind them.

"Sorry... it's all my fault..."

Embarrassed, Konan climbed up from the ground, her face filled with guilt.

At this moment, a figure suddenly appeared on the scene, interrupting her words.

"Well! Nicely done!"

The white-haired ninja who suddenly appeared, with a somewhat disheveled appearance, looked at the three and grinned.

"Ah! Sensei Jiraiya! You actually brought such a terrifying monster to attack us!!"

Seeing Jiraiya suddenly appear, Yahiko's face tensed, and he shouted anxiously.

Upon hearing his words, Jiraiya wore a serious expression, his eyes fixed and intense as he spoke.

"Yahiko, the ninja world is full of various dangers, and wild beasts are just one of them. If you want to become a true ninja, you must learn to face these challenges."

Suddenly seeing Jiraiya with such a serious expression, Yahiko, who was usually carefree, couldn't help but tighten his face and nodded earnestly.

"Well... since you understand that, then run five laps around this forest! A ninja must have a resilient spirit!"

Jiraiya said with a serious tone.

Hearing this, Yahiko's expression instantly changed, stuttering.

"F-five laps?! When are we supposed to do that? We won't make it back for dinner if we run that much..."

Jiraiya, acknowledging the point, nodded gravely.

"You have a point; I almost forgot. No dinner until you complete five laps. Yahiko, a ninja must be resilient!"

Hearing this, Yahiko's face puckered, reluctantly lifted himself, and immediately ran towards the forest!

Meanwhile, Nagato, standing nearby, watched curiously.

Strange... where is that white-haired lion...

Before he could ask, Jiraiya spoke to him first.

"Nagato, Yahiko is running five laps. Your body is a bit weaker, so I'll lower the standard for you. Run three laps."

Hearing this, Nagato's face turned pale, and he was about to speak when Jiraiya, with a solemn look, addressed him.

"Nagato! Ninja! Be resilient!"

"By the way, just like Yahiko, if you don't finish, no dinner for you!"

Hearing Jiraiya's words, Nagato thought for a moment, feeling it made sense, nodded seriously, and said.

"I understand, Sensei Jiraiya!"

Afterward, he followed Yahiko's figure and chased after him.

Seeing them leave, Jiraiya, with a pained expression, quickly rubbed his stomach and muttered.

"These two kids are really ruthless; that hurts!"

At this moment, a soft voice came from behind him.

"Sensei Jiraiya, are you taking revenge for a personal matter?"

Hearing this voice, Jiraiya suddenly felt awkward, rubbing the back of his head as he turned around with a smile.

"Konan, did you hear that? Haha, I was just playing with them. You have to keep it a secret from them, okay?"

Saying this, he winked playfully at Konan.

Konan obediently nodded.

"By the way, did you get hurt when you fell earlier?" Jiraiya asked.

"No, Sensei," Konan replied obediently.

"That's good. Stay here and continue your training. I'll go check if those two are slacking off."

Jiraiya grinned and said, "Okay, Sensei, you can go," Konan smiled, obediently. 

After Jiraiya disappeared, Konan slowly crouched down, gently covering the injured part of her leg, her large eyes filled with a sense of disappointment.

As expected... am I the most useless one?

Whether it's Yahiko or Nagato, they are much stronger than me...

How can someone like me help Big Brother Aizen...

At this moment, her lowered little head was gently touched by a large hand.

A magnetic voice slowly entered her small ears.

"What's wrong, Konan? Are you tired from training?"