Chapter 5: Rivalry Ignited

Chapter 5: Rivalry Ignited

The training grounds were abuzz with activity. Hiruzen Sarutobi stood at the center, watching his three genin spar. The morning sun was high, casting long shadows as Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru moved like blurs, testing their skills against one another.

"Focus, Jiraiya!" Hiruzen barked, his voice cutting through the clang of kunai. "Your footwork is sloppy!"

Jiraiya gritted his teeth, dodging a kunai that zipped past his ear. He glanced at Orochimaru, who stood calmly a few feet away, already preparing another jutsu. The pale boy's golden eyes glinted with confidence, his movements fluid and precise.

"Come on, Jiraiya," Orochimaru taunted. "If you can't keep up, just surrender now."

"Not a chance, snake breath!" Jiraiya shot back, forming a set of hand seals. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke surrounded him, and two clones appeared. They charged at Orochimaru from both sides, their fists aiming for his midsection. Orochimaru smirked, weaving through their attacks effortlessly. In one swift motion, he dispelled both clones with well-placed strikes.

"You rely too much on that technique," Orochimaru said coldly, closing the gap between them. "Clones won't save you from someone who actually knows how to fight."

Jiraiya barely had time to react as Orochimaru swept his legs out from under him. He hit the ground hard, the air rushing from his lungs.

"Enough," Hiruzen said, stepping forward. His tone was firm but measured. "Orochimaru, that's enough. Jiraiya, get up."

Tsunade, watching from the sidelines, rolled her eyes. "You're never going to beat Orochimaru like that, idiot."

"Shut up, Tsunade!" Jiraiya snapped, dragging himself to his feet. His body ached, but his pride hurt more. "I'm just warming up!"

Hiruzen addressed the team as they regrouped. "You've done well today, but there's always room for improvement. Jiraiya, your progress is notable, but you need to refine your strategy. You're relying too heavily on brute force and repetition."

Jiraiya's shoulders slumped, but he nodded. "Yes, Sensei."

"Good," Hiruzen said, his gaze softening. "Remember, being a ninja isn't about raw strength. It's about adaptability. Learn from your mistakes."

That evening, Jiraiya sat cross-legged on his bed, staring at the glowing blue interface. His bruises still throbbed, but his mind was sharper than ever. He opened his status screen, determined to strategize.

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Status

Name: Jiraiya

Level: 3

HP: 150

CP: 120

SP: 90

Strength: 5

Agility: 6

Vitality: 8

Intelligence: 3

Charisma: 7

Luck: 10

Points to distribute: 5

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"Okay," he muttered. "I need more speed to keep up with Orochimaru." He allocated two points to Agility, then hesitated. "But I also need to hit harder..." Two points went to Strength, and the final point to Intelligence, hoping it would help him think faster in combat.

Satisfied, Jiraiya leaned back and opened his Skill List.

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Skill Suggestions:

1. Basic Taijutsu (Lv. 1) – Improves unarmed combat skills. Cost: 50 XP.

2. Chakra Dash (Lv. 1) – Enhances movement speed temporarily by channeling chakra to your legs. Cost: 100 XP.

3. Fireball Jutsu (Lv. 1) – A basic fire-natured technique. Cost: 150 XP.

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He rubbed his chin. "Fireball Jutsu would help me compete with Orochimaru, but I don't have enough XP yet. Chakra Dash, though... that could level the playing field."

Without hesitation, he selected Chakra Dash, and the familiar rush of new knowledge filled his mind.

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Skill Unlocked: Chakra Dash (Lv. 1)

Temporarily increases speed by 20%.

Cost: 10 CP per use.

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Jiraiya grinned. "Orochimaru won't know what hit him."

The following day, the team gathered again. Hiruzen watched as Jiraiya faced off against Orochimaru, the air between them tense.

"Remember, Jiraiya," Hiruzen said. "Focus and adapt."

Jiraiya nodded, his hands already forming seals. "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"

Two clones appeared, charging at Orochimaru with renewed purpose. This time, however, Jiraiya activated Chakra Dash, closing the distance between them in an instant.

Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly as Jiraiya struck faster than before. The punch grazed his shoulder, forcing him to step back.

"Impressive," Orochimaru said, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "But it's still not enough."

He countered with a sweeping kick, but Jiraiya anticipated it. Using his increased agility, he dodged and sent a clone to attack from behind. Orochimaru dispelled it quickly, but the distraction allowed Jiraiya to land another hit.

For the first time, Orochimaru looked mildly frustrated. "You've improved."

"Damn right I have!" Jiraiya grinned, though his energy was fading fast. The Chakra Dash skill was draining his reserves, and he wouldn't last much longer.

"Enough," Hiruzen said, stepping between them. "Well done, both of you."

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Quest Complete: Rivalry Ignited

Reward: +75 XP, +3 Agility.

Skill Level Up: Chakra Dash (Lv. 2):

Speed boost increased to 25%.

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Jiraiya panted but couldn't hide his satisfaction. He'd finally managed to hold his own, even if it was only for a few moments.

As the team dispersed, Orochimaru approached him, his usual smirk replaced by something colder. "Don't get comfortable, Jiraiya. A momentary advantage doesn't make you my equal."

Jiraiya met his gaze, determination burning in his eyes. "We'll see about that."

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