At the training ground, Shiraishi and Ruri engaged in actual combat practice.
It had been a while since their last combat practice during the ninja academy, and Ruri's strength had rapidly grown during this time, making it challenging for Shiraishi to assess his true abilities.
Entering the battle state, Ruri's body naturally exuded a sharp and deadly aura, evidence of his experience in combat and bloodshed.
The Sakumo Squad had been established for less than half a year, but it had already participated in over ten battles, both large and small, providing them with extensive combat experience, including direct confrontations with higher-ranked shinobi.
Though Shiraishi was primarily known for his medical ninjutsu skills, he had personally faced several ninja in battle, making him less intimidated by Ruri's murderous aura during their duel training.
However, Ruri was no easy opponent. Her physical techniques alone felt like a thunderstorm in motion.
In an instant, Ruri moved from in front of Shiraishi to behind him, launching a swift leg whip towards his head with lightning speed.
Responding quickly, Shiraishi laid down, using his palm as an axis to turn his body in the opposite direction, somersaulting a few times away from Ruri to create a safe distance.
He then retrieved a well-made chokuto.
Being a ninja with limited chakra, Shiraishi sought to conserve his during battle, using taijutsu to minimize chakra consumption.
Furthermore, his body had been permanently strengthened by new drugs derived from natural energy, granting him superior physical abilities compared to ordinary people. A small amount of chakra was enough to enhance his speed and strength in taijutsu, allowing him to quickly defeat opponents with slower reflexes, particularly chunin.
When facing joinin, it was more challenging to disrupt their ninjutsu performance. Against a jonin skilled in taijutsu, the outcome depended on various factors, such as the environment, psychological state, tactical arrangement, and the types of taijutsu employed.
In the battle with Ruri, Shiraishi found it difficult to interrupt his ninjutsu, as Ruri was proficient in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, leaving no clear path to victory.
Moreover, Ruri possessed the troublesome bloodline limit, the Sharingan.
The training ground became a fierce battleground, and if anyone were watching without sufficient dynamic vision, they would only see a blur of afterimages, followed by metallic screeches before everything went silent.
Both Shiraishi and Ruri moved at high speed using pure physical techniques, without the need for teleportation jutsu.
The constant use of instant body techniques was a benefit of taijutsu users, but it put significant strain on their physical strength and bodies.
Fortunately, both Shiraishi and Ruri had been enhanced by natural energy medicines, giving them remarkable resilience and endurance in high-speed battles.
This was why Ruri had managed to endure during his first mission, even against two or more jōnin.
After a prolonged battle, Shiraishi's chakra was depleted, and he was catching his breath.
Observing this, Ruri stopped and twirled his fingers in a circle before putting away his kunai, concluding the intense fight.
Ruri preferred direct frontal attacks using taijutsu and ninjutsu over relying on illusions.
To him, this method of fighting was more refreshing and straightforward, allowing him to fully experience the essence of battle.
"You didn't last long."
"Well, I don't have the natural chakra reserves of sn Uchiha."
Especially after awakening the Sharingan, an Uchiha had an abundant supply of chakra in regular battles.
"But I'll be practicing with natural energy next, which should improve my situation."
"Isn't that already done?"
"I experimented with it, but I haven't actively absorbed natural energy. Now that the risks are minimal, I plan to use medicine to assist me in grasping the feeling of absorbing natural energy."
"If the risks are low, I'd like to try it too. I can't let you have all the fun."
Ruri also had a strong desire to master natural energy.
Natural energy was more potent than ordinary chakra, even if it couldn't create senjutsu chakra when fused, it significantly increased physical energy.
Once mastered, natural energy meant an endless supply of energy.
Natural energy existed all around—water, air, trees—it could be found everywhere in nature, providing a permanent source of energy.
"Yes, that was my original plan."
Shiraishi didn't refuse. In fact, without the support, connections, and location provided by Ruri, he wouldn't have reached his current stage.
The power of capital was invincible. If you couldn't get along with anything, money could get you through.
Alas... Humans had created the system, but they had become enslaved by it. The world had truly fallen.
"Are you also going to Ayane's place?"
Ruri strolled to the table outside the training ground, picked up a wet towel to wipe her face, and suddenly asked this question. Her tone wasn't very cold, but it carried a daunting sense of oppression.
"...Uh, yes, I am. Ayane's Byakugan has been a tremendous help in solving many research problems for me."
Shiraishi averted his gaze, feeling guilty.
He thought that after Ruri found out about it that day, things could be calmly discussed, but he didn't expect it to be brought up again, making Shiraishi feel somewhat embarrassed.
Wait, why am I embarrassed? Isn't it normal for teammates and classmates to help each other?
Shiraishi found himself questioning himself again.
Perhaps he had overcomplicated the matter.
"Really?"
Ruri gazed at the blue sky, stroked her long black hair behind her ear, and turned to leave.
Shiraishi stood there, pondering.
What does 'really' mean?
Women's minds are really hard to comprehend, be it Ayane or Ruri. Their personalities are easy to understand, but sometimes their words leave people puzzled.
There's an ancient saying that a woman's heart is like a needle in the depths of the sea. It has truly stood the test of time.
"Never mind, the most important thing now is to practice natural energy..."
◎
The grass here is green, birds sing, and the air is filled with the fragrance of flowers. It exudes vibrant life.
Towering toad stone statues stand all around, creating a paradise-like atmosphere in this secluded place called Mount Myoboku.
Alongside the Ryuuchi Cave and the Shikkotsu Forest, it is known as one of the three sacred places of the ninja world and a birthplace of ancient fairy techniques.
Throughout history, countless powerful ninjas have come to this place seeking to master the art of immortality. Some have become the basis for the toad statues, while others have succeeded in their pursuits, becoming renowned ninjas in various towns.
However, with the rise of the Ninja Village era, the existence of fairy arts is now mainly recorded in the books of major Ninja Villages. In reality, after the passing of the first Hokage, Hashirama Senju, fairy arts have become more of a legend in the ninja world, their authenticity uncertain.
Up until now, no ninja has mastered fairy arts and shone in the ninja world's conflicts.
"Boss Fukasaku."
A human voice echoes through Mount Myoboku, a voice that shouldn't belong in one of the three sacred places.
Dressed in Konoha's Jonin uniform, a forehead protector emblazoned on his head, two distinctive red markings beneath his eyes, the young man, aged around sixteen or seventeen, boasts white hair and a face full of youthful energy and confidence.
As he arrives, he greets the toad at the entrance to the main hall deep in the mountains.
This toad, waiting in front of the hall, is draped in a gray robe, possesses green skin, and stands about the height of a human child. Yet, despite its appearance, it exudes an otherworldly aura.
"Oh, it's Jiraiya-boy. You've finally come."
The old face revealed a kind smile greetings him.
This young ninja is none other than Jiraiya, a Jonin of Konoha who has formed a summoning contract with Mount Myoboku, one of the three sacred places.
He is one of the legendary Sannin, along with Tsunade and Orochimaru, and the current disciple of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. Jiraiya is a highly skilled Jonin who carries on the will of fire.
Recently, he completed his three-year mission in the Land of Rain. After returning to Konoha, he was about to head to the front lines of the Land of Fire when he received a message from Mount Myoboku, requesting his immediate presence.
"Boss Fukasaku, what's going on? Why did you call me here at such a critical time?"
"I apologize for summoning you at such a critical moment, but this is the order of the Elder, and I can't disobey."
Fukasaku, the Sage Toad, knew that the ninja world was embroiled in a war, and Konoha was actively involved. As one of Konoha's few high-level Jonin, Jiraiya was naturally required to join the front lines and fight against the enemy.
Jiraiya had no intention of blaming the Sage Toad. As one of the two great Sages in Mount Myoboku, the Sage had personally taught him the sage mode during his time there. While Jiraiya hadn't achieved any significant progress, just gaining insights into such legendary arts was an accomplishment in itself.
Considering that it's a legendary art, it's expected to be challenging.
Even without mastering the art to the fullest, he had already surpassed many others.
"Is Shima-sama not here?"
Jiraiya inquired about the absence of the other sage from Mount Myoboku, Shima.
Shima is the wife of the Sage Toad and also an incredibly powerful sage in Mount Myoboku. The two were usually inseparable, which prompted Jiraiya to ask about her whereabouts.
"She went out to buy groceries."
"I see. So it was the Great Toad Sage who summoned me this time, right?"
"I don't know the specifics either. This is the elder's order. Follow me inside."
Leading the way, Fukasaku, guided Jiraiya inside the hall.
In the huge and magnificent hall, right in front of the gate on the opposite side, there was an unbelievably large reclining chair, and an equally unbelievably large giant old toad was lying there.
It had a big pipe in its mouth, and even when it closed its eyes and dozed off, smoke circles filled the hall, creating an atmosphere of clouds and mist, like a fairyland.
Fukasaku quickly jumped to the high platform under the Big Toad's right hand, clasping his hands together with a solemn expression.
Jiraiya stood before the Big Toad, looking up.
No matter when you look at it, this shockingly large toad seemed to be half a step away from death.
"Geat Elder I'm here."
Jiraiya shouted from below.
The old toad didn't react at all and continued blowing smoke rings with a content expression.
Fukasaku's awe-inspiring expression quickly faded as he took a deep breath and turned to use senjutsu chakra to amplify his voice:
"Master, Jiraiya has arrived!"
Only then did the old toad take a casual glance at Fukasaku next to him, then at Jiraiya below, and finally react.
"Has everyone arrived? My apologies, I almost fell asleep."
"..."
"Great sage, did you summon me for something specific?"
The Great Toad Sage is the master of Mount Myoboku, known for his incredible ability to prophecy. He had made prophecies for Jiraiya before, and they had all come true, leaving Jiraiya in awe of the Great Toad Sage's abilities.
The ability to see the future made him seem like a true Sage.
Especially after witnessing certain events in the Land of Rain, Jiraiya became even more convinced of the Great Toad Sage's powers.
"Regarding this matter, Jiraiy... What's your name again?"
The Great Toad suddenly asked, embarrassing both Jiraiya and Fukasaku.
"Master, this is Jiraiya. You made a prophecy for him before, and he's our contractor from Konoha."
Fukasaku added reluctantly.
"Oh, I remember now. Jiraiya, I almost forgot."
Seriously, Jiraiya couldn't believe that such a forgetful toad could be considered a sage.
Yet, the prophecies he had made forced Jiraiya to believe them. Furthermore, the sage arts of Mount Myoboku was genuine, not a hoax.
"Jiraiya, I called you here this time for another task."
"What? Is it about the Chosen Child again?"
Jiraiya thought that only a momentous event like that would warrant the Great Toad summoning him in person.
"It's not directly related to the Chosen Child. I recently had a very peculiar prophetic dream..."
"A peculiar prophetic dream?"
"Yes, it was so bizarre that I can't even describe it."
The Great Toad's tone remained nonchalant, as if half-asleep.
"Then what's so peculiar about it..."
"It foretells an immensely tragic war, one that will wipe out all ninjas from the world. Death and the fires of war will ravage the entire ninja world like never before."
"!?"
Both Jiraiya and Fukasaku were shocked.
Even the prophecies about the Chosen Child had never been this extreme.
The Chosen Child's prophecies had two possible outcomes: destruction or ushering in a new era of peace.
As long as the Chosen Child was properly guided and educated, the chances of peace prevailing in the ninja world were greater.
But this time, the prophecy was one of absolute destruction, with no room for choice.
"That... 'disappear' means..."
Jiraiya couldn't accept such a sudden turn of events, and urgency filled his face.
"Basically, it means that all the ninjas in the world, including those from Konoha, will vanish from the ninja world..."
"Konoha... gone..."
Jiraiya was already in a state of panic. When it came to Konoha, he couldn't remain calm.
"The reason? Is it because of the Chosen Child?"
Jiraiya asked anxiously. Considering his three-year stay in the Land of Rain, Jiraiya believed the kid he trained was the ninja who would bring change to the ninja world.
After all, he possessed the Rinnegan, the eye of the Six Paths, and this reinforced his belief in the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
But he had spent three years trying, which should have been enough to guide them, even though...
"This matter has nothing to do with the Chosen Child."
Jiraiya felt relieved upon hearing the Great Toad Immortal's response.
"Then why is this happening?"
"I don't know."
The Great Toad gave a simple answer.
"What?"
Jiraiya was also stunned.
"I don't know?"
"The one who will bring absolute destruction to the current ninja world is now in Konoha. You must investigate it carefully. Please, Jiraiya...."
In Konoha!?. Jiraiya looked shocked.
How is this possible? The person who will bring destruction to the ninja world is in Konoha?
Who could be that terrifying within Konoha?
And why hadn't they noticed anything at all?
They should be a powerful ninja from Konoha.
"Great Sage, I—"
"Huhu..."
From the giant toad sage's seat, there was only the sound of contented purring.
"...."
Was the prophecy just now a mere joke or dream? But that seemed unlikely. If it were just an ordinary dream, the Great Toad wouldn't have bothered to summon him.
"But Konoha is huge, with so many ninjas. How can I find them..."
Jiraiya sighed in the hall. And he was about to head to the battlefield soon; he wouldn't have time for this.
Moreover, he wasn't even sure if the person was male or female. Checking everyone individually would be exhausting.
Should he ask Sarutobi-sensei for help? Jiraiya began considering his options.