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Konoha's examination area.
Sosuke returned here with his usual gentle smile.
Although he smiled, all the examinees looked at him with fear!
In the previous exam, everyone witnessed Uchiha Shino's terrifying strength!
No one would consider Uchiha Shino weak, as being able to use such a level of A-rank ninjutsu at his age was already enough to be called a once-in-a-century genius!
However!
Such a formidable opponent was easily dealt with by the gentle and handsome young man before them!
How strong is this guy's power exactly!?
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and the others saw Sosuke come back and immediately went up to him, looking at him happily.
Jiraiya grinned, showing a set of white teeth, and lightly punched Sosuke's chest, laughing loudly, "Well done, Sosuke!"
To this, Sosuke looked at him with a slight smile.
"Bang!"
Jiraiya suddenly took a heavy blow to his head!
Next to him, Tsunade instantly transformed into a terrifying tyrannosaurus! She had a black mark on her forehead and scolded angrily, "You idiot! Sosuke has just finished fighting! Do you think everyone is as tough as you!?"
Jiraiya held his head with a large lump on it, tears in his eyes as he squatted in a dark corner, his heart bleeding.
"... such a difference in treatment! Treating Sosuke like that! But treating me like this!"
Everyone watched the two playing around with a smile, finding their friendship quite enviable.
Uh... maybe they were envious...
"The next one to go is you, idiot! Don't let yourself be defeated! Otherwise, don't show your face to us again!" Tsunade scolded Jiraiya impatiently.
Hearing Tsunade's words, Jiraiya's state instantly returned to normal! He stood straight!
With a big grin, he said, "Rest assured! I have a secret weapon! There will be no problem!"
At this moment.
The center of the arena, Shingo, called out, "Next, please have examinee number 2 come in!"
"Well! It's my turn! Watch me here, it's Jiraiya's showtime!" Jiraiya turned around and gave a thumbs-up, grinning.
At this moment, Sosuke suddenly looked at Jiraiya and said in a gentle voice, "Jiraiya, I'm also looking forward to our battle. Good luck."
Hearing Sosuke's words, Jiraiya turned back in surprise and exchanged a smiling glance with Sosuke.
He nodded deeply.
"Yeah! I'll do my best!"
Turning around!
Walking in the dark corridor, Jiraiya silently thought.
Sosuke... when did I start... gradually... get used to always looking up to your back...
As people with similar backgrounds... it seems that the distance between us is slowly increasing...
But! This time, I will surprise you! Watch me! I will show... the strength that's worthy of your intervention!!
With that in mind, a slight smile appeared on his lips!
Under the gaze of everyone, Jiraiya stepped into the combat arena.
After Jiraiya left.
A graceful figure came to Sosuke's side.
Being so close to Sosuke again, Uchiha Sayo's heart began to race, her face flushing slightly, unable to meet Sosuke's gentle eyes.
Sosuke noticed her nervousness, smiled gently, and took the initiative to speak.
"I'm sorry, Sayo. The battle between your brother and me..."
Sayo, hesitating whether to speak, was suddenly taken aback when she heard Sosuke's words.
Then she hurriedly said nervously.
"No... no no no, it's not like that! My brother..."
"Sosuke, you don't need to apologize to me... it's me... it's me who wants to thank you... After all, my brother's attack was so fierce... but you actually showed him mercy."
As her words went on, her voice became softer, seeming quite embarrassed.
Hearing her words, a hint of amusement flashed in Sosuke's eyes as he looked at Sayo, who seemed nervous from trying to defend herself.
"If that's the case, then let me tell you..." Sosuke said softly.
"Ah?" Sayo looked up anxiously, worried about what Sosuke would say next.
"It's okay... your brother is a very strong opponent." Sosuke's words were insincere, but his tone was gentle.
A faint ray of sunlight shone on Sosuke's face, and seeing him radiate a glow, Sayo quickly lowered her head, her heart beating faster and faster.
"Thank you... Sosuke... and also, for saving my life last time... I haven't properly thanked you for that... thank you..." Sayo mumbled with her head down.
Then, she slowly returned to her original position.
Meanwhile, Sosuke watched her go back with a gentle smile.
What an interesting brother and sister... Uchiha clan, huh... Abandoning the pride in bloodline... they are indeed an interesting clan...
Beside Sosuke, Tsunade was looking at Sosuke and Sayo with a pair of puzzled eyes.
She looked quite unhappy.
In the arena.
The ground still bore traces of the battle between Sosuke and Uchiha Shino.
Jiraiya stood in the center.
He was about to fight a ninja from the Grass Village.
Compared to Jiraiya's youthfulness, the opponent appeared much more mature, a tall young man.
The two exchanged simple hand seals, signifying the bond between ninjas!
When Shingo announced the start of the battle, they quickly moved!
"Pat!" "Pat!"...
Jiraiya's gaze was calm as he rushed towards the Grass ninja.
When they got close, they quickly performed hand seals!
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Boom!
"Swish!" "Swish!"
The Grass ninja, on the other hand, drew a few kunai from his backpack and threw them at Jiraiya!
Jiraiya narrowly avoided them, and the kunai landed on the ground, missing him.
The Grass ninja also swiftly dodged the large flames coming at him!
From the beginning, the two engaged in a more complicated battle compared to Sosuke and Uchiha Shino, with an array of dazzling ninjutsu being constantly unleashed!
This made the audience in the stands marvel!
They were amazed by the incredible ninjutsu displayed by the ninjas, and proud that they were all from the Land of Fire!
These were the young talents of Konoha!
Suddenly!
The situation in the arena changed!
Jiraiya stepped on a patch of vegetation on the ground.
His expression suddenly tightened!
"Bang!"
A loud explosion rang out in the arena!
The stands erupted in commotion!
In the combat arena, a thick smoke filled the air due to the intense explosion!
Seeing this scene, the Grass ninja's eyes gleamed with triumph!
He swiftly moved!
"Thump!"
A huge white spiky object shot out of the smoke like a hedgehog!
It was covered in burn marks caused by the explosion!
The white mass dispersed, revealing a panting Jiraiya inside!
The vegetation on the ground could explode! Was it secretly set up for the fight! It was really close!!
But before he could catch his breath!
The Grass ninja had already appeared behind him and forcefully lunged forward!
"Fire Style: Will-o'-the-Wisp Lantern!"
Hoo--
Suddenly!
Countless azure flames surged from all directions toward Jiraiya!
Jiraiya's pupils contracted!
"Ninja Art: Needle Jizo!"
Suddenly, his white hair began to wildly shoot out in all directions, fiercely attacking the flames!
But as soon as the hair touched the flames, it curled up!
At this moment, the Grass ninja felt a sense of victory in his heart.
Still too young in the end!
His hands moved rapidly, and a smile formed on his lips as he took advantage of the situation!
His hands formed hand seals again!
Then, he thrust both hands forward, channeling his chakra!
"Fire Style: Five Flaming Prison!"
Boom--
Five fiery columns suddenly rose and closed in on Jiraiya!
Jiraiya, unable to escape, looked at this scene with a serious expression but not much panic!
So, it's time to use this move, huh!? Good thing I have enough chakra left...
He bit down hard on his thumb! Then, he took out a scroll and bit it in his mouth!
Placing both hands on the ground forcefully!
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
With a burst of white smoke rising!
"Bang!!"
A giant figure fell from the sky!!