Hanzo's words left Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru stunned. They had originally thought that the next battle would be a fight to the death, and judging from the way things had been going, they would most likely die at Hanzo's hands. The leader of the Rain Village, revered by the world as a demigod of the ninja world, was simply too powerful.
"What do you mean?" Orochimaru was the first to come to his senses, frowning slightly. Jiraiya and Tsunade also turned their attention to Hanzo.
Hanzo smiled and said, "I've already explained. The current ninja world needs new blood, and you three are the most outstanding individuals I've ever seen. You deserve praise for pushing me this far."
"As a reward, I've decided to let you go and spare your lives," Hanzo said calmly.
After Hanzo finished speaking, Jiraiya and the others were stunned again, but Jiraiya spoke up resolutely: "We will not abandon our subordinates and run away!"
"I've seen your resolve. Since I am letting the three of you go, I will also cease collaborating with the Rock Ninjas against Konoha," Hanzo added.
This was an unexpected turn of events for Jiraiya and Tsunade. Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and looked at Hanzo. "You're not giving up on cooperating with the Rock Ninjas just because of the three of us, are you?"
Orochimaru didn't believe that someone like Hanzo, who ruled the Rain Village with such power, was acting out of kindness. Though part of his decision was likely due to admiring their talents, it couldn't be that simple.
Hanzo had mentioned their master Sarutobi Hiruzen earlier, and Orochimaru suspected his decision was influenced by fear of Hiruzen. While Hanzo was undeniably strong and hailed as a demigod, Hiruzen's reputation was just as formidable.
If Hanzo had killed Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru, even if Hiruzen put aside personal attachments to his disciples, the severe loss to Konoha would compel him to come to the Land of Rain in person. In the face of Konoha's full might, even with Hanzo's strength, the Rain Village would likely be obliterated.
This was clearly not a situation Hanzo wanted to face.
Moreover, even without the three of them, Konoha's strength far surpassed that of the other villages. Hatake Sakumo and Uchiha Kai were both powerful ninjas, on par with the three disciples. Instead of completely alienating Konoha, it was more beneficial for Hanzo to make enemies with the Rock Village instead.
"Your mind is sharp," Hanzo said, staring at Orochimaru. This young man had seen through his intentions. No wonder he was the most favored disciple of Hiruzen, a genius rarely seen in decades.
In Hanzo's eyes, Konoha's overall strength was superior to the Rock Ninja's, and sparing Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru was akin to gaining favor with the Third Hokage. The five major ninja nations balanced one another, and even if the Rock Ninjas wanted to attack the Land of Rain for breaking their alliance, they would have to consider Konoha's reaction.
Konoha would not allow the Land of Earth to occupy the Rain Village, as it would be like placing a ticking time bomb at the Fire Country's border, ready to detonate at any moment.
Thus, the Rock Ninjas, despite their losses, would have to endure the situation while also guarding against the Land of Lightning, which was waiting for an opportunity.
Meanwhile, Chiyo, the leader of the Sand Ninja force, would be sitting back and reaping the benefits.
With the abilities of the three ninjas before him, Hanzo knew that Konoha, having faced the combined assault of the Rock and Sand Ninja forces, would likely launch an offensive against the other ninja powers.
Hanzo was well aware of Hiruzen's true nature. Though he appeared gentle, that didn't mean he was weak. Only by redirecting the flames of war could the Land of Rain be spared. Even with his power, the Rain Village could not withstand the combined assault of three great ninja nations.
"You three are very strong. From today onward, I will name you the Three Sannin of Konoha. Carry this title and continue to make your mark on the world," Hanzo laughed, stomping on the head of his salamander. The creature seemed to understand and jumped over Jiraiya and the others, rushing toward the battlefield.
"What is this guy planning?" Jiraiya asked, puzzled.
Tsunade, standing next to him, said, "Whatever his reasons, if he had wanted to kill us, we'd already be dead."
Jiraiya had no response to that.
The poisonous gas that had filled the battlefield began to dissipate as Hanzo departed.
"It seems he wasn't just bluffing," Tsunade observed. "Let's go. The battle isn't over yet."
Jiraiya stopped worrying and nodded. The three of them glanced at each other and quickly returned to the battlefield.
At this moment, the battlefield, which had previously been divided into three forces and two camps, had shifted again. Hundreds of Sand Ninjas suddenly appeared, making the battle even more chaotic.
"Chiyo, you!" Tsuchiguki's eyes blazed with anger, as if he could spit fire. He had thought his siege against Konoha was flawless, but now it had turned into this.
"Don't look at me like that. In the world of ninjas, killing and deception go hand in hand. Didn't Onoki teach you that, kid?" Chiyo said indifferently, glancing at the battle before her.
The Konoha and Iwagakure ninjas looked exhausted. As for their leaders, Hatake Sakumo and Tsuchiguki, one was clearly injured, while the other looked even more battered.
This was the opportunity Chiyo had been waiting for.
But just then, a huge figure appeared in the distance, moving rapidly toward the battlefield. The massive body jumped, causing the ground to quake.
"Haha, things are getting lively!" The salamander landed in front of more than 2,000 ninjas, and Hanzo, perched atop it, chuckled.
Seeing Hanzo's arrival, Chiyo sighed. "I miscalculated slightly."
If the Sand Ninjas had remained perfectly hidden and launched a large-scale attack on the two forces of ninjas, they could have inflicted severe damage. But Hanzo's poisonous fog had shifted the battlefield, exposing the Sand Ninjas too early.
However, Chiyo was unconcerned. She knew Hanzo well enough to understand that even if he allied with the Sand Ninjas, it would be temporary. He would not interfere in the conflicts between the great ninja nations unless it suited him.
With Konoha and the Rock Ninjas weakened, she could still seize control after the Rain Village forces withdrew. Hanzo's arrival also meant that Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru had perished at his hands.
"Is that Salamander Hanzo, the one they call a demigod?" Minato, among the more than 2,000 ninjas, looked at the figure on the salamander and marveled.
Hanzo didn't pay attention to this, as he had heard similar comments too many times. However, he couldn't have known that within that young man stood a ninja whose reputation would one day surpass his own during the Third Ninja War.
"Ninjas of the Rain Village, to me!" Hanzo ordered loudly, and without hesitation, the Rain Village ninjas withdrew from the battle and gathered around the giant salamander.
Seeing this, a smile began to spread across Chiyo's wrinkled face. But before her smile fully formed, three figures rushed toward the battlefield from behind Hanzo, catching her eye.
Chiyo's voice rang out in surprise and disbelief. "How is this possible? They're still alive?"
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