The spiraling water flow generated immense thrust upon impact, creating a powerful surge that crashed forward at incredible speed. As Jiraiya struck, the water split into multiple streams, sharp like blades.
Jiraiya remained composed, swinging his sword forward. A torrent of lightning erupted from the blade, piercing through the rushing water with ease. The attack didn't lose momentum, continuing straight for Ryūgen.
"Waterfall Drop."
Ryūgen quickly formed hand seals. A curtain of water materialized above him before crashing down like a massive axe, severing the lightning flow and blocking Jiraiya's attack.
For now, both were merely testing the waters.
Neither had any intention of going all out from the start. They wanted to analyze each other's fighting styles, looking for weaknesses to exploit.
From this brief exchange, Jiraiya could already tell that Ryūgen specialized in offensive ninjutsu.
"If you want to kill me, you'll need more than that," Ryūgen said, shaking his head as he effortlessly countered Jiraiya's attack.
Jiraiya didn't respond. He wasn't one for unnecessary words during battle.
Talking alone wouldn't defeat an opponent. Victory came through strength.
Of course, against hot-headed opponents who were easily provoked, taunts could be useful to force mistakes. But Ryūgen wasn't just any shinobi—he was a seasoned elite jōnin. Someone who had once been Hanzo's personal guard wouldn't lose his composure over mere words.
"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu."
Jiraiya formed a hand seal, summoning four shadow clones. His real body lunged at Ryūgen, engaging him in close combat, while the clones quickly spread out, surrounding Ryūgen and beginning to weave hand seals of their own.
Once the clones reached their designated positions, Jiraiya's real body slashed fiercely, forcing Ryūgen back. Then, Jiraiya swiftly retreated, his hands moving rapidly in a blur of seals.
"Combination Jutsu—Five Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Jiraiya roared as a fire dragon shot forth from his palms, hurtling toward Ryūgen.
At the same time, each of his shadow clones unleashed a different elemental dragon—wind, lightning, earth, and water—each surging toward Ryūgen with tremendous force.
In the original legends of Konoha, only Hiruzen Sarutobi—the so-called Professor of Ninjutsu—had been able to master all five elemental chakra transformations to this degree. Such mastery required years of dedicated training.
But Jiraiya had the system. These techniques were all acquired through sign-ins, granting him instant expertise. Executing five-element ninjutsu was effortless for him.
The five dragons roared as they rushed forward, their combined power overwhelming.
"No wonder they call you the Professor's student—you've mastered all five elements as well."
Seeing Jiraiya's display, Ryūgen's expression shifted slightly.
"Jiraiya-sama's strength is incredible! He's mastered all five chakra natures, just like the Hokage!"
"That was amazing! Jiraiya-sama is so young, yet he can already unleash such a powerful jutsu!"
The Konoha shinobi erupted in cheers.
Jiraiya was their leader now. The stronger he appeared, the more confident they became.
If he had been overwhelmed at the start, their morale would have taken a serious hit.
"Water Style: Multi-Layered Water Barrier."
Ryūgen swiftly formed seals, spewing a powerful jet of water from his mouth. The water coiled around him, forming multiple layers of protective barriers.
The five dragons struck the barriers with devastating force. The impact sent water splashing in all directions, and the barriers trembled violently. In mere moments, the fire and lightning dragons tore through most of the defense.
A simple water barrier wouldn't be enough to withstand such an attack.
"Water Release: Exploding Water Colliding Wave!"
Ryūgen formed another seal and spat out a torrent of water. The surging waves crashed into the oncoming water, fire, and lightning dragons, forcing them back. The fire dragon's form flickered, growing smaller as it was doused.
But even Ryūgen couldn't completely withstand an assault from all five elements.
The wind and earth dragons broke through his defenses, forcing him to raise his sword in desperation. The impact sent him flying backward, slamming into the fortress wall.
The dragons dissipated, but blood trickled from the corner of Ryūgen's mouth. His right hand, still gripping his sword, trembled—his palm torn open, blood dripping onto the ground.
"Ryūgen-sama is injured already?! Jiraiya is this strong?"
"No way! Ryūgen-sama must have underestimated him. Even if Jiraiya is the Hokage's student, he's still too young to be Ryūgen-sama's match!"
From atop the fortress walls, the Amegakure shinobi couldn't believe what they were seeing.
"Ryūgen won't lose to Jiraiya! Stay focused on your tasks. We can't be a burden to him!"
A jōnin among them shouted, trying to restore order.
He specialized in medical ninjutsu and could tell that Ryūgen's injuries weren't serious. It was just a minor wound—his battle capability remained intact.
"Jiraiya, you're even stronger than I expected." Ryūgen wiped the blood from his mouth, shaking his head in regret. "It's been a long time since I've seen a young shinobi as impressive as you. If only you were part of Amegakure..."
His tone turned cold.
"With your talent and power, leaving you alive would be a grave mistake. I was hoping to capture you alive, but that no longer seems possible."
Jiraiya's strength had exceeded his expectations. Capturing him was no longer a viable option. The best course of action was to eliminate him before he became an even greater threat to Amegakure.
Ryūgen slowly reached for the second sword strapped to his back.
This blade was entirely black, its edge gleaming with an eerie violet light.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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