Konan flew with remarkable agility through the air, attacking Jiraiya from above.
Boom, boom, boom!
This was the sound of Fire Release techniques colliding with countless projectiles, as flames filled the sky and painted it crimson.
"Still no good. Konan is too fast and too agile."
Jiraiya pondered countermeasures. It remained difficult for him to fight back while being constantly bombarded.
The main issue was his inability to restrain Konan—her aerial mobility was simply too strong.
Hmm?
Jiraiya suddenly noticed something, and a flash of inspiration struck him.
"Fire Release: Great Flame Technique!"
The powerful Fire Release jutsu attacked Konan once again, and satisfied papers poured downward, colliding once more.
Boom!
The intense collision of ninjutsu caused the airflow to become turbulent, spreading in all directions.
Following his plan, Jiraiya completed his Fire Release technique, rolled to avoid the dense paper shuriken assault, then crouched on the ground and spat the toad oil he had prepared long ago toward Konan!
The toad oil extracted from chakra instantly coated Konan's body, its excellent adhesive properties causing her movements to slow significantly.
"Toad oil?"
Konan examined the toad oil flowing down her body and looked down at Jiraiya.
"You won't be able to use your paper techniques as freely now, Konan!"
"Ninja Art: Lion's Mane Technique!"
The silver hair that grew rapidly transformed into a giant serpent, instantly crossing the distance and swallowing the movement-restricted Konan in one gulp.
Konan fell from the sky, caught by the long hair, and crashed to the ground.
Suddenly there was a poof, and Konan vanished in smoke without a trace.
"Paper clone? No wonder something felt wrong."
Before Jiraiya could even sigh, a figure suddenly collapsed before him as Orochimaru hit the ground like a broken doll.
"Ha! Orochimaru, you're no match for my student."
"Cough, stop talking nonsense."
Orochimaru struggled to stand, his bones crackling audibly and his clothes hanging in tatters.
Clearly, Orochimaru had been thoroughly beaten by Tendo Pain.
A smile appeared on Orochimaru's face. "I never imagined I'd have the opportunity to join forces with you against an enemy."
"I don't want to join forces with you. You're the one who dragged me into this mess."
"Tch!"
Jiraiya and Orochimaru continued their bickering as they watched the slowly approaching Tendo Pain.
"Shinra Tensei!"
The terrifying repulsive force erupted, crushing toward Jiraiya and Orochimaru with devastating power, overturning the ground in its path and launching both combatants instantly.
What tremendous repulsive force!
Jiraiya and Orochimaru tumbled through the air repeatedly before finally regaining control of their bodies.
The two exchanged glances, set aside their mutual hatred, and began forming hand seals together!
"Summoning Technique!"
"Summoning Technique!"
Both airborne fighters released their summoning techniques simultaneously as smoke and dust filled the area, obscuring everyone's vision.
Bang!
Bang!
Two massive figures suddenly materialized, smashing into the ground and causing continuous tremors.
Whoosh...
The smoke and dust cleared, revealing two enormous forms.
A toad and a serpent!
Both summoning creatures were colossal in size.
Gamabunta—this was Jiraiya's summoned beast!
Manda had been summoned by Orochimaru.
Puff...
Gamabunta exhaled a cloud of smoke, surveyed the enemy before them, then glanced at Manda beside him.
"How strange. We just finished fighting each other, and now we're comrades again, battling together."
"Damn toad! I'm going to devour you in one bite!"
Manda still remembered the last time Gamabunta's short sword had pierced him, so the moment he appeared, he was furious and wanted to attack the toad.
"Manda, they're our allies this time!"
Orochimaru's voice rang out, causing Manda to pause his prepared assault.
"What?"
"Bastard, what do you think I am!"
"I'll add 300 more people to your next offering!"
Orochimaru simply presented his terms, and Manda immediately quieted upon hearing of such generous compensation.
"Orochimaru, if you dare lie to me, I'll eat you!"
Manda threatened Orochimaru with a vicious tone, but Orochimaru remained unconcerned. That was simply Manda's temperament.
Although Orochimaru had indeed signed a summoning contract with Manda, their relationship was hardly that of companions.
Every time Orochimaru wanted to command Manda in battle, he had to provide sacrificial offerings afterward!
"Orochimaru, follow the plan we discussed!"
Jiraiya declared, then urged Gamabunta to leap forward.
Obviously, the two hadn't actually discussed anything, but after Jiraiya's statement, Orochimaru understood exactly what his former teammate was planning.
This was the tactical understanding they had accumulated through countless battles together.
"Hold on tight!"
Gamabunta growled and drew his blade. The ground beneath his feet suddenly exploded as he launched directly into the air.
"Bunta, prepare the oil!"
"Got it!"
"Fire Release: Toad Oil Flame Bullet!"
Gamabunta leaped high into the air and pressed his belly, suddenly spurting massive amounts of heated oil. Jiraiya coordinated by breathing flames. With their combination, a devastating Fire Release technique descended from above.
The blazing flames formed a net that covered Tendo Pain without leaving any gaps. With such an enormous area of effect, even if the Preta Path advanced, there wouldn't be time to absorb the technique.
More importantly, Gamabunta and Jiraiya followed closely behind their Fire Release jutsu. If the Preta Path attempted to intervene, that body would very likely be destroyed.
Tendo Pain stepped forward, seemingly oblivious to the Fire Release technique descending from the sky, even as the scorching heat rushed toward him.
Just as other Akatsuki members began showing signs of concern and were planning to intervene...
"Shinra Tensei!"
The tremendous repulsive force erupted again, spreading outward without any blind spots, forming a circular perimeter that expanded rapidly.
The Fire Release technique falling from high altitude was caught by this great repulsion, reversed direction, and turned back toward Gamabunta and Jiraiya.
"Bunta!"
Caught completely off guard, Gamabunta had no time to defend and could only quickly form hand seals, spraying an enormous water sphere toward the Fire Release technique.
"Water Release: Water Bullet!"
The moment the massive water sphere collided with the Fire Release jutsu, it spread rapidly!
Hiss—
Large amounts of water vapor filled the air, blocking everyone's vision.
The Fire Release technique that Jiraiya and Gamabunta had created together wasn't completely neutralized by the water sphere—it continued rushing toward them at tremendous speed.
"Hold on!"
Gamabunta had no time to continue releasing jutsu. He swung the blade in his hand wildly, disturbing the chaotic air currents.
Gamabunta possessed both incredible strength and masterful swordsmanship.
Powerful slashes appeared one after another in the sky, cutting through the air with sharp whistling sounds.
After repeated strikes, Gamabunta's short sword finally severed the Fire Release technique.
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