Boom! Boom!
The clash between Jiraiya and Yui Xuanyue thundered across the clearing, shockwaves splitting the air.
Jiraiya pressed harder, well aware of Xuanyue's intent. But against an Edo Tensei body, with its near-limitless chakra and automatic regeneration, his efforts seemed meaningless.
And Jiraiya wasn't the only one fighting.
Whip—whip—
From Shizune's wrist launcher, a flurry of poisoned senbon needles shot forward, silent but swift. Xuanyue twisted aside, avoiding each one with casual precision.
That single opening was all Jiraiya needed. His hands clapped together.
"Ninja Art—Wild Lion's Mane!"
His long, white hair erupted outward, twisting into countless cords. Like the jaws of a lion, it coiled around Xuanyue from head to toe and constricted with bone-crushing force.
Crack! Crack!
The Edo body splintered under the pressure—but Xuanyue remained unshaken.
"Lava Release—Dissolving Monster!"
A torrent of burning acid spewed from his mouth, melting through the hair in an instant before surging forward in a devastating flood aimed at both Jiraiya and Shizune.
"Troublesome..." Jiraiya grimaced, hands flashing through seals.
"Earth Style—Swamp of the Underworld!"
The ground collapsed into a vast swamp, intercepting the acidic tide. Steam hissed violently as acid and mire devoured one another, both forces burning out in mutual destruction.
Far off, another explosion shook the air.
Jiraiya's brow furrowed. Across from him, Xuanyue's broken form reassembled itself with sheets of drifting paper. Normal attacks were worthless against an Edo body. Only sealing could stop him—and sealing someone like Yui Xuanyue was another matter entirely.
The longer this dragged on, the greater the danger to Tsunade.
"Jiraiya-sama, I'll hold him back!" Shizune snapped, voice trembling but firm. "Please, go to Lady Tsunade!"
"Shizune, you..."
He caught her gaze—determined, unshakable. He hesitated only a heartbeat before nodding.
"Naruto, with me!"
Orochimaru and Kabuto were his responsibility. But Naruto's presence could not be left unguarded.
Xuanyue chuckled, spreading his arms wide.
"Decisions made without even asking my opinion? You, heroes, like playing out those little sacrifice dramas, don't you? The brave one stays behind; the others run. How touching. But tell me—" his smile sharpened, "—do you really think the villain will just play along?"
He moved to intercept, but Shizune cut across him.
"Your opponent is me!"
She spat a spray of poisoned needles. Xuanyue flicked his fingers, scattering them harmlessly. Unfazed, Shizune lunged in close.
"You overestimate yourself, little girl. Or perhaps..." His hand parried her strikes with lazy ease. "You underestimate me."
"For Lady Tsunade, no matter the odds—I will fight!"
Her chakra surged, lips parting again.
"Ninja Art—Poison Mist!"
A wave of violet fog burst forth, rolling toward Xuanyue in a toxic haze.
"Interesting," he murmured, retreating a step. "But still not enough."
His palms clapped. A gale roared outward, tearing the mist apart, scattering it into nothing. Dust rose in great curtains—only for Xuanyue's voice to whisper in her ear.
"Do you really think shouting slogans makes them true? That a vow alone can replace strength? If words could win battles, training would be unnecessary."
Her eyes widened. Behind!
She spun, chakra blades forming at her hands—but struck only empty air. Xuanyue's form flickered, reappearing at her side.
"Train harder."
Boom!
Shizune's body flew like a cannonball, crashing toward Jiraiya.
Xuanyue straightened, dusting himself off. Some lessons had to be taught the hard way.
Jiraiya barely had time to catch her before a barrage of molten fireballs rained from above, forcing him back.
"Damn it..." His teeth clenched. Shizune struggled to heal herself, whispering an apology.
"I failed you, Jiraiya-sama..."
"No. This was my mistake," he admitted grimly. "I let desperation cloud my judgment."
Xuanyue's steps echoed as he approached, calm, deliberate. His eyes swept over the three of them, indifferent as ever.
"Hand over the Spirit Transformation Technique, and I'll let you rejoin Tsunade."
Before Jiraiya could reply, Naruto shot to his feet, fury blazing in his eyes.
"If it's not yours, you can't just take it! That's not what a real shinobi does, you bastard!"
Xuanyue actually paused—then nodded.
"You're right. Morally speaking, what I'm doing is wrong."
A thin smile crept onto his lips.
"But when has this world ever truly cared about morality?"
His gaze locked onto Naruto.
"Listen well, boy. A truth every shinobi learns eventually."
He raised his fist.
"In this world, fists will always outweigh morality."
(End of Chapter)