If push came to shove, Jiraiya would rather hand over all the credit to Xin than risk it without Ophis.
He didn't care much about glory-what mattered to him was whether they could accomplish the mission and, more importantly, save as many of Konoha's elite as possible. Orochimaru might be interested in becoming Hokage, but Jiraiya had no such aspirations.
If he could take it easy, why bother competing for Hokage?
Xin shook his head. He knew Jiraiya, and Orochimaru too, had their eyes set on Ophis. They were underestimating Xin's personal strength.
Too bad for them.
Xin spread his hands.
"Ophis is in a special state right now, sleeping. I have no idea when it will wake up, so it won't be available for this mission. You'll need to be prepared for that."
Great.
With Ophis out of commission, the mission's difficulty just shot up a few levels.
"Let's hope for the best. At least I still have a few tricks up my sleeve," Jiraiya said, a self- satisfied grin spreading across his face.
Xin looked at him like he was out of his mind.
No, really, he looked like a total nutcase.
One second he was all worried, and the next he was grinning like an idiot. If that's not crazy, then what is?
"Anyway, I'll do my best to lead us to complete the mission and bring everyone back safely," Jiraiya said.
"....."
This wasn't the Jiraiya, Xin knew.
While Jiraiya was known for his bragging, he wouldn't boast without reason.
To brag like this in front of Xin meant that Jiraiya had genuinely grown stronger-and significantly so.
Among the Sannin, Jiraiya was the type who started slow but eventually surpassed Tsunade and Orochimaru by leaps and bounds in the later stages.
Most of Jiraiya's improvements came from mastering the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku.
Even if Jiraiya's Sage Mode wasn't perfect, it was still better than Orochimaru and Tsunade, who couldn't access it at all.
Narrowing his eyes, Xin scrutinized Jiraiya before casually saying:
"You've mastered the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku, haven't you?"
"How did you..."
Jiraiya's eyes widened to the size of saucers, his jaw practically hitting the floor. He stammered:
"How did you know that? Was it Tsunade? No, that can't be. I haven't told anyone!"
Jiraiya felt like he'd seen a ghost. How could Xin possibly know?
"Just a guess," Xin shrugged, standing up to leave.
"Wait, how did you really know?" Jiraiya shouted, snapping out of his stupor.
Xin waved a hand dismissively without turning back.
"I saw some information in Tsunade's notes. She also told me a few things about the Three Great Sage Regions. Don't forget, I can summon Manda too. Is it really that strange that I know?"
"Consider yourself lucky you didn't turn into a stone statue. Next time you decide to show off, make sure you pick the right audience, or you'll be embarrassed."
Jiraiya: "..."
I really am an idiot!!
Tsunade wouldn't hide anything from Xin, and with Manda in the picture, of course Xin would know.
Mount Myōboku, Shikkotsu Forest, Ryuchi Cave-these were the Three Great Sage Regions, and Manda hailed from Ryuchi Cave.
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