Border between the Land of Grass and the Land of Fields.
At this moment, a large number of Iwagakure ninja had collapsed onto the ground.
Those with weaker physiques were convulsing all over, while the stronger ones leaned against tree trunks, dumbfounded.
"What the hell is going on?"
Iwagakure jōnin Higashi stood at a distance, looking at the scene of his fallen comrades. He didn't dare take a step forward.
A chūnin beside him quickly reported:
"Higashi-sama, something's wrong with this area. As soon as you enter, your whole body becomes paralyzed. At worst, you convulse all over. At best, you can't move at all."
"You need full protective gear and gas masks to enter."
"And your skin can't be exposed to the air."
"But our forces are moving fast, and all the gas masks are still at the rear in the Land of Grass. They haven't been delivered yet."
Higashi frowned deeply, puzzled.
"Was there a battle in this area? Who was the enemy?"
The chūnin quickly relayed the information they had gathered so far.
"According to teammates who rushed over, earlier the squad from the Usuryu clan sent out a distress signal in this area. But everyone who came to help got caught up in it too."
"Only a few who were already wearing gas masks managed to escape."
"The entire squad has been wiped out. The culprit is unknown."
"Cause of death: blade wounds and Fire Release techniques."
Higashi nodded, then immediately arranged for a rescue mission.
Iwagakure's army was currently contracting its forces and couldn't afford any delays.
After all, according to orders from above, a major operation was about to commence.
"What's the situation with Konoha?"
"One of the Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, is stationed at the southern outpost of the Land of Grass. He's had brief clashes with Rōshi-sama and Han-sama. But no larger conflict has broken out."
Higashi had just returned from the Land of Fields and was about to take command of the battlefront in the Land of Fire.
Hearing his subordinate's report, Higashi fell into deep thought.
He wondered if the current situation had anything to do with Konoha.
But the witness team had already been wiped out. And even if Konoha had done it, so what? The two sides were already on the brink of war—it could break out at any moment.
"Alright, organize the rescue. At the same time, set up a warning post outside this forest and tell those returning from the Land of Fields not to enter."
It could be said that Chizan of the Gekko clan's scale powder tactic had been a huge success. Hundreds of enemies were paralyzed in this forest.
Iwagakure's forces had no choice but to reroute.
...
Konoha's military outpost.
Jiraiya glared furiously at Gekko Chizan, who stood before him. Beside him, Minato was drinking medicine prepared by the medical team.
If you looked closely, you'd notice both men's calves were trembling.
"Chiza, I used to think you were just a bit rotten."
"Now I see—I was too naive!"
"You're rotten to the core! You even go crazy and hit your own comrades..."
"I, Jiraiya, have roamed the shinobi world for years, and now I've fallen into your trap!"
The more Jiraiya spoke, the more agitated he became. Gekko Chizan smiled awkwardly, though his smile was full of pride, with no hint of guilt.
"Jiraiya-sama, you can't blame me for this."
"I did warn you and Minato—don't come near until I'm done."
"And I have to say, your timing was perfect. The moment I released the poison into the air, you two showed up."
"Tsk tsk tsk, fate really wanted you to suffer this time."
Those words nearly made Jiraiya faint.
But he quickly composed himself and said in a serious tone:
"Chizan, considering the horrible persecution I've suffered at your hands..."
"Shouldn't you compensate me a little?"
"Give me some of your stored... materials, will you? For the sake of the materials, I won't hold this against you. How about it?"
By the end, Jiraiya's voice was—how to say it? Kind of pervy?
Minato, watching his teacher like this, instantly covered his face. But through the gaps between his fingers, you could still see the corner of his mouth twitching upwards.
Meanwhile, Gekko Chizan gave Jiraiya a calm glance and then chuckled softly.
Then, looking playfully at Jiraiya, he said with a sly grin:
"Materials?"
"Mmhmm!"
"I've got plenty."
"Hahaha! Hand them over, and I'll drop the whole poisoning thing!"
Seeing the eager look on Jiraiya's face, Chizan grinned even wider.
"Recently, I was in a town in the north of the Land of Fire, and I saw an absolute beauty—I swear, a real rare find."
"Not just your average material. Totally on another level."
"Considering how badly you suffered this time, I was planning to give it to you."
The moment Jiraiya heard this, he beamed with joy. He tried to stand up and praise Chizan for being so understanding.
But his weakened legs gave out, and he sat right back down.
"Chizan! I knew you supported my career!"
Chizan nodded seriously, then said in a solemn tone:
"I'll give you the bath photo of Tsunade-sama when I get back."
"You can boldly include it in your next book! I guarantee it'll be a hit!"
"To save time, I'll go back and get it now! Don't worry, Jiraiya-sama, I'll be quick!"
Jiraiya, who had been laughing moments ago, instantly froze like a statue.
Whose bath photo...
Tsunade???
Jiraiya suddenly recalled—years ago, he had the fortune (or misfortune) to sneak into a bathhouse to collect... ahem, reference material.
And there, he had witnessed the most beautiful sight of his life—Tsunade bathing.
And the result...
How many bones did he break? He couldn't even count. He only remembered lying in a hospital bed for about a month...
Seeing Gekko Chizan about to walk out, Jiraiya ignored his trembling legs and grabbed him in a panic.
His voice was trembling:
"... I don't want it anymore..."
"I still want to live a few more years..."
Chizan forcibly suppressed his grin and looked back at Jiraiya with feigned confusion.
"What do you mean?"
"A man must keep his word! It's just a little material, right? Just Tsunade-sama's material, right?"
"You're getting it! We're that close, after all!"
"Don't worry, Jiraiya-sama. I'll keep it totally secret for you!"
Those words nearly brought Jiraiya to tears.
Tsunade's material... he wanted it, sure. But could he take it?
Even if he got it, could he publish it? If Tsunade ever found out, it wouldn't just be a few broken bones next time...
"No! Chizan, what happened this time was just my carelessness. It has nothing to do with you!"
"You keep that material to yourself. I suddenly realized that collecting my own material is more fun!"
"Your kind offer—I appreciate it!"
"Right, Minato?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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