Chapter 48 – The Battle Against Jiraiya (Part 2)
"Summoning Technique!"
Jiraiya bit his thumb, quickly forming the hand seals before slamming his palm to the ground. A thick cloud of smoke exploded outward, and when it finally cleared, a giant toad—large enough to rival a mountain—stood towering before everyone.
"Jiraiya, what's the situation this time? Who am I fighting?" Gamabunta asked in a deep, gravelly voice.
"Your opponent is me," Yusuke replied calmly.
"A brat like you?" Gamabunta snorted in contempt.
"Don't underestimate him, Gamabunta," Jiraiya sighed, looking slightly apologetic.
Gamabunta turned to study Yusuke more closely. At first glance, the kid didn't seem like much. The giant toad furrowed his brow, wondering if Jiraiya really summoned him just to fight a child.
"If I were your enemy, your casual chit-chat would've already gotten you killed," Yusuke said coldly.
"Hmph! Big words from a brat. Come on, then!" Gamabunta growled, his temper flaring.
"I don't even need to deal with you myself," Yusuke said flatly. "You're not worth it."
He bit his thumb and slammed his hand into the ground as well. Another summoning—this time, when the smoke cleared, a majestic, sharp-eyed dragon emerged. Its body was massive, rivaling Gamabunta's in size, with an intimidating air that silenced the battlefield.
"Do you require my assistance, Yusuke-sama?" the Millennium Dragon asked respectfully.
Gasps rippled through the watching crowd. Even Tsunade's eyes widened in surprise. She had once considered offering Yusuke a summoning contract with the slugs of Shikkotsu Forest—but this... this was far beyond what she expected.
"Hold that oversized toad for me," Yusuke ordered.
"As you wish, Yusuke-sama."
Jiraiya couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. The dragon didn't resemble the traditional ones from old myths, but its regal presence was undeniable—commanding, powerful, and most of all, obedient. That last part stung the most.
"Gamabunta, stay alert," Jiraiya warned as he braced himself.
"Show me the true power of one of the Legendary Sannin," Yusuke challenged.
"Gladly!" Jiraiya answered without hesitation.
Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!
In an instant, the terrain beneath Yusuke's feet turned into a thick swamp. His legs began to sink, movement restricted. Jiraiya leapt onto Gamabunta's back.
Combined Jutsu: Toad Oil Flame Bullet!
Gamabunta spewed out oil while Jiraiya unleashed a massive blast of fire. The result—a flaming torrent, surging toward Yusuke.
Three Sword Style: Phoenix of a Hundred Torments!
Biting down on Enma's hilt, Yusuke formed two blades of light in his hands, wielding three swords at once. He blocked the oncoming fire and took to the skies with the Millennium Dragon.
Jiraiya, anticipating their movement, had Gamabunta leap after them. The toad swung his short sword, aiming straight at the dragon.
Yusuke raised his glowing right-hand sword and parried the blow.
Jiraiya moved fast—already forming another set of hand seals.
Fire Release: Fire Dragon Bullet Technique!
A fiery projectile, shaped like a dragon, roared through the air toward Yusuke and the dragon. Yusuke defended again, but the sheer force behind the jutsu shattered his blade of light. The Millennium Dragon veered off to avoid the flames.
From the sidelines, the audience watched in awe. Yusuke appeared on the defensive, but considering who he was facing—one of the Legendary Sannin, a ninja with Kage-level strength—it was nothing short of extraordinary.
"Ready to give up, kid?" Jiraiya asked, half-teasing.
"I guess it's time to get serious," Yusuke replied.
"Millennium Dragon, distract Gamabunta for me," Yusuke instructed.
"Understood, Yusuke-sama."
Stowing Enma back into his system inventory, Yusuke cracked his neck.
"What's the plan now? Giving up?" Jiraiya asked, puzzled.
"Not quite. Just switching things up," Yusuke replied, rolling his shoulders.
Tsunade chuckled softly, as if she already knew what was coming. Orochimaru watched intently, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
"Hah?" Jiraiya frowned.
"Speed is weight," Yusuke said quietly.
"What are you talking about?" Jiraiya narrowed his eyes.
"Have you ever felt a kick... at the speed of light?" Yusuke grinned slightly.
A faint shimmer of golden light enveloped him.
Light-Speed Kick.
The moment he spoke those words, his body vanished.
Before Jiraiya could react, a massive shockwave erupted across the field. His body shot through the air like a missile and crashed violently into the ground.
"W-What was that?!" the spectators gasped. Even the Uchiha clan head, with his Sharingan activated, had failed to catch Yusuke's movement.
"Space-Time Ninjutsu?!" he shouted in disbelief. Hiruzen's expression turned grim with realization.
Tsunade gave a small nod, unsurprised. Orochimaru's pupils narrowed, interest intensifying. Danzo, hidden among the crowd, stared with calculating eyes.
"Urgh... cough... What kind of technique was that?" Jiraiya groaned, trying to stand.
"Nothing serious. Shall we keep going?" Yusuke asked nonchalantly.
"I'm not done yet!" Jiraiya growled through gritted teeth.
"…No, that's enough," Jiraiya finally said, raising a hand. "You're a monster, kid."
He could've kept going, of course. He had more tricks up his sleeve. But this wasn't a battle to the death. And honestly, he liked the kid. Forcing him to show all his cards now would've been a waste.
"Does anyone else have any complaints?" Yusuke asked the elders bluntly.
"I hereby declare Hatake Yusuke officially promoted to Jōnin," Hiruzen announced. "This battle must remain classified."
With the ceremony done, Yusuke reported to the Hokage's office to receive his Jōnin flak vest, then prepared to leave.
"Yusuke," Hiruzen called, stopping him at the door. "What do you think of Konoha?"
"…It's fine, I guess," Yusuke replied with a neutral expression.
"I hope you'll continue protecting the village. You are one of Konoha's hopes," the Hokage said quietly.
"Oh."
"I know you're still angry about your father," Hiruzen added.
"I wouldn't dare be," Yusuke replied without emotion.
"If you became Hokage one day… what would you do?"
"Huh?" Yusuke blinked, caught off guard by the sudden question. Was the old man actually offering him the role?
"I'll never become Hokage."
"Why not?"
"I have no interest in power," Yusuke said plainly. "In this world, power speaks louder than titles. As long as I have the strength to protect my family and friends in this age of chaos, that's enough for me. A title like Hokage… would only slow me down."
"I see. But if the day comes when Konoha is in danger—would you step in?"
"Of course," Yusuke answered immediately. "As long as the people I care about are here, I'll protect the village too. But if anyone dares hurt them… then blood will be repaid with blood."
His tone was ice-cold.
"…Understood. You may go," Hiruzen said after a pause.
"Then if you'll excuse me, Hokage-sama."
After Yusuke left the room, Hiruzen called out softly.
"Danzo. Come in."
A figure stepped forward from the shadows.
"What is it, Hiruzen?"
"Don't lay a hand on Hatake Yusuke—or anyone close to him. If you do… I won't hesitate to forget our history."
For once, the Third Hokage's voice carried a weight that could not be ignored.
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