Inside the Tall Tower
Jiraiya walked slowly, easily overpowering any Amegakure Ninja he encountered. However, he knew the Amegakure Village wasn't this weak; this was the base of the Akatsuki organization.
Just then, countless paper fragments floated down like petals in front of him, slowly taking the form of Konan.
"It really is you, Konan," Jiraiya sighed softly as he looked at the familiar yet strange person before him. A hint of sadness showed in his expression as he spoke, "How have you all been all these years?"
"Teacher, you already knew," Konan said, looking at the man before her, who had grown older and more somber than before. She felt a sense of nostalgia.
"Ah, Neji gave me a subtle hint. I'm not so foolish as to not recognize my own student," Jiraiya clenched his fist and then shouted, "Since you're alive, why didn't you come back to me? What was the meaning of the death notice you sent?!"
Konan remained silent. After a long pause, she said softly, "Jiraiya-sensei, I don't want to fight you. Please leave! If you leave now, I'll pretend nothing happened, like I saw nothing."
Jiraiya let out a hearty laugh, "Konan, do you want me to break a ninja's code?"
"Does a teacher who only looks for young girls know about ninja codes?" Konan sneered, unable to resist retorting.
"What did you say?" Jiraiya asked, scratching his head.
"Nothing, I'm just surprised you're still as stubborn as ever, Teacher," Konan replied. Numerous paper fragments swirled around her, eventually forming a pair of wings, lifting her into the air.
"Paper Rain!"
Her wings flapped, and sheets of paper shot towards Jiraiya like blades, leaving white streaks in the air.
"No wonder they call you an angel," Jiraiya said with a hint of relief. He then placed his left hand on his right wrist and shouted, "Fire Release: Flame Bullet!"
Jiraiya spat out a giant fireball. The intense heat illuminated the surroundings, burning up the incoming paper fragments.
Konan's expression remained calm, unfazed by the scorching Fire Release. More and more paper fragments emerged from the wings on her back, slowly overpowering Jiraiya's fireball with their sheer volume and speed.
"Fire can't suppress paper? This child Konan has really grown up," Jiraiya thought to himself, pleased. He retreated, moving to a safer distance.
However, the next moment, he suddenly appeared before Konan and delivered a spinning kick in mid-air. But as he connected with Konan, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Konan had turned into paper fragments once again, absorbing Jiraiya's attack.
"Teacher, your Body Flicker Technique still needs some work," Konan said with a slight smile, which she quickly suppressed.
"Haha, is that so? I think so too. Indeed, compared to taijutsu, I'm better suited to Ninjutsu, hahaha," Jiraiya narrowed his eyes, laughing heartily.
"Teacher, we're in a battle right now," Konan gently reminded him.
"Ah, yes, yes, I forgot, hahaha."
"You're not listening to me at all, are you?" Konan said softly.
"Hahaha, but I have a way to deal with you now, Konan," Jiraiya stopped laughing. He planted his feet firmly on the ground in a horse stance, his hands held forward in a posture for channeling energy.
"Bring it on! I am Jiraiya-sama, the Undying Kid, one of the Sannin!" Jiraiya shouted confidently.
Konan frowned, unsure what he was planning. However, knowing Jiraiya, she knew Paper Rain was definitely not to be used.
"Use that move," Konan whispered. The wings on her back flapped rapidly, and countless paper fragments slowly gathered, forming a vortex. The sheets of paper danced in the wind, making whistling sounds like sharp blades.
The powerful wind spun rapidly, stinging Jiraiya's cheeks. He silently channeled his chakra, prepared for any unexpected turn.
"Secret Technique: Wind Shuttle Cloud Roar!"
With a rushing sound, the paper whirlwind separated from Konan's control, spinning faster and faster. It gradually spread, leaving scratch marks on the ground near the storm.
Konan flapped her wings, moving away from the storm to avoid being caught in it. Then, she coldly looked at Jiraiya in the center of the whirlwind.
"Jiraiya-sensei, goodbye," Konan said softly, then shouted, "Explode!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Suddenly, thunderous explosions erupted from the blade-like storm. Under the impact of these explosions, all the paper fragments scattered in all directions, falling like wilting petals.
Using the Dance of the Paper God, large amounts of paper were mixed together to form a tornado, embedding numerous explosive tags within it. Combined with the cutting and explosive power, even a Kage-level ninja would die.
Indeed, the terrifying explosive and cutting force left deep marks and scorched patches on the surrounding stone slabs and walls, making the scene quite… unsightly.
However, just as Konan relaxed, a white-haired figure suddenly leaped above her.
"Konan, I must have taught you, don't be fooled by your own eyes." Jiraiya clasped his hands together, puffed out his cheeks, and spat out a large amount of toad oil, covering Konan.
Covered in toad oil, the Dance of the Paper God lost its effectiveness, and Konan's combat power plummeted. She was immediately bound by Jiraiya's stretched white hair.
"Konan, is Pain Nagato? Then who is Yahiko?" Jiraiya questioned.
Konan didn't answer his questions. Seeing the Animal Path that had arrived behind Jiraiya, she lowered her head slightly.
At the same time, Jiraiya sensed a killing intent from behind him. Alarmed, he immediately used Toad Oil Flame Bullet, sending an impenetrable wave of heat towards the rear.
"Summoning Technique!"
The black patterns on the Animal Path's hand spread out, and a giant crab suddenly appeared, spewing a large amount of water vapor from its mouth, which collided with the Toad Oil Flame Bullet.
Bang!
Sheets of mist rose, obscuring everyone's vision. However, the Animal Path, with its Rinnegan, had superior eyesight compared to Jiraiya.
Under its command, the giant crab raised its large claw and smashed down fiercely at Jiraiya. By the time Jiraiya noticed, it was too late.
Forced to act, Jiraiya retracted his long hair to protect his face, and Konan took the opportunity to escape.
"Rasengan!"
At this moment, Jiraiya suddenly leaped into the sky. The blue sphere of chakra he held in his hand slammed forcefully onto the giant crab.
"Hmph! Don't underestimate me, Jiraiya-sama," Jiraiya rubbed his nose, a grin on his lips.
"Hmm?"
Jiraiya suddenly became serious, staring intently at the Animal Path's Rinnegan. He sighed, "Nagato, is it really you… Where is Yahiko?"
"He's dead," the Animal Path said indifferently, devoid of any emotion.
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