Chapter 404: Extermination Battle, Part I
Just as Jiraiya was about to step through the torii shaped spatial gate, he felt a strange tremor beneath his feet. Mount Myoboku, usually a serene paradise filled with natural energy, was now experiencing an unsettling vibration. Though subtle, it was enough to set off Jiraiya's alarms.
"What's happening?" he muttered, glancing around warily.
Two figures quickly leaped to his side. Fukasaku's brows furrowed in worry. "Someone is trying to pull all of Mount Myoboku's space into alignment with the shinobi world, grounding us in the present dimension. Jiraiya, come with us to see what's going on. Mount Myoboku is too vital to risk losing."
As a member of Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya knew he had to act. Following the two sages through the portal, he stepped out into a shocking scene.
His gaze was met with a vast, crimson barrier etched with intricate black patterns that pulsed with energy a sealing formation derived from the Four Red Yang Formation, but upgraded and infused with Douqi to create the Heaven Sealing Barrier. This new barrier was the Hanhai Empire's latest advancement in sealing techniques, designed to immobilize not only people but entire spaces, cutting off all escape routes.
But the sealing formation wasn't the only thing that shocked Jiraiya. Ahead of him stood Madara Uchiha, hands raised, surrounded by a whirlwind of terrifying suction, his intense gravitational pull distorting the air around him.
"That's… Universal Pull!" Jiraiya gasped.
But what could Madara be pulling with such force that it caused this level of destruction? Even when Jiraiya used Universal Pull, it only lasted seconds. The two toad sages, far older and wiser, exchanged glances. They knew exactly what Madara was trying to do.
"We can't let him succeed, Jiraiya," Fukasaku urged, urgency in his voice. "Madara is attempting to anchor Mount Myoboku within this dimension. If he succeeds, Mount Myoboku will merge with the shinobi world. I'll return and help Gamamaru relocate our coordinates. You must buy us time. Hold him off as long as you can, and we'll reverse summon you back as soon as we're safe."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Jiraiya immediately activated Sage Mode and pushed his Rinnegan to its limit. "Leave it to me!"
Fukasaku nodded solemnly and leapt back through the portal to aid Gamamaru. As soon as he disappeared, Jiraiya turned his focus to Madara, channeling all his energy into his own Universal Pull to counter Madara's technique.
Jiraiya knew he couldn't defeat Madara, but he could at least try to disrupt his efforts. However, a massive figure blocked his path, unmoving. Before him stood a colossal purple figure the unmistakable form of Susano'o.
"Get out of my way! Sage Art: Massive Rasengan!" Jiraiya roared, charging forward.
The Susano'o didn't budge. Inside it, Izuna Uchiha looked calmly at Jiraiya and responded in a low, cold voice, "You're the one in the way."
Though Jiraiya was a primary target, Izuna hesitated to kill him outright. Summoning a massive shield, Izuna effortlessly blocked Jiraiya's Rasengan, his Susano'o unscathed. This shield was none other than the Yata Mirror, a powerful tool said to repel all ninjutsu.
Realizing his attack had no effect, Jiraiya narrowed his eyes. Every technique has a weakness, and though Susano'o was nearly impenetrable, it was slow. Quickly forming shadow clones, he aimed to use speed and numbers to draw Izuna's attention and slip past him to reach Madara.
Izuna, unimpressed, smirked as he watched Jiraiya summon his clones. The Shadow Clone Technique an old tactic that reminded him of the era when Tobirama Senju designed jutsu specifically to counter the Uchiha. But Izuna wasn't one to fall prey to the same tricks.
He opened his mouth, releasing a powerful, resonant sound wave that scattered dust in all directions.
"Roaring Lion's Voice!"
In mere milliseconds, Jiraiya's clones disintegrated, their forms collapsing back into chakra that returned to Jiraiya. Before Jiraiya could react, Izuna's Susano'o struck him with a powerful punch, sending him flying, and widening the gap between him and Madara.
Coughing up blood, Jiraiya winced as he felt his ribs crack. Desperately, he activated a healing jutsu on himself. Though he was outmatched in strength, Jiraiya's tactical mind raced for an alternative.
Realizing he couldn't get past Izuna with direct attacks, he quickly summoned modified animals to aid in his assault. He bit his thumb and made the necessary hand signs, slamming his hands onto the ground.
"Animal Path: Summoning Technique!"
But instead of the usual cloud of smoke signaling the arrival of his beasts, nothing happened. Jiraiya's eyes widened in alarm.
"What's going on?"
As he looked around frantically, Izuna stepped closer, his tone dripping with disdain. "Fool. Did you really think we'd let you use such basic tactics? We've already sealed away your summoning ability."
Jiraiya quickly inspected his right arm, spotting the ominous black markings of a sealing jutsu.
"A Contract Seal," he whispered, realizing his options were dwindling.
The realization hit hard. Without summoning, many of his best techniques were useless. Jiraiya quickly ran through his remaining abilities, his face growing pale as he saw just how limited he had become.
His expression steeling, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "It looks like I have no choice but to use that jutsu."
Jiraiya clasped his hands together, focusing on building up his chakra for one last gamble. Izuna watched him with mild amusement, standing a few meters back, curious to see what Jiraiya had up his sleeve.
(End of Chapter)
Friends, if you enjoyed the novel, you can subscribe to my Patreon channel.
Until November 30st, get 40% off your subscription and 30% off your novel purchase.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/Cortez10