Chapter 406: Extermination Battle, Part III
Each of Izuna Uchiha's words seemed to land like a physical blow on Jiraiya, whose face grew even paler. He wanted to argue, but each accusation stung with the weight of truth, leaving him to reflect on the utter failures of his life's journey. His efforts had only alienated his comrades, distanced his students, and led Sarutobi sensei to do little to intervene.
Izuna's expression darkened further as if recalling something unpleasant, and he cast a look of disdain at Jiraiya.
"I almost forgot you're nothing but a shameless voyeur who writes trashy novels," he sneered. "When I read that detail in your records, I couldn't understand why someone with your power and wealth would resort to such disgusting habits. Education shapes a person, I suppose, and with a teacher like Hiruzen Sarutobi, it's no wonder you're a perfect match."
"You don't understand! I wasn't spying I was gathering material!" Jiraiya retorted automatically, the words spilling out before he could stop them.
Izuna's only response was a harsh kick that sent Jiraiya flying.
"Enough with your excuses, you pitiful worm. Spying is spying don't try to dress it up. But then again, I forgot… you have no female relatives, no family to teach you respect. So you've never learned a thing about honor, have you?" Izuna spat. "You're scum."
Jiraiya choked out a mouthful of blood, his life slipping away as he lay broken on the ground. Gazing up at the sky, he began to lose focus, his thoughts spiraling into a strange, dreamlike haze. With death so near, he found himself recalling old memories.
This is it, then… what a disappointing life, he thought, chuckling bitterly. He could only regret that he wouldn't fulfill his purpose of guiding the so called destined savior of the ninja world. A half smile graced his lips as he murmured, "Great Elder Toad… you told me I would guide the savior, but where is this savior now? I'm at the end."
Izuna watched Jiraiya's state with quiet satisfaction, not bothering to respond. Then, with a flicker of green light, he began healing Jiraiya's wounds with a hint of gentle combat healing, channeling life energy into him. Although their relationship with the Senju had once made him bitter, Izuna had learned from Madara that some techniques like the healing energy once reserved for the Senju could be mastered by those with a will as strong as theirs.
With Izuna's healing, Jiraiya slowly regained his senses, his gaze drifting toward the young yet ancient Uchiha who stood before him. He had been beaten, insulted, and humiliated. He had no answers. The destiny he'd been promised seemed to have failed him.
With newfound resignation, Jiraiya asked, "Izuna Uchiha, please, answer me. Why did the Great Toad Sage, who once guided the Sage of Six Paths, fail to make his prophecy come true? Why?"
Izuna raised an eyebrow at the question, then let out a sigh.
"Fool," he said softly. "Fate isn't fixed. Great as he is, Lord Hanhai has shown me the truth written in the divine scrolls. Fate may set a path, but free will decides the journey. Any fool who blindly follows a prophecy, without action or effort to change his fate, only becomes a slave to it. Even the most accurate prophecy is meaningless if it lacks free will to guide it."
Jiraiya was silent as Izuna's words sunk in. His mind, freed by the brutal truth, felt strangely at peace. A slow smile crossed his face as he laughed a soft, bitter laugh that left him in tears.
"I see… so that's it. A prophecy is only a path." He broke into a cough, blood splattering on his lips, his energy fading.
At last, he understood that he had placed all his hopes in a future he had not actively created. The prophecy hadn't failed him; he had failed the prophecy.
With one final sigh, he looked at Izuna. "Thank you," he murmured. Though his body was broken, his spirit felt lighter than it ever had before. Bowing his head in respect, he managed a small smile. Thank you for opening my eyes, he thought.
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