With the addition of Cerberus, Jiraiya—already at a disadvantage—was pushed even further back. The giant toad he had summoned had been battered badly, his tough hide marred with deep scars, his endurance strained to the limit. Still, as the most defensive toad of Mount Myōboku, he held on long enough for Jiraiya to enter Sage Mode.
Though incomplete, Jiraiya's Sage Mode transformed his body with amphibian traits, boosting his power and reflexes. After dismissing the injured toad, he summoned two small elderly toads in gray cloaks.
They were none other than Fukasaku and Shima, the great sages of Mount Myōboku, parents of Gamabunta and revered masters of Sage Arts. For over eight centuries, they had trained in perfect harmony with nature. Jiraiya had learned everything he knew of Sage Mode under their guidance—it was no exaggeration to call them his teachers.
With their aid, Jiraiya's power surged. The three of them combined their strength, unleashing the might of Sage Arts in unison.
In a matter of moments, Jiraiya had already defeated three of the Six Paths of Pain. But victory came at a cost. His body bore deep wounds, and Fukasaku and Shima were strained. Even so, Jiraiya managed to overcome a fourth body after a grueling exchange.
And then, a chilling sight froze them in place.
The three stared wide-eyed, voices overlapping in disbelief:
"How is that possible?!"
Except for the corpse at Jiraiya's feet, the remaining five Pains stood unscathed, expressionless, as if mocking them like mere performers in a circus.
"W-We just defeated those three… How are they standing again?" Shima exclaimed in horror.
"I'm afraid this is yet another ability of the Rinnegan. Truly terrifying…" Fukasaku muttered gravely. He turned to Jiraiya, his tone firm. "Little Jiraiya, we need to retreat. Our chakra is running dangerously low."
"Yeah," Jiraiya replied, voice low but resolute. "Before that, let's seal this body and bring it back to Tsunade."
Without hesitation, he unfurled a scroll and sealed the defeated body inside. The other five Pains, realizing his intent, rushed forward with deadly speed.
Jiraiya's mouth curved slightly, his fingers weaving signs. His chest swelled, and he shouted, "Sage Art, Goemon!"
A roar echoed. Fire, oil, and wind fused together, creating a devastating inferno. The ground cracked and scorched as an overwhelming sea of flames surged forward, engulfing the five charging figures.
But the Asura Path's partner, the Preta Path, raised its hands and absorbed the flames. The opportunity was enough for Jiraiya, who quickly sealed the corpse and dashed toward the village outskirts.
Konan descended from above, her paper shuriken raining down like blades. Jiraiya dodged as best as he could, his pace slowed by her relentless assault. Moments later, the remaining Pains closed in, their relentless pursuit forcing Jiraiya into a corner.
To make matters worse, the time limit of his Sage Mode expired. His toad features faded, and his power dropped sharply.
"Tch… not good," Jiraiya muttered, his face grim.
The two elder toads on his shoulders grew tense. "At this rate… if we're not careful, we'll never make it out alive."
Pain's lead body, the Deva Path, stepped forward, raising his hand. "It's over, Jiraiya. Universal Pull!"
The overwhelming gravitational force dragged Jiraiya off his feet. Exhausted and battered, he had no strength left to resist. In an instant, the Deva Path seized him by the throat.
"Goodbye… Jiraiya-sensei," the cold voice said as a black chakra rod formed in his hand, driving it toward Jiraiya's heart.
But with a burst of smoke, Jiraiya and the elder toads vanished.
"Another substitution!" Pain's expression hardened, his Rinnegan eyes scanning the area.
In a shadowed alley, Jiraiya staggered, chest heaving, his steps heavy. "Fukasaku, Shima… If I don't make it, deliver that scroll to Konoha."
"You'll make it, Jiraiya-chan," Fukasaku said, though even his voice trembled. They both knew the truth—escape was slim. They were deep in the Rain Village, surrounded by enemies with abilities beyond comprehension.
Before they could recover, three more of the Six Paths appeared, blocking the alley. Two behind, one ahead.
"Jiraiya… you cannot escape," Deva Path declared coldly.
Jiraiya looked around and gave a bitter smile. Surrounded on all sides, the truth was clear. He raised his gaze to the two sages on his shoulders.
"Fukasaku, Shima… please."
Tears welled at the corners of their eyes. They understood what Jiraiya meant. He was entrusting his final act to them.
"Ah… so it's come to this," Jiraiya muttered with a weary grin. "A farewell between life and death."
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