On the training ground, Shiraishi was engaged in a sparring match with Ruri.
The last time they sparred was probably during their time at the Ninja Academy, and with Ruri's rapid growth in strength since then, Shiraishi's assessment of her abilities had become somewhat uncertain.
Moreover, when she entered combat, a sharp killing intent naturally emanated from Ruri, a clear sign that she had seen blood.
Although Sakumo's squad had only been formed for less than half a year, they had experienced over a dozen battles, big and small, and could be considered rich in combat experience, having faced Jonin head-on many times.
Even Shiraishi, an ordinary Genin specializing in medical ninjutsu, had personally dealt with several ninjas, so he was not intimidated by the killing intent emanating from Ruri during their spar.
However, this didn't mean Ruri was easy to deal with; even her ordinary taijutsu was like a thunderclap when she moved.
One moment Ruri was in front of Shiraishi, the next she had flashed behind him, her leg whip, carrying a gust of wind, sweeping towards Shiraishi's head with lightning speed.
Shiraishi had no choice but to duck, pressing one palm to the ground, and using his palm as an axis, he rotated his body, flipping several times in the opposite direction from Ruri, creating a safe distance.
He then immediately turned around, and a finely crafted ninja sword fell from his sleeve, landing perfectly in his hand. The sword's sharp edge clashed with the rapidly incoming kunai, sending sparks flying.
Shiraishi was a ninja with a severe chakra deficiency, so in combat, he tried to conserve chakra as much as possible, and taijutsu used relatively much less chakra compared to ninjutsu.
Furthermore, his body had already been permanently enhanced by a new drug developed using natural energy, making his overall physical capabilities far superior to ordinary people. With just a little chakra, he could qualitatively change the speed and power of his taijutsu, allowing him to quickly deal with ninjas severely lacking in reaction time and speed in combat, especially Chunin and Genin.
As for Jonin, he should be able to interrupt their ninjutsu, but if he encountered a Jonin skilled in taijutsu, the outcome would be difficult to predict, requiring a comprehensive judgment based on actual circumstances, such as environmental factors, psychological quality, tactical deployment, types of taijutsu, and so on.
However, in his fight with Ruri, Shiraishi couldn't interrupt her ninjutsu. Against a ninja proficient in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu, it was very difficult to achieve any significant results without completely overwhelming them.
Moreover, Ruri also possessed the troublesome bloodline limit of the Sharingan.
Their battle in the training ground looked intense, but due to their extreme speed, if anyone were watching, unless their dynamic vision reached a certain level, they would likely only see afterimages flashing by, followed by the clang of metal, and then nothing else.
Neither of them needed to use the Body Flicker Technique; they could achieve high-speed movement with pure taijutsu.
It should be said that they were using the Body Flicker Technique in combat at all times.
This was the convenience of taijutsu ninjas, but constantly maintaining maximum taijutsu speed would rapidly increase the burden on their stamina and bodies.
Fortunately, Shiraishi and Ruri's bodies had been improved by natural energy drugs, giving them top-tier recovery and resistance capabilities, allowing them to maintain this high-speed combat state for extended periods.
This was also why Ruri was able to hold her own against two Jonin in her first mission.
Without at least two Jonin ganging up on her, including one skilled in taijutsu for frontal containment, it would be very difficult to defeat her.
As the battle progressed, Shiraishi's chakra began to fail, and he started to pant.
Seeing this, Ruri also stopped, spinning her kunai on her finger before putting it back into her ninja tool pouch, ending their long-awaited intense battle.
Compared to fighting with unconventional jutsus like genjutsu, Ruri preferred taijutsu and ninjutsu, direct offensive combat styles.
Perhaps it was because this fighting method was more exhilarating and straightforward.
Therefore, every time she sparred with Shiraishi using taijutsu, it made her feel much happier.
Only this kind of close-quarters combat could be called the essence of battle.
"Useless, you're already done after such a short time."
"I can't help it. I'm not like you Uchiha ninjas, whose chakra is naturally much stronger than ordinary people."
Especially after awakening the Sharingan, chakra would further increase.
Aside from getting a bit tired from prolonged use of the Sharingan, Uchiha ninjas never lacked chakra in regular combat.
"However, I'm planning to start training with natural energy next, and the situation should improve significantly."
"Haven't you already completed it?"
"That was done in experiments; I haven't tried actively absorbing natural energy myself yet. Now that the risks have been reduced to the lowest possible level, I'm going to use medication to assist me in grasping the feeling of absorbing natural energy."
"Since the risks are now very low, I want to join you. I can't let you hog all the glory."
Ruri also had a strong desire to conquer natural energy.
Natural energy was more powerful than ordinary chakra, and even if it couldn't be fused with chakra to form Sage Mode chakra, its amplifying effect on physical abilities was extraordinary.
Moreover, if one mastered the method of absorbing natural energy, it meant an inexhaustible supply of energy.
Natural energy was everything in nature.
Water, air, trees... it was everywhere.
It could be said that as long as one was in nature, natural energy could be supplied indefinitely.
"Hmm, I was planning that anyway."
Shiraishi didn't refuse. Rather, it would have been impossible to reach this point without Ruri providing funding, connections, and locations.
The power of capital was invincible.
You can't go against money, no matter what.
Alas... it was something created by humans, yet humans are enslaved by it. This world is truly depraved.
"Are you planning to go to Ayane's place too?"
Ruri walked to the bench outside the training ground, picked up a wet towel there, wiped her face, and then suddenly asked this question. Her tone wasn't cold, but it gave off a very terrifying sense of pressure.
"...Ah, well, I guess so... because the Byakugan has many uses. Ayane has also helped me solve many research problems with her Byakugan."
Shiraishi nervously looked away.
He had thought that after Ruri had confronted him that day, the matter would simply blow over, but now that it was brought up again, Shiraishi felt a bit awkward.
Wait, why should he feel awkward?
Isn't it normal for teammates and classmates to help each other?
Shiraishi couldn't help but ask himself again.
Was he overcomplicating things?
"Is that so?"
Ruri looked up at the azure sky, then tucked a long strand of black hair behind her ear and turned to leave.
Shiraishi remained rooted to the spot, pondering.
What did 'Is that so?' mean?
Women's minds were truly hard to fathom. Both Ayane and Ruri were easy to understand in terms of personality, but sometimes their words could be inexplicably confusing.
The ancient saying, 'A woman's heart is like a needle at the bottom of the sea,' truly was an ancient proverb.
"Never mind, the most important thing now is to train with natural energy..."
◎
Here, the grass was lush green, birds chirped, and flowers bloomed, full of vibrant life.
Towering toad statues stood all around, and this was the paradise-like place—Mount Myōboku.
It was known as one of the Three Great Sage Regions of the ninja world, along with Ryūchi Cave and Shikkotsu Forest, and was also one of the birthplaces of ancient Sage Mode.
Since ancient times, countless powerful ninjas had sought out this place, hoping to train in Sage Mode. Some were buried here, becoming part of Mount Myōboku's toad statue scenery, while others successfully mastered Sage Mode and became renowned ninjas in the outside world.
However, with the advent of the Hidden Village era, although the existence of Sage Mode was still recorded in the archives of various hidden villages, it had actually become a legend in the ninja world after the passing of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and it was difficult to determine its truth.
To this day, no ninja capable of mastering Sage Mode has emerged to shine brightly in the Great Ninja Wars.
"Fukasaku-sama."
That was a human voice that shouldn't have been heard in Mount Myōboku, one of the Three Great Sage Regions.
Wearing a Konoha Jonin uniform, a Konoha ninja headband, and with two distinct red vertical marks under his eyes, he was about twenty-five or twenty-six years old, with white hair, and a vibrant confidence typical of a young man on his face.
As soon as he arrived, he greeted the toad at the entrance of the main hall, deep within the mountains where birds chirped.
This toad, waiting for him in front of the main hall, wore a gray robe, had green skin, and was only as tall as a human child, yet it exuded an extraordinary and ethereal aura, even though it was still just a toad.
"Oh, it's little Jiraiya, have you finally arrived?"
Recognizing the young human ninja who had come to greet him, a kind smile appeared on its ancient face.
This young ninja was Jiraiya, a Jonin from Konoha who had signed a summoning contract with the Three Great Sage Regions of Mount Myōboku.
He was a powerful ninja, on par with Tsunade and Orochimaru, known as one of the Sannin.
He was also a disciple of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and an excellent Konoha Jonin who had inherited the Will of Fire.
Not long ago, he had just returned to Konoha after completing his three-year mission in the Land of Rain. He was about to head to the front lines in the Land of Fire when he received a message from a messenger toad from Mount Myōboku, instructing him to come to Mount Myōboku as soon as possible.
"Um, Chief Fukasaku, what exactly happened? Why did you call me here at a time like this?"
"I apologize for calling you at such a crucial moment, but this is the Great Elder's command, and I have no choice."
Sage Fukasaku knew that a great war was currently erupting in the ninja world, and Konoha was a participant. As one of Konoha's few remaining high-level Jonin, Jiraiya naturally had to go to the front lines to fight the enemy.
Jiraiya had no intention of blaming Sage Fukasaku. As one of the two great sages of Mount Myōboku, Sage Fukasaku had personally taught him Sage Mode when he trained there… though he ultimately failed to grasp it and still had no clue about Sage Mode.
However, considering it was the legendary Sage Mode, it was bound to be difficult.
Not turning into a toad statue already meant he had surpassed many others.
"Why, isn't Lady Shima here?"
Seeing that the other sage of Mount Myōboku, Shima, was absent, Jiraiya asked.
Sage Shima was Sage Fukasaku's wife and a very powerful sage in Mount Myōboku. The two were almost always inseparable, which is why Jiraiya asked.
"She went out to buy groceries."
"I see. So, this time it's the Great Toad Sage who wants to see me, is that it?"
"I'm not entirely sure about the specifics. The Great Elder instructed me, so please come in with me."
Sage Fukasaku led the way, and Jiraiya had no choice but to follow him into the main hall.
Inside the enormous and magnificent hall, directly opposite the entrance, was an incredibly large reclining chair, where an equally incredibly large, elderly giant toad lay.
It held a large pipe in its mouth, and even with its eyes closed, feigning sleep, smoke rings continuously enveloped the hall, creating a misty, ethereal atmosphere, as if in a celestial realm.
Sage Fukasaku leaped onto the high platform beneath the Great Toad's right hand in a few bounds, clasping his hands together with a solemn expression.
Jiraiya stood before the Great Toad, looking up.
No matter when he saw it, this astonishingly large toad always looked like it had one foot in the grave, on the verge of death.
"Great Toad Sage, I have arrived."
Jiraiya called out from below.
The old toad showed no reaction, continuing to serenely puff out smoke rings.
Sage Fukasaku's solemn expression didn't last long. He sighed deeply, turned his head, and used Sage Mode chakra to amplify his voice:
"Great Elder, Jiraiya is here!"
Only then did the old toad slowly glance at Sage Fukasaku beside him, then saw Jiraiya below, and finally reacted.
"Have you brought everyone? My apologies, I almost fell asleep."
"…"
He didn't almost fall asleep; he was already asleep.
"Great Toad Sage, is there something important this time?"
The Great Toad Sage was the ruler of Mount Myōboku, possessing an incredible ability to see into the future. He had once made prophecies for him that had all come true, so Jiraiya held a sense of awe towards the Great Toad Sage.
To be able to see into the future, he felt that a true sage could be nothing more.
Especially after witnessing some events in the Land of Rain this time, his belief in the Great Toad Sage's abilities became even stronger.
"Regarding this matter, Jirai… what was your name again?"
The Great Toad Sage's sudden question made both Jiraiya and Sage Fukasaku feel awkward.
"Great Elder, this is Jiraiya. You once prophesied some things for him, our contractor from Mount Myōboku."
Sage Fukasaku reluctantly added from the side.
"Oh, oh, I remember now, it's little Jiraiya. I almost didn't recall."
Honestly, Jiraiya didn't want to believe that such a senile toad could be a so-called sage.
However, the prophecies made him unable to disbelieve.
Moreover, the Sage Mode of Mount Myōboku was real, not a fabrication.
"Little Jiraiya, this time I called you here because I have something else for you to do."
"What is it? Is it still about the Child of Prophecy?"
Jiraiya believed that only such a significant matter would warrant the Great Toad Sage personally calling him over.
"It's not directly related to the Child of Prophecy. Rather, I recently had a very strange prophetic dream…"
"A strange prophetic dream?"
"Yes, a strange one that's hard to describe."
The Great Toad Sage's tone remained largely unperturbed, with a weak, half-dead demeanor.
"And what exactly is this strangeness…"
"Accompanied by an incomparably brutal war, ninjas will disappear from the world. Death and war will engulf the entire ninja world like never before."
"!?"
Jiraiya and Sage Fukasaku were both startled.
Even the prophecy of the Child of Prophecy had never been so extreme.
Because the Child of Prophecy had two possible outcomes: one was destruction, and the other was a new era of peace.
And as long as the Child of Prophecy was properly educated and guided, the ninja world had a greater chance of heading towards peace.
But this time, the direct outcome given was one of destruction, leaving no room for choice.
"Um… 'disappear' means…"
Jiraiya couldn't accept such a sudden turn of events and showed an anxious expression.
"It means that all ninjas in the ninja world, including those in Konoha, will completely vanish from the ninja world…"
"Konoha… vanish…"
Jiraiya was already panicking.
With Konoha involved, he could no longer remain calm.
"What's the reason? Is it the Child of Prophecy…"
Jiraiya asked urgently.
Thinking of the three years he had spent in the Land of Rain, and the inheritor of the Rinnegan whom he had taken as his disciple, Jiraiya believed that he was the ninja who would bring change to the ninja world.
Because it was the Rinnegan of the Sage of Six Paths, and this was why Jiraiya increasingly believed the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
But he had spent three years, and he should have guided him well enough. Could it be… "This matter is unrelated to the Child of Prophecy."
Hearing the Great Toad Sage's words, Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief.
Thank goodness it wasn't.
"Then why exactly will this happen?"
"I don't know."
The Great Toad Sage said very bluntly.
"Huh?"
Jiraiya was dumbfounded.
Don't know?
What kind of answer was that?
"The person who will bring absolute destruction to the current ninja world is currently in Konoha. You must investigate thoroughly. I'm counting on you, little Jiraiya…"
In Konoha!?
Jiraiya's face registered shock.
What was going on? The person who would bring destruction to the ninja world was in Konoha?
Who was it?
Was there such a terrifying person in Konoha?
If so, why hadn't he noticed at all?
It must be a powerful Konoha ninja.
"Great Toad Sage, I—"
"Hmph hmph…"
Only the sweet snoring of the Great Toad Sage came from the chair.
Jiraiya, Sage Fukasaku: "…"
Was that prophecy truly not just a joke or a dream?
But then again, it seemed unlikely. If it were just an ordinary dream, the Great Toad Sage wouldn't be so bored as to call him over.
"But Konoha is so big, with so many ninjas, how am I supposed to find them…"
Jiraiya's sigh echoed in the main hall.
Besides, he was about to go to the battlefield; how could he have time for such a thing?
Furthermore, he wasn't even sure if it was a man or a woman. Trying to check them one by one would exhaust him to death.
Should he ask his teacher Sarutobi for help? Jiraiya began to plan.