Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 385 Tsunade's Sorrow

This battle was exceptionally fierce, yet fleeting like a shooting star. Jiraiya was undoubtedly a rare powerhouse in the ninja world, excelling in both taijutsu and ninjutsu. However, when he encountered the Six Paths of Pain, who was completely unprepared and fighting with all his might, he immediately found himself at a disadvantage. From the very beginning of the battle, Jiraiya was on the defensive, constantly being attacked.

Jiraiya used his summoning jutsu to summon a giant toad. Unfortunately, the toad was quickly suppressed by the Animal Path. Next, Jiraiya attempted to use ninjutsu, but found it easily absorbed and suppressed by the Preta Path. Furthermore, the six Paths of Pain shared vision through a special ability, allowing them to easily counter Jiraiya's attacks and react swiftly. This comprehensive suppression put Jiraiya under unprecedented pressure, leaving him with almost no opportunity to break through.

Despite Jiraiya's best efforts to change the situation, he ultimately could not escape defeat. In this brutal battle, Jiraiya had to admit that he had encountered an insurmountable opponent.

Faced with the Six Paths of Pain, who possess both offense and defense, only defeat is possible unless a powerful attack can break through their abilities. Even when Jiraiya used his still-developing Sage Mode from Mount Myōboku, his attack power was not strong enough to overcome the defensive limits of the Six Paths of Pain.

Faced with the Rinnegan, which possesses the strongest eye technique in the ninja world, Jiraiya could only suffer a crushing defeat. However, Jiraiya lived up to his reputation as a top-tier ninja. After his ninjutsu and taijutsu proved ineffective, he immediately changed his strategy and used two toads at Mount Myōboku who were proficient in Sage Mode—Fukasaku and Shima.

It's important to know that Fukasaku and Shima are the two great sages of Mount Myōboku. They are not only high-ranking members of Mount Myōboku but also trusted confidants of the Great Toad Sage. These two sages are renowned for their powerful Sage Chakra and profound wisdom. Their primary responsibility is to select those who wish to train at Mount Myōboku and to teach them the Sage Mode and the ability to form contracts with toads through rigorous training trials. Fukasaku and Shima, with their superb Sage techniques and extensive knowledge, assisted Jiraiya in his training and battles, making them indispensable figures in Mount Myōboku.

With the help of the two Toad Sages, Jiraiya finally unleashed a powerful genjutsu, but this couldn't reverse his injuries; his power was steadily dwindling. Even so, he resolutely faced the enemy, determined to protect the villagers. With a deafening roar, Jiraiya's genjutsu finally defeated one of the Six Paths of Pain, but he himself was severely wounded and collapsed to the ground. He gasped for breath, his heart filled with doubt and unease. He realized that the Six Paths of Pain's strength far exceeded his expectations, and that they seemed to possess some secret that could impact the entire world. To obtain more accurate information, Jiraiya decided to risk staying behind to continue observing the Six Paths of Pain's actions. Although he knew this was extremely dangerous, he didn't want Konoha to engage in battle with the Six Paths of Pain unprepared, which would result in heavy casualties for the village. Therefore, Jiraiya resolutely remained where he was, awaiting further information. However, his condition worsened; blood gushed from his wounds, and he felt his life slowly slipping away. But he persisted, hoping to buy more time for Konoha. Finally, Jiraiya confirmed the secret of Pain and relayed this crucial information back to Konoha. He knew his sacrifice would ensure Konoha's safety, and his name would be forever etched in history. Meanwhile, Fukasaku, carrying the information, successfully escaped using a reverse summoning technique, bringing Jiraiya's intelligence back to Konoha. This intelligence would become a key force in Konoha's fight against Pain, enabling them to defend their homeland.

The battle ended with Jiraiya's death. However, Nagato, hidden behind the scenes, was filled with inner conflict and struggle. Despite his deep affection for Jiraiya, he had to face reality in this fierce battle. If Pain had truly unleashed his full power, Jiraiya would have had no chance of winning, and might not even have been able to defeat any one of them.

Nagato knew that this was not a fight based on personal grudges, but a life-or-death struggle based on differences in their beliefs. He firmly believed in his own ideals, that peace could only be achieved through suffering. This belief put him in a dilemma when facing Jiraiya. Although he grieved for Jiraiya's death, he also understood that they were on opposing sides.

This battle made Nagato realize that even when facing his former mentors and friends, he must steadfastly pursue his goals. He understood that achieving so-called "peace" sometimes requires paying a heavy price. However, was that price truly worth it? Nagato couldn't help but fall into deep thought. But upon seeing Yahiko, who had been transformed into Pain by the Rinnegan, his somewhat wavering heart became incredibly resolute once again.

This was Yahiko's only belief before his death, and Nagato, who inherited Yahiko's belief, would surely lead the ninja world towards true peace. Only those arrogant great ninja villages, having experienced the pain of becoming battlefields, would truly understand the importance of peace. Coupled with his immense power after acquiring the nine tailed beasts as a deterrent, it is believed that the major ninja villages of the ninja world will indeed truly move towards peace.

Inside the Hokage Building in Konoha Village, Tsunade sat quietly behind her desk, her brow furrowed, a hint of anxiety and unease on her face. A nameless restlessness simmered within her, preventing her from finding peace. This feeling had persisted for several days, but it was particularly intense today.

Tsunade knew this unease wasn't unfounded. Ever since Jiraiya left the village to investigate the Akatsuki, she had been worried about his safety. Although she had complete confidence in Jiraiya's abilities, anything could happen when facing such a powerful and mysterious enemy as the Akatsuki.

However, despite her deep concern, Tsunade chose to trust Jiraiya's abilities. After all, Jiraiya was one of Konoha's legendary ninjas, possessing top-tier experience, wisdom, and combat skills. Even against a formidable enemy, he should be able to handle the situation with ease. Moreover, Jiraiya was not an impulsive person; he would make wise decisions based on the circumstances. If the situation turned unfavorable, he would certainly find a way to escape and would not take unnecessary risks.

Thinking of this, Tsunade felt a little relieved. She took a deep breath and told herself to stay calm. She firmly believed that Jiraiya would return safely.

Just as Tsunade was about to calm herself and continue working, her gaze was drawn to a summoning scroll on her desk. This scroll was left to her by Jiraiya; he had told her that in case of emergency, she could use it to contact Mount Myōboku. Suddenly, the scroll emitted a slight vibration, followed by a "pop" as puffs of smoke appeared, and a small toad materialized on the desk. This toad was none other than Fukasaku, the Toad Sage from Mount Myōboku. Its appearance made Tsunade's heart tighten, realizing that something important might have happened.

Fukasaku, the toad, arrived at the Hokage's office via a temporary summoning scroll left by Jiraiya for Tsunade. He was prepared to inform Tsunade of Jiraiya's situation and the intelligence he had gathered about the Akatsuki organization as soon as possible. He needed to ensure Konoha was informed immediately so they could prepare to confront Pain. The intelligence Jiraiya had gathered at the cost of his life was solely for Konoha's defense against the Akatsuki's actions.

"Tsunade, Jiraiya is dead!" Fukasaku said gravely, his voice filled with grief and helplessness. These words struck Tsunade like a bolt from the blue, plunging her into endless anguish.

Tsunade had clung to a sliver of hope that Jiraiya would return safely. However, Fukasaku's words shattered her last illusion, plunging her into despair. She couldn't accept this cruel reality; tears welled in her eyes, and her lips trembled slightly.

For Tsunade, Jiraiya was more than just a comrade; he was like family. They had fought countless battles together and weathered many difficult times together. Now, Jiraiya's departure has left Tsunade feeling incredibly lonely and helpless.

Tsunade stood there, stunned, Jiraiya's image constantly flashing through her mind. She remembered the words Jiraiya had once spoken to her, and the time they had spent together. These memories tore at her heart, causing her unbearable pain.

Fukasaku, the toad, looked at Tsunade, his heart filled with sorrow. He knew the deep bond between Tsunade and Jiraiya, and understood her feelings at this moment. But he had to tell Tsunade the truth, because it was the reality she, as Hokage, had to face.

"Cheer up, Tsunade! Now is not the time for grief. Don't let Jiraiya's sacrifice be in vain!" Fukasaku, the toad, shouted, seeing Tsunade's dazed expression. His voice struck Tsunade's heart like a heavy hammer. She raised her head, her eyes filled with pain and self-reproach, but also with unwavering determination.

Fukasaku the toad continued, "Jiraiya's death is not the end, but a new beginning. We must inherit his will, protect Konoha Village, and safeguard peace. This has always been Jiraiya's wish."

Tsunade listened silently, tears streaming down her face, but her expression gradually hardened. She took a deep breath and said, "I understand, Lady Fukasaku. I will not cry anymore. I will be strong, and for Jiraiya, for Konoha, I will fight to the very end!"

After saying this, Tsunade stood up, clenching her fists tightly, her eyes shining with determination. She decided to no longer wallow in grief, but to use her own power to avenge Jiraiya and fight for the future of Konoha.