I, who just wanted to be lazy, was forced to become the Hokage.

Chapter 284 Jiraiya's Life in a Flash!

woo-

Jiraiya's long white hair swept through the air with a sharp, piercing sound.

The shadow clone that was using the Shadow Binding Technique to control Jiraiya was unable to dodge in time and was connected to the white hair in the opposite direction.

Although his body was controlled by the Shadow Binding Technique, Jiraiya's chakra and mental consciousness were not controlled by anyone.

Under Jiraiya's mental manipulation, his long white hair bound the Shadow Clone together like ropes.

Whether it's the Shadow Binding Technique or the Shadow Hanging Technique.

Or perhaps the upgraded versions of [Shadow Imitation Technique], [Flat Shadow Manipulation Technique], or even [Shadow Body Manipulation Technique].

None of them are detailed enough to control the enemy's hair!

"This is a bit bad..."

The Shadow Clone tried to struggle, but the resilience of the Lion's Mane Technique far exceeded his expectations, and he secretly thought that something was wrong.

The Shadow Clone, which is transformed from the Spiral Shadow Bullet, only contains a certain amount of Yin Release chakra, and even that amount is not very sufficient.

In the case of simply using the Yin Release secret technique.

If it's a one-on-one fight without any scruples.

The Shadow Clone Technique can also utilize the Shadow Manipulation Technique or the Shadow Clone Technique's inherent "Shadow Transformation" to evade the binding of the Lion's Mane Technique, or even reverse control of Jiraiya.

However, during this sparring battle, Nara Rinkei was determined to prevent information from leaking out.

Neither the Shadow Manipulation Technique nor the Shadow Transformation ability could be exposed to Jiraiya.

Instead, they only use other shadow magic.

The Shadow Clone technique couldn't withstand the energy drain from spells like the Black Knight, making it impossible to violently break through the "Lion's Mane Technique".

Unless... instead of using the Shadow Release techniques, you use illusion techniques instead!

At such close range, the control effect of [Illusion: Lacquer Eyes] is no less than that of Shadow Technique!

[Shadow Clone] His mind raced as he devised a new battle strategy. He decisively raised his head, seeking eye contact with Jiraiya.

However, Jiraiya was also aware of the information that "the Dark Shadow is proficient in visual illusions."

The "Disordered Lion's Hair Technique" created a cascade of fluffy white hair, layered like a spider web, which blocked the gaze of the [Shadow Clone].

Jiraiya intensified the binding force of the "Wild Lion's Mane Technique," leaving the Shadow Clone helpless and forcibly "offline."

Bang!

With another slight cracking sound, the Shadow Clone was destroyed by Jiraiya's "Wild Lion's Mane Technique," and the entire figure turned into a wisp of smoke and dissipated into the air.

With the disappearance of the Shadow Clone, the previous Shadow Binding Technique also lost its effect.

Jiraiya regained his freedom.

The battle process may seem complicated, but it happens very quickly.

The Shadow Clone had originally thought it could use the Spiral Shadow Bullet to send Jiraiya away, but unexpectedly, the opponent forcibly killed the Shadow Clone in a short period of time.

"This is the first opponent to directly counter the [Spiral Shadow Mimicry] and its accompanying tactics."

[Shadow Clone] sighed inwardly.

"Jiraiya's hair-based ninjutsu is much more powerful than I imagined..."

Despite the感慨 (feelings of deep emotion), the speed at which the [Shadow Clone] attacked did not slow down in the slightest.

Almost the instant the Shadow Clone was sent away, it condensed several more Shadow Bullets and fired them at Jiraiya one after another.

[Spiral Shadow Piercing Bullet]!

Whether it's hand seal speed or ninjutsu experience, [Shadow Clone] knows he can't compare to Jiraiya.

He doesn't need to compete with Jiraiya in either of these areas.

Can't keep up with the opponent's hand seal speed?

Then just use the no-seal ninjutsu!

[Spiral Shadow Bullets] fired at Jiraiya in a flurry, each black shadow bullet aimed at a vulnerable part of his body.

But how rich was Jiraiya's combat experience?

After catching a glimpse of the dark shadow's attack out of the corner of his eye, Jiraiya decisively withdrew "Lion's Mane Technique." His thick, lush white hair acted like armor, protecting his entire body and forming a solid physical barrier.

"Ninjutsu: Needle Jizo!"

Sunlight shone on Jiraiya's long white hair, which faintly emitted a metallic silver sheen.

boom! boom! boom!

Several Spiral Shadow Piercing Bullets struck Jiraiya's hair barrier, but failed to penetrate or break it directly, only snapping off a few strands of his silver hair.

"These black bullets are incredibly powerful!"

Jiraiya was well aware of the defensive power of "Needle Jizo" and was slightly shocked.

"If it were an ordinary ninja, one shot from one of these bullets would be enough to kill him!"

[Shadow Clone] narrowed his eyes slightly and fired another [Spiral Shadow Piercing Bullet], aiming it at Jiraiya's forehead.

Jiraiya's pupils contracted slightly, and he immediately manipulated "Needle Jizo" to cover the only part of his face that was exposed, the upper half of his face.

boom!

The final [Spiral Shadow Piercing Bullet] struck Jiraiya's head, but just like before, it broke off a few strands of white hair.

[Shadow Clone] Seizing the opportunity when the opponent blocks the line of sight, release another dark shadow bullet.

【Spiral Shadow Binding Bullet】!

boom!

The black shadow bullet struck Jiraiya's long white hair once again, but unlike the previous times, it did not unleash its powerful destructive force. Instead, it transformed into shadow tentacles, restricting the opponent's body to the spot.

"The enemy has changed their attack methods!"

Even under the protection of "Ninja Art: Needle Jizo", Jiraiya could still feel the changes in the attacks he was encountering.

"I've fallen victim to the Nara clan's control technique again! Let's dispel the Needle Jizo's defenses first..."

Jiraiya cautiously loosened the defenses of "Needle Jizo" considerably, intending to search for Nara Rinka's clone in the surrounding area.

But at that moment, the exceptionally brilliant orange-red flames pierced through the gaps in the "Needle Jizo" and entered Jiraiya's eyes.

[Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation]!

The physical defense of "Ninja Art: Needle Jizo" is beyond imagination, so just use "magical attacks"!

The Shadow Clone technique releases the Spiral Shadow Binding Bullet only to temporarily restrict Jiraiya's mobility.

The real attack method is this advanced fire-style ninjutsu originating from the Uchiha clan!

Aside from the unmarked Fire Release ninjutsu that can be released through the [Nature Mask].

【Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation】is undoubtedly the fastest Fire Release ninjutsu that Nara Rinka has mastered.

Because this is a single-seal ninjutsu!

In the blink of an eye, a massive blaze of flames flew right in front of Jiraiya.

Constrained by the attack of [Spiral Shadow Binding Bullet], Jiraiya was unable to dodge as nimbly as before and could only rely on "Needle Jizo" to withstand this fire-style ninjutsu.

boom!

The Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation struck Jiraiya instantly.

The hair shield formed by "Needle Jizo" at this moment seemed to have turned into an oversized white candle.

The moment the orange-red flames came into contact with the silvery-white bristles, the former immediately ignited the latter.

The seemingly hard, iron-like white fur appeared so weak and vulnerable under the scorching of the flames. Large patches of charred marks immediately appeared on the intact silver-white protective shield, and a very pungent smell of burning spread in all directions.

Protected by the "Needle Jizo," Jiraiya had no time to worry about his hair.

Every second that I was controlled by the [Spiral Shadow Binding Bullet] felt incredibly long.

Once the controlling force weakened, Jiraiya quickly formed hand seals and skillfully unleashed the advanced Water Release technique, which had been improved by the Second Hokage.

"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"

A powerful water dragon emerged from the defensive barrier of "Needle Jizo," meeting the still-unrelenting [Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation].

When facing fire-style ninjutsu, water-style ninjutsu is always the best solution.

Supported by Jiraiya's abundant Water Release chakra, the "Water Dragon Bullet Technique" burst forth with an extremely tenacious vitality.

The massive, winding water dragon swirled back and forth in the sea of ​​fire, constantly neutralizing the power of the fire escape technique, while plumes of white steam spread and erupted in all directions and into the sky.

[Shadow Clone] Knowing that his chakra reserves were far inferior to Jiraiya's, he did not insist on competing with Jiraiya in ninjutsu.

Once the surrounding white steam had thickened to a certain degree, the Shadow Clone decisively stopped releasing the Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation. At the same time, using the steam as cover, it quickly charged towards Jiraiya.

Wind Release and Fire Release are condensed and fused within the body of the Shadow Clone to form the new Swift Release.

The [Swift Escape] technique, which already emphasizes speed enhancement, combined with the already considerable speed of [Shadow Clone], makes him move as fast as lightning.

On the other side, Jiraiya had just stopped releasing "Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique" and withdrew his "Needle Jizo" defense, looking at his long white hair, which was scorched and mottled, with heartache.

Suddenly, he heard a terrifying, high-speed movement sound.

At the same time, an increasingly obvious sense of crisis was rapidly approaching from the front.

"not good!"

Jiraiya stared wide-eyed at the thick steam ahead, where a black figure was growing larger and larger within the white steam, moving so fast that no one could react in time.

In the blink of an eye.

[Shadow Clone] rushed in front of Jiraiya, raised his right fist, and unleashed a torrent of chakra that surged violently toward his opponent.

[Strange Power]!

The urgency of time and the limitation of chakra prevented the Shadow Clone from gathering Boil Release chakra within its body to enhance the power of this straight punch attack.

Even so, with the already incredibly fast speed of the Shadow Clone Technique...

The impact force and attack effect of [Super Strength] have been greatly increased.

The simplest [Super Strength] deals the most basic damage.

Bang—crack!

The moment Nara Rinka's fist made contact with Jiraiya's abdomen, an extremely muffled sound erupted from the thick steam, followed by a very clear cracking sound.

Jiraiya felt a sharp pain in his abdomen. His eyes bulged, and he spat out a mouthful of scarlet blood. Memories from his childhood flashed through his mind.

From becoming an apprentice in childhood and forming a team, to participating in World War II and becoming one of the Three Legendary Ninjas, and then following the prophecy and wandering the ninja world...

"Is my life really over...?"

A series of memories flashed before Jiraiya's eyes like a revolving lantern.

"The power of that punch...it's like Tsunade's..."

As Jiraiya's last thought flashed through his mind, the scene before him blurred.

A whistling wind reached his ears, and Nara Rinka's figure, along with the thick, billowing steam, quickly receded from him.

It looks just like a prawn that has just been fried in oil.

Jiraiya's body arched violently, and he flew backward at lightning speed like a meteor until he was out of the range of water vapor, without slowing down in the slightest.

[Shadow Clone] worried that the attack damage was insufficient, so it immediately activated [Swift Release] chakra and continued to chase after Jiraiya.

With the boost from the Swift Release chakra, the speed of the Shadow Clone Technique even surpasses that of Jiraiya by a significant margin.

In just a few breaths.

The Shadow Clone technique caught up with Jiraiya, who was flying backward.

He raised his right hand, intending to use the last bit of chakra to finish off the damage.

But just then...

Bang!

The Shadow Clone Technique exploded into a cloud of smoke, and the attack did not land on Jiraiya, whose eyes were closed.

[You have defeated the A-rank ninja combat objective!]

You have obtained an A-rank [Ninja Scroll]!

"No way, the Toad Sage?"

Nara Rinka glanced at the message notification on the panel, deactivated the Shadow Clone Technique, and dispelled the Camouflage Concealment, revealing his figure in the gradually dissipating white steam.

"You haven't unleashed your full power yet, you haven't activated Sage Mode!"

"I also hope you can reach your strongest toad fusion form, and maybe even level up your battle missions!"

"You just lay there like that?"

"I only threw one punch!"

This is the first update of yesterday.

I'll post the second update tomorrow...

Including previous debts, there should still be [4] chapters owed.

(End of this chapter)