On the opposite side, while Jiraiya was using his ninjutsu, Saigoji Youmu was also making his move. The powerful ice elements gathered, condensing into an ice crystal sword in his hand.
"Let me see how strong you were in your youth." Saigoji Youmu gripped the sword tightly and swung it a few times.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Blue shadows flashed through the air, slicing toward the incoming Fire Style: Flame Bullet.
Boom!
The fireball exploded, turning into scattered embers, but the heavy rain quickly extinguished them. In contrast, the blue shadows barely lost any momentum. Their size only shrank slightly before they continued their path toward Jiraiya.
"What?"
Jiraiya's eyes widened in surprise. Seeing how easily Saigoji Youmu's attack neutralized his fire jutsu, he quickly dodged sideways.
Clap! Clap!
The blue shadows struck the ground behind him, producing crisp, sharp sounds.
Orochimaru and Tsunade, who were watching from a distance, tilted their heads slightly and glanced at the impact site.
The ground was now covered with a thick layer of frost.
"Hah… I thought it was sword energy."
The two let out a small sigh of relief. From a distance, the blue shadows had looked like something even more dangerous—legendary sword energy.
They had once heard Sarutobi Hiruzen mention it. Before ninjas became dominant, the masters of the battlefield were samurai. It was said that the strongest warriors could slash with such skill that their sword energy could cut through enemies from a distance. Its power was comparable to ninjutsu.
But as ninjas rose, samurai declined. The art of sword energy faded into legend. Even in the Land of Iron, it was rumored that no one could reach that level anymore.
If Saigoji Youmu, at his young age, had such sword skills—it would be terrifying.
The Battle Heats Up
On the battlefield, Jiraiya's expression grew more serious. Even though they had exchanged only one round, he could already feel the pressure from Saigoji Youmu.
Therefore, he didn't dare to attack recklessly. Instead, he chose to observe.
"In that case, I'll make the first move."
Saigoji Youmu pointed his sword toward Jiraiya's feet. Seeing Jiraiya hesitate, he decided to take the initiative.
Boom!
A thick icicle suddenly burst from the ground, aiming straight for Jiraiya's abdomen.
At the same time, Saigoji Youmu vanished.
But Jiraiya was no amateur—he had already moved by the time the attack came. The icicle stabbed into empty air, failing to strike its intended target.
However, Saigoji Youmu never expected it to hit.
He had simply created an opening.
And that short moment of Jiraiya dodging…
Was all he needed.
As soon as Jiraiya regained his footing—
Saigoji Youmu appeared in front of him.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
The ice sword blurred as Saigoji Youmu unleashed a flurry of attacks, striking at Jiraiya from all angles.
His attacks were fierce, fast, and precise—forcing Jiraiya into a panic.
"Ninja Art: Needle Jizō!"
Desperate, Jiraiya activated his defensive technique.
Silver-white hair rapidly grew, hardening into a steel-like defense that wrapped around him.
Clang!
The ice sword struck Jiraiya's reinforced hair, producing the sound of metal colliding.
Taking advantage of this moment—
"Ninja Art: Needle Hell!"
A portion of Jiraiya's long silver hair suddenly shot forward like sharp arrows, aiming at Saigoji Youmu.
Tread.
Saigoji Youmu lightly tapped the ground and flipped backward, avoiding the attack.
Jiraiya's defensive counterattack was sharp—Saigoji Youmu knew he had to avoid direct confrontation for now.
"Good chance!"
Seeing Saigoji Youmu in mid-air, Jiraiya's eyes lit up.
"Ninja Art: Wild Lion's Mane!"
Taking advantage of Saigoji Youmu's airborne state, Jiraiya launched his next attack.
Whoosh!
Silver-white hair expanded rapidly, twisting into the shape of a lion's head. It shot toward Saigoji Youmu, aiming to trap him from all directions.
Saigoji Youmu exhaled softly.
"As expected, the powerhouses from the original story aren't to be underestimated."
Jiraiya was truly a disciple of Sarutobi Hiruzen and one of the Legendary Sannin.
His judgment, timing, and execution of ninjutsu were all flawless.
For an ordinary ninja, facing Jiraiya's attacks would mean certain defeat.
But Saigoji Youmu…
Was far from ordinary.