For most ninjas, Jiraiya's Wild Lion's Mane would have been an inescapable trap. But for Saigoji Youmu, it was barely a threat.
Just as Jiraiya's silver-white hair reached beneath him, an ice layer appeared out of nowhere, forming a floating platform under Saigoji Youmu's feet.
At the same time, the freezing cold encased Jiraiya's hair, neutralizing the attack instantly.
"This...!"
Orochimaru and Tsunade, who had been watching from the sidelines, both widened their eyes in shock.
They had expected Saigoji Youmu to escape, but not this easily. The way he effortlessly avoided the attack was a stark contrast to how Jiraiya had struggled earlier.
In just one move, the gap between their strength had become apparent.
Snap.
Standing on the ice platform, Saigoji Youmu snapped his fingers.
Immediately, a dense concentration of ice chakra gathered above him.
For a brief moment, the sky itself seemed to darken.
Then—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Massive ice spheres, each nearly two meters in diameter, formed in the air. There were at least a dozen of them.
"Be careful."
Saigoji Youmu's voice was calm, almost casual.
Then—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
The gigantic ice balls came crashing down at high speed, aiming directly at Jiraiya.
"Damn it!"
With no time to think, Jiraiya moved at high speed, weaving between the falling ice.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The battlefield was completely destroyed, with craters and ice shards covering the ground.
When the dust settled—
Jiraiya was crouching on the ground, panting heavily.
Behind him, a sharp icicle extended from one of the ice balls, its tip just inches from his heart.
One step further… and he would have died.
"You brat…"
Jiraiya looked up at Saigoji Youmu, who still stood calmly on his ice platform. His expression was a mix of frustration and admiration.
"Are you trying to kill me with a move like that?"
Despite his complaint, he knew the truth—Saigoji Youmu had held back.
If he had gone all out, Jiraiya wouldn't just be panting right now.
"Heh."
Saigoji Youmu landed lightly on the ground and walked toward Jiraiya.
"I don't believe the Third Hokage's apprentice would be so fragile."
As the battle ended, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Konan approached.
"Youmu-kun," Orochimaru said, his golden eyes gleaming with intrigue, "I believe you're the first person to control Ice Release to this extent."
"Even the ancestors of the Yuki Clan couldn't compare."
"I agree." Tsunade nodded, still in shock.
The battle had been a display of absolute control and power. If they had been in Jiraiya's position, they wouldn't have fared any better.
"Hee hee."
Konan, who had watched the fight closely, stared at Saigoji Youmu with admiration in her eyes.
"As expected, Brother Youmu is the strongest!"
Saigoji Youmu crossed his arms.
"Well, Jiraiya… are you satisfied with my strength?"
Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly.
"Uh… so you knew I was testing you?"
Saigoji Youmu smirked.
"I figured as much. And honestly, I wanted to know my own level too."
Having been in the ninja world for only so long, he had never encountered a true challenge. But now, he had a better understanding of his standing in this world.
Jiraiya sighed.
"Haha… I won't lie, I wasn't just satisfied—I was shocked!"
Tsunade grinned.
"It seems I made the right choice after all."
She laughed smugly, clearly proud of her decision.
Saigoji Youmu shook his head with a small smile.
"Then… I'll leave Konan's training to you."
Though Jiraiya was better at training apprentices, Konan's ability relied on precise chakra control, and in that regard, Tsunade was the best teacher among the Sannin.
"Don't worry!"
Tsunade thumped her chest confidently.
"I'll make Konan into a powerful kunoichi!"
Back to Business
Suddenly—
Orochimaru's voice cut through the moment.
"Alright, enough playing around."
His tone was flat but firm.
"It's time to focus on the real mission."
At his words, the lighthearted atmosphere faded.
Jiraiya and Tsunade's expressions darkened.
The battle was over.
Now, it was time to face reality.