"Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha. What are you doing in the Land of Hot Water, instead of staying at the border?"
Looking at Jiraiya and the others who had come to their aid, the Fourth Raikage's expression darkened slightly.
After the previous intense battle, even the Fourth Raikage's condition had weakened somewhat. Facing Guy, who had opened the Seventh Gate, he had to be on high alert.
"Fourth Raikage, your Cloud Village made such a huge commotion this time, how could we not have noticed? Like the saying goes, 'the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.' Orochimaru is more than enough to handle things at the border. I originally thought you were plotting some grand scheme, but it turns out you were only targeting four youngsters from my Konoha! After today's battle, I'm sure their names will soon be known throughout the ninja world!"
Facing the intense killing intent radiating from the Fourth Raikage, Jiraiya showed no sign of backing down. He stood directly in front of Tatsuya and the other three, his voice calm. When he wasn't being silly or goofy, Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, possessed a commanding presence that inspired confidence.
"Hmph! It's good that you're here. Today, I'll just take you all down in one fell swoop!"
The Fourth Raikage's lightning chakra surged again, his voice laced with intense killing intent.
"Boss, now is not the time to clash with them head-on."
Just as the Fourth Raikage was about to make a move, C spoke up beside him, advising caution.
"Hmm?"
The Fourth Raikage's gaze shifted, his tone displeased.
"Boss, everyone here has sustained injuries to some degree, and our stamina is depleted. There are also many skilled ninjas among the Konoha ninjas. Clashing head-on with them would be to our disadvantage..."
Under the Fourth Raikage's gaze, C quickly explained.
Hearing C's words, the Fourth Raikage's gaze swept over the assembled Cloud ninjas.
As C had said, in the previous battle to surround Anbu Team Eleven, the Cloud ninjas had suffered significant losses. Even key Jonin like Darui and Samui were injured.
On the other side, Jiraiya, Hiashi Hyuga, and the other Konoha ninjas who had just arrived were all in good condition. Although they were outnumbered, if a real fight broke out, the Cloud Village would likely suffer even greater casualties.
Moreover, the Cloud Village's primary objective this time was to eliminate the threat of Anbu Team Eleven.
In the current situation, that objective was clearly unattainable.
Since their true objective couldn't be achieved, there was no need to engage in a life-or-death struggle with Jiraiya and the others.
However, the Cloud Village had mobilized so many forces for this operation, only to end up with nothing. How could the Fourth Raikage be willing to accept that?
For a moment, the two sides on the battlefield were locked in a stalemate.
Seeing the Fourth Raikage's expression constantly shifting, Jiraiya was on high alert.
Glancing at the devastated valley, Jiraiya was also shocked by the scale of the destruction caused by the four members of Anbu Team Eleven.
"Boss, with Jiraiya and the others appearing here, our defensive line has likely been breached by Konoha!"
During the stalemate, Darui and Samui also approached the Fourth Raikage. Darui spoke in a low voice.
"Withdraw!"
Hearing this, the Fourth Raikage's pupils constricted slightly. Although he was extremely unwilling, he still decisively ordered the Cloud ninjas to retreat.
As for the small amount of supplies originally stored in the valley, they had basically all been destroyed in the previous fighting, and there was no need to retrieve them.
"Let's go!"
Seeing the Cloud ninjas decisively retreat, Jiraiya didn't pursue. He waved his hand, ordering several ninjas to carry the severely injured members of Anbu Team Eleven, and then the group quickly departed.
"Hehe, you guys really made the Cloud suffer this time. It seems the old man's teachings over the years have been quite effective, nurturing talents like you for the village. After today, the reputation of your Anbu Team Eleven will surely spread throughout the ninja world..."
As they traveled swiftly, Jiraiya chuckled, speaking to the four members of Anbu Team Eleven who were being carried.
According to the intelligence gathered by the Anbu, the four members of Anbu Team Eleven had held out for at least half an hour under the Cloud's siege.
Don't underestimate this half-hour. This was under a siege led by the Fourth Raikage himself, along with a group of elite Cloud ninjas, even including the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, Yugito.
It could be said that, apart from the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, and others in the border region, the entire Cloud Village had mobilized its elite forces.
Such a powerful lineup, with the element of surprise, had still failed to quickly take down Kakashi and the others. This performance truly exceeded Jiraiya's expectations.
For four such outstanding talents to emerge all at once among Konoha's younger generation, how could Jiraiya, who always had the village's safety at heart, not be delighted?
Hearing this, Tatsuya couldn't help but purse his lips.
He would remember what happened today.
Rather than becoming famous throughout the ninja world, Tatsuya was more concerned with who had given the order for their previous mission!
Among the accompanying group, the older generation of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio also looked at the four with expressions of gratification.
"Hehe! Kid, well done!"
In particular, Chōza Akimichi slapped Tatsuya heavily on the shoulder, nearly knocking him out.
Nearby, Hiashi Hyuga's gaze lingered on Shisui and Tatsuya, his expression complex. Compared to Shisui and Tatsuya, the younger generation of the Hyuga clan was far inferior.
Hearing Jiraiya and Chōza's words, Kakashi also smiled wryly. The difficulty of this battle had also exceeded their expectations. During the fight, he had thought they wouldn't be able to leave alive. They would rather not have the reputation gained from such a perilous situation.
Of the four, Guy and Kakashi had already lost consciousness due to their severe injuries. Shisui could only be carried, too weak to walk.
"Jiraiya-sama, how did you suddenly appear here?"
Glancing at Jiraiya and the surrounding Konoha ninjas, Kakashi couldn't help but ask.
Hearing this, Tatsuya also turned his gaze to Jiraiya.
He also had doubts about this.
Since they had been given this almost suicidal mission, why would they go to such great lengths to send reinforcements?
"Heh, it was Orochimaru. After analyzing the intelligence intercepted by the Anbu, he sensed something was wrong, and deduced that this was a trap targeting you. That's why he discussed it with me, and I split my forces to come and support you!"
Hearing Kakashi's question, Jiraiya's face showed a hint of hesitation. He paused for a few seconds before speaking.
It was him!
Tatsuya was slightly surprised.
Nearby, Kakashi's expression also turned a bit strange.
When the four members of Anbu Team Eleven had first arrived at the front lines, Orochimaru had given them a not-so-subtle display of power. They had thought their relationship was somewhat delicate, but in the end, it was he who had saved the four members of Anbu Team Eleven.
"Thank you very much, Jiraiya-sama, and all the seniors!"
After a few seconds of silence, Kakashi, on behalf of the four members of Anbu Team Eleven, expressed his gratitude to Jiraiya and the others.
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