Just as Jiraiya was about to step into the torii-style spatial gate, he suddenly froze in place.
Due to the abundant natural energy and the unique properties of the alternate dimension, Mount Myōboku—normally a serene, otherworldly paradise—began to tremble slightly. Though the shaking was faint, not even qualifying as an earthquake, Jiraiya immediately sensed that something was amiss.
"What's going on?!"
Suddenly, two figures leapt to Jiraiya's side. Fukasaku, his brows furrowed deeply, spoke urgently:
"Someone in the ninja world is influencing the entire alternate dimension of Mount Myōboku. Jiraiya, quickly follow us outside and investigate. Mount Myōboku is of utmost importance—it cannot be compromised."
As a member of Mount Myōboku, Jiraiya didn't hesitate to step out of the spatial gate alongside the two Great Elder Toads. However, the sight that greeted them outside left him stunned.
A deep crimson hue filled their vision, overlaid with dense, indistinct black patterns. This was the advanced version of the Four Crimson Yang Formation, refined by the strongest warriors of the Vast Ocean Realm—a pinnacle ki-based sealing technique known as 'Sealing Heaven, Locking Earth'.
This barrier not only isolated entry and exit but also incorporated numerous sealing techniques capable of immobilizing space itself. It was currently the most advanced sealing technique developed in the Vast Ocean Realm.
And today, this sealing technique would shine brilliantly, completely annihilating the deepest-hidden enemies of the Vast Ocean Realm.
But this wasn't what shocked Jiraiya and the two toads the most.
At this moment, Uchiha Madara stood with both hands raised high, generating a powerful suction force that created a violent storm swirling around him.
"This technique… it's Universal Pull!" Jiraiya exclaimed in shock.
But what exactly was Madara pulling? The phenomenon unfolding before them was extraordinary—even when Jiraiya himself used Universal Pull, it lasted only a few seconds at most.
Unlike Jiraiya, who was mortal and short-lived, the two Great Elder Toads were centuries-old toad spirits. After a few quick observations, they immediately understood what Madara was attempting.
Exchanging glances, Fukasaku swiftly returned to Mount Myōboku.
Shima, her voice grave, addressed Jiraiya:
"Little Jiraiya, you must stop Uchiha Madara! He's trying to drag Mount Myōboku, hidden within the void, back into the real world and merge it with the ninja realm.
I need to return immediately to assist the Great Sage in relocating Mount Myōboku's coordinates. From this point on, it's all up to you, little Jiraiya.
Please hold on until after Mount Myōboku's transfer—we'll summon you back immediately using Reverse Summoning."
Jiraiya quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. Instantly entering Sage Mode, he activated his Rinnegan to its fullest potential.
"Leave it to me!"
Shima nodded solemnly, then leapt back into Mount Myōboku.
"Universal Pull!" Jiraiya unleashed the same technique, attempting to disrupt Madara's spellcasting.
Though he knew he couldn't defeat Madara, his goal was to buy time for Mount Myōboku to react.
However, a massive purple figure now stood immovably before Madara.
"Susanoo!"
Though far inferior to Madara's Susanoo, it was still no trivial matter. Half of its body had already reached its complete form, but Jiraiya had no time to dwell on this detail.
"Don't interfere! Sage Art: Great Rasengan!" Jiraiya roared, charging forward with a fierce assault.
Uchiha Izuna, unfazed, glanced at Jiraiya and responded coolly:
"Those are my words—don't interfere."
Since Jiraiya was specifically targeted by his beloved brother, Izuna didn't wish to engage directly. Instead, he summoned his own Susanoo artifact—a colossal shield.
The deafening, ferocious impact reverberated across the land, yet Izuna's Susanoo remained completely unscathed.
This shield was the same type wielded by Uchiha Itachi—the legendary Yata Mirror, said to reflect all ninjutsu.
Though somewhat exaggerated, it was undeniable that Jiraiya couldn't break through it.
Every technique had its weakness. While Susanoo boasted devastating power, its agility was lacking.
Jiraiya immediately employed Shadow Clone Technique, intending to distract and restrain Izuna, thereby preventing Madara from continuing his efforts.
A disdainful smirk crossed Izuna's lips. Shadow Clone Technique—how nostalgic. After all, it was originally developed by the inherently evil Tobirama Senju specifically to counter the Uchiha clan.
If Madara and Hashirama represented raw power, then Izuna's counterpart was Tobirama, who excelled in intellect.
If Tobirama could devise techniques to counter the Uchiha, then Izuna could certainly develop countermeasures against those techniques.
This was no longer the era of ninjas, and hand seals had long become obsolete.
With a sudden roar, Izuna unleashed a powerful sonic wave that scattered in all directions, kicking up a violent cloud of dust.
"Lion-Tiger Shattering Roar!"
Shadow Clone Technique was indeed difficult to distinguish between real and fake, and the clones could attack alongside the user. However, the technique had a critical flaw: if the clones sustained significant damage, they would instantly dissipate, returning as memories to the caster's mind.
Capitalizing on this weakness, Izuna had developed this sonic-wave attack—completely without blind spots and packing considerable damage. Though not lethal, it was more than sufficient to deal with Shadow Clone Technique.
In less than 0.1 seconds, Jiraiya's true form was exposed.
To Jiraiya's disbelief, Izuna's Susanoo delivered a crushing punch that sent him flying, increasing the distance between him and Madara.
Even with the Rinnegan, Jiraiya was still fragile. Coughing up blood, he realized two of his ribs were broken. Grimacing, he hastily applied medical ninjutsu to heal himself.
However, Jiraiya's tactical acumen was not to be underestimated. Since using Shadow Clones to close in hadn't worked, he decided to summon modified summons to help restrain Izuna.
"Animal Path: Summoning Technique!"
Biting his thumb, Jiraiya drew blood on both hands and slammed them onto the ground.
But the anticipated cloud of smoke did not appear, causing Jiraiya's expression to darken.
"What's going on?!"
At this moment, Izuna slowly approached, his tone mocking:
"Fool. Knowing that you might use summoning techniques to escape or summon beasts to aid you in battle, how could I not seal it beforehand?"
Jiraiya seemed to understand. Hastily tearing open his shirt, he revealed strange black markings etched onto his right arm.
"Contract Seal."
Jiraiya's face darkened. He hadn't expected one of his trump cards to be sealed so early in the fight.
Reflecting further on the techniques he could still use, Jiraiya's expression grew grim. Whether it was the abilities granted by the Rinnegan or the ninjutsu he had mastered, none seemed applicable now.
But soon, Jiraiya's eyes hardened with resolve.
"There's only one option left."
Bringing his hands together, Jiraiya began preparing a powerful technique. Izuna, unbothered, watched with interest from over ten meters away, eager to see what Jiraiya would unleash.
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