Sunny and cheerful Konoha Genin

At this moment, the Rain Kingdom is far away from the battle lines between the Fire Kingdom and the Wind Kingdom.

The heavy rain is still falling.

And three small figures are releasing their respective ninjutsu in the rain!

"Water escape·Water chaos!"

"Wind Release: Gale Wind Palm!"

"Paper Style: Paper Shuriken!"

Bang bang bang!

A series of explosive waves exploded.

Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan were in three different positions, looking ahead nervously.

Finally, they heard the sound of "bang"!

"Success!" Yahiko cheered excitedly.

Nagato and Konan also showed joy on their faces.

Today is of special significance to them because it is the assessment day set by Jiraiya for them.

Their goal is to defeat Jiraiya's clone, a task that is fraught with challenges but also represents an opportunity for growth and improvement.

Even though he was facing only Jiraiya's clone, its strength should not be underestimated. Even ordinary jonin would find it difficult to defeat it!

clap clap clap!

Accompanied by applause, Jiraiya slowly emerged from the rain, a bright smile on his face and his eyes revealed his admiration and satisfaction with the three people.

"That's amazing!" Jiraiya exclaimed sincerely.

Being able to defeat their own clones, the strength of these three little guys is already very good!

Originally, he only planned to stay for a short while, but before he knew it, he had stayed for such a long time...

In addition to Nagato, the talents displayed by Yahiko and Konan were also unexpectedly excellent.

Of course, without the filter of the Rinnegan, Nagato's progress is a bit disappointing...

But Jiraiya could understand this very well.

Because Nagato's Rinnegan is in a state where it cannot be closed.

He didn't know much about this, but he knew that an inability to close the Rinnegan would place a great burden on the body.

This could also explain why Nagato always looked weak and malnourished.

However, under Jiraiya's careful care, especially the endless supply of food from the Kusagakure Village, Nagato's originally frail body gradually recovered to a healthy state.

Not only that, the Akatsuki organization founded by Yahiko has attracted many like-minded ninjas to join because of its philosophy, and is becoming increasingly larger.

This new organization even caught Hanzo's attention.

At this moment, Jiraiya knew that it was time for him to leave.

"Teacher Jiraiya!" Yahiko came running over excitedly: "What do you think of our performance in the battle just now?"

"Very good!" Jiraiya laughed loudly, revealing a row of white teeth, and at the same time gave a thumbs up generously to show encouragement.

His eyes swept over the smiling Konan, the still-gasping Nagato, and finally stopped on the excited Yahiko.

These days, he watched these children gradually grow into reliable ninjas. Although they were still nominally Orochimaru's disciples, Jiraiya already regarded them as his own disciples.

"Now you have grown into excellent ninjas who can stand on your own."

"The road ahead will depend on you to forge ahead."

"Ah?" The excitement on Yahiko's face slowly receded like the tide. He seemed to realize something important, but couldn't figure out exactly what it was.

Nagato and Konan on the side also felt the change in Yahiko. Their originally high spirits seemed to be suppressed by an invisible hand and gradually became depressed.

At this moment, the sound of rain around seemed to become louder and louder, and the sound of raindrops intertwined together, making the whole atmosphere more dull and quiet.

The rain fell heavily, soaking their clothes, but no one cared.

Every drop of rain seemed to be knocking at their hearts, making people feel heavy.

Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan stood silently in the rain, slowly revealing sadness.

At this time, Jiraiya sighed softly, breaking the silence.

"Don't make that expression. It's not like I'm never coming back."

Although his tone was casual, there was a barely perceptible reluctance in his eyes.

Zilai is also a free and easy person. He never likes to be too fussy at the time of parting.

However, if I say that I have no feelings at all when facing the disciples with whom I have been for a long time, that would be deceiving myself.

He raised his head, looked up at the gloomy sky, and let the cold rain slide down his cheeks.

The rain brought a hint of coolness, which calmed his mood a little.

Separation is an inevitable part of life. No matter how reluctant you are, you must face it calmly.

Besides, he has been here long enough.

If I hadn't seen Nagato's Rinnegan, I would have thought of the Child of Prophecy.

He simply wouldn't stay that long.

You know, there is a war going on between Konoha and Sand Village, and countless familiar companions are dying.

Thinking of this, Jiraiya felt even more depressed.

What will the future of the ninja world be like?

Is what I am doing now correct?

These questions still bother him now, making it impossible for him to find clear answers.

However, despite being full of doubts in his heart, Jiraiya still made his own choice.

Maybe there will be changes in the future, but no matter what, he will not regret it.

"I'm leaving." Jiraiya said softly, then turned around and walked towards the distance without hesitation.

Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato stood quietly, following Jiraiya's receding figure.

They didn't say anything, just watched silently, the memories of these days flashing through their minds like a revolving lantern.

Finally, Jiraiya's back completely disappeared from sight.

The rain is still falling, as if trying to wash away all the sadness and pain on this land.

And in another place in the Rain Kingdom, in a luxurious palace rebuilt on the ruins.

The air was filled with incense, and the screens around were embroidered with waves and pine mountains. There was heating under the tatami, still using the original pipes, so people could feel warm even in such rainy weather.

The fragrant smell in the air had disappeared, replaced by the smell of rusty iron.

Outside the screen, there are ninjas who take turns guarding 24 hours a day. They are divided into 5 teams, each team guards for 6 hours, and they take turns like this.

Apart from the luxurious decoration, everything else in the palace is very simple.

All of this is to protect the current Daimyo of the Land of the Rain, who was once the Demigod of the Ninja World - Hanzo of the Salamander!

He sat in the main seat above, half asleep and half awake, still wearing a gas mask, with deep fatigue in his eyes.

Ever since he became the daimyo, he has been subjected to constant assassination attempts.

Even though he was a demigod, he was somewhat broken by such torture.

But, this will all be over soon...

Because the man below, with half of his face wrapped in bandages, is the Dark Ninja from Konoha - Danzo!