As Kisame approached step by step.
Naruto was still putting on an act, wailing miserably, while Sasuke watched the situation before him with growing despair.
Not far away, a black shadow streaked through the forest, racing over from afar at incredible speed.
Whoosh~~~
"The Sage has arrived~~!"
Accompanied by that familiar shout, a tall, imposing figure landed with a thud, directly blocking Naruto from view.
Separating him from Kisame.
That white hair fluttering in the wind, that ridiculously flamboyant pose. It was Jiraiya, of course!
"Finally, you're here~"
Naruto let out a breath of relief.
If he had come any later, Naruto would not have been able to keep acting!
Thank goodness!
Naruto silently crossed out the script that read: "One carefree pill enters my belly; my fate is mine, not Heaven's. Revive on the spot and return like a king."
"You are...?"
Seeing the sudden arrival, Kisame's small eyes narrowed sharply. He seemed to recognize this man.
"One of the Sannin?"
"That's right, I am the Toad Sage—Jiraiya!"
Hearing the enemy recognize him, Jiraiya still broke into that dance so cringeworthy it could pierce through the ninja world, even in a situation like this.
Sure enough, after that performance, Kisame's eye twitched.
But it also confirmed that the man before him truly was Jiraiya.
Jiraiya... was one of the Sannin!
The Sannin's fame was known by everyone throughout the ninja world.
Kisame was not particularly familiar with Jiraiya. As someone from the Hidden Mist, he was more familiar with Orochimaru among the Sannin.
He knew Orochimaru's reputation and strength very well.
Since Jiraiya before him was one of the Sannin alongside Orochimaru, then in terms of strength...
Kisame subconsciously tightened his grip on Samehada.
This was troublesome.
"Kisame!"
From behind him came Itachi Uchiha's voice, clearly suppressing pain.
Kisame