Master and Disciple Reunite

Jiraiya's Super Giant Ball Rasengan came crashing down on the Three Paths of Pain. The Deva Path stood motionless, pressed both palms against the Rasengan, and directly absorbed the ninjutsu.

"So that's it. No wonder that Fire Release didn't work!" Jiraiya's expression turned grave as Sage Fukasaku warned in his ear, "Watch your back!" He then pulled out a smoke bomb and slammed it onto the ground. With a bang, purple smoke instantly engulfed Jiraiya.

The Human Path's sneak attack was dodged by Jiraiya. Catching an opening, Jiraiya used the Body Flicker Technique to move behind the Human Path and confidently threw a punch. Yet the Human Path seemed to have seen it coming, turning sideways and raising a hand to block Jiraiya's attack.

"What's going on? It blocked my Sage Mode attack without even looking..." Jiraiya glanced at the other two Paths, summoned a toad, and sent it leaping away. After successfully drawing the attention of two Paths, he used the Body Flicker Technique to shift elsewhere. "Sage Art: Needle Jizo!" A section of Jiraiya's long white hair broke off, each strand becoming incomparably hard under the infusion of Chakra, stabbing toward the unprepared Animal Path like Senbon.

The Animal Path instantly completed a hand seal. A giant panda appeared behind him and spread its arms, blocking Sage Art: Needle Jizo.

"There were absolutely no unnecessary movements. As soon as I tried to evade, it caught me. I never expected it to use Summoning Jutsu while facing forward to protect its back. Without eye contact or verbal communication, how are these three able to coordinate so perfectly?" Seeing the Animal Path block his attack, Jiraiya immediately changed positions and began discussing it with Sage Fukasaku.

As they analyzed the situation, a voice suddenly rang out in their minds. "It's