Barrier

"Ming Jing!" Jiraiya flung the Animal Path down. Without waiting for his opponent to form a hand seal, Ming Jing pierced straight through the Animal Path's heart.

"This guy really is Nagato, isn't he?" Jiraiya said as he landed beside Ming Jing, clutching his severed arm.

"Look again." Ming Jing split open the Animal Path's forehead protector with one slash, revealing the scar on his forehead.

"This man... I fought him before. He was from the Fuma Clan, and I was the one who left that scar on his forehead," Jiraiya said with a frown.

"You're badly hurt. We'd better retreat first," Ming Jing suggested, glancing at Jiraiya's severed arm.

"There's something I need to confirm. You two Sages should head back first," Jiraiya said, shaking his head and refusing Ming Jing's suggestion.

"What?!" Sage Shima stared at Jiraiya in shock. Was he trying to get himself killed by refusing to leave now?

"No," Sage Fukasaku said nervously. "If we go, we'll definitely be killed. There are no longer just three of them, and the barrier trap won't catch them a second time. Those guys haven't noticed us yet. If we're going to escape, now is our best chance!"

"Hm?" Ming Jing suddenly looked upward. "No need to choose anymore. They've found us!"

"What?" Jiraiya and Sage Fukasaku were both startled and turned to Ming Jing.

"My disciple is quite impressive too," Ming Jing said with a smile. He tapped his forehead with one hand. "Sage Mode, activate!" A silver pear blossom marking slowly emerged on his forehead.

"Ming Jing..." Jiraiya watched him and asked with a laugh, "Are you planning to fight beside me to the very end?"

"If they've found us, then we fight! Besides, they can't beat me." Ming Jing smiled, kicked off, and shot upward. "**Sage