The Three-Year Term Ends: Jiraiya Returns to the Village, and the Third Hokage Pays a Visit

Two and a half years passed quietly.

Land of Rain.

Needle-like rain fell in a steady drizzle upon the damp earth.

In the rain.

One person stood on one side, while three others faced him from the other.

The three stood in a triangular formation on the muddy riverbank, facing that person.

The four were Jiraiya and his students.

"This is the last time."

The speaker was Jiraiya.

He had untied his forehead protector, and his white hair was soaked by the rain, plastered against his forehead.

"Let me see just how much you've grown."

"Begin!"

His hand signs suddenly sped up. Three Shadow Clones appeared around him with three bangs, fanning out to surround his disciples.

Yahiko's pupils narrowed slightly.

He noticed that his Teacher had not begun with his usual Summoning Technique this time. Instead, he had assumed a stance for close combat, which meant this test would be harsher than expected.

"Water Release, Wild Water Wave!"

Yahiko quickly retreated, narrowly evading Jiraiya's close-range attack.

His hair, drenched by the rain, clung to his forehead, but his gaze was firmer than ever.

He formed hand signs and shouted.

A surging stream of water burst from his mouth, turning into a rushing torrent that charged straight at Jiraiya.

At the same time, Nagato pressed his hands together. Wind Release Chakra gathered in his palms before he swung them out fiercely.

"Wind Release, Gale Palm!"

A violent gale swept forth and merged with the Water Release, forming a massive Water Dragon whose power multiplied.

Konan stood on high ground. With a light flick of her slender fingers, countless sheets of paper flew from her sleeves.

They transformed into sharp Paper Shuriken and rained down like a storm!

"Paper Shuriken!"

The three worked together flawlessly. Jiraiya was forced back again and