Cheating Doesn't Count If You Don't Get Caught

As evening fell, Jiraiya finished discussing various cooperative projects with the Kazekage and returned to Konoha's camp.

He summoned Uchiha Mai and asked, "I heard you had a conflict with Kirigakure's ninja this afternoon?"

"Yeah."

Uchiha Mai nodded, organized his thoughts, and recounted the afternoon's events in detail to Jiraiya.

"Shikotsumyaku..."

Jiraiya stroked his chin, somewhat concerned. "The Kaguya Clan's Shikotsumyaku could be called the strongest taijutsu Kekkei Genkai in the Ninja World.

Its offensive power is formidable, its defense is impressive, and any part of the body can be used to kill.

You specialize in taijutsu, and Shikotsumyaku happens to counter you. I thought you'd be at a disadvantage if you fought them."

"What I specialize in is Nintaijutsu. I don't necessarily have to fight them at close range."

Uchiha Mai smiled. "Besides, their Shikotsumyaku wasn't as powerful as I expected.

I have ways to break through the defensive ability Shikotsumyaku prides itself on, and its powerful close-range attacks can't instantly kill me.

Even if we ignored everything and traded injuries, I might not end up at a disadvantage. My Azure Flame can drain the enemy's recovery power and grow stronger the longer the fight goes on."

"Not bad. Really not bad."

Jiraiya nodded slightly. It seemed Kirigakure's Shikotsumyaku was nothing all that special.

"On the contrary, it's another Kirigakure team that worries me more."

Uchiha Mai paused before continuing. "That girl named Mei Terumi, and the Ice Release ninja named Hizuki Jun.

One-on-one, they might not be any weaker than the Shikotsumyaku ninja.

There's also a shark-faced guy named Kisame on their team. He's strong. I'm not certain I can beat him."

"When the cart reaches the mountain, there'll be a road through it. Save future worries for the future.

Kirigakure came in aggressively, wanting to show off