Special Training and Waiting

Ever since Naruto had been defeated by Darui of Kumogakure, Jiraiya had taken him away. With the Chunin Ninja Exams approaching, they had begun a new round of special training.

By a cliff.

With a blade of grass between his teeth, Jiraiya casually asked Naruto, "Have you mastered the Hand Seals for Summoning Jutsu?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, piece of cake!"

Jiraiya said, "Then don't forget the order of the Hand Seals later!"

Naruto looked puzzled. "How could I forget? I'm not an idiot!"

Jiraiya led Naruto a step forward, stopping at the edge of the cliff. "Look down there!"

"What's down there?"

Naruto didn't suspect a thing. He leaned out to peer toward the bottom of the cliff.

Jiraiya kicked Naruto off the cliff and shouted, "You have twenty seconds to save yourself with Summoning Jutsu! Don't forget the order of the Hand Seals!"

"Ah!?"

Horror filled Naruto's face as he plunged down the cliff.

Up on the cliff, Jiraiya turned his gaze away, suppressing his unease.

He wouldn't have resorted to such extreme training unless it was absolutely necessary, but there wasn't much time left for him and Naruto.

Naruto couldn't even beat the younger generation from the other villages, let alone protect himself from members of the Akatsuki Organization. Jiraiya had to do everything he could to make Naruto stronger, even if it meant taking some risks.

There's a stream at the bottom of the cliff. If Naruto can summon a reasonably large toad, he'll pass this test without a problem.

Boom!

Just as Jiraiya was lost in thought, a loud crash came from below the cliff! Then, with a rumble, the rock beneath his feet shook.

"What's going on?! Did that brat get so scared he went straight into Tailed Beast Transformation?"

Jiraiya's heart lurched. He hurriedly