Deciding the Mission

Seeing Jiraiya's excited expression, Tianqi stopped Tang He, who was about to speak.

"Under normal circumstances, encountering something like this, abandoning the mission or retreating would indeed be the best choice. Tsunade and Orochimaru, your decision was correct."

"Unfortunately, this time you are with me. For me, this kind of mission is simply too easy. While protecting you, I am also confident in completing the mission. I also hope you can continue the mission. This is not only a trial but also an improvement of your combat skills. What do you say?" Tianqi looked at the two of them. If they still gave up after he said this, he would truly feel like a failure.

"This..." Orochimaru originally had no intention of continuing the mission, but after hearing Tianqi's persuasion, he began to struggle internally.

Gambling with his own life, this was never a worthwhile deal. Although Tianqi was very strong, who could guarantee that he would truly protect him in the midst of battle?

"Okay, I agree to continue." Tsunade didn't have so many reservations. Since Tianqi dared to guarantee it, she would dare to go. She knew about Tianqi's capabilities; he had wiped out hundreds of Cloud Ninja by himself. His strength was undeniable.

Seeing Orochimaru still hesitating, Tianqi shook his head. Orochimaru was truly cautious in his actions now, which was a pity.

"A ninja who shrinks back at the slightest difficulty? I believe that even with great strength, their achievements will be limited. If a person lacks even this courage, they might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes. Let's go." With that, Tianqi left with Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Tang He, leaving only the still-silent Orochimaru behind.

After walking a distance.

Jiraiya: "Are we really not waiting for Orochimaru?"

Tsunade: "Yes, Big Brother Tianqi, saying that to Orochimaru might discourage him."

Tang He: "Ninja Lord, are we really not taking Orochimaru with us?"

Seeing the three of them chattering, Tianqi smiled. "I believe in Orochimaru. He will make the right decision. Orochimaru's path cannot stop here." He then looked up at the sky.

"I hope so," Tsunade and Jiraiya said in unison. Orochimaru was, after all, their teammate. If they truly abandoned him, they wouldn't be able to do it.

Just as they had walked a considerable distance, a voice called out from behind.

"Tsunade, Jiraiya, wait for me!"

"Huh! It's Orochimaru!" Jiraiya looked at the person behind them.

Orochimaru walked forward and directly approached Tianqi. "Captain Tianqi, I think you are right. A ninja should not retreat at the slightest difficulty. I will set off with you. I, Orochimaru, will absolutely not stop here."

Hearing this, a smile appeared on Tianqi's lips. "Welcome back to the team, Orochimaru." Tianqi patted Orochimaru's shoulder.

"Hahaha, we're reunited again! What kind of nonsense ninja from the Land of Hot Water? As long as we're together, they're no match for us!" Jiraiya directly put his arm around Orochimaru.

"Idiot." Seeing Jiraiya acting like this, Orochimaru rolled his eyes at him. Although he appeared indifferent on the surface, he held a place for Jiraiya in his heart.

"Jiraiya is right this time. As long as we work together with one heart, nothing can stop us." Tsunade didn't argue with Jiraiya this time.

The three of them exchanged glances and smiled.

Tang He looked at them and felt that he had found the right people this time.

"Alright, since everyone is here, let's share the ninjutsu we know. I don't know what ninjutsu you all know yet, so I can figure out how to arrange things," Tianqi said.

"Me, me, me, I'll go first! I know Fire Style ninjutsu, Fire Style - Flame Bullet!" As soon as Tianqi finished speaking, Jiraiya eagerly raised his hand and said.

"I know Wind Style and Fire Style ninjutsu, and my self-created Hidden Shadow Snake Hands," Orochimaru also said proudly. Orochimaru's comprehensive strength had already reached Chunin, which was indeed enough for him to be proud of.

"Me, me, me, my Taijutsu is okay, and I know a little Medical Ninjutsu," Tsunade said shyly. She really wasn't good at ninjutsu; only her Taijutsu was acceptable. Ninjutsu was really not suitable for her to use.

After listening to the three of them introduce themselves, Tianqi had a judgment in his mind.

"Hmm, Orochimaru is very good. Not only does he know Wind and Fire Style, but he also created his own ninjutsu. He truly is a genius. Tsunade, although you don't have elemental ninjutsu, your Taijutsu is strong, and with your medical skills, you will be a good logistical support for us." Tianqi directly expressed his affirmation to the two of them.

"Big Brother Tianqi, I don't know any offensive ninjutsu, don't you think I'm useless?" Tsunade asked doubtfully after hearing Tianqi's words.

"Tsunade, why would you think that? In my eyes, you are the most important. From now on, as long as you diligently study Medical Ninjutsu, I believe you can become a good ninja." Tianqi placed a hand on Tsunade's head.

"But, isn't offensive power more important on the battlefield?" Seeing Tianqi touch her head, Tsunade blushed.

"Offense is important, but it depends on the person. Only what suits you is the best. For your future focus, I personally suggest you concentrate on Taijutsu and medical skills. Forcing yourself to learn offensive ninjutsu will only drag you down." Tianqi knew that in the original story, Tsunade was indeed not very suitable for learning ninjutsu, but had a high talent in Medical Ninjutsu.

"Okay, I understand. I will focus on that in the future." Tsunade also felt that what Tianqi said was right. She was indeed not very suitable for practicing offensive ninjutsu, so it was better to listen to him and focus on Medical Ninjutsu.

"Big Brother Tianqi, what about me, what about me? You haven't evaluated me yet!" Seeing that Tianqi hadn't commented on him, Jiraiya asked anxiously.

"You?" Tianqi looked Jiraiya up and down, finally giving two words: "Ordinary."

"Jiraiya, you are too ordinary. I don't see any difference between you and a regular ninja. Ordinary aptitude, ordinary ninjutsu, ordinary looks, a complete 'triple ordinary' person."

Hearing Tianqi's words, Jiraiya was petrified on the spot. "Triple, triple, triple ordinary person? I'm actually so ordinary? Big Brother Tianqi, are you sure? How can someone as handsome as me just be an ordinary person?"

"Hahaha." Seeing Jiraiya's reaction, a mix of being discouraged and acting silly, Tsunade and Orochimaru burst into laughter.

"Although you are quite ordinary, you are good as a meat shield. For this mission, Orochimaru and Jiraiya will be responsible for dealing with the enemy, Tsunade will be the logistical support, and I will provide backup." Tianqi started making arrangements before they even reached the Land of Hot Water.

Afterward, the group set off again.

Hearing that he was only suitable to be a meat shield, Jiraiya fell into silence all the way, not saying a word.

Tsunade and Orochimaru also noticed that Jiraiya might have been truly discouraged. The one who usually talked the most was now silent.

Tianqi looked at Jiraiya, who seemed genuinely dejected, thought for a moment, and made a decision.

"Jiraiya, do you want to learn ninjutsu from me?" Tianqi said, putting his arm around Jiraiya's shoulder.

"I want to, but I already have a master." Hearing Tianqi's offer, he certainly wanted to, but then he remembered Sarutobi and shook his head.

"You brat, it's not like you can only learn ninjutsu from your master. I'm not going to be your master. I'm not much older than you. If I were your master, I'd be old already," Tianqi said, patting Jiraiya's head.

"Alright then, Big Brother Tianqi, what ninjutsu can you teach me?" Jiraiya thought about it and realized it was true; it wasn't only masters who could teach ninjutsu. He then excitedly asked Tianqi.

"The ninjutsu I'm going to teach you is not simple. It doesn't require any hand seals, and it can be released with just one hand with immense power. If learned and used properly, it can completely kill a Jonin," Tianqi said proudly.