Goodbye Konan

Hearing Minato's words, Qingshui and the others immediately got into formation, looking at the approaching figures defensively.

"Long time no see, Minato. I didn't expect to see you in the Land of Rain."

However, upon hearing this, Minato's expression changed, and he exclaimed in surprise.

"Jiraiya-sensei!"

That's right, the person who arrived was Minato's teacher, Jiraiya.

This was, after all, the Land of Rain, so the commotion from Qingshui and the others' recent battle had attracted the attention of Rain Ninjas.

However, they had no intention of revealing themselves, merely observing from the shadows to gather intelligence.

Jiraiya, who was following behind the Rain Ninjas, chose to reveal himself proactively after spotting Minato.

"So it's Jiraiya-sama!"

Mikoto lowered her guard, her face filled with respect.

Mukai Yuki and Sasaki Ayami were so excited they couldn't speak.

They were just ordinary Genin; they never imagined they would one day come into contact with such a prominent figure as Jiraiya.

In the past, Jiraiya, as a student of the Third Hokage, was also highly respected, but certainly not as much as he was now.

After all, he had earned the title "Konoha's Sannin" during the Second Shinobi World War.

In the ninja world, there were very few ninjas who could possess their own title.

These individuals were all the strongest among the strong.

Of course, for Jiraiya, the so-called "Konoha's Sannin" was not an honor, but rather a disgrace.

At that time, the three of them, despite joining forces, were still defeated by Hanzo of the Salamander, who then bestowed this title upon them.

Therefore, when introducing himself, Jiraiya would only refer to himself as the Toad Sage.

Only Qingshui remained relatively calm.

With memories from his past life, he was well aware of Jiraiya's personality, and having interacted with Tsunade, it was difficult for him to feel an overwhelming sense of respect.

"Minato, are you here in the Land of Rain on a mission?"

Given Jiraiya's identity, and the fact that it was only a C-Rank mission that didn't involve any secrets, Minato didn't hide anything.

"I see. You all seem to be injured. Would you like to recuperate at my place for a few days before returning to Konoha?"

Although Qingshui had provided timely medical treatment for everyone.

But Medical Ninjutsu isn't omnipotent; complete recovery would still require a few days of rest.

Speaking of which, Jiraiya hadn't seen Minato for over a year.

And in the short term, he didn't have time to return to Konoha.

So he planned to take this opportunity to properly guide Minato and fulfill his duty as a teacher.

Minato was tempted, but he didn't answer. Instead, he looked at Mikoto.

As a Jonin, Mikoto was the leader of the squad, and all actions had to be decided by her.

She didn't dampen the mood and agreed.

"We are very grateful, Lord Jiraiya, but we'll have to wait until we complete our escort mission."

Under normal circumstances, they definitely wouldn't be able to stay in the Land of Rain for long.

After completing the mission, they would have to return to Konoha immediately.

However, now that they had met Jiraiya, they could stay for a few more days.

Seeing this, Qingshui, who had been silent the whole time, appeared calm on the surface but was very excited inside.

Jiraiya would stay in the Land of Rain to teach Nagato and the others.

If he followed Jiraiya to his residence, he would definitely be able to meet Nagato.

"That's natural. I'll accompany you all, and if we encounter any more enemies, I'll protect you."

Jiraiya chuckled.

"So cool! To have Lord Jiraiya protect us!"

Mukai Yuki cheered excitedly.

For a boy like him, being able to interact with a famous powerhouse was something worth bragging about.

Next, after everyone cleaned up the battlefield, the merchant caravan set off again.

At the same time, the Rain Ninja hiding in the shadows, gathering intelligence, recognized Jiraiya's identity.

They hurried back to Amegakure to report this matter to Hanzo of the Salamander.

The Land of Fire had Konoha, and the Land of Rain also had its own ninja village, which was Amegakure, established by Hanzo of the Salamander.

Furthermore, because Hanzo of the Salamander had the title of "Demigod," the ninja world generally considered Amegakure to be the strongest after the Five Great Ninja Villages.

But only they themselves knew their own affairs.

Hanzo of the Salamander was indeed strong. Even the Konoha's Sannin working together were no match for him, truly earning him the title of "Demigod."

However, Amegakure only had him as a strong individual. There was no one else among the Rain Ninja worth mentioning.

Amegakure's current status was entirely propped up by Hanzo of the Salamander alone.

In terms of foundation, small ninja villages ultimately couldn't compare to the Five Great Ninja Villages.

"Lord Hanzo, just now, a Konoha Ninja entered the Land of Rain and engaged in a battle with a group of rogue ninja. They have now made contact with Jiraiya."

Hanzo of the Salamander was naturally aware of Jiraiya's presence in the Land of Rain.

After all, Jiraiya wasn't living in seclusion, and any contact with outsiders would make it impossible to conceal his movements.

Because he didn't want to antagonize Konoha, and Jiraiya, having been defeated by him, was behaving himself in the Land of Rain, he had paid it no mind.

"Lord Hanzo, I believe Konoha is plotting a scheme in secret. Leaving Jiraiya in the Land of Rain before was for this very purpose, and now they are about to make their move," Aonosuke said, stepping forward quickly after hearing the report from the reconnaissance Rain Ninja.

This individual was a Jonin of Amegakure with considerable strength, and a fervent admirer of Hanzo of the Salamander.

He firmly believed that under Hanzo of the Salamander's leadership, Amegakure could definitely become the sixth great ninja village in the ninja world.

It was only because they were suppressed by the major ninja villages, including Konoha, that they couldn't rise.

That's right, this person was a radical within Amegakure.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yoru, a member of the moderate faction, quickly retorted.

"Lord Hanzo, I don't believe Konoha has any schemes against our Amegakure. Jiraiya has shown no abnormal behavior in the Land of Rain for the past year."

"Hmph, by the time they show abnormal behavior, it will be too late," Aonosuke's tone was filled with dissatisfaction and anger.

"Furthermore, this is the Land of Rain, our territory. How can we allow a Konoha Ninja to stay here for so long?"

"If we anger Konoha, where will our Amegakure go?"

Seeing Aonosuke and Yoru arguing incessantly, everyone was already accustomed to it.

In any organization, different factions would exist.

However, when Hanzo of the Salamander, seated at the highest position, let out a cold snort, the two immediately dared not argue further and retreated with looks of panic.

Within Amegakure, Hanzo of the Salamander's power was absolute.

No one could defy his will.

"Continue to send people to monitor Jiraiya and the others. Report any abnormalities to me immediately."

After successfully completing the mission, Qingshui and his group followed Jiraiya to his residence in the Land of Rain.

"I'm back!"

"Welcome home!"

As Jiraiya's voice fell, three people ran out of the house to greet him.

And one of them, upon seeing Qingshui, immediately her eyes lit up, extremely excited.

"Qingshui Big Brother!"

She was the only girl among the three, named Konan.