Challenging Jiraiya

"Hmm? Are you sure you want to challenge me?"

Jiraiya wasn't underestimating Qingshui. The gap between them was simply enormous.

Although Qingshui already had the combat strength of a Jonin, Jiraiya was undoubtedly at Kage Level.

Put simply, even if Jiraiya held back considerably during the fight, Qingshui would have almost no chance of defeating him.

That was how a Ninja's strength worked: the further one advanced, the greater the gaps became.

"Of course I know I can't beat you right now, Lord Jiraiya, but I really want to see just how big the gap between us is."

That was a lie.

In truth, Qingshui just wanted to see if he could injure Jiraiya while he was holding back.

Yes, holding back.

Qingshui didn't think Jiraiya would use his full strength in a spar with him.

In that case, as long as he could injure Jiraiya and then treat him, Qingshui could obtain his first Color Orb.

He had been looking forward to seeing what kind of reward the Color Orb would yield for a long time.

Of course, although he really wanted the Color Orb, Qingshui hadn't lost his reason. He absolutely couldn't reveal anything that needed to remain hidden, such as the Rinnegan.

Seeing Qingshui's serious expression, Jiraiya stopped refusing and agreed.

"All right, I accept your challenge."

Originally, Jiraiya had only agreed to teach Qingshui because Qingshui had been looking after Minato.

But after spending the past few days with him, he had grown quite fond of Qingshui, whose talent was matched by his good manners.

"Thank you."

The two then took their places, facing each other across the training ground.

"Once you're ready, you can attack whenever you like."

At Jiraiya's words, Qingshui quietly drew his Ninja Sword and infused it with Wind Release Chakra.

A faint glow formed along the blade, making it a little sharper.

This was one way of applying Chakra Nature Transformation.

Qingshui hadn't been able to do this before. Thanks to the boost from the Rinnegan, his mastery of Chakra Nature Transformation had advanced another level, making it possible.

Knowing how formidable Jiraiya was, Qingshui had no intention of testing the waters.

Jiraiya noticed this and gave a subtle nod.

This one skill alone made Qingshui stronger than some Jonin.

"Here I come."

Before the words had fully left his mouth, Qingshui used the Body Flicker Technique and charged at Jiraiya.

"What incredible speed!"

Even when using the same Body Flicker Technique, different people could achieve vastly different results.

Yahiko was stunned, while Nagato and Minato also watched with grave expressions.

It was obvious that Qingshui was much faster than Minato had been just moments earlier.

Putting himself in Jiraiya's position, Nagato realized he wouldn't be able to react in time. He couldn't defend himself as promptly as he had against Minato.

He could only use Shinra Tensei directly.

Clang!

Yet Jiraiya calmly blocked Qingshui's slash with a Kunai.

Jiraiya naturally knew how to infuse Chakra into a weapon, too.

Otherwise, an ordinary Kunai would have been cut in two by Qingshui's Ninja Sword.

"As expected of you, Lord Jiraiya!"

Qingshui wasn't surprised.

After praising him, he continued his assault.

He hadn't yet mastered the Konoha Ryūyanagi that Uncle Kosuke had taught him; after all, it was an S-Rank Jutsu.

But Qingshui's Konoha Style Swordsmanship had improved considerably, reaching the proficient level.

In terms of swordsmanship alone, he could even hold his own against a Special Jonin who specialized in the art.

So, as Qingshui unleashed his fierce attack, Jiraiya was actually forced onto the defensive for a time.

"Big Brother Qingshui isn't just a good medic—he's so strong, too! He's even got Teacher Jiraiya on the defensive!"

Yahiko stared in disbelief.

In his mind, Hanzo of the Salamander, known as the "Demigod," was the strongest in the Ninja World. Jiraiya, who could fight the "Demigod," was one of its most powerful Ninja, too.

And yet their incredibly strong teacher Jiraiya was being pressed by Big Brother Qingshui.

It was easy to imagine how shocking this was for Yahiko.

Unlike Yahiko, Konan was thrilled to see how powerful Qingshui was. She couldn't help cheering him on.

But neither of them knew that, although Qingshui seemed to have Jiraiya on the defensive, that was all he had managed.

Jiraiya had blocked every attack with his Kunai. Not one had dealt any real damage.

His defense was practically flawless.

There was no way through.

Unable to make headway, Qingshui decided to change tactics.

He remembered that Jiraiya was highly skilled in both Taijutsu and Ninjutsu, and could even use Senjutsu in Sage Mode.

But the one thing he couldn't do was use Genjutsu.

If he wanted to use Genjutsu, he had to rely on the two Toad Sages of Mount Myōboku.

Having made up his mind, Qingshui quickly retreated to put some distance between himself and Jiraiya.

"Not bad. Your swordsmanship is impressive."

Since it was a spar, Jiraiya didn't pursue him. He stayed where he was and offered his assessment.

Qingshui didn't answer. He formed Hand Seals, created three Shadow Clones, and sent them charging at Jiraiya again.

One Shadow Clone first threw more than a dozen Shuriken, then rushed forward once more, swinging its Ninja Sword.

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

A series of crisp metallic clashes rang out as Jiraiya used his own Shuriken to knock every Shuriken thrown by Shadow Clone Qingshui out of the air.

Then, as Shadow Clone Qingshui closed in, Jiraiya had no intention of prolonging the exchange. He took it out with a single slash.

By then, Qingshui's other two Shadow Clones had finished forming Hand Seals and were already using Ninjutsu.

Fire Release: Great Flame Bullet!

Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!

The wind fanned the flames, and with Wind Release bolstering it, the already powerful Great Flame Bullet became even more ferocious.

The rain falling from the sky vaporized from the terrifying heat before it could even touch the flames.

The attack's sheer power made all four onlookers suck in a sharp breath.

"Big Brother Qingshui's attack is terrifying!"

The other three agreed with Yahiko.

"That's a very good combination Jutsu, but it won't work!"

Before the words had fully left his mouth, Jiraiya quickly formed Hand Seals and used Great Flame Bullet as well.

The Great Flame Bullet he produced with his skill was every bit as powerful as Qingshui's, even with the added boost from Wind Release.

The two enormous fireballs collided, unleashing a terrifying wave of scorching heat. It blew away the falling rain, leaving a dry patch of ground.

Then the wave of heat rapidly spread, nearly knocking the weakest pair, Yahiko and Konan, off their feet.

That showed just how terrifying its power was.

As the explosion rang out, Qingshui's two Shadow Clones blurred and charged at Jiraiya together.

Meanwhile, the real Qingshui had already cast Genjutsu on Jiraiya, successfully immobilizing him.

Jiraiya stood motionless, caught in the Genjutsu, while the two Shadow Clones rushing toward him grinned.

They'd done it!

With that thought, both Shadow Clones attacked Jiraiya at once.