Defection

Once the flames from the explosion had dissipated, Naruto did not reappear.

"Ha ha, great!"

Number Eight danced with excitement, ran to the edge of the barrier, and shouted to the Anbu ninja outside, "I survived to the end! I received the pardon! Open the barrier, hurry!"

Just then, the sound of something tearing through the air came from behind him. Number Eight quickly turned around, and his face instantly twisted in utter horror.

"Impossible!"

A blue ball of Chakra slammed viciously into his abdomen!

The tremendous impact sent Number Eight flying backward, smashing him hard against the barrier. His body immediately burst into flames.

Naruto knelt on one knee, watching Number Eight scream in agony amid the flames until he was burned into a charred lump. His face was filled with sorrow.

Outside the barrier, Right Red stood side by side with Jiraiya.

Jiraiya's expression was extremely grim, while Right Red's face was full of delight.

When Shiraishi Yoshijo saw the master and disciple again in the living room, he found Naruto sitting there silently with vacant eyes, while Jiraiya's expression was extremely grim.

He glanced at Right Red, who silently nodded.

Shiraishi Yoshijo immediately smiled with great satisfaction. Taking a scroll from his robes, he tossed it to Jiraiya. "Since Naruto survived to the end, I will honor my promise. The advanced Ninjutsu of Sanfen Guiyuan Qi is yours. At the same time, you are free. Right Red, send someone to escort them back to the Land of Fire. The Daimyo has urged me several times already."

Before leaving, Jiraiya gave Shiraishi Yoshijo a deep look. "Are you still unwilling to let Konoha go?"

"Don't ask such boring questions, Jiraiya. After you return, first think of a way to deal with the Fire Daimyo. Otherwise, forget rebuilding