Chaos Is Coming

At the edge of the Divine Kingdom's territory, a toad leaped out of a stream. It widened its eyes and surveyed the surroundings. Only after confirming there was no danger did it open its mouth and spit Jiraiya out.

Thick saliva clung to Jiraiya's body, soaking his hair. His left arm hung limply at his side.

"It should be safe here."

He leaned against a large tree and let out a heavy sigh of relief.

Only Sage Shima stood on his shoulder now.

Because Sage Fukasaku had been infected with the virus, Jiraiya had ended the summoning early and sent him back to Mount Myoboku.

"I never expected Little Jiraiya to be so wary of that guy."

Sage Shima looked at Jiraiya's post-disaster appearance and spoke in surprise.

After all, ever since Jiraiya had entered Mount Myoboku, he had always appeared fearless before her.

Yet the moment that man appeared this time, he had decisively chosen to flee, and in such a panicked state at that. It was truly rare.

Jiraiya smiled bitterly and shook his head. Thinking back to Yugakure and the recent attack on Konoha, he could only sigh. "The people of the Jashin Cult are different from everyone else."

Seeing this, Sage Shima had no intention of pressing further. "Since there's no danger, I'll return to Mount Myoboku to look after that old man first."

Jiraiya nodded slightly. "Sorry to trouble you. I'll visit Elder Fukasaku at Mount Myoboku later."

"Mm."

Sage Shima nodded, then released the summoning and returned to Mount Myoboku.

Jiraiya, meanwhile, hurried onward at full speed and reached Konoha's base within the Land of Rivers as quickly as possible.

However, Jiraiya did not let anyone else know about his injury, lest it damage the morale of the Allied Shinobi Forces from the Land