The current Amegakure was not yet the Akatsuki stronghold ruled by Pain more than a decade later.
Hanzo of the Salamander was certainly powerful, but Amegakure's excessively impoverished foundation meant he did not possess many rare or high-level ninjutsu.
Yes, this specifically referred to the Rain Tiger at Will Technique.
Araki had always suspected that, beyond the powerful ocular techniques it displayed, the Rinnegan's ability to perceive the essence of chakra also provided immensely valuable assistance in developing ninjutsu.
The Rain Tiger at Will Technique was practically a reconnaissance ninjutsu tailor-made for Amegakure.
It successfully turned the endless rain that everyone here despised into an all-pervasive scouting tool.
He had no doubt that if Nagato and the other two had lived in Kusagakure back then, they could likewise have developed a reconnaissance ninjutsu that used the grass on the ground as eyes and ears.
At this time, however, Hanzo of the Salamander did not possess such a convenient ninjutsu, allowing Jiraiya to successfully infiltrate the tower where he was located using the Toad Mouth Bind.
Still, the Demigod of the Ninja World was the Demigod of the Ninja World. When Jiraiya silently reached the top floor where Hanzo was, he was discovered nonetheless.
"Who goes there?!"
Hanzo of the Salamander, wearing a breathing mask, shouted in a deep voice. Perhaps because of the mask, his voice sounded somewhat muffled.
"It's me, Jiraiya. It's been a long time, Lord Hanzo."
Since he had already been discovered, Jiraiya did not bother concealing himself further. He stepped out from beside the wall openly, looking like an old acquaintance.
"Hmph, Jiraiya of Konoha... You sneaked into my place. Are you here to avenge your defeat from back then?"
Hanzo's gaze was extremely sharp, and one hand had already reached the hilt of his war