Ch. 141Jiraiya arrives
Plot points and events
- After Konoha’s northern front collapses, Raikage A leaves five hundred Kumogakure ninja to raid the Land of Fire and leads the rest south toward the Iwagakure battlefield.
- Two days later, Hiruzen Sarutobi is fighting Han, Iwagakure’s Five-Tails Jinchuriki, as Konoha’s defenses near collapse. With Enma’s help, Hiruzen holds his ground and knocks Han’s Tailed Beast Bomb off course.
- Kumogakure forces suddenly attack Konoha from behind. Raikage A wounds Hiruzen with a powerful strike, and Enma is forced to retreat after clashing with him.
- A and Killer B prepare a Double Lariat that would likely kill the already injured Hokage. Jiraiya arrives with Gamabunta and drives them back using a combined oil-and-fire attack.
- Jiraiya announces himself as the Toad Sage and challenges the Kumogakure and Iwagakure forces for attacking Hiruzen together.
Character developments and interactions
- Hiruzen shows formidable skill and resolve, matching Han despite his age, but is gravely wounded when the Kumogakure attack disrupts the fight.
- Raikage A makes a calculated move to exploit Konoha’s weakened position and attacks Hiruzen with overwhelming speed and force.
- Killer B joins his brother, and their practiced teamwork lets them launch a deadly combined attack.
- Enma protects Hiruzen, briefly confronting the Raikage before being sent back to the Summoning Realm.
- Jiraiya makes a dramatic entrance, rescuing his mentor and confronting the enemy coalition with confidence and humor.
Significant themes
- War’s shifting fortunes: Konoha’s front is threatened from both sides as Kumogakure’s arrival turns a difficult battle into a crisis.
- Loyalty and protection: Enma and Jiraiya risk themselves to defend Hiruzen.
- Experience versus overwhelming force: Hiruzen’s skill keeps him fighting Han, but surprise and superior numbers leave him vulnerable.
- Dramatic heroism: Jiraiya’s timely arrival changes the immediate balance of the battlefield and gives Konoha renewed hope.