As the Cloud Village delegation drew nearer, the people of Konoha felt an increasingly oppressive presence.
In a daze, they almost saw the figure at the front as a giant cloaked in lightning, striding toward them. They were no more than ants blocking its path, about to be crushed beneath its feet and reduced to dust.
Jiraiya frowned, preparing to step in and break the Raikage's momentum.
Suddenly, a calming energy slowly rippled outward, soothing the unease in everyone's hearts.
Jiraiya glanced to the side at a ninja behind him, dressed in a Chunin uniform.
"That technique doesn't seem like ninjutsu. There's something to it!"
The mysterious Chunin responsible merely lifted his sunglasses slightly and offered no further explanation.
Just then, the Raikage arrived at a brisk stride, his voice preceding him.
"Hahaha! To think we'd be welcomed in person by Jiraiya, one of the famous Sannin! Cloud Village is truly honored!"
Ay's words were full of courtesy, but he showed no sign of pleasure. He simply stared at Jiraiya, his gaze inadvertently passing over the person who had just disrupted his attempt to use magnetic field energy to influence Konoha's people.
"It's been a long time, Raikage. You're more impressive than ever. So, have you come to surprise us today?"
Jiraiya faced the imposing Raikage without a change in expression.
"Not at all. We're simply overjoyed to see Konoha welcoming us so warmly."
The Raikage laughed heartily, then suddenly turned to the Chunin wearing sunglasses.
"Konoha truly is full of talented people. What's your name, young man?"
The Chunin with sunglasses bowed slightly.
"I am Yamashiro Aoba. You flatter me, Lord Raikage."
"Yamashiro Aoba? You're not bad!"
After leaving him with that remark, the Raikage followed Jiraiya into Konoha Village, and the Cloud Village delegation entered with them.
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