Beneath the curtain of rain, the battlefield was steeped in murderous intent and a grim, oppressive atmosphere.
The Konoha Sannin—Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya—were locked in a fierce clash with Hanzo of the Salamander.
Poisonous mists shrouded the area. Hanzo's massive salamander summon rampaged across the battlefield, spewing deadly poison.
Though the three of them were giving it everything they had, they were gradually finding themselves outmatched by Hanzo, one of the strongest shinobi in the Ninja World.
Jiraiya attacked with all his might, unleashing powerful techniques such as Fire Release and Wind Release in quick succession. Scorching flames and savage blades of wind intertwined as he tried to suppress Hanzo.
However, Hanzo's swordsmanship was unparalleled. Every counterattack was precise and deadly. He easily deflected Jiraiya's onslaught, then forced him into a desperate situation with a counter.
Orochimaru's expression was grim. As he searched for an opening in Hanzo's defenses, he quietly assessed the battle.
He keenly realized that despite their all-out efforts, the three of them had almost run out of chakra.
Hanzo, on the other hand, remained completely at ease. The Kage Level powerhouse seemed to have plenty of stamina and chakra left, and Orochimaru realized that they might lose this battle.
This can't go on... Orochimaru thought.
His reason told him that they could no longer keep fighting. To continue would be to court certain death.
However, Jiraiya's fighting spirit had never wavered. Though they were at a disadvantage and he was already badly wounded, he still refused to back down.
Jiraiya was an optimist by nature. Even in such a desperate situation, he held on to a glimmer of hope.
He kept attacking, and though Hanzo easily turned aside every blow, an unyielding light still shone in Jiraiya's eyes.
Tsunade did all she could to support her