Within the Land of Rain.
In a forest near an abandoned village.
Several small figures dashed between the thick trees. Close behind them, a terrifying White-Haired Lion was hot on their heels.
The White-Haired Lion had sharp claws and a massive body. Its fierce eyes were fixed on the three figures ahead as it leaped and bounded between the trees!
"Pant!" "Pant!" ...
The figures were panting heavily, their little faces full of fear, but they didn't dare stop. Gritting their teeth, they ran for their lives.
"J-Jiraiya-sensei... You're really doing this?!"
Yahiko, with his orange hair, gasped for breath as he ran in long strides and shouted.
"D-Don't let your guard down... This is a test from Jiraiya-sensei..."
Beside him, the thin Nagato breathed unevenly. He glanced at the White-Haired Lion behind them and spoke gravely.
"Besides... if we can't even deal with this, how can we follow Big Brother Aizen..."
Just then!
"Ah!"
With a startled cry, Konan, exhausted from running, tripped over a vine sticking out of the ground and fell.
Seeing this, Yahiko and Nawaki both tensed!
"Water Release: Water Flow Technique!"
Yahiko formed hand seals in an instant, then darted in front of Konan, who had fallen to the ground. Facing the enormous, terrifying White-Haired Lion, he showed no fear and spat out a stream of water!
"Boom!"
The water struck the White-Haired Lion, but had no effect at all. It still lunged toward the three of them with a savage expression.
Faced with this, Yahiko stood firm in front of Konan, his eyes full of resolve!
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
At that moment, a childish voice rang out from the side. As soon as the words fell—
Nagato slammed both hands against the ground. A rippling wall of earth rose up, successfully slowing the