Feast of the Mortal World, Sworn Sisterhood!

After their sparring match, Youmeng opened her heart to Xue. Sitting by the tranquil lakeside, Youmeng told Xue about her childhood...

Youmeng was now eight and a half years old. She had spent most of her time with her father. It was only a year ago that Tsunade formally took Youmeng in and acknowledged herself as Youmeng's birth mother...

But at the same time, terrible news arrived—Jiraiya had died!

It had happened too suddenly. Until the day before the news reached her, Youmeng had believed Jiraiya was merely away gathering material and would return soon. Her heart had failed to keep up with the changes in reality.

Youmeng said, "During that time, I always felt that Father wasn't dead. Not only was he alive, he was still quietly watching over us..."

Xiaoxue knew that was impossible. Before setting out, Jiraiya had created the Underworld Selflessness Technique. Once he died, even his soul would vanish. He would not go to the Pure Land, so he could not be brought back through Impure World Reincarnation, nor could he be revived through Rinne Rebirth!

This had long been confirmed through Yu.

While reviving Hashirama and the others, Yu had intended to revive Jiraiya as well, but he had failed!

Yu had used Pure Land Summoning, yet... Jiraiya's soul had not returned!

Thus, Xiaoxue was certain that Youmeng had merely missed her father too deeply and begun having illusions. Though it was a form of self-deception, for a child whose heart had yet to mature, perhaps such self-deception could serve as a buffer. As she grew older, the pain would gradually heal.

One matter was one matter. Xiaoxue asked, "Didn't you tell Lady Tsunade about this?"

Youmeng shook her head. "Mother was deeply depressed during that time too. I was afraid of giving her