Madara scrutinized Jiraiya with a suspicious expression. "Who is he?"
Black Zetsu said, "Jiraiya, Naruto's master and an honored guest of Mount Myōboku. He possesses sage power."
"Oh?" Madara raised an eyebrow in interest, focusing his Sharingan on him.
"I see. It is indeed senjutsu, but his senjutsu chakra falls far short of Hashirama's in both quality and quantity. Still, for a mere mortal to reach this level... hmm?"
Suddenly, his gaze settled on Jiraiya's left arm, where an unusual chakra signature appeared.
"His left arm is brimming with vitality. Hashirama cells, eh? Heh, now this is interesting!"
Making no attempt to hide his excitement, Madara wore his eagerness for battle openly on his face!
"It wouldn't be unfair to call him an inferior Hashirama, would it? With those amphibians on his shoulders thrown in, this should be worth my time!"
Sage Shima said, "His eyes have a look and chakra that make my skin crawl!"
Sage Fukasaku said, "We've never met little Naruto before. The one giving us this bad impression must be the fellow occupying his body!"
Jiraiya said, "That's a cursed Seal. After stealing knowledge of the future, Black Zetsu must have copied Orochimaru's work. At its core is—Madara Uchiha!"
Sage Fukasaku said, "That makes things difficult. If we fight Madara, we'll inevitably hurt little Naruto!"
Jiraiya said, "I have a way to awaken Naruto's consciousness without killing him!"
Sage Shima said, "How!?"
Jiraiya said, "I examined that cursed Seal. It's black, just like the ones Orochimaru used in the past. That means the Evil Sealing Method should suppress its power!"
Sage Fukasaku said, "I see!!!"
Jiraiya said, "Break that Susanoo and pin him down head-on. I'll find an opening to use the Evil Sealing Method!!"
Madara said, "What are they muttering about?"
Black Zetsu said, "Who