A standoff in the Wind Release and snow.
Jiraiya's thoughts raced. Sasuke Uchiha sought me out by name. Orochimaru must have put him up to this. Or perhaps he is Orochimaru. But... Orochimaru would never use such sickeningly polite language with someone his own age. That much I know.
The corners of Jiraiya's mouth lifted.
Thank goodness, Naruto. The person you're so desperate to bring back is still alive in this world!
His smile faded, and Jiraiya said gravely, "Sasuke Uchiha, I'm not quite sure what you mean by asking for my guidance. Is there something you want to ask me about?"
Sasuke said, "There's no need to read too much into it. Simply put, I want to fight you."
Jiraiya froze for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. "Hahahahaha..."
When his laughter subsided, he said solemnly, "Even jokes have their limits, young man. You're a friend my dear student treasures. So this next question is important, and I need you to answer it seriously. Are you challenging me of your own free will, or on Orochimaru's orders?"
Sasuke lowered his eyes and gave it serious thought before answering, "Both, I suppose."
Jiraiya's gaze sharpened. He's serious. If Orochimaru knows what he's doing, that means Orochimaru has already decided he's capable of fighting me...
"Over half a year ago, I heard you got the better of your Teacher, Kakashi Hatake. Let me see for myself how much you've improved since then..."
Jiraiya formed hand seals.
—Fire Release: Flame Bullet!
Whoosh!
He ignited oil refined from chakra with Fire Release, spewing it forward in the form of a Flame Bullet!
Facing the searing heat rushing toward him, Sasuke calmly formed a seal with two fingers.
—Fire Release: Flame Martial Dragon!
Whoosh!
Highly concentrated, dark crimson flames erupted and took the