346.One Strike

To be honest, Jiraiya didn’t have much of a choice.

If he wanted to save his teacher and preserve the system left behind by the First Hokage, this was the only way.

As someone who had fought alongside Danzō and witnessed his power firsthand, Jiraiya didn’t believe he stood any chance in a direct confrontation.

Even if he summoned the two Great Toad Sages and entered his strongest state—Sage Mode—it would likely be futile.

Therefore, if he wanted to protect both himself and the Daimyō, his only option was to accept Danzō’s terms.

As for whether the "Darkness of the Shinobi" was just bluffing?

Don’t be ridiculous. Ask anyone in the shinobi world—what wouldn’t Shimura Danzō do?

If it served his goals, he wouldn’t hesitate to slaughter the entire capital two or three times over, let alone kill Hiruzen or the Daimyō!

This was the kind of reputation Danzō had in the eyes of the people...

After agreeing to Danzō’s conditions, Jiraiya immediately performed the Summoning Technique, calling forth the two Great Toad Sages from Mount Myōboku.

He quickly explained his current predicament to them.

"Take a strike from Danzō?"

"Little Jiraiya, are you joking?"

Fukasaku Sage immediately jumped up.

Although they lived in seclusion on Mount Myōboku, that didn’t mean they were completely unaware of what was happening in the shinobi world!

The story of Danzō slicing through the Third Raikage’s strongest shield with a single strike was widely known.

Even if you discounted the exaggerations, Danzō’s offensive power was terrifying.

In this situation, choosing to take a direct strike from him was practically suicide!

The more experienced Shima Sage also shook his head after a moment of contemplation:

"Jiraiya, I advise you to reconsider."

Despite their warnings, Jiraiya remained resolute.

"Elder Fukasaku, Elder Shima, I know you’re worried about my safety, but this is something I must do!"

"Don’t worry. With the power of Sage Chakra, Danzō might not be able to break through my defenses."

"Even if he does, as long as I don’t fall, I’ll have won!"

Jiraiya’s gaze was firm, his tone leaving no room for doubt. Seeing his determination, Fukasaku and Shima exchanged a glance and could only sigh in resignation.

Although Jiraiya usually seemed carefree, once he set his mind to something, even they couldn’t sway him!

Since they couldn’t convince him otherwise, they could only do their best to ensure his survival.

After all, Jiraiya wasn’t just their friend—he was also the "messenger" personally chosen by the Great Toad Sage to seek out the Child of Prophecy.

He held significant importance to Mount Myōboku, which was why Jiraiya could freely draw upon the mountain’s power.

"In that case, this old man will do his utmost to keep you alive, little Jiraiya!"

Shima’s expression turned serious.

Fukasaku also nodded solemnly.

Seeing this, Jiraiya’s face showed a touched expression.

"Then I’ll be counting on you!"

With that, Fukasaku and Shima immediately hopped onto Jiraiya’s shoulders.

As they clasped their hands together, vast amounts of natural energy were drawn from the surroundings and funneled into Jiraiya’s body.

This natural energy merged with his chakra, rapidly forming Sage Chakra, which greatly enhanced his physical abilities and ninjutsu power. Jiraiya’s body underwent dramatic changes due to the infusion of natural energy.

Not only did crimson markings appear on his face, but he also began to take on toad-like characteristics.

With the boost from Sage Chakra, Jiraiya’s strength had reached its peak!

"Alright, thank you, Elder Fukasaku, Elder Shima!"

Jiraiya, uncharacteristically formal, expressed his gratitude.

Shima waved her hand, pretending to be casual:

"No need for thanks. When you come to Mount Myōboku, I’ll treat you to a feast!"

This remark immediately reminded Jiraiya of the various insect-based delicacies at Mount Myōboku.

The solemn atmosphere he had worked so hard to build instantly crumbled.

Fukasaku chuckled at this.

"Alright, old woman, let’s go."

"Jiraiya, you must win!"

Jiraiya nodded heavily.

"I will!"

Under his gaze, the two sages dispelled their summoning.

Now, Jiraiya would have to face this alone.

At this moment, his body was brimming with Sage Chakra, and he was in peak condition.

As Jiraiya formed hand seals, his white hair rapidly grew, eventually enveloping his entire body and forming a fluffy, spherical cocoon!

This was Jiraiya’s strongest defensive ninjutsu—Sage Art: Toad Hair Ball!

Enhanced by Sage Chakra, the defensive power of his hair had increased exponentially.

Not only could it easily withstand slashing attacks, but it could also reflect a portion of the force back.

It was undoubtedly Jiraiya’s best choice for defense at this stage!

"Using Sage-enhanced hair to block my attack, huh?"

Danzō looked at the spherical Jiraiya, a slight smile curling his lips.

This move was quite creative—not only could it defend against slashes, but it was also effective against blunt force.

The only pity was that his opponent was someone who could slice through the strongest shield.

After confirming that Jiraiya was ready, Danzō began to step forward.

The katana at his waist slowly unsheathed as he walked, and the crimson light in his eyes grew brighter.

This scene made Hiruzen and Asuma, who were watching from the side, hold their breaths, silently praying for Jiraiya.

If he could block this strike, all their current troubles would be resolved.

Not only would Hiruzen be freed, but the Daimyō would also regain his former status, and the Land of Fire would return to its proper course!

The only condition was that Jiraiya had to win.

But Danzō didn’t believe such a scenario would play out.

He stopped in his tracks, adjusted his posture, and poured the full power of his eyes into the katana in his hand.

Divine Severance!

Facing Jiraiya’s all-out defense, Danzō gave his utmost respect.

Thus, as a blinding white light erupted from Danzō’s hand, everything in its path was instantly severed!

This included the "hair ball" Jiraiya had painstakingly created.

Even with the enhancement of Sage Chakra, it was as fragile as paper before Danzō’s full-powered strike.

The blade’s light didn’t just cut through Jiraiya’s defense—it sliced through the entire capital of the Land of Fire, cleaving houses, the ground, and everything in its path.

In the heart of the great capital, a terrifying dividing line was carved, leaving all who saw it in awe.