Naruto: Starting with Infinite Chakra

Self-conceit is the deadliest trap.

In an instant, Jiraiya's image rose even higher in Tsunade's heart.

"You go deliver the message. I already promised you that I'd accompany you to see the flowers here every year. I won't go back on my word. Besides, I haven't seen you take a bath yet. How could I put myself in danger before that happens?"

Jiraiya quipped with a half-smile, sneaking a glance at Tsunade's ample figure.

Their relationship had grown so close that such jokes no longer annoyed Tsunade. If anything, they only deepened their bond.

What's more, while the intruders were formidable, Jiraiya's keen perceptive abilities allowed him to track their every move. With his current level of taijutsu, he was confident he could escape before they got too close.

"If you dare break your promise, I'll make sure you're flat on the ground!"

Tsunade waved her fist playfully before disappearing in a flash, heading toward the medicinal garden.

Jiraiya also used the Body Flicker Technique to retreat some distance, leaping onto a tree branch to continue observing the group of Rain Country ninja.

Soon, the group of ninja reached the border without hesitation and crossed over.

"So decisive... They've clearly been planning this for a while," Jiraiya muttered as he pulled out a shuriken. Attached to it was an explosive tag.

He'd anticipated that someone would eventually target the medicinal garden here. With the looming Second Shinobi World War, Rain Country had become a hotspot for various factions.

The garden's proximity to the border made it an obvious target. And once someone stole from it, retreating into the chaotic Rain Country would make it nearly impossible for Konoha to track them down.

As the intruders advanced further into Fire Country, Jiraiya infused chakra into the explosive tag, activating it before hurling it ahead of them.

BOOM!

The explosion left a massive crater in the ground.

Jiraiya's intention wasn't to attack but to warn. He hadn't acted earlier because they hadn't yet entered Fire Country's territory.

"Impressive power, though it's ridiculously expensive," Jiraiya mused, satisfied with the tag's effect but lamenting its cost.

Explosive tags were a luxury item, affordable only for the wealthiest clans or highly skilled independent shinobi. For regular ninja, especially those from civilian backgrounds, buying one was nearly impossible without exceptional skills.

A single explosive tag cost 3,000 ryo, while low-rank missions paid between 500 and 10,000 ryo. Jiraiya's current tag had been a gift from Tsunade—having a wealthy friend was great, but having a wealthy wife would be even better, he thought with a grin.

...

The intruders stopped in their tracks at the explosion.

"Captain, that was the sound of an explosive tag. Could someone else be here to steal the herbs? Have they already engaged Konoha's ninja?" one of the chūnin asked.

"What do we do now?" another inquired.

"We proceed as planned. The more chaotic the situation, the better it is for us," the jōnin leader decided after a brief hesitation.

These intruders hailed from various small shinobi villages and were emboldened by support from Amegakure, which had offered them high rewards. One of the leading jōnin was an Ame ninja, using this mission to prepare for the upcoming conflict.

Amegakure had noticed the infiltration of Fire, Wind, and Earth Country ninjas into its borders and understood their intent. Prepared for war, Amegakure aimed to seize Konoha's medicinal resources first. Even if the mission failed, they could blame the small villages, avoiding direct repercussions.

The group resumed their advance.

Hearing the explosion in the distance, Tsunade glanced back, worry evident in her eyes.

"Everyone, gather! Follow me to the border!"

The explosion had also reached Sakumo Hatake at the camp. He immediately stepped out, shouting the order before leading the charge toward the border.

The other Konoha ninjas, including Orochimaru, followed without hesitation. Sakumo's speed allowed him to pull ahead of the group.

At the border, the explosion likely signaled enemy activity. If Jiraiya was involved, it could mean a confrontation was already underway.

"Kazeo, there's a chūnin brat ahead on the left. Go deal with him," the Ame jōnin ordered, sensing Jiraiya's presence.

The elite chūnin, codenamed Kazeo, nodded and broke away from the group, heading toward Jiraiya.

The rest of the team bypassed Jiraiya's position, continuing toward their goal.

The two leading jōnin didn't regard Jiraiya as a threat, assuming an elite chūnin would suffice to eliminate him.

"Take him out quickly and rejoin us," one of the jōnin commanded coldly.

"Don't worry. Killing a chūnin won't take long," Kazeo replied confidently.

The assembled ninjas from small villages were all seasoned elites. No one here was weak. Otherwise, the Ame jōnin wouldn't have trusted them with this mission.

"So, they've underestimated me, huh?"

Watching an elite chūnin approach alone, Jiraiya shook his head.

Unwrapping the bandages from his Thunderfire Blade, he decided it was a good opportunity to test its power.

"Still standing there, kid? Are you frozen with fear at the sight of me?" Kazeo taunted, ripping off his mask to reveal a scarred, bearded face twisted in a cruel grin.

"Poor thing," Jiraiya murmured to the blade. "Your first taste of blood will be from a fool."

"You little punk! How dare you mock me? I'll crush your head under my foot!"

Enraged, Kazeo quickly formed hand seals and unleashed a stream of fire—Dragon Fire Technique, a common Fire Release jutsu.

Jiraiya stood motionless, raising the Lightning Flame Blade. With a single slash, he cleaved through the approaching flames.

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