Naruto: Cultivating to Immortality

Chapter 383 The Death of Jiraiya (Part 2)

Atop the newly built tower in Amegakure, Pain stood by the top window, watching the light drizzle, his face expressionless. He had already sensed an intruder using the 'Rain Tiger Freedom Technique.' This was a technique frequently used by Nagato, the leader of Akatsuki, to monitor the entire village of Amegakure. This technique involved mixing one's chakra into the rain, ensuring that every drop of rain falling during its activation was intimately connected to Pain's senses. Because chakra from outside the village would obscure the rain, it allowed him to detect intruders.

Since failing to detect Hyuga Kanan's intrusion last time, Nagato had begun to enhance the chakra content in the rainwater to better perceive the situation throughout Amegakure. He really didn't want to experience another instance of an enemy sneaking in. However, unexpectedly, not long after, he sensed an intrusion into the village once again. This time, through his keen senses, Nagato detected a large and somewhat familiar chakra emanating from the intruder.

At this moment, Konan emerged from the shadows and stood behind Pain, her gaze fixed on the drizzling rain outside. She sensed Pain increasing the chakra content in the rainwater, indicating that Amegakure had been invaded again. Having experienced the previous invasion by Hyuga Kanan, she worried that Nagato would once again directly clash with the invaders. Therefore, this time she planned to launch a preemptive strike to test the invaders' strength, giving Nagato a better chance of success.

Xiao Nanhai didn't ask Pain about the specifics of the invading enemy, knowing she didn't need to; her job was simply to carry out the mission. However, while she remained silent, Pain spoke up: "This intruder is not to be underestimated; he's a fairly skilled ninja. But don't worry, go find him first, and I'll prepare and come to your aid as soon as possible." Hearing this, Xiao Nanhai nodded expressionlessly, indicating she understood. She knew Pain's strength and abilities well; if he had made such arrangements, there must be a reason. Moreover, from Xiao Nanhai's perspective, even against such a powerful enemy, Pain's abilities were more than capable of handling it with ease. Therefore, she was full of confidence for this mission.

Then, Konan formed hand seals, and her body began to transform into countless pieces of paper, flying in the direction indicated by Pain.

The paper scraps danced in the air, seemingly alive, forming countless paper butterflies that completely engulfed Xiao Nan's figure. As the paper butterflies flew away, Xiao Nan's figure gradually disappeared into the air.

A moment later, the paper stopped folding, and the paper butterflies scattered and flew away, leaving only an empty sky. Xiao Nan had left and headed to her destination.

By this time, Jiraiya had already gained a general understanding of the current situation in Amegakure through interrogating two ninjas. It turned out that Hanzo of the Salamander, the former ruler of Amegakure, had been killed by a mysterious ninja many years ago, who then took his place and became the new ruler of the village. However, no one in Amegakure had ever seen the new ruler; they only knew that he had sent an angelic female ninja to manage the village.

Under the meticulous management of the female ninja known as the 'Angel' for many years, Amegakure finally ushered in a long-awaited peace. The village, once ravaged by war, has now been completely transformed, and its people live a peaceful and harmonious life. However, behind all this beauty lies an incredibly isolated reality.

Although Amegakure became unusually peaceful internally, an impregnable barrier was erected against the outside world. Ninja from other villages were strictly forbidden from setting foot inside, and even communication between Amegakure and other villages was strictly prohibited. This extreme isolation policy made Amegakure almost completely cut off from the outside world, making it seem like a secluded island cut off from the world.

Moreover, even ordinary merchants face immense difficulties in entering Amegakure. A series of stringent checkpoints and vetting procedures deter them, making it difficult for them to set foot in this mysterious land. Amegakure seems to be intentionally protecting its independence and purity, keeping outside interference at bay.

However, this approach has also sparked some controversy. Some believe that excessive isolation will cause Amegakure to lose contact with the outside world and fail to keep up with the times; while others firmly believe that only by maintaining independence can Amegakure's safety and stability be ensured. In any case, the future of Amegakure remains uncertain. How will it find its place in this complex and ever-changing world?

However, under the overwhelming power and pressure of the 'Angel,' the ninjas of Amegakure eventually accepted her management style. The Amegakure ninjas felt extremely oppressed by this system, lacking any freedom. But among the ordinary people of Amegakure, the 'Angel' was known as their savior, giving them a chance to survive.

Jiraiya grew increasingly curious about the Akatsuki organization. From the intelligence he had gathered, he knew it as a highly evil and terrifying group. They frequently participated in mercenary wars and were now even targeting the Jinchuriki of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, a serious provocation. However, he had recently learned from the Amegakure ninja that the Akatsuki enjoyed the love and support of the ordinary people of Amegakure, leaving Jiraiya somewhat unsure of what the Akatsuki was planning.

However, as long as the Akatsuki prepares to capture the Jinchuriki, Jiraiya will not easily accept their authority. After all, Konoha Village possesses the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, and as long as the Akatsuki doesn't give up on capturing the Tailed Beast, a battle with Konoha is inevitable in the future. Moreover, not long ago, members of the Akatsuki killed Konoha's elite high priest, Sarutobi Asuma, leading to a serious conflict with Konoha.

His purpose in coming to Konoha was to investigate the Akatsuki organization, allowing the village to gain a better understanding of them and thus facilitate their defeat. He used the 'Toad Shadow Manipulation Technique' to conceal himself within the enemy's shadow and manipulate their actions. In his covert operation within Amegakure, Jiraiya could only use this technique to manipulate an Amegakure ninja, successfully infiltrating the village. This technique is similar to the Shikamaru clan's Shadow Imitation Technique, but this technique involves directly possessing the opponent's shadow, making it far more concealed and thus superior to the Shadow Imitation Technique. He planned to secretly infiltrate the Akatsuki's core territory to gather intelligence.

"Hoo..." Jiraiya controlled the Rain Ninja to arrive at the open space at the tower. Just as he breathed a sigh of relief and was about to continue forward, countless paper shuriken shot towards him at lightning speed, slicing through the air.

"What?!" Jiraiya was shocked and tried to use ninjutsu to defend himself, but it was too late. He could only quickly release the ninjutsu controlling the Rain Ninja and dodge to the side, barely managing to avoid the attack.

"Damn it, who was it? How did they manage to find me?" Jiraiya was furious. As one of the Legendary Sannin, he had experienced countless battles and was extremely skilled. But this time, he had been successfully ambushed, which made him very unhappy.

Jiraiya dodged the attack with a quick movement, then turned to look at the person who had attacked him.

To his astonishment, he discovered that not far from him, countless sheets of paper were slowly floating in mid-air. These sheets of paper seemed to possess a life of their own, gradually forming the shape of a person's upper body. As time passed, more and more sheets of paper gathered from all directions, eventually forming a complete human figure.

This human figure is entirely made of paper, and it looks extremely eerie. Her body and limbs are all formed from gathered paper, resembling a paper doll. What's even more astonishing is that this paper figure has two enormous wings made of paper on its back, allowing it to move freely in the air, just like a real angel.

Jiraiya stared wide-eyed at the figure before him, a figure both familiar and strange, his heart filled with doubt and confusion. He tried to recall his past experiences, attempting to find clues related to this person deep within his memory, but no matter what he did, he couldn't remember when or where he had seen the other person. It was as if a thin veil had veiled his memory, preventing him from clearly seeing the person's face.

Floating in mid-air, Konan immediately recognized the imposing Jiraiya before her. His robust physique and the aura emanating from him felt strangely familiar. She knew him intimately; he was the one who had taught them how to survive in war. The founding of the Akatsuki was also a result of them inheriting his dream, and Yahiko had naively died in the conflict, firmly believing in the dream Jiraiya had described to them.

Konan is filled with gratitude towards Jiraiya because he gave her and the other children hope for survival during the war-torn Amegakure. At that time, they were just a group of helpless children, and it was almost impossible for them to survive, but it was because of Jiraiya's appearance that they had the opportunity to change their fate.

Jiraiya not only provided them with food and shelter, but also taught them survival skills and combat techniques. He imparted his knowledge to them, enabling them to protect themselves. This selfless care and guidance was of great significance to Konan, who knew that without Jiraiya's help, they might not be alive today.

Therefore, Konan holds Jiraiya in deep respect and gratitude. Despite what happened afterward, she always remembers that difficult time and the warmth and support Jiraiya gave them. This kindness will forever be etched in Konan's heart, becoming a driving force on her path forward.