Naruto: Manipulation-Chapter 157: Orochimaru!

This was an unexpected situation.

No one present could have anticipated that the leader of the Akatsuki organization would suddenly call out Jiraiya's name and even refer to him as his teacher.

Jiraiya's pupils instinctively contracted.

The enemy before him had disheveled orange hair and a somewhat familiar youthful face, but his visage was adorned with numerous metal piercings.

So familiar...

Yet so unfamiliar!

Jiraiya strained to recognize the person before him, but the Rinnegan in his eyes and the aura surrounding him made it impossible for Jiraiya to believe his own perception.

Or rather...

He didn't dare believe it.

The enemy standing before him looked too much like his deceased disciple, Yahiko, to the point that Jiraiya's mind wavered for a moment.

In that rain-soaked land, he had once taken in three disciples, only to later receive news that all three had perished in the war.

"This... looks somewhat familiar," Tsunade muttered unconsciously, frowning in thought.

After all, she too had once seen Jiraiya's disciple, Yahiko.

Jiraiya's heart clenched as he took a deep breath before finally confirming in disbelief, "Yahiko... is that you?"

"You still remember me, sensei..."

Pain's Rinnegan eyes fell upon Jiraiya as he spoke calmly, "I thought you would only recognize me when the other two appeared alongside me..."

"Them?"

Jiraiya's brow furrowed immediately.

Two figures had already emerged at Pain's side.

With Pain's true identity revealed, it seemed there was no longer any need for Nagato and Konan to remain hidden. Or rather, at this moment, Nagato no longer wished to remain in the shadows.

Because...

They no longer bore the burden of secrecy.

Nagato was no longer the true leader of the Akatsuki organization, nor did he need to worry about his identity being exposed in the ninja world. He was no longer the most important person.

"Long time no see, Jiraiya-sensei,"

Nagato stood behind Pain, reaching up to remove his gas mask, revealing his bright red hair. His expression still carried a trace of youthful restraint.

At the same time, Konan's figure landed behind Pain as well. She slowly removed her own mask, revealing her neatly tied pale purple hair.

As if time had rewound itself, they stood before Jiraiya once again, allowing him to finally and completely recognize them.

His disciples...

Had become the leaders of Akatsuki!

Jiraiya's mind momentarily went blank. Hadn't the toads of Mount Myōboku delivered the message that these three had already died?

"The three kids from the Land of Rain?!"

Tsunade's face also flashed with disbelief.

"Jiraiya, Tsunade, you know them?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but turn to Jiraiya and Tsunade, hoping to hear some explanation from Jiraiya.

"It's more than just knowing them,"

Tsunade's expression grew complicated. She glanced at Jiraiya, whose face was still filled with shock, and softly explained, "During the Second Shinobi World War, Jiraiya took them in as his disciples..."

This kind of teacher-student relationship...

Was even more troublesome than facing complete strangers!

Tsunade looked at her companion and couldn't help but feel sorry for him. The disciples he once held dear had now become his enemies.

"Jiraiya..."

"Jiraiya's disciples, huh..."

Hiruzen's face grew serious.

Because he was reminded of the time when his own disciple, Orochimaru, defected. Perhaps at this moment, he was the only one who could truly understand Jiraiya's emotions.

"Nagato, Konan..."

Jiraiya steadied his breathing. His seasoned demeanor as a ninja allowed him to quickly suppress his sorrow, leaving only suspicion and a cold voice as he questioned them.

"What the hell is going on? Why have you joined a group full of rogue ninjas like Akatsuki? And how did Yahiko become its leader?"

"Is there something wrong with that?"

Pain stood in front of Nagato and Konan, shielding them from their teacher's interrogation just as Yahiko once shielded his companions from the wind and rain.

"Jiraiya-sensei,"

"We have always wanted to change this world filled with war and slaughter. Now, Akatsuki finally allows us to achieve that dream."

"Wait... change the world?"

Jiraiya's body trembled slightly.

This dream...

Did not sound strange at all!

Because Yahiko had once wanted to change the world, to mediate and end all wars. It was not strange at all for Yahiko, who had suffered under the flames of war, to harbor such an idea.

However...

Jiraiya's mind subconsciously recalled the Great Toad Sage's prophecy and Shigen's warning about the "Child of Prophecy."

No...

This was bad!

Compared to the shocking revelation of his disciples being alive, what worried Jiraiya even more was that Shigen's words seemed to be coming true.

The Great Toad Sage had once prophesied—

That a child who would bring great change to the world would appear, and that Jiraiya himself would be the one to guide him down the right path.

Shigen's warning...

Each time Jiraiya had taken on a disciple, those disciples had developed aspirations to change the world. And they would ultimately fight amongst themselves until only one remained, the one who truly fit the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.

"What do you intend to do?"

Jiraiya looked at his former students, trying to understand their intentions while also probing for information about Akatsuki.

"I've heard some things about Akatsuki. Right now, it's recruiting dangerous rogue ninjas from across the shinobi world. That doesn't seem like the actions of an organization aiming for peace..."

"No comment,"

Pain shook his head, unwilling to explain further.

Because he was not the true decision-maker of Akatsuki, he couldn't reveal any information based solely on his own will.

However...

He did not intend to hide one thing.

"Jiraiya-sensei,"

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

"You, who were born in Konoha, a great nation's shinobi village, have always naively hoped for mutual understanding among people. But you could never comprehend the means we must use to change this world..."

Former teacher and students...

Were destined to stand on opposing sides.

"Step aside,"

Pain raised his hand and calmly said, "Jiraiya-sensei, we do not wish to kill you, nor do we wish to harm any more innocent people here."

These words were sincere.

Their only goal was to kill Danzo Shimura.

This was both a mission given to them by Shigen and Black Zetsu, as well as a personal act of revenge. They truly had no intention of harming anyone else.

However...

Pain's willingness to compromise did not mean there would be peace.

Now that their true identities had been revealed, there was no way they could simply walk out of Konoha. Especially since Jiraiya was not the one in charge of making such decisions.

Got it! Here's the continuation of the translation exactly as it is, maintaining accuracy without changes:

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze darkened as he turned to Jiraiya and ordered, "Jiraiya, stand down!"

The elderly Hokage's expression remained solemn as he stared at Pain. His sharp eyes locked onto the leader of Akatsuki as he continued, "I will handle this alongside the Kazekage."

Naturally...

There was no way they could allow Pain to leave!

This was a rare opportunity—they had to capture Akatsuki's leader. Even if he was Jiraiya's disciple, even if doing so would displease Jiraiya, as the Third Hokage of Konoha, he had to ensure the village's future safety.

If Jiraiya participated in the battle and hesitated like he once did with Orochimaru, they might just watch their enemy escape right in front of them!

However...

Jiraiya did not intend to step back.

The tall, muscular man hesitated slightly as he looked at his disciples, then shook his head, rejecting his teacher's decision. He refused to withdraw from this battle.

After all...

Both sides of this fight were people important to him.

No matter which side won, it would be painful for him.

Most importantly...

This was his responsibility.

As their teacher, it was his duty to guide his disciples, not to step aside and watch everything unfold, leaving the burden to his aging master and his trusted companions.

Moreover...

He was one of the few who truly understood the power of the Rinnegan.

Because he had personally experienced its abilities, he knew more about its powers than anyone else. And now, both Nagato and Yahiko possessed the Rinnegan.

Though he didn't understand why...

It meant they both had access to its abilities.

This battle...

Would be extremely dangerous for Konoha.

If both Nagato and Yahiko had mastered the Rinnegan's full potential like Shigen, then stepping back now would put Hiruzen and Tsunade in grave danger...

"You refuse to step aside?"

Pain observed Jiraiya as he assumed a combat stance, his voice filled with regret. "I see... That is exactly like you, Jiraiya-sensei..."

"What a shame."

"This is an unwise and futile act."

"If you have truly witnessed the power of the Rinnegan, you should understand that before its might, you stand no chance."

Jiraiya's expression tensed.

Because he knew Pain was right.

At least, against Shigen, he had been utterly powerless. If Nagato and Yahiko wielded the Rinnegan the same way, even with Hiruzen and Tsunade fighting alongside him, victory was uncertain...

But...

In this world, battles did not always depend on whether one could win or not.

"Then let's begin!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his hand!

The old Hokage was the first to attack, his fingers quickly forming a series of seals. He had learned from his previous mistakes and did not hesitate to share his experience with his students and his ally, Rasa!

"Start with ranged attacks!"

"Be careful of that repulsive force that can deflect our jutsu!"

"That is one of the Rinnegan's abilities!"

Jiraiya also quickly relayed what he knew about the Rinnegan while forming his own hand seals. His gaze was heavy as he added, "When I fought against Shigen, he used the same technique—it instantly repelled all attacks..."

"A staggered assault,"

The Fourth Kazekage Rasa's voice was cold as he proposed a strategy—using their team's members to launch attacks in sequence to counter the repulsion force!

Hiruzen, Tsunade, and Jiraiya all looked slightly surprised.

Because they had thought of the same approach at the same time. But they hadn't expected the Fourth Kazekage to be so in sync with them...

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"

Hiruzen took the lead, spitting out a massive fireball toward Pain and his allies!

"Sealing Jutsu: Absorption Seal!"

Nagato stepped forward, intercepting the incoming flames. He raised his hand and absorbed Hiruzen's Fire Release technique, converting it into pure chakra within his body!

Against his power...

No one could harm Pain or Konan!

If staggered attacks could work on Pain, they would be useless against Nagato, a true wielder of the Rinnegan!

Jiraiya's gaze grew heavier as he watched Nagato step forward, his voice turning serious as he explained, "This is one of the Rinnegan's abilities—it allows him to absorb jutsu. Any ninjutsu cast during this time will be absorbed and converted into chakra..."

"Ninjutsu is useless?"

Tsunade clenched her fists and charged!

If ninjutsu attacks wouldn't work, then her taijutsu definitely would!

A barrage of paper shuriken flew toward her!

As Tsunade rushed in, Konan moved as well!

She raised her hand, and countless sheets of paper—some embedded with explosive tags—rained down on Tsunade, threatening to blast her apart!

At that moment...

Tsunade barely had time to activate her Yin Seal across her entire body. At the very least, her enhanced regeneration under the Yin Seal and her cursed seal state should allow her to withstand the explosions!

"Wind Release: Cyclone!"

The Fourth Kazekage Rasa quickly formed a seal and unleashed a powerful gust of wind, sweeping the explosive-laden paper away!

In an instant, Rasa's Wind Release neutralized Konan's attack and rescued Tsunade from danger.

"Thanks, Kazekage,"

Tsunade landed back on the ground.

She had to admit...

Rasa's intervention was crucial.

Seeing this, Hiruzen and Jiraiya felt a little more reassured about the Kazekage.

At the very least, it seemed he genuinely wanted to fight alongside them.

"Thank you,"

Hiruzen solemnly expressed his gratitude to the Fourth Kazekage, his voice deep.

"It's nothing,"

Rasa smiled and responded with equal seriousness, "We are allies who need to rely on each other. However, you still haven't forced them to use their strange repulsion ability, meaning we haven't truly pressured them yet..."

"This battle... has yet to truly begin."

Just as Rasa and Hiruzen were about to reevaluate their strategy—since they still hadn't forced Pain to use his repulsion technique—Pain's voice suddenly echoed across the battlefield.

The warning immediately sent a chill down their spines!

But...

That warning was meaningless!

Pain's expression remained cold as he raised his palm, his voice carrying a tinge of solemnity as he spoke seven words:

"Shinra Tensei!"

Boom!

The density of the air suddenly shifted under the immense pressure of the repulsive force!

The entire battlefield trembled violently under the crushing power of Shinra Tensei!

Every Konoha ninja present witnessed an awe-inspiring sight!

This time...

Pain did not hold back at all!

Shinra Tensei's power was unleashed at full strength!

Half of the stone tiles covering the arena floor were uprooted in an instant. The shattered debris flew across the battlefield, leaving the ground devastated like an abandoned wasteland!

Hiruzen and the others barely had time to react before the massive repulsion force sent them flying!

Before they even hit the ground, blood sprayed from their mouths, as if they had been utterly crushed by the overwhelming power!

Understood! Here's the continuation of the translation exactly as it is, maintaining accuracy without changes:

Before they even hit the ground, blood sprayed from their mouths, as if they had been utterly crushed by the overwhelming power!

"Tch..."

Among them, Tsunade suffered the most severe injuries. However, just before she was about to crash to the ground, she swiftly formed a hand seal!

"Summoning Jutsu!"

A white summoning circle instantly appeared on the ground, and from it emerged a large slug—Katsuyu!

The enormous slug looked at Tsunade, concern in its gentle voice, "Tsunade-sama..."

"Katsuyu, heal us!"

Tsunade immediately instructed, directing the slug towards the others.

Although she had sustained serious injuries, her body—reinforced by her Yin Seal—was still in the best condition among them, allowing her to react swiftly.

"Understood!"

Katsuyu's body split into multiple smaller slugs, each one crawling over to Jiraiya, Hiruzen, and even the Kazekage, beginning to heal their injuries.

"There's no immediate danger to their lives..."

Katsuyu's soft voice provided reassurance.

"Ugh..."

Hiruzen and Jiraiya coughed, their faces grim as they endured the treatment. Even though they had not yet fought with their full strength, they had been heavily injured before they could even go all out!

"The Kazekage—check on the Kazekage!"

Hiruzen quickly turned his head to look in Rasa's direction.

During the battle, the Fourth Kazekage had aided Tsunade, and Konoha could not ignore their ally's condition.

"I already sent Katsuyu to help him..."

Tsunade responded, her hands glowing with a greenish chakra as she continued to heal Jiraiya's wounds. Her voice was heavy, "We need Shigen here now."

"We can't afford to wait—"

Suddenly, an unfamiliar yet eerily familiar voice interrupted her.

"What an unexpected surprise..."

Tsunade's heart clenched at the voice. She recognized it instantly—one that she hadn't heard in years!

"You still haven't realized it yet, have you?"

Her expression darkened.

Before she could fully process what was happening, Katsuyu's voice rang out in warning.

"Tsunade-sama! That is—"

Tsunade's gaze turned sharply toward Rasa's supposed location—only to see a completely lifeless body lying there.

But what alarmed her most...

It wasn't the Kazekage's corpse.

It was the technique that had replaced him.

"That's... Orochimaru's Body Substitution Jutsu...!"

A chill ran down her spine.

Tsunade's fists clenched involuntarily as she frantically scanned her surroundings. Her mind screamed in denial, but she already knew...

"Orochimaru...!"

She gritted her teeth, her voice laced with anger.

He was here.

Hiruzen and Jiraiya—both wounded yet alert—lifted their heads, staring at her in shock.

As if in response to their bewildered expressions, the familiar, sinister voice continued:

"How disappointing..."

"None of you recognized me until now."

----------

Powerstones?

For 20 advance Chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates