The dispute over the first contested territory between Konohagakure and Kumogakure stood at 1:1. The "competition" had reached its critical point. Jinghang secretly felt relieved - his predictions for both matches' odds, based on his "experience" and Intelligence Department information, had proven accurate. By now, Kōzaburō Hirai must have made a fortune in outside betting.
However, for this final match, Jinghang lacked confidence. Looking at the contestant lists from both sides: Jiraiya from the Leaf and Issei Ran from the Cloud.
Jinghang knew Jiraiya well enough. Though not yet as seasoned as in the Shippuden era, his current strength remained formidable. Jinghang estimated that while Jiraiya hadn't mastered Rasengan yet, he should already possess a "basic version" of Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode - impressive enough.
As for this Issei Ran from the Cloud Village, Jinghang had zero intelligence. In fact, among all ninja villages, the Sand's Intelligence Department had the least information about the Cloud. This wasn't due to negligence from Lord Rasa or Tōru Yamashita, but rather the Cloud Village's unique culture and style made it nearly impossible for any village's spies to survive there.
First, there was the matter of skin color. Built atop towering peaks, the Cloud Village's high altitude meant less direct sunlight exposure, resulting in darker-skinned inhabitants. Outsiders stood out immediately.
Second, everyone in the village - men, women, old, and young - was extremely militant. They were all fighters with explosive tempers and aggressive personalities, earning them the nickname "Sparta of the Ninja World." For a spy who needed to maintain a low profile, this posed a dilemma: act too reserved, and you're suspicious; try to match their boldness, and you risk exposure - they may be rough, but they weren't fools!
For now, the Cloud Village intelligence would have to wait for future planning, especially with Project Tengan slowly taking shape. Regarding this match, Jinghang chose relatively balanced odds of 1.5:1, slightly favoring Jiraiya, but ensuring minimal gains or losses either way.
As the green light signaled the start of the match, Cloud Village's Issei Ran immediately drew cheers from the crowd - including her opponent Jiraiya.
Why?
In this world, there was an almost universal truth - most men appreciated well-endowed women. Especially beautiful ones.
Jinghang secretly swallowed. Those had to be at least G-cups, even surpassing Tsunade's. He wondered if they wouldn't get in the way during combat.
Tanned skin, stunning features, a practical ponytail, devilish curves, and a revealing red battle outfit - if you replaced her steel tridents with fans, she'd be a real-life Mai Shiranui.
Jiraiya, already sporting a lecherous expression, asked with a fawning smile.
"Beautiful lady... may I know your name?"
On the main platform, Hiruzen Sarutobi face-palmed.
"What an oversight. Had I known, I should have sent Orochimaru instead."
Beside him, Jinghang secretly smiled. Indeed, given Orochimaru's cool temperament, their chances of winning would have been much higher.
Issei Ran smirked disdainfully, ignoring his question. Her steel tridents spun like windmills as she charged at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya, nearly bleeding from his nose, couldn't tear his eyes away from the bouncing pair of bowling balls.
"Clang!"
Only when Issei reached striking distance did Jiraiya snap back to reality, quickly drawing a kunai to block the tridents.
Unexpectedly, Issei didn't engage in a power struggle. Instead, she smoothly transitioned into a 180-degree spinning kick aimed at Jiraiya's face.
Normally, Jiraiya could easily dodge such an attack. However, his gaze was completely captivated by Issei's perfectly rounded thigh, and so...
"WHAM!"
The kick connected solidly with Jiraiya's face, sending him flying back ten meters. His nose nearly broke, blood streaming down to his chin.
The audience erupted in laughter at Jiraiya's comical performance.
Hiruzen finally couldn't take it anymore. Grabbing the microphone, he shouted:
"Jiraiya! What are you doing?! Get up! If you keep fighting like this, I'll send you straight to the Fire Temple to become a monk!"
The crowd roared with even more laughter, their sides splitting.
What? Master Sarutobi wants to make me a monk? No way! How would I visit the red-light district? How would I peek in the women's bath for research? What about my dreams of becoming an author?
I need to find a way to fight properly!
He immediately grew serious, dipped his finger in his nosebleed, and slammed his palm on the ground.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
"Poof!"
As the white smoke cleared, Great Elder Fukasaku and Shima appeared.
"What's up, Little Jiraiya? Need help with this woman?"
Fukasaku asked.
"No, Great Elder. I need Lady Shima to cast a genjutsu on me!"
He then whispered something in Shima's ear.
"Understood. Sage Art: Frog Call!"
Shima directed a sharp croak at Jiraiya, making his world spin.
But Issei wouldn't wait. In an instant, she closed in on Jiraiya, tridents striking directly.
"Frog Kata!"
Fukasaku, who had been standing guard, wouldn't let her. He leaped up to engage Issei.
Surprisingly, despite her "voluptuous" appearance, Issei's taijutsu was impressive. Her exchanges with Fukasaku were evenly matched.
"Summoning Jutsu!"
Issei, seemingly unwilling to get tangled with Fukasaku, suddenly broke away, bit her thumb, and performed her own summoning technique.
As the smoke cleared, two chubby raccoons appeared - one red, one yellow, both looking adorably dopey.
"Oh my, rare to see you, Great Elder Fukasaku."
The red raccoon politely greeted Fukasaku. The yellow one remained silent, appearing somewhat wooden.
"Ah, if it isn't Lord Beniju and Lord Kōju. Indeed rare."
Fukasaku bowed back - apparently, the summoned beasts were acquainted.
"Great Elder Fukasaku, might I suggest something? These kids are just competing, not fighting to the death. No need for your intervention. If you're itching for action, perhaps I could entertain you?"
The raccoon called Beniju said, rubbing his paws together politely.
Seeing that Shima's genjutsu was complete, Fukasaku nodded.
"Very well. I look forward to testing your skills, Brother Beniju."
With that, he charged at Beniju.
Despite his dopey appearance, Beniju moved like lightning, matching Fukasaku'sFrog Kata move for move.
The yellow raccoon, Kōju, didn't join the fight, keeping his eyes fixed on Shima.
Shima, apparently reluctant to fight, sat down and invited Kōju over for a chat.
Meanwhile, Jiraiya finally stood up. In his eyes, Issei's appearance had changed - while her body remained the same, her face had been replaced with that of Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Ah, much better now. Come on, let's fight properly."
Jiraiya said, fighting back his nausea but with determination in his eyes.
He threw two kunai at Issei while charging straight at her with another in hand.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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