The ground was densely covered with explosive tags, a swirling vortex threatening to engulf Tsunade and Jiraiya.
Heavenly Foot of Pain!
Tsunade stomped down, shattering the explosive tags wrapped around her foot, but the remaining tags clung like venomous snakes, wrapping around her again.
Hiss!
Hanzo formed a hand seal, detonating his secret technique.
Needle Jizo!
Jiraiya shouted, rushing toward Tsunade and enveloping her in his long, protective hair. Then, a deafening explosion erupted.
As smoke and debris filled the air, the rock Tsunade had summoned was obliterated, reduced to dust that drifted away.
When the haze cleared, a cocoon-like structure emerged—Jiraiya's hair had shielded them both at the moment of impact. Slowly, the cocoon unraveled, revealing Jiraiya on the ground, his body covered in wounds, barely able to stand, supported by Tsunade. The blast had still inflicted significant damage.
Tsunade's anxiety showed; burns and injuries of this degree required immediate treatment. Jiraiya, however, focused on Hanzo, preventing a potential follow-up attack.
"Jiraiya, Tsunade!"
Orochimaru shouted, eyes wide, as he surged forward, exchanging injuries for chakra to break through the Salamander's barrier and arrive at their side. Hanzo's massive summoning ceased its assault at his signal.
"Are you both alright?!" Orochimaru asked, his voice tense. Jiraiya was severely wounded, his expression grim but determined.
"We were caught in Hanzo's explosive tags," Tsunade explained, irritation mixing with concern. "If Jiraiya hadn't acted in time, we would have died."
"…The gap is extraordinary…" Jiraiya smiled weakly. His body was faltering; he had fully absorbed the blast to protect Tsunade. The poisonous gas had neutralized his previously ingested antidotes.
Hanzo leapt atop the Salamander, looming over them, his presence oppressive.
"Now, with your injuries, what can you do?"
What indeed? The three stood before the massive black Salamander, exhausted, while Hanzo remained aloof. Their limits had been reached, yet Hanzo seemed not to have unleashed his full strength.
"Life and death are in your hands. Do you still intend to persevere?" Hanzo asked.
"You should understand that even combined, the gap between you and us is insurmountable. Surrender, and you may live."
"Never!" Jiraiya roared, his body at its limit, refusing to yield. He couldn't fail—not with his comrades, disciples, and friends risking everything behind him. Defeat was unthinkable.
Orochimaru and Tsunade remained silent, yet their eyes mirrored Jiraiya's determination.
Never surrender.
Hanzo observed them, pausing. Should he kill these promising young shinobi or let them go? Part of him wanted to strike, but even if he did, the wrath of the Leaf Village would be catastrophic.
And then, the memory of the earth-shattering Lightning Release replayed in his mind. Ninjas capable of wielding such power were nearly always from the Leaf Village.
Hanzo realized the Leaf Village would likely win this war. Even the Allied Forces couldn't match them. Killing Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru would be a pyrrhic victory at best.
Reluctantly, Hanzo's killing intent dissipated.
"I haven't seen such exceptional juniors in a long time. Your strength earns my respect. You three… go," he said.
"Huh?!" Jiraiya and Tsunade froze. The battle had been unrelenting, and they had expected to die. Yet Hanzo's tone now conveyed admiration, even mercy.
"No, we cannot let you join the battlefield!" Jiraiya said instinctively.
"Don't worry. Since I let you live, I will not align with the Sand or Stone villages. I will not enter the battlefield," Hanzo replied.
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes, skeptical. "You didn't give up just because of us, did you?"
Hanzo smirked, "Simple. The Leaf Village will win this war. There's no reason to continue fighting. I will let you go as a gesture of respect. Satisfied?"
"We don't need your pity. We will keep fighting!" Jiraiya snapped.
"Enough, Jiraiya," Tsunade said, glancing at his injuries.
Hanzo ignored them and began to leave. Then, with a deliberate glance back, he addressed them:
"Don't be nervous. Surviving in my hands is already a mark of distinction. From now on, I will call you the Leaf Sannin. Bear the title I bestow upon you and live."
Jiraiya barked in frustration, "Leaf Sannin?! Compared to my toads, this is the worst!"
Tsunade chuckled, "Regardless, we survived."
Jiraiya finally smiled, relief washing over him. The poisonous gas dissipated as Hanzo departed.
Orochimaru said, "Let's move. The battle isn't over."
The three shared a glance, returning to the battlefield. They did not yet realize that the title Hanzo had given them would linger forever—not an honor, but a constant reminder of today's trial and survival.
The dust settled around them, and for a brief moment, silence blanketed the devastated battlefield. Tsunade knelt beside Jiraiya, tending to his wounds as Orochimaru scanned the area for any lingering threats.
Though exhausted and battered, their spirits burned brighter than ever. The name "Leaf Sannin" was more than a title—it was a symbol of endurance, of the bonds forged under fire, and of the unyielding resolve that would define them for years to come.
Even as the horizon brimmed with smoke and the echoes of war, they rose together, ready to face whatever challenges awaited beyond the battlefield.