Chapter 18: See You Again, Konan
Hearing Minato's words, Aoshui and the others immediately took up their stances, looking warily at the approaching figure.
"Long time no see, Minato. I never expected to see you guys in the Land of Rain."
However, upon hearing this, Minato's expression immediately changed, and a surprised voice rang out.
"Jiraiya-sensei!"
That's right, the person who had arrived was Jiraiya, Minato's teacher.
This was, after all, the Land of Rain, so the commotion from Aoshui and the others' recent battle had attracted Rain ninja.
However, they had no intention of showing themselves, merely hiding in the shadows to gather information.
Jiraiya, who was following behind the Rain ninja, chose to reveal himself after spotting Minato.
"It's Jiraiya-sama!"
Mikoto, lowering her guard, looked respectful.
Mukai Yuuki and Sasaki Ayami were even too excited to speak.
They were just ordinary genin; they never imagined they would one day get to meet such an important figure as Jiraiya.
In the past, Jiraiya, as a student of the Third Hokage, was respected, but certainly not as much as he was now.
After all, he had now earned the title of "Konoha's Three Sannin" during the Second Great Ninja War.
In the ninja world, very few ninja were able to have a title of their own.
These individuals were all the strongest among the strong.
Of course, for Jiraiya, the so-called "Konoha's Three Sannin" was not an honor; more accurately, it was a humiliation.
The three of them had teamed up but were still defeated by Hanzō the Salamander, who then bestowed this title upon them.
Therefore, when Jiraiya introduced himself, he would only refer to himself as the Toad Sage.
Only Aoshui appeared relatively calm.
With his memories from his previous life, he was well aware of Jiraiya's personality, and having interacted with Tsunade, it was difficult for him to develop a particularly respectful attitude.
"Minato, are you here in the Land of Rain on a mission?"
Given Jiraiya's identity, and the fact that it was only a C-rank mission that didn't involve any secrets, Minato didn't hide much.
"I see. It looks like most of you are injured. Would you like to recuperate at my place for a few days before returning to Konoha?"
Although Aoshui had treated everyone in time,
medical ninjutsu wasn't omnipotent; complete recovery would definitely require a few days of rest.
Speaking of which, it had been over a year since Jiraiya last saw Minato.
And in the short term, he didn't have time to return to Konoha.
So he planned to use this opportunity to properly guide Minato, fulfilling his duty as a teacher.
Minato was tempted, but he didn't answer; instead, he looked at Mikoto.
As a jōnin, Mikoto was the leader of the squad, and all actions had to be decided by her.
She didn't want to be a spoilsport and agreed.
"Thank you very much, Jiraiya-sama, but we must wait until we complete our escort mission."
Under normal circumstances, they definitely wouldn't be able to stay in the Land of Rain for long.
After completing the mission, they would have to return to Konoha immediately.
However, now that they had met Jiraiya, they could stay for a few more days.
Seeing this, Aoshui, who had remained silent, showed no emotion on the surface, but was actually very excited inside.
Jiraiya was staying in the Land of Rain to teach Nagato and the others.
Going with Jiraiya to his residence would definitely mean meeting Nagato.
"Of course. I'll come with you all. If you encounter any enemies later, I'll protect you."
Jiraiya said with a laugh.
"That's so cool! Jiraiya-sama is going to protect us!"
Mukai Yuuki cheered excitedly.
For boys like him, being able to interact with famous strong individuals was something worth bragging about.
Next, after everyone cleaned up the battlefield, the caravan set off again.
At the same time, the Rain ninja hiding in the shadows to gather information also recognized Jiraiya.
They quickly rushed back to Amegakure to report the matter to Hanzō the Salamander.
Just as the Land of Fire had Konoha, the Land of Rain also had its own ninja village, Amegakure, founded by Hanzō the Salamander.
And because Hanzō the Salamander held the title of "Demigod," the ninja world generally believed that Amegakure was the strongest among the villages below the Five Great Ninja Villages.
But only insiders knew the true situation.
Hanzō the Salamander was indeed very strong; even the combined forces of "Konoha's Three Sannin" were no match for him, fully earning him the title of "Demigod."
However, Amegakure only had him as a strong individual; there were no other notable figures among the Rain ninja.
Amegakure's current status was entirely propped up by Hanzō the Salamander alone.
In terms of foundation, small ninja villages simply couldn't compare to the Five Great Ninja Villages.
"Hanzō-sama, just now, some Konoha ninja entered the Land of Rain and engaged in battle with a group of rogue ninja. They have now made contact with Jiraiya."
Hanzō the Salamander naturally knew about Jiraiya's presence in the Land of Rain.
After all, Jiraiya wasn't living in seclusion, completely isolated from people, and as long as he interacted with outsiders, it would be impossible to conceal his whereabouts.
Because he didn't want to antagonize Konoha, and since Jiraiya, his former defeated opponent, was well-behaved in the Land of Rain, he had ignored him.
"Hanzō-sama, I believe Konoha is secretly plotting a conspiracy. Keeping Jiraiya in the Land of Rain earlier was for this purpose, and now they are about to make their move."
After listening to the report from the intelligence-gathering Rain ninja, Sōnosuke immediately stepped forward and said.
This person was a jōnin from Amegakure, quite strong, and a fervent admirer of Hanzō the Salamander.
He always firmly believed that under the leadership of Hanzō the Salamander, Amegakure could definitely become the sixth Great Ninja Village in the ninja world.
It was only due to suppression from the Great Ninja Villages, including Konoha, that it couldn't rise.
That's right, this person was a radical within Amegakure.
As soon as his voice fell, Yoru, a moderate, immediately retorted.
"Hanzō-sama, I believe Konoha has no conspiracy against Amegakure. Jiraiya has shown no abnormal behavior in the Land of Rain for the past year."
"Hmph, by the time they show abnormal behavior, it will already be too late."
Sōnosuke's tone carried dissatisfaction and anger.
"Besides, this is the Land of Rain, our territory. How can we allow a Konoha ninja to stay here long-term?"
"If we provoke Konoha, what will become of Amegakure?"
Watching Sōnosuke and Yoru constantly arguing, everyone was already used to it.
In any organization, different factions will always exist.
However, when Hanzō the Salamander, who sat at the highest position, let out a cold snort, the two immediately stopped arguing, retreating with expressions of fear.
Within Amegakure, Hanzō the Salamander's power was absolute.
No one could defy his will.
"Just continue to send people to monitor Jiraiya and the others. Report any abnormalities to me immediately."
...After successfully completing the mission, Aoshui and his group followed Jiraiya to his residence in the Land of Rain.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome home!"
As Jiraiya's voice fell, three people ran out of the house to greet him.
And one of them, upon seeing Aoshui, immediately had her eyes light up, very excited.
"Aoshui-elder brother (older brother)!"
She was the only girl among the three, named Konan.