The severed remains of the snakes, along with their blood, were carefully collected by Orochimaru. With this preparation, the technique could be used again in future battles without the need for elaborate setups. This was crucial—if the enemy became aware of the preparations, techniques of this nature would be impossible to execute.
For example, if the Wind Country ninja Orochimaru fought against had been more vigilant and used a wind-style technique to scatter the blood and remains of the snakes, his jutsu would have been rendered ineffective.
"Cut off their heads. We're heading back to the village immediately," Jiraiya ordered once the enemies were eliminated.
These severed heads were not just trophies—they represented significant merit. By annihilating this group of Wind Country shinobi, they had flawlessly accomplished their mission.
Yuhi Mitsune, leading three ANBU members, quickly and efficiently severed the heads, sealing them into scrolls. Among the defeated shinobi, they also recovered several scrolls, although their contents were too varied to inspect immediately. Jiraiya decided they would examine them upon returning to the village.
Without wasting time, Jiraiya led the team back toward the Land of Fire. Their battle had been noisy enough to attract attention, and lingering in the area was far too risky.
"Captain, should we erase our tracks before leaving?" Yuhi Mitsune asked.
"No need," Jiraiya replied, shaking his head.
His chakra reserves had already replenished significantly, and while his stamina was somewhat taxed, it didn't impact his combat effectiveness. Truthfully, he hoped an enemy squad would attempt to pursue them—it would be an opportunity to rack up additional merit.
As long as they didn't encounter a large number of jonin, elite jonin, or Kage-level opponents, any pursuing enemies wouldn't pose a real threat. The Wind and Earth Countries had yet to launch an all-out assault on the Land of Rain, meaning their supply of high-ranking shinobi was limited. Elite jonin and Kage-level fighters from the Five Great Shinobi Nations weren't deployed carelessly unless it was a full-scale war.
Jiraiya was confident that even if an enemy squad caught up to them, it would likely consist of a single jonin leading a group. He could handle such a scenario without difficulty.
However, their journey through the Land of Fire remained uneventful, with no enemies in pursuit. Jiraiya felt a twinge of disappointment.
Once deep within the Land of Fire, Jiraiya allowed the team a brief rest before urging them to pick up the pace toward the village. Soon, he had far outpaced Orochimaru, leaving him behind entirely.
Jiraiya had a more pressing matter—confronting Homura Mitokado. That schemer was undoubtedly already in Sarutobi Hiruzen's office, ready to accuse Jiraiya of incompetence. If he hurried, he could reach the Hokage's office before Homura's complaints carried weight.
After all, they were well within the Land of Fire, free from enemy threats. With the mission completed and the team safely separated, there was no harm in Jiraiya advancing ahead.
...
At the Hokage's office,
Homura Mitokado had wasted no time.
"Lord Hokage, I firmly believe Jiraiya is utterly unfit to serve as an ANBU squad leader!" Homura declared angrily, standing before Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Hiruzen, in the middle of reviewing documents, frowned as he set down his scroll.
"What happened, Homura? Why have you returned alone?"
Homura launched into an explanation, recounting how Jiraiya had ignored his advice and insisted on pursuing the Wind Country shinobi into the Land of Rain.
"Jiraiya may have some talent, but he lacks the qualities of a capable leader. He refuses to consider other opinions and acts solely on his own judgment. This is unacceptable," Homura concluded with a tone of righteous indignation.
"Should I also listen to foolish opinions?" a voice interrupted.
The office door swung open, and Jiraiya strode in, his gaze fixed squarely on Homura Mitokado.
As expected, Homura had rushed here to lodge his complaints.
"As an ANBU squad leader, it's my responsibility to distinguish between useful advice and nonsensical suggestions. That's what makes a leader. Every time my team undertakes a mission, my subordinates provide input. But according to you, I should blindly follow every suggestion without discerning its merit?
"And where do you get the nerve to stand here accusing me in front of our sensei?"
Jiraiya stepped forward and tossed a scroll onto the floor at Homura's feet. With a thud, the severed heads of Wind Country shinobi rolled out onto the ground.
"If I had followed your advice, how would we have eliminated these enemies? How would we have avenged the Intelligence Team?"
"Foolish advice," Jiraiya continued coldly, "is advice I will never take. Lord Third sent you as my advisor to assist me, not to restrict me."
Homura was momentarily speechless, his gaze fixed on the severed heads before him.
"Sensei," Jiraiya said, turning to Hiruzen, "the Wind Country shinobi responsible for ambushing the Intelligence Team have been completely eliminated. My squad sustained no casualties.
"Furthermore, my pursuit was not reckless. I acted with full consideration for the safety of my ANBU team."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked down at the grisly trophies, his expression stern.
"Homura, I am deeply disappointed in your conduct."
"Lord Hokage, I…" Homura began, but the words faltered in his throat.
It was a rare moment of clarity for the man, his arrogance temporarily subdued. He realized his actions stemmed from years of complacency and an inability to accept being challenged.
"Jiraiya," Hiruzen said, turning to him, "I heard you've developed a sensory technique that comes at a great personal cost. Did you use it during the pursuit?"
"To avenge my comrades, no price is too great," Jiraiya replied firmly.
Hiruzen's face softened as pride flickered in his eyes.
"I'm pleased to see your resolve. Your actions exemplify the Will of Fire."
With those words, Hiruzen affirmed, "You have proven yourself more than capable of leading an ANBU squad. This mission was executed flawlessly."
Unable to bear the humiliation any longer, Homura Mitokado left the office in silence, his face burning with shame.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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