Chapter 33: **Chapter 33: Training Begins, Brutal Jiraiya!**
Within two days, word spread through Konoha—Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin and a disciple of the Hokage, was personally training ninjas in the village. Most shinobi were thrilled at the opportunity. Training with someone of Jiraiya's caliber was an unexpected boon, especially since everyone was eager to grow stronger after the recent war.
Strength was the only assurance against the fear and pain that plagued them. The memories of the battlefield weighed heavily on their minds, and many saw this training as their chance to overcome those fears by bolstering their abilities.
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Meanwhile, in Tsunade's office, she eyed Reiki suspiciously.
"Reiki, do you know why Jiraiya suddenly decided to start this training program?" she asked. "You're signed up as a backup medic for the exercises—do you know something?"
Reiki kept his face neutral. "No idea. Maybe Jiraiya-sama just wants to help the village grow stronger," he replied.
Tsunade studied him closely but seemed to brush it off. "If anything goes wrong, contact me immediately," she warned. With that, she turned to leave.
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At the training grounds, preparations were in full swing. Reiki led Shizune to set up an impressive number of hospital beds, catching her attention.
"Brother Reiki, why do we need so many beds?" Shizune asked, eyeing the rows of beds that looked more suited to a public ward.
"Not enough, actually," Reiki answered with a smile. "Jiraiya and Sakumo-sensei aren't easy opponents, so be ready to perform basic first aid and emergency treatment. This training won't be gentle."
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When Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo finally appeared on the training ground, the excitement in the air was palpable.
"Today is Day One of training," Jiraiya began from the platform. "We'll have about a month together, so don't miss a day—you may never get another chance."
Hearing "one month," Reiki's stomach dropped. *Didn't this guy promise me two months?* he thought, inwardly fuming.
Hatake Sakumo stepped forward, reassuring the crowd with a confident smile. "I'll be overseeing the entire month's training alongside Jiraiya, so let's make this time count."
Though recently doubting his place in the village, Sakumo felt his spirits lift. This new role gave him purpose again—a chance to lead and teach Konoha's next generation of ninjas alongside a respected figure like Jiraiya.
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In the Hokage's office, Danzo observed the proceedings on the training ground, a frown creasing his brow.
"Is this what you intended?" he asked Sarutobi Hiruzen. Watching Hatake Sakumo step into such a prominent role was surprising, given the steps they had taken to limit his influence.
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled, slightly exasperated. "Jiraiya has always followed his own path."
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Back on the training grounds, Jiraiya clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, first training exercise: resistance training! Let's see how well you can hold your ground," he announced, gesturing to the first team. Four nervous but determined ninjas stepped into the center.
"I'll act as your enemy. Treat this as a real encounter—don't hold back," Jiraiya said, his expression hardening. Suddenly, a formidable wave of chakra burst from him, and the four ninjas braced themselves, realizing the seriousness of the training.
"Begin!" Hatake Sakumo called, and the first team leapt into action.
One ninja slammed his hands onto the ground. "Earth Release: Earthquake Technique!" The ground shook, aiming to disrupt Jiraiya's footing.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Dragon Technique!" another teammate cried, launching a massive wave of fire that engulfed Jiraiya's position. Meanwhile, the remaining two charged in close, kunai drawn, intending to strike while he was off guard.
But Jiraiya was far from vulnerable. With a puff of smoke, Gamabunta, the massive toad, materialized on the field and swept the two taijutsu users aside with a casual swipe. The fire-release ninja barely had time to react before Jiraiya was on him, landing a series of rapid punches that knocked him unconscious.
The earth-release ninja froze in terror, realizing he was next. In a flash, Jiraiya grabbed him, dodging his defenses with brutal efficiency.
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The remaining groups watched in shock. The message was clear: Jiraiya's training wasn't just rigorous—it was ruthless. This wasn't about improving skills alone; it was about survival. And survival meant preparing for the brutal reality of the ninja world.
As Jiraiya reset for the next round, the training grounds erupted into whispers. The promise of this training wasn't just about becoming stronger; it was a test of resilience, grit, and readiness to face the horrors they might encounter beyond Konoha's borders.
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