Shirayuki's current sword technique seemed to combine kenjutsu with ninjutsu, resulting in an impressive hybrid style.
In moments, countless snowflakes filled the air around Jiraiya. The flakes began to spin rapidly, slicing through the air as they shot toward him.
"Interesting," Jiraiya commented, activating his Insight Eye. While the snowflakes moved at incredible speed, to his enhanced vision, their trajectories were slow and clear.
However, upon closer inspection, Jiraiya noticed something unusual. Though the snowflakes appeared to spin at the same pace, their speeds varied—some moved faster, while others lagged behind.
If one wasn't paying attention, they might assume all the snowflakes moved uniformly. Such an assumption could easily lead to injury, as it would only be possible to block the faster snowflakes while the slower ones would slip through defenses.
Jiraiya noted that without his Insight Eye, detecting the varying speeds in the midst of so many snowflakes would have been almost impossible.
With a calm demeanor, he swung his blade at several of the incoming flakes, shattering them effortlessly.
"Not bad," he mused, feeling slight resistance as his blade cut through.
After gauging the power of the snowflakes, Jiraiya's expression sharpened. He channeled fire-nature chakra into his Lightning Flame Blade and slashed forward. A searing arc of flame erupted from the blade, sweeping across the snowstorm and obliterating every flake in its path.
Shirayuki's technique, though remarkable, only barely reached the level of an A-rank ninjutsu. Furthermore, her execution of the jutsu revealed signs of strain—it was clear she had yet to fully master it.
Jiraiya noted several areas where the technique could be improved: the covered area could be expanded, and the number of snowflakes increased. Additionally, gaps in the snowflake formation made it easy for a skilled opponent to escape the encirclement.
"Impressive progress," remarked Sakumo Hatake, his gaze sharp. He had observed Jiraiya's seamless counterattack with admiration.
While Sakumo estimated it would take him two strikes to completely dismantle Shirayuki's snowflake technique, Jiraiya managed it in one—further proof of the growing skill.
Of course, this didn't diminish Shirayuki's efforts. Her jutsu was powerful in its own right, but Jiraiya and Sakumo's sheer strength made it appear otherwise.
If not for Jiraiya's system, Sakumo would undoubtedly be hailed as Konoha's most talented rising star.
"Simply incredible!" Shirayuki exclaimed in awe, her face lighting up with admiration as she gazed at Jiraiya. Despite her technique being neutralized, she showed no signs of disappointment.
Her carefree nature made her an easy person to like.
"Your technique isn't bad, but there's plenty of room for improvement. With refinement, you might even qualify for the ANBU. Do you have any other jutsu to show me?" Jiraiya asked.
"Of course! Just watch!"
"Then let's see it."
Shirayuki formed a series of hand seals.
A shadow clone materialized beside her and immediately charged at Jiraiya.
"This one compresses chakra for a self-detonating attack, doesn't it?" Jiraiya muttered as his Insight Eye tracked the clone's chakra.
Just as he predicted, the clone's chakra compressed rapidly as it neared him. It detonated in a blinding explosion, scattering countless blades of ice in every direction.
Prepared for the attack, Jiraiya's body became enveloped in a fiery red aura resembling molten lava. The flames blocked the incoming blades, and with a swift slash of his Lightning Flame Blade, Jiraiya dispersed the remaining shards.
This technique was far more dangerous than Shirayuki's previous one. Several blades managed to penetrate Jiraiya's fiery aura by about a third before being halted.
If used correctly, this technique had the potential to injure—if not kill—an elite jonin.
"Jiraiya-sama, you're incredible! No wonder you're the squad captain of the ANBU!" Shirayuki's eyes sparkled with admiration.
"Hey, little sister! I'm an ANBU squad captain too, you know. You've never complimented me like that," Sakumo interjected with a hint of jealousy.
"Jiraiya-sama, please guide me in my swordsmanship if possible," Shirayuki said eagerly, completely ignoring Sakumo's complaint.
Sakumo let out a defeated sigh, his expression one of exaggerated heartbreak.
"With those two techniques, you're already qualified for the ANBU," Jiraiya remarked. "Now, let's see how well you handle pressure."
Jiraiya's evaluation continued as he vanished in a burst of speed, reappearing beside Shirayuki and launching a powerful roundhouse kick.
Though Jiraiya intentionally held back, limiting himself to the speed of an average jonin, his movements were still overwhelming.
Shirayuki reacted quickly, crossing her arms to block the kick. Even so, the sheer force sent her skidding back several meters before she could steady herself.
Before she could catch her breath, Jiraiya appeared behind her and threw a punch toward her back.
Sensing the attack, Shirayuki leaned forward just in time to avoid it. She spun around with her katana in hand, executing a fluid counterattack aimed at Jiraiya.
Her movements were swift and precise, showcasing her skill in taijutsu.
However, Jiraiya casually caught the blade between two fingers.
Shirayuki pulled back, but the sword wouldn't budge. Jiraiya's grip was like an iron vise, completely immobilizing her weapon.
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