Chapter 132
Zixu chuckled and slowly walked toward Jiraiya. This seemingly ordinary action made Uchiha Sasuke's muscles tense instinctively. He was unsure whether Zixu would suddenly attack.
"Relax," Zixu said with a calm smile. "I genuinely have something serious to discuss. Fifth Hokage, I'm here to negotiate on behalf of the Land of Whirlpools."
"The Land of Whirlpools?" Jiraiya's eyes narrowed slightly. Naturally, he was familiar with the name. After all, Uzumaki Kushina, the wife of his outstanding disciple Minato Namikaze, was from the Uzumaki clan. And now, Uzumaki Naruto, the very boy he was training, was also an Uzumaki. In essence, everything was linked to the Land of Whirlpools.
But why was Zixu negotiating on behalf of a nation that had long been destroyed?
Zixu sighed inwardly, realizing he had no choice but to explain the matter of the country's restoration once again. After hearing Zixu's detailed account, Jiraiya nodded slightly. Although his body remained on alert, he was clearly more relaxed than when they first met.
"You're saying the Cloud Village also accepted your invitation? Even those hot-headed guys agreed? Hmm... there must be something worthwhile there," Jiraiya mused.
Though he didn't outwardly question Zixu's claim of making Kumogakure surrender, he still harbored the urge to test the man's strength. After all, trusting only words was foolish in the shinobi world.
In Jiraiya's eyes, while Zixu's power during their last encounter was comparable to that of a Tailed Beast, he wasn't entirely invincible. Back then, Zixu clearly couldn't maintain his dragon form for long. At best, he was merely at Kage-level strength.
"So, do you agree to the invitation?" Zixu asked, his gaze sharp with curiosity. It felt oddly simple.
"I still need time to think it over," Jiraiya replied, scratching his head with a casual smile. "Naruto will be back soon. While I mull it over, why don't you guys spar for a bit?"
He flashed a carefree grin, but his eyes revealed his true intent—he wanted to test Zixu's power.