Chapter 39:
Jiraiya was on the verge of going mad.
"Orochimaru, I challenge you!" he shouted, his voice full of determination.
At the Konoha training ground, Jiraiya, with his wild white hair, stood fiercely in front of Orochimaru. His face was twisted in frustration and determination, his eyes burning with the desire for a duel. Orochimaru, on the other hand, looked calm, almost indifferent.
It didn't take much for Orochimaru to piece together what had happened. Jiraiya must have seen him and Tsunade together just moments ago, with Tsunade teasing him as usual. The sight had probably triggered Jiraiya's burning need to prove himself, and here he was, demanding a fight.
Jiraiya clenched his fists. "Orochimaru, fight me like a man!" His voice was full of passion, reminiscent of their days at the Ninja Academy when he would challenge Orochimaru almost daily.
Before Orochimaru could even respond, Tsunade, who was lazily munching on a skewer, scoffed, "Jiraiya, give it a rest. With your current strength, you're no match for Orochimaru."
Tsunade's words hit Jiraiya hard, but his determination didn't waver. "I don't care! I'll fight him, no matter what!" Jiraiya's stubbornness had fully kicked in. He was in full second-year syndrome mode, shouting dramatically, "Orochimaru! Come on, let's settle this right now!"
"Idiot," Orochimaru muttered under his breath. He had no interest in humoring Jiraiya's ridiculous challenge. He knew exactly what was going on in Jiraiya's head jealousy, insecurity, and a desperate need to prove himself. But there was no point in indulging this.
"Come on, Orochimaru!" Jiraiya yelled again, determined not to let Orochimaru walk away. He stepped forward, fists raised. "Hit me! Fight me like a real ninja!"