Chapter 143 - 38: Jiraiya VS Issei Ran
The dispute over the first contested territory between Konohagakure and Kumogakure stood at 1:1. The "competition" had reached its critical point. Jinghang secretly felt relieved - his predictions for both matches' odds, based on his "experience" and Intelligence Department information, had proven accurate. By now, Kōzaburō Hirai must have made a fortune in outside betting.
However, for this final match, Jinghang lacked confidence. Looking at the contestant lists from both sides: Jiraiya from the Leaf and Issei Ran from the Cloud.
Jinghang knew Jiraiya well enough. Though not yet as seasoned as in the Shippuden era, his current strength remained formidable. Jinghang estimated that while Jiraiya hadn't mastered Rasengan yet, he should already possess a "basic version" of Mount Myōboku's Sage Mode - impressive enough.
As for this Issei Ran from the Cloud Village, Jinghang had zero intelligence. In fact, among all ninja villages, the Sand's Intelligence Department had the least information about the Cloud. This wasn't due to negligence from Lord Rasa or Tōru Yamashita, but rather the Cloud Village's unique culture and style made it nearly impossible for any village's spies to survive there.
First, there was the matter of skin color. Built atop towering peaks, the Cloud Village's high altitude meant less direct sunlight exposure, resulting in darker-skinned inhabitants. Outsiders stood out immediately.
Second, everyone in the village - men, women, old, and young - was extremely militant. They were all fighters with explosive tempers and aggressive personalities, earning them the nickname "Sparta of the Ninja World." For a spy who needed to maintain a low profile, this posed a dilemma: act too reserved, and you're suspicious; try to match their boldness, and you risk exposure - they may be rough, but they weren't fools!
For now, the Cloud Village intelligence would have to wait for future planning, especially with Project Tengan slowly taking shape. Regarding this match, Jinghang chose relatively balanced odds of 1.5:1, slightly favoring Jiraiya, but ensuring minimal gains or losses either way.
As the green light signaled the start of the match, Cloud Village's Issei Ran immediately drew cheers from the crowd - including her opponent Jiraiya.
Why?
In this world, there was an almost universal truth - most men appreciated well-endowed women. Especially beautiful ones.
Jinghang secretly swallowed. Those had to be at least G-cups, even surpassing Tsunade's. He wondered if they wouldn't get in the way during combat.