Kazekage Ninja: The Rise of the Hidden Sand Chapter 134 - 29: The Opening Ceremony of the Five Nations C

"Where should I go now?"

Jiraiya stood at a crossroads, arms crossed and rubbing his chin as he pondered deeply.

For three years, he had been training the three young shinobi in the Land of Rain. Now, the trio—Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan—could successfully defeat one of his shadow clones. Each of them had developed the ability to protect themselves, and Jiraiya knew it was ti for him to leave.

On the rain-soaked lake, Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan cried uncontrollably. Jiraiya, too, felt a deep sorrow in his heart. After three years of living together day and night, how could they not have ford countless bonds? But he understood that if he continued to protect them, they would never truly grow. So, he left them with these words:

"You now have the ability to protect yourselves. It's ti for to leave. Move forward with determination! If you want to change this country, it will have to be your own efforts."

With that, he resolutely turned and walked away without looking back.

By all rights, he should be returning to Konoha Village now. However, he didn't feel like going back just yet. Although these past three years with the children had been joyful, they had also been a test of restraint for his pervy old self. He decided to relax first.

After leaving the Land of Rain, he found a bathhouse and soaked in a hot bath. He had planned to sneak into the mixed baths for so "sightseeing," only to find that the bathhouse was filled with elderly n and won. This left Jiraiya utterly disheartened.

After his bath, he changed into fresh clothes and headed straight for the largest entertainnt district in the area. However, he found it nearly deserted—no pretty ladies, only a janitor cleaning the restroom.

"Hey, hey, hey! What kind of service is this? Are you trying to insult ? Do you think I can't afford to pay?"

Jiraiya complained to the waiter, clearly displeased.

"Ah, my apologies, dear custor. You see, you might not be aware, but the upcoming Five Nations Conference is being held at the Yuexi Peninsula in the Land of Wind. It's going to be a grand event! All the staff from surrounding areas have been transferred there, leaving us short-handed here."

Jiraiya's eyes lit up.

"Oh? Yuexi Peninsula? Is it fun there?"

The waiter perked up, sensing Jiraiya's interest.

"Well, let tell you, dear custor! I went there once with my boss, and it's absolutely magnificent! Golden streets, splendid palaces, delicacies, entertainnt—you na it, they have it! In short, as long as you have money, it's paradise! Even this entertainnt district can't compare..."

As the waiter enthusiastically described the place, Jiraiya listened with growing excitent. Having spent three years in the Land of Rain, he had no idea such a fascinating place had erged in the world!

Jiraiya had always dread of becoming a writer, hoping his works would sell across the shinobi world. But he had been held back by a lack of experience and inspiration. Now, with such a place to explore, wouldn't it be a treasure trove of material?

Without hesitation, Jiraiya asked for directions, tossed so money on the counter, and set off for the Yuexi Peninsula.

A few days later, he arrived at the border between the Lands of Fire and Wind.

"So, this is the highway built in the desert? It's breathtaking!"

Jiraiya gazed into the distance, marveling at the sight of a colorful crystal-like road winding through the desert. Under the sunlight, it shimred with dazzling hues, leaving him montarily srized.

"Jiraiya, is that you?"

A familiar voice called out. Turning around, Jiraiya saw none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, leading Konoha's delegation. It was quite the entourage, including advisors like Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, as well as guards like Orochimaru and Sakumo Hatake, among nearly a hundred others.

"Lord Hiruzen? Are you here for a eting or a battle?"

Hiruzen's face showed a hint of displeasure.

"Of course, it's for the eting. With such a large-scale conference, it's only prudent to bring more people. But where have you been these past three years?"

Jiraiya scratched his head awkwardly.

"I've been gathering intelligence for the village."

Hiruzen clearly didn't buy this excuse but rely let out a dissatisfied grunt.

"Since you're here, join us and serve as a guard. Don't wander off."

With that, the group headed for the entrance to the highway.

"Are you from Konoha?"

A welcoming staff mber greeted them warmly.

"Yes, we are."

"Ah, wonderful! We've been expecting you. How many are in your party?"

"What do you an?"

Homura Mitokado asked cautiously.

"Oh, no need to worry, sir. I just need to know your numbers so I can arrange transportation. The highway is convenient, but the journey still takes about three days to reach the Yuexi Peninsula. We use cals for transport."

With that, the staff mber perford a summoning jutsu, and two cals appeared out of thin air.

"Like these," he explained.

"I see. We have... 102 people," Homura replied, glancing at Jiraiya.

"Understood. Please wait a mont."

The staff mber returned to his station and called for additional workers. Soon, the sound of summoning jutsu echoed repeatedly, and over a hundred cals appeared.

"101, 102—perfect! Please, everyone, mount your cals."

The group climbed onto the cals, and Jiraiya found the experience both novel and amusing.

"Ah, I almost forgot! You'll need these."

The staff mber handed over a stack of lanyards with badges attached.

"What are these?"

Homura examined one. The badges were beautifully printed, with Konoha's emblem on the back and the words "Representative Pass" on the front.

"These are your representative passes. With these, you can enjoy free food and lodging at the Yuexi Peninsula and at service areas along the way."

"Service areas? What are those?" Jiraiya asked curiously.

"Well, the journey takes three days, and you'll need places to eat and rest. Along the way, there are oases converted into service areas where you can stop for als or stay overnight."

"Move out!"

With the staff mber's call, over a hundred cals began their journey, swaying rhythmically as they moved.

It was Jiraiya's first ti riding a cal, and he found the experience exhilarating. The gentle swaying, the rhythmic clatter of hooves on the asphalt, and the interplay of sunlight through the crystal structures lulled him into a peaceful slumber atop the cal's hump.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The caravan soon erged from the long crystal tunnel, finally basking in direct sunlight.

Jiraiya stretched lazily, yawned, and rubbed his sleepy eyes—only to be stunned by the sight before him.

"What kind of buildings are these? They're so tall!"

The highway exit provided a panoramic view of the Yuexi Peninsula. The sheer scale of the city left the Konoha delegation in awe.

"Is this the resort the Third Kazekage ntioned?"

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't believe his eyes. Compared to this, Konoha looked like a small rural village.

"Haha! Finally, you've arrived, Lord Hiruzen. How have you been?"

Hiruzen looked up to see a man in a green hat leading a group to greet them—it was none other than Jinghang, the Third Kazekage.

Hiruzen quickly dismounted, adjusted his attire, and approached with a smile.

"Ah, Lord Kazekage, it's an honor. Thank you for personally welcoming us. I'm humbled."

The two leaders shook hands firmly.

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