Naruto: My Unique System

Chapter 184: Fight When It's Time To Fight, Run When It's Time To Run

Although Tatsuma had the desire to challenge Hanzo, he was well aware of his own limitations. His Taijutsu, which allowed him to hold his own against most Ninjas—at least for a short while—was completely inadequate against Hanzo.

Even Mifune, who could rely on his speed and Kenjutsu to prevent Ninjas from casting techniques, was unable to defeat Hanzo. This highlighted Hanzo's exceptional skill in Taijutsu.

Ninjutsu was now the only way Tatsuma might pose a threat to Hanzo. However, his current specialty was large-scale Ninjutsu, which was extremely useful in a battle scenario.

But when facing an individual like Hanzo, this was somewhat ineffective. Close combat would only work if a perfect opportunity like the one before presented itself; otherwise, it would be a futile attempt.

While Tatsuma was contemplating, he noticed Jiraiya signaling to him with a secretive look. Tatsuma approached Jiraiya, leaned in slightly, and listened to what Jiraiya had to say.

Jiraiya straightened up slightly and leaned closer to Tatsuma, saying, "Don't fall for it. Hanzo is still too far out of your reach right now. He's stalling the outcome of the battlefield."

With Jiraiya's reminder, Tatsuma quickly suppressed his initial excitement. His "skill allocation" was heavily biased towards group battles and didn't offer much advantage in one-on-one combat.

If Tatsuma ignored this battle, he could more quickly help Konoha achieve victory, and Hanzo would surely be aware of this. Thus, Hanzo was deliberately using his presence to lure Tatsuma in.

The temptation to challenge and even defeat a formidable opponent like Hanzo was incredibly strong. Tatsuma had unconsciously started to take the bait, and without Jiraiya's warning, he might have blindly bitten down on the hook.

"But what about your side?"

Even though Tatsuma now knew the correct course of action thanks to Jiraiya's advice, he was still worried about Jiraiya's current situation and whether he could maintain the balance in this fight.

Jiraiya's face hadn't yet recovered, but he wiped the sweat from his forehead and forced a smile, saying, "Don't worry, I'm injured, but didn't Hanzo also suffer at your hands?"

Tatsuma thought for a moment before nodding quickly. Seeing Tatsuma calm and not acting impulsively, Jiraiya sighed in relief, placed a hand on Tatsuma's shoulder, and then slowly stood up.

After adjusting to the discomfort in his body, Jiraiya patted Tatsuma's shoulder and said, "Go, secure victory for Konoha!"

"Jiraiya-sensei, let me help wear them down first. I'll use Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu, and you and Bunta can use Toad Oil Flame Bullet."

Supporting Jiraiya, Tatsuma whispered. Jiraiya nodded upon hearing this. In the complex terrain of the rainforest, the Shuriken Shadow Clone Jutsu wasn't very effective, but it was great for exhausting Hanzo and his salamander, Ibuse.

Seeing Jiraiya agree, Tatsuma used Body Flicker to transport Jiraiya to Gamabunta's head. Feeling a stranger's presence, Bunta instinctively shook his head, but Jiraiya quickly said, "It's Tatsuma."

"Tatsuma?"

Bunta found the name somewhat unfamiliar, yet vaguely familiar. Strictly speaking, this was only his second encounter with Tatsuma, the first being when Minato summoned him to sign the Summoning Contract.

In Mount Myoboku, whether it was Jiraiya or Minato, they often talked about Tatsuma. Bunta remembered that he was the successor of Shikkotsu Forest, and the chakra emanating from him made Bunta feel a complex sense of awe and fear. Thus, he chose to remain quiet.