In his old age, Danzō ordered Kakashi and Yamato to assassinate the equally aging Hiruzen Sarutobi. It wasn't merely a matter of politics—it was Danzō's obsession with becoming Hokage that had plunged him into darkness.
He could not bear the thought of Hiruzen reclaiming the Hokage title, driving him to take such extreme measures. By that time, Danzō had descended into madness, his ambition utterly consuming him.
But the Danzō of today still respected Hiruzen deeply. Under Hiruzen's leadership, Konohagakure had begun to thrive once again.
"We can start the draw now," Hiruzen said, taking a puff from his pipe. "I'm eager to see how capable your students truly are. You proposed this duel, so you must have confidence in their abilities."
"My teaching skills pale in comparison to yours," Danzō replied humbly. "I suggested this duel only to help them understand the gaps in their strength, to better motivate their training."
Hiruzen chuckled lightly. "Danzō, with my daily workload, I hardly have time to guide them. Who knows? I might embarrass myself today."
Danzō didn't respond, instead turning to Jiraiya and the others.
"You're already aware of the duel's purpose, so I won't repeat myself. I will emphasize one thing: during the duel, you are free to use any ninja tools or techniques. There are no restrictions.
"When the match begins, treat your opponent as a real enemy. Show no mercy. Don't worry about accidentally killing your opponent—both the Hokage and I will ensure that things don't get out of hand. Your only focus should be on defeating your opponent as swiftly as possible. Understood?"
Jiraiya nodded, appreciating Danzō's uncompromising tone. After all, real combat experience couldn't be gained if they held back.
"Understood, sensei."
"Understood."
"Good. The duel will take place across the entire training ground. You're free to fight however you like, as long as you stay within its boundaries. Now, come forward one by one and draw your match number."
Danzō held out two sets of wooden sticks. Students from Aburame Ryōma's group drew from his right hand, while Jiraiya's group drew from his left.
When Jiraiya looked at his stick, he saw the number one etched into it.
First match, huh? Perfect. He'd have the chance to stun Tsunade and the others early on.
Jiraiya glanced at Ryōma's group, wondering which of them would be unlucky enough to draw number one and face him.
"You've all drawn your match numbers," Danzō announced. "The duel begins with number one. Step forward if you drew it."
Jiraiya stepped forward confidently, holding up his stick. Opposite him, Aburame Ryōma also stepped forward.
Seeing his opponent, Jiraiya groaned inwardly. Of all Danzō's students, Ryōma was the strongest and the one he least wanted to face. It wasn't fear—Ryōma's abilities simply made him an exceptionally tricky opponent.
As a member of the Aburame clan, Ryōma's techniques relied entirely on controlling insects bred within his body. Fighting him would require careful strategy and plenty of patience.
The two walked to the center of the training ground.
"Unlucky Jiraiya, going up against Ryōma," Hiruzen said with a chuckle. "He won't last a minute. Should we take bets on how long it takes him to cry out and surrender?"
"Teacher, that's hardly a contest," Tsunade quipped. "Once Jiraiya experiences Ryōma's techniques, he'll give up immediately."
"I agree," Orochimaru added with a smirk.
"Jiraiya, you don't stand a chance," Ryōma said coldly. "Save us both some time and surrender now."
Jiraiya, often mocked as the underdog, was unsurprised. But he wasn't about to let Ryōma's arrogance slide.
"Talk to me like that, and you'll regret it," Jiraiya retorted.
"How boring," Ryōma replied dismissively.
Watching their exchange, Danzō's lip twitched slightly.
"Begin!" he declared.
Ryōma vanished instantly, using the Body Flicker Technique to retreat into the forested area of the training ground. This vast field featured diverse terrains—woods, streams, and even hills—designed for all types of ninjutsu training.
Ryōma's first move was textbook for the Aburame clan. Their ninja relied on stealth and insect manipulation, avoiding close combat at all costs. Once hidden, they controlled their insects to attack from the shadows, maintaining a tactical advantage.
Now hidden among the trees, Ryōma was effectively invisible. His insects masked his chakra signature, making it nearly impossible for Jiraiya to pinpoint his location.
Jiraiya, undeterred, leapt into the forest himself. Without sensory ninjutsu, his only option was to close the distance and wait for Ryōma to strike. The moment Ryōma used chakra to command his insects, he would reveal his position—however briefly.
Jiraiya knew it wouldn't be easy, but he relished the challenge.
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