Chapter 150: Ch-150 Confidence comes from strength.
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"You don't usually come here. Is there something of significance that has occurred, prompting you to seek my assistance?" inquired Jiryoku.
Jokan nodded solemnly and conveyed, "Sarutobi Asuma has met his demise at the hands of the Akatsuki members Kakuzu and Hidan."
Upon receiving this information, Jiryoku momentarily halted his current activity and contemplatively responded, "I see." The news of Asuma's demise did not catch Jiryoku off guard; it was well within the expectations he had gathered from his memory. He knew that Asuma's death occurred 6 to 7 months after Naruto's return to Konoha, and it seemed that the course of events had not deviated much.
"You don't appear overly surprised by this," observed Jokan.
"There isn't much to be surprised about. It's just that I didn't anticipate the Akatsuki becoming so active so soon," explained Jiryoku. In all sincerity, he had believed that Akatsuki would attempt to negotiate some deal with him before proceeding with their plan. Alas, it appears his assumptions were incorrect.
Jiryoku chose not to disclose to Jokan that, should he have desired, he possessed the capability to rescue Asuma. His foreknowledge of the impending events allowed him to anticipate the course of Asuma's fate. While Jiryoku couldn't pinpoint the exact date of Asuma's demise, he had the means to effortlessly track Asuma and his team, intervening to save him if he so wished. However, Jiryoku opted not to expend his efforts on rescuing someone whom he considered to be of little worth in his life.
Furthermore, there existed an additional rationale for his decision not to save Asuma. Jiryoku's memory vividly retains an incident that transpired almost four years prior. During that time, he sustained serious injuries and underwent covert treatment by Tsunade at Konoha Hospital. Unfortunately, his location was compromised, leading to a coordinated attack by multiple ninjas. Although these assailants proved ineffectual in causing him harm, owing to the automatic gravity defense enveloping his body, the details of that night remain somewhat elusive. What stands out in his recollection is the palpable sense of Asuma's presence; Asuma had accompanied those ninjas but refrained from entering the hospital.
After Jiryoku regained his mobility, he undertook a thorough investigation and confirmed that Asuma had indeed leaked his location to Homura and Koharu. In response, these two individuals had dispatched assassins in pursuit of him. Despite this betrayal, and considering Asuma's role as the teacher of his girlfriend Ino, Jiryoku chose to look past this transgression and spared Asuma's life. The decision not to take Asuma's life represented a significant and magnanimous favor extended by Jiryoku. Given these circumstances, he had no inclination to squander his valuable training time on the likes of Asuma.
"So, did you come here to ask me to seek vengeance for him or something?" queried Jiryoku.
In response, Jokan shook her head and explained, "I didn't come here to request vengeance for Asuma's death. Quite the contrary, I've approached you with a different plea—to implore you to administer retribution to Kakuzu and Hidan. These two Akatsuki members have ruthlessly taken the lives of two former members of the Twelve Guards of the Daimyo. If their actions go unchecked, the reputation of the Fire Country will be irreparably tarnished, a situation I am eager to prevent at all costs."
Upon absorbing Jokan's words, Jiryoku offered a nod, expressing, "I see."
A somber expression adorned Jokan's face as she posed the question, "So, will you go?"
Contemplating the query, Jiryoku elucidated, "Had it been concerning someone else, I might not have found the inclination to embark on a journey to Konoha or any other destination. However, Asuma's untimely demise alters the landscape entirely. I recognize that Ino, by now, is likely grappling with thoughts that if I had dealt with the Akatsuki members, her revered teacher would still be among the living. Consequently, I feel compelled to go, to engage with Ino and articulate the motivations behind my decisions."
Jokan responded, "I see. Your impending journey is bound to be fraught with challenges," accompanied by a chuckle.
"Okay, then let's head to the Jokan mansion. I haven't indulged in delicacies for quite some time," remarked Jiryoku. Upon hearing his words, Jokan nodded. With Jokan held securely by her waist, Jiryoku ascended into the sky and swiftly departed, leaving the current location behind, eventually arriving at the Jokan Mansion.
Following a satisfying meal and some leisurely time spent with Jokan, Jiryoku found his mind rejuvenated. Thus, he bid farewell to the Jokan mansion. Jiryoku, not one to rush, opted for a leisurely stroll. After an extended period of training, he decided to amble through the surroundings, appreciating the beauty of the landscapes along the way.
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After spending several days in the forest, the team consisting of Shikamaru, Ino, Choji, Kakashi, Naruto, Sakura, and Hyuga Hoheto moved swiftly through the terrain.
"Hoheto, can you spot Kakuzu and Hidan?" inquired Shikamaru.
"Yes, I can spot them. They are walking leisurely," replied Hyuga Hoheto.
"Hmph. It seems that they don't take Konoha seriously," remarked Sakura.
"You are correct, and this behavior of theirs emanates from their perceived strength," added Kakashi.
"We, Ino-Shika-Cho, will handle Hidan, and Team Seven will be responsible for dealing with Kakuzu," declared Shikamaru.
The team members nodded in agreement upon hearing Shikamaru's words, acknowledging that he had been granted the position of captain for this mission. Finally taking on this leadership role, Shikamaru felt a weight of responsibility on his shoulders, determined to lead the team successfully through the upcoming challenges.
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