Chapter 44: Ch-44 I will be Hokage.
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"As for the losses the people suffered after fainting, I assure you that I will make up for it. Please send me the detailed list, and I will take full responsibility for compensating them," said Jiryoku earnestly.
"May I know which news has unsettled you to this extent?" Hokage inquired, his curiosity piqued.
I regret to say that it is a deeply personal matter that I am unable to share at this time," Jiryoku replied calmly.
"Furthermore, I regret to inform you that I am unable to serve as the invigilator for the second round of the examination due to my current mental state, which is not conducive to such responsibilities," Jiryoku continued.
Jiryoku reported everything as a Konoha ninja after returning to Konoha and meeting with Hiruzen. Hiruzen then asked him to be the invigilator for the second round of Chunin exams, to which Jiryoku agreed. However, because he promised Orochimaru not to interfere, he is unable to take part in the Chunin exams. If Orochimaru succeeds despite Jiryoku's presence, it will be a direct insult to Jiryoku's strength.
Hiruzen, powerless to compel Jiryoku to reveal his secret, could only nod favourably. Hiruzen had a sense that Jiryoku's strength was on par with his own ever since Jiryoku's return, and he couldn't ignore the rumours about Jokan's feelings for Jiryoku.
Hiruzen assured, in an attempt to offer assistance, "Jiryoku, as a member of our village and a skilled ninja, you should know that I am here to help you to the best of my ability. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me."
Jiryoku expressed his gratitude without saying anything by simply nodding in response to Hiruzen's words.
Hiruzen gathered all the Jonins and Elite Jonins outside, keeping a safe distance from Jiryoku's house. He paused his progress and turned to face Kakashi, speaking calmly, "I've known Jiryoku since he was a child, and I've noticed one consistent quality in him: he has an unusually calm demeanour that borders on extreme. Furthermore, he is a highly calculated individual who has never lost his cool. As a result, his outburst of rage in front of his classmates was nothing more than a well-executed act, one that we had presumed. It's critical that we investigate the source of his current agitation, as it appears to have overwhelmed him to the point where he couldn't control his aura."
"Furthermore, I urge you all to investigate the sudden fainting occurrences that occurred among the ninjas within a two-kilometer radius of Jiryoku's house; we must ascertain the cause behind this unexplainable phenomenon," Hiruzen continued.
Kakashi nodded in agreement, joined by the rest of the Elite Jonins, who showed unanimous compliance as they dispersed to complete their assigned tasks.
----
After a few minutes in the Hyuga Clan compound, Hiashi was sitting opposite his father, the Hyuga Elder.
"So, what exactly transpired?" inquired the Hyuga Elder, eager to learn the entire story.
Hiashi took a deep breath and proceeded to explain everything he had seen and heard during his stay at Jiryoku's house.
After hearing everything, the Hyuga Elder couldn't help but shake his head and said, "It's about this Jiryoku again. After he got the name 'Rajin no Jiryoku,' people laughed at our Hyuga clan for being fools. Now that he is even stronger than before, and considering the Hokage's attitude towards Jiryoku, it can be concluded that Jiryoku has reached a level of strength where even the Hokage has to be cautious. Not to mention his political influence, just because he is the sole supporter of Jokan. Because of Jiryoku's strength and support, it is almost guaranteed that Jokan will be the next and first female Daimyo of the Fire Country."
"Now, do you regret your decision, father?" asked Hiashi, whose demeanor hadn't changed since the very beginning.
"I don't have regrets about any of my decisions. However, there is one decision that I now wish I hadn't made. Even if it meant risking the disapproval of the Hokage, I should have eliminated him when I had the chance. I had planned to kill him after he graduated, but who knew that from the moment of graduation, he had the strength to kill elite Jonin? To this day, even with a bounty of a whopping 100 million in the black market, no one dares to touch him," replied Hyuga, showing no regret but extreme calmness on his face.
"So," Hiashi inquired, "what should be our stance regarding Jiryoku?"
"I am completely certain that Jiryoku is already aware of my attempted assassination on him. If it means that the Hyuga Clan can mend its animosity with him, I am willing to offer myself as a sacrifice," declared the Hyuga elder, determination evident on his face.
"Father," attempted to interject, but the Hyuga elder interrupted, "There is no need for further words. If I can allow one of my sons to sacrifice for the sake of the clan and the village, then I can do the same."
----
In the hidden village of Konoha, deep within the ROOT organisation, a lone ninja knelt humbly before Danzo, dutifully recounting every detail of the events that had occurred since Jiryoku's return.
Danzo's expression darkened as he heard the report, reflecting the gravity of the situation. "So his power has truly risen to such heights," he murmured, his tone concerned.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Danzo's eyes glowed with determination. "However, once my collaboration with Orochimaru succeeds, I will be the next Hokage, and upon attaining the position of Hokage, I shall swiftly address this Jiryoku threat," he said quietly to himself.
Regarding the possibility of Jiryoku interfering with their plan, he didn't even entertain the thought, as Orochimaru had assured him that he have a way to keep Jiryoku preoccupied.
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