134 Ch-134 Please.

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As the imposing Black Hole advanced in their direction, the expressions on the faces of the toads from Mount Myoboku underwent a stark transformation. A collective realization dawned upon them—they had no chance of surviving against this formidable force. The same Black Hole had rendered someone as powerful as Asura powerless, making the prospect of facing it in combat utterly futile.

Recognizing the dire situation, Gamamura, the Great Toad Sage, turned to address his fellow toads, stating with a heavy heart, "Leave this place immediately using the contract with Mount Myoboku; there is nothing you can do now."

Gamamura conveyed this message with a profound sense of sorrow, understanding that their home on Mount Myoboku was no longer safe. Remaining there would inevitably lead to Jiryoku discovering and destroying them. The only viable option was an immediate retreat from Mount Myoboku.

This harsh reality was not lost on the toads present. They knew that their way of life was forever altered from this point onward. However, the urgency of preserving lives took precedence, prompting them to initiate their departure. In contrast to the mass exodus, Fukasaku and Shima defied the current, moving forward towards Jiryoku, their actions hinting at a brave yet uncertain confrontation.

Observing Fukasaku and Shima's unexpected actions, Gamamura was perplexed and urged, "Fukasaku and Shima, what are you doing? Return to Mount Myoboku."

Fukasaku, without turning, responded, "This is our fault, and we will correct it."

Baffled, Gamamura inquired, "What do you mean by 'correct it'?"

However, Fukasaku and Shima remained silent. Fukasaku, addressing Jiryoku, stated, "We acknowledge our wrongdoing. We were overconfident about the strength of Mount Myoboku and made a mistake. We only request that whatever punishment awaits, please direct it towards us."

Shima added, "Take our lives as the price, but please spare others and let them go."

Kneeling before Jiryoku, Fukasaku and Shima's actions sent shockwaves through the onlookers, particularly Jiraiya and Tsunade, who were aware of Fukasaku and Shima's esteemed positions just below the Great Toad Sage.

Jiryoku, sensing the sincerity of their surrender and plea, was moved. Although touched by their genuine emotions, he understood that the toads had submitted not out of admiration but out of fear of his strength. Despite this, he remained resolute in his decision to carry out the annihilation of Mount Myoboku.

"Enough. Although your words are sincere, the time for such appeals has passed. If you had taken this step earlier, the outcome might have been different. But now, I'm sorry; you no longer have a chance. My decision stands—I will destroy Mount Myoboku," declared Jiryoku.

Fukasaku and Shima wore faces of despair, fully aware that Jiryoku would not spare them, yet they remained on the ground. Gamamura, who witnessed and heard everything, reassured, "Fukasaku and Shima, you did nothing wrong. What you did was in the best interest of Konoha and Mount Myoboku. Both of you, leave."

However, Fukasaku and Shima stayed put. Shima pleaded, "We understand that this might not immediately calm your anger, but at least spare the lives of our toad brethren who are leaving Mount Myoboku."

"Ryoku-Chan, please stop," Ino stepped forward, making her way toward Jiryoku. However, she struggled to walk due to the presence of the black hole.

Observing Ino's difficulty, Jiryoku swiftly moved the black hole to the back and enveloped Ino in a gravity barrier, ensuring Ino remained unaffected by its gravitational pull.

"Ino, stay there and speak your mind," Jiryoku instructed.

"Ryoku-Chan, I understand that your words hold immense significance for you, and you rarely back down from them. But recall, when we first met, you said we wouldn't become friends. However, my persistence and love eventually won you over, didn't they?" Ino spoke, fixing her gaze on Jiryoku.

She continued, "I, too, felt anger upon learning about your life experiences. I even believed that the elders of the Konoha Council deserved the consequences. I was frustrated with Jiraiya-Sama for halting your quest for revenge. However, the circumstances have changed drastically. You have achieved your revenge, proving your point by defeating Mount Myoboku. You demonstrated your superiority, breaking their confidence in being stronger than you. You killed some, but I believe they now realize their mistakes and powerlessness. Their transgressions, while significant, may not warrant extermination. They can be forgiven."

Jiryoku, upon hearing these words, found a moment of calm and pondered Ino's perspective.

Ino continued, "I wholeheartedly support you. Even if you decide to exterminate Mount Myoboku now, I won't be dissatisfied or harbor resentment, because I believe in you. However, I want to convey one thing—I don't want to witness you becoming a villain in the eyes of the world. I don't want to see you succumb to the path of pure darkness."

Upon hearing Ino's words, Jiryoku paused, deep in thought. Ino's perspective resonated with undeniable truth. If he were to eliminate the toads of Mount Myoboku today, he would inevitably be branded as the villain worldwide. While he didn't particularly mind or care about such judgments, aware that strength often trumps societal norms, he couldn't disregard the future he envisioned for his family.

Jiryoku envisioned a family with his two prospective wives, Ino and Jokan. Though he could hear their support, he couldn't fathom subjecting them and his future children to the scorn that might accompany the label of a villain. The strength he sought to attain went hand in hand with a responsibility to protect those he cared for, and he was unwilling to let his actions tarnish the lives of those he loved.

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