136 Ch-136 Ability.

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After the arduous experience on the battlefield, Jiryoku promptly made his way back to the Jokan mansion. The expeditious return was facilitated by the battlefield's proximity to the Fire Country, where the mansion was situated. The relative closeness of the battlefield to the mansion allowed for a swift and efficient journey back.

Upon Jiryoku's arrival at the Jokan mansion, Jokan herself sought him out. Observing that Jiryoku appeared to be in good health, she approached him and inquired, "Are you alright?"

"Absolutely," Jiryoku responded confidently, "I'm fine. Nothing happened to me."

Despite his outward appearance of well-being, Jokan, her concern etched on her face, probed further. "I can see that you look fine externally, but do you have any internal injuries?" she asked, her worry extending beyond the visible.

"Yeah, I am absolutely fine, just as I appear on the outside," Jiryoku reassured Jokan, his voice carrying a tone of confidence that mirrored his physical well-being.

"Thank goodness you are fine," said Jokan, visibly relieved as she placed her hand on her chest, her facial expression reflecting the tension she had been harboring. Knowing that Jiryoku was gearing up to challenge the toads of Mount Myoboku, and considering the presence of other ninjas at the location, she had been in a constant state of concern for his safety. "Did you achieve what you wanted to do?" she inquired, her curiosity mixed with genuine worry.

"Almost, but not completely," responded Jiryoku, a hint of determination in his voice.

"What do you mean?" questioned Jokan, eager for clarification.

"You will understand when you hear the news," Jiryoku cryptically replied, leaving a sense of mystery lingering in the air.

Confused by his response, Jokan refrained from further questioning. Instead, she decided to shift the focus, saying, "Okay then, if you don't want to say, no problem. After such a big battle, you must be tired. Go and rest; I will prepare food for you myself."

Jiryoku nodded in acknowledgment after hearing this and added, "Not today; I don't have the appetite to eat now. I'll just freshen up and head to bed. I'm thoroughly exhausted after the battle."

In response, Jokan nodded understandingly and said, "Alright, then. You go to your room. I'll arrange for someone to prepare a hot bath for you to help you relax."

"Sounds perfect," replied Jiryoku with gratitude. After conveying this, he made his way to his room, ready to unwind and find respite from the strenuous events of the battle.

Upon his return to the room, Jiryoku carefully closed the door, his movements deliberate and marked by a sense of fatigue. Weary from the battle, he made his way to the bathroom. As he leaned over the basin, an involuntary coughing fit seized him, leading to the unsettling sight of blood being expelled. During this moment of vulnerability, the sword in his hand, usually a symbol of strength and precision which was a crutch just in show thanks to his 'Observation Haki,' now played a different role. In his weakened state, the sword transformed into a genuine crutch, providing essential support and stability.

Contemplating the toll of recent events, Jiryoku spoke quietly to himself, "I didn't expect that not only would the battle prove this taxing, but the journey through the black hole was also excruciatingly painful. It inflicted more injuries on me than the battle itself. Although I dismissed most of the minor injuries during the heat of the battle, they have now accumulated into a substantial number. And that's not to mention that after using EAM, my body has grown even weaker." The weight of his exhaustion and injuries became apparent as he reflected on the trials he had faced.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Jiryoku managed to conceal any signs of injury skillfully. The reason behind this facade was his deliberate effort to suppress the recurrence of his injuries, a practice he maintained even in the presence of Jokan. He was determined not to reveal the slightest hint of his injuries to her, as he didn't want her to bear unnecessary tension. His ability to control gravity played a crucial role in his ability to conceal these injuries. By manipulating the gravitational forces within his body, he enabled his internal organs to withstand and contain the impact of his injuries.

A soothing hot bath had been prepared for Jiryoku, and he immersed himself in its warmth. As he relaxed in the water, he couldn't help but ponder his recent actions spanning the past few days or months. The revelation came to him after his intense battle with Asura and the valuable insights gained from Ino's opinions. Jiryoku realized that, after not experiencing a satisfying fight for a considerable time, he had come to regard everyone as unworthy. This mindset had fostered arrogance within him, ultimately serving as a primary motivator for his attack on the toads.

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[DING!]

{Congratulations, Host, on winning a battle against someone at levels closest to the Sage of Six Paths. By achieving this, you have successfully completed a hidden system mission ahead of schedule. As a result, the host will receive the reward in advance.}

{Congratulations, Host, on acquiring the one-time ability to absorb the Ten-Tails Chakra.}

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