Ch-39 Where is he?

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...

After Jiryoku had finished eating, he stood up to wash his hands.

Shiromi, finally snapping out of her deep thoughts, promptly offered her assistance in washing his hands.

It was at that moment that Shiromi spoke up, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of admiration.

"You always express your disdain for visiting Konoha due to the complex web of politics that engulfs it, and yet, you continue to support me."

Jiryoku leaned against the sink, his expression serious as he contemplated his response.

"While it is true that politics exist even in our current surroundings, the potential harm it can cause me is significantly lesser than the repercussions of entering Konoha.

In that village, every family relentlessly fights for their individual rights, and should I become entangled in that mire, bloodshed would become the norm.

They possess the strength and resources to back their political machinations, unlike here, where no one holds such immense power, not even the Daimyo.

Granted, if a Kage from any major village were to attempt a coup and seize control of the Daimyo's throne, it could be achieved rather easily.

However, they refrain from such audacious actions because they understand that engaging in such endeavors would inevitably invite the wrath of the other major villages, resulting in their total annihilation," Jiryoku explained.

Shiromi glanced around, her eyes darting nervously, before she uttered with a mix of concern and exasperation, "You truly fear nothing, don't you? But what if this information were to reach my father's ears?"

A wry smile played on Jiryoku's lips as he confidently responded, "What could he possibly do?

At most, he could dispatch some Jonins, Elite Jonins, or even S-level ninjas to challenge me.

However, none of them would pose a true threat to me.

Besides, your father is well aware of the consequences that would befall anyone foolish enough to provoke me.

He would never dare to make a move against me.

In fact, deep down, all the Daimyos possess this understanding.

Hence, there's no need for you to worry, even if this information were to somehow reach your father's ears.

Fortunately, your father is not an arrogant Daimyo."

A sigh escaped Shiromi's lips involuntarily, as she acknowledged the undeniable truth in Jiryoku's words.

As the Jokan of the Fire Country, she knew all too well the complexities and power dynamics that governed the nation.

"So, do you believe it is absolutely necessary for you to journey to Konoha?

If you wish, I could inform the Hokage that you have been entrusted with a vital mission, assigned directly by me," Shiromi offered, her voice tinged with sincerity and concern.

"No, this time it is absolutely necessary for me to go, and perhaps, after accomplishing what I am about to do, I might even be declared a Rogue ninja of Konoha," said Jiryoku calmly.

Shiromi was taken aback by this revelation, quickly rising from her seat as she anxiously inquired, "What!? What exactly are you planning to do?"

Jiryoku responded, "You don't need to know all the details. I simply informed you to prepare yourself mentally for what lies ahead."

Persistently, Shiromi tried to press for more information, but Jiryoku curtly interjected, "Enough. I need to rest. I've been exhausted for far too long."

After witnessing Jiryoku's resolute demeanor, Shiromi could only leave helplessly. However, before departing, she expressed her concern, "Whatever you are planning to do, please take care of your safety."

Jiryoku responded with a nonchalant nod, "Hmm!"

....

The next morning, Jiryoku awoke and promptly attended to his daily tasks. Once finished, he sat down to have a meal with Shiromi. After their meal, he bid her farewell and left the Jokan mansion, following the same path he had arrived. He arrived at a platform, and with a sudden surge of power, transformed into a bolt of lightning, vanishing into the billowing clouds above.

...

At that time, inside Konoha, on a training ground, Kakashi was training while sitting on a tree. Below him, Team Seven was training, especially Sasuke, who had been beaten by Lee yesterday. Although Sasuke is stronger than he was in the canon, he still lost badly to Lee. Not only Team Seven, but also Team 8 and Team 10 were present. Asuma and Kurenai were below the tree, talking and observing their students' training.

At that moment, Ino approached Asuma and said, "Sensei, did you find out where Jiryoku is? You said you would ask the Hokage about this."

As soon as Ino finished speaking, everyone who was training stopped, as this question was also on everyone's mind. Jiryoku hadn't returned to the village for the past two years.

Asuma looked helpless and replied, "We can't reveal this. We only know that he works directly under Jokan, and his strength surpasses even that of Jonins. Even I am weaker than him. In the ninja world, he is known as Rajin no Jiryoku. Ask Kakashi, maybe he knows more."

Kakashi closed his book and appeared on the ground from the tree. "I can't say much," he said.

"Please, Kakashi-sensei, if you know something, tell us," requested Ino.

And upon hearing the mention of Jiryoku's name, an involuntary surge of memories flooded Naruto's mind, transporting him back to a time when Jiryoku had mercilessly humiliated their entire class. Unable to resist the urge, Naruto swiftly interjected himself into the ongoing conversation, eager to assert his presence and make his voice heard.

"Yes, Kakashi-sensei, do you know where that bastard is? I will definitely defeat him," Naruto said.

Everyone requested information from Kakashi, so with a sigh, he decided to tell them, in order to make them realize how far behind Jiryoku they were.

Just at that moment, a voice came, "My eternal rival Kakashi, you all have gathered here. Why didn't you tell me?" It was none other than Might Guy, who had come with his team.

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