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...
Tsunade bit her thumb, placed her hand on the ground, and utilized the 'Summoning Technique.'
With a cloud of smoke, a small Katsuyu appeared in front of Tsunade.
"Lady Tsunade, how can I assist you?" Katsuyu inquired upon her appearance.
"Is Jiryoku still residing in the Shikkotsu Forest?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes, Master Jiryoku has been training in the Shikkotsu Forest for the past three years," Katsuyu replied.
"Could you please inform him that Akatsuki members have invaded Sunagakure? If he wishes, he can also head to Sunagakure to combat the Akatsuki members, as he once mentioned that we should notify him if we encounter any Akatsuki members," Tsunade requested.
"Of course, I'll notify Master Jiryoku right away. He's probably in the midst of training, so you may need to wait for a few moments," Katsuyu responded.
"Can't you inform him even while he's training?" Tsunade asked, puzzled.
"His training is quite unique, and he cannot be interrupted during it," Katsuyu explained.
Now, not only Tsunade but also everyone present was perplexed.
----
In the Shikkotsu Forest, Katsuyu arrived at a water pond, but there was something peculiar about it. In the center of the pond, there was a pit-like structure. However, if someone approached the pit, they would discover that it was made entirely of water.
"Whenever Master Jiryoku trains, he makes the water in the pond heavy due to his Gravity technique, which creates a small pit of water within the pond," Katsuyu explained.
"Master Jiryoku, I bring important news. Please listen," Katsuyu shouted with all her might.
Inside the pond was an 18-year-old young man with a bare body, perfectly defined muscle lines clearly visible. He was swinging his sword, and with each swing, water was displaced for several feet. This demonstrated the boy's immense strength because displacing water with increased density and weight to such a level was extremely challenging. This young man was none other than Jiryoku.
Jiryoku, at that moment, heard Katsuyu's voice and stopped swinging his sword. He released the effect of gravity on the pond, and soon the pond returned to its normal state.
With incredible speed, Jiryoku swam up and emerged from the pond, standing on its surface.
"Finally, you're out, Master Jiryoku. I thought you were going to take longer than this," Katsuyu remarked.
"I have completed my daily goal and was just practicing. What's the important news, Lady Katsuyu?" Jiryoku inquired.
"It's the Akatsuki organization. They attacked Sunagakure and captured the Kazekage. As you once told Lady Tsunade to inform you about any Akatsuki members, she informed me about this," Katsuyu replied.
Jiryoku shook his head and said, "She must be worried about the ninjas of her village, which is why she called for me."
"But it has been three years since I arrived in the Shikkotsu Forest, and during this time, I haven't left even once, except for some experimental sessions with the destructive moves I created. It's time to leave," Jiryoku declared.
"This forest will revert to its former state, and I'll be lonely again with no one to talk to," Katsuyu lamented.
"Don't worry, Lady Katsuyu. I find this place very peaceful, and I'll come here often whenever I'm free," Jiryoku reassured her.
Katsuyu nodded and said, "You are welcome here at any time."
"Okay, should I summon you to Konoha then?" Katsuyu asked.
"Yes, if you may, please," Jiryoku responded. He was now wearing his clothes: a white overcoat, a black kimono, black pants, and his sword in his right hand.
Once Jiryoku was ready, he was summoned to Konoha.
----
In Konoha, Katsuyu employed the 'Summoning Technique,' and a cloud of smoke materialized. Gradually, the smoke began to dissipate, and as it cleared, Jiryoku came into view.
Upon Jiryoku's appearance, the air grew heavy simply from his presence. The aura radiating from his body wasn't immense, but everyone present was well aware that Jiryoku had grown significantly stronger in the three years since they last met.
"We meet again, Hokage," Jiryoku greeted.
"You've become much more powerful than you were three years ago. I believe that if you were to face the Akatsuki now, you wouldn't lose," Tsunade remarked.
"That's a fact," Jiryoku concurred, agreeing with Tsunade's assessment.
"Katsuyu must have already informed you about the Akatsuki's invasion of Sunagakure and their capture of the Kazekage," Tsunade said.
"That's precisely why I'm here," Jiryoku replied.
"Then time is of the essence here. If you would, please follow 'Team Guy'; they're heading to Sunagakure," Tsunade instructed.
Jiryoku nodded and turned towards Neji, saying, "You've become quite strong, Hyuga Neji."
"I can't afford to fall too far behind you, can I?" Neji responded.
"But you're already far behind me," Jiryoku teased.
"Hey, can't you be humble for a second?" Tenten chimed in from the side.
"I was just stating the truth. Anyways, as Hokage said, time is of the essence, so let's get moving," Jiryoku remarked.
"I am the Blue Beast of Konoha. Nice to meet you," Might Guy greeted with his thumbs up, displaying his teeth.
Jiryoku nodded in response.
Might Guy then turned to Lee and said, "Lee, we can reach Sunagakure within a day if we travel at our full speed and showcase the power of youth."
"Guy Sensei, I think we can reach Sunagakure within half a day if we travel at our full speed and demonstrate the full power of youth," Lee suggested.
And with that, both of them sprinted away as if in a race.
"As enthusiastic as ever," Tsunade remarked.
"Take care of them, and by the way, your girlfriend is also on this mission," Tsunade added.
"Hmm, did you send her on this mission as a guarantee to compel me to go?" Jiryoku asked, his 'Conqueror Haki' rising.
"Calm down, will you? I sent her with 'Team Kakashi.' After all, Akatsuki members are very powerful, and Ino-Shika-Cho can serve as backup. You know very well how high IQ Shikamaru is," Tsunade explained.
"You're not lying, that's good," Jiryoku responded before departing.
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