Ch-11 Asuma vs Jugram.

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The words spoken by Jugram clearly showed his immense ambition, surprising everyone present. They couldn't even conceive that a 14-year-old could possess such ambition.

"You know, to be the leader of the group, you have to be the strongest among them, or at least you have to have the intelligence. So, do you have the confidence to remain stronger than everyone in the group forever?" asked Hiruzen.

Jugram replied calmly, "Yes, the first thing I told Sasuke when he entered the 'Sternritter' is that he will never be stronger than me, so he shouldn't even think about it. He can try his best to catch up to me, and I will set a benchmark for him to reach."

Hiruzen raised his eyebrows and said, "So much confidence? Do you not think you are being overly confident?"

"Not at all. Throughout my entire life, I have never been arrogant, and I always speak based on facts. At this moment, I possess the strength of an Elite Jonin, equivalent to ninjas like Kakashi, Asuma, and Might Guy. Furthermore, if I refrain from utilizing my special abilities, and instead choose to employ them, I am confident enough to even inflict harm upon you, Hokage-sama," declared Jugram.

The more Jugram spoke, the more onlookers felt that he was bragging. Asserting his capability to defeat Elite Jonin was somewhat believable, but when Jugram claimed that he could injure the Third Hokage, the so-called 'strongest Hokage', they regarded it as nonsensical.

"It seems everyone harbors doubts about my strength. So why doesn't Hokage-sama select an Elite Jonin and let them challenge me?" suggested Jugram.

Today, Jugram aimed not only to announce the presence of the 'Sternritter' but also to establish his reputation in Konoha.

"Very well then, Sarutobi Asuma, an Elite Jonin, will be your opponent," declared Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen cast a meaningful glance towards his son, Sarutobi Asuma, subtly signaling him to step forth and engage in combat with Jugram.

Asuma found himself with no recourse but to accept the challenge, even if his willingness was lacking. Having heard of Jugram's reputation, Asuma's primary concern wasn't about losing; the notion of defeat didn't even register in his mind. However, his apprehension stemmed from the possibility of facing embarrassment before Kurenai should he fail to secure a decisive victory.

However, given that his father, the revered 'Third Hokage', had issued the directive, compliance was not optional.

In the past, such an allowance - permitting an outsider to establish a faction within the confines of Konoha - would have been utterly inconceivable for Hiruzen. However, the present circumstances painted a different picture altogether. Konoha currently found itself in a state of vulnerability, yearning for the infusion of formidable talent capable of restoring its once unassailable prowess. Furthermore, the imminent threat posed by Akatsuki cast a shadow of urgency over the village, emphasizing the critical need for reinforcement.

Hiruzen wondered if Jugram could truly succeed in making the group 'Sternritter' as powerful as he claimed. If this were to happen, the 'Sternritter' might indeed stand a chance at containing the Akatsuki.

Without wasting any time, Asuma landed in the arena, cigarette smoke trailing behind him.

Jugram also descended to the arena, standing calmly without a trace of worry on his face.

"In this fight, I won't hold back. Give it your all," declared Asuma.

Jugram nodded in agreement. "The same goes for me. I won't hold back either."

As soon as Jugram finished speaking, Asuma threw his lighter in front of him and unleashed the 'Fire Release: Flint Yagura Technique'. The small flame from the lighter erupted into a massive tornado of fire, engulfing Jugram instantly. However, Jugram tore through the tornado and emerged unscathed.

This turn of events surprised many present, as Asuma's Fire Release technique had no effect on Jugram. Subsequently, Jugram launched an attack on Asuma with his sword, prompting Asuma to defend himself with the Chakra blade. The clash between Jugram's sword and Asuma's blade generated sparks that scattered around the vicinity. However, it became evident in the close-quarters combat that Asuma was at a disadvantage.

Seizing the opportunity, Jugram leaped into the air and descended upon Asuma with his sword from above. Despite Asuma's efforts to defend against Jugram's attack, he was ultimately forced to retreat. Exploiting this opening, Jugram utilized his 'Hirenkyaku' technique to traverse through the air, swiftly appearing behind Asuma and slashing at him.

However, Asuma, already perceiving Jugram's strength to be on par with, if not greater than his own, did not dare to underestimate his opponent. Therefore, he swiftly employed the 'substitute technique'.

As Asuma executed the 'substitute technique', Jugram's sword merely sliced through a wooden log that had materialized in front of him, taking the place of Asuma.

Asuma confronted Jugram head-on and unleashed the 'Fire Release: Ash Pile Burning' technique. Initially, he expelled a substantial amount of gunpowder from his mouth, enveloping Jugram in a cloud-like formation. Without delay, Asuma ignited the cloud of gunpowder, engulfing Jugram in flames.

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