124 Ch-124 Jiryoku a careful planner.

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Asura, dismayed by Jiryoku's uncompromising stance, shook his head in consternation. "Your lineage traces back to Uncle Hamura, but your attitude closely mirrors that of my elder brother. He, too, was indifferent to the consequences of his actions. I, on the other hand, cannot allow you to inflict harm upon countless innocent bystanders simply because they are here to witness our battle."

As the tension escalated, Asura's voice resonated with authority. "With that said," he declared, "It seems it's time to employ my full power."

Six dark orbs coalesced and began to revolve ominously behind Asura, while a black rod materialized in his grasp. The gravity of the situation was not lost on Jiryoku, and his countenance grew solemn, understanding that he, too, would need to access his utmost potential.

In an attempt to safeguard the spectators, Asura issued a final plea. "I urge all of you present to retreat immediately. The battle that is about to unfold may have consequences beyond what you can fathom. Your safety is paramount, and I implore you to distance yourselves from the impending clash."

Upon hearing Asura's earnest plea, the onlookers at the battlefield wasted no time in making their decisions. Those who harbored doubts about their abilities and feared the specter of death opted to leave immediately. They weighed the value of witnessing a battle between two of the most formidable individuals against the very real risk to their lives, and the latter won out.

The leaving ninjas primarily consisted of individuals hailing from smaller villages, acutely aware of their vulnerability. On the other hand, the ninja from the major villages exhibited greater resolve, convinced they possessed the strength to endure the potential consequences of the impending clash. They did, however, exercise caution by creating a considerable buffer zone between themselves and the epicenter of the battle, ensuring their safety.

Meanwhile, the meteor, a colossal, blazing harbinger of devastation, grew increasingly visible in the sky. In stark contrast to the meteor that Jiryoku had unleashed upon Konoha in their prior encounter, this one hurtled earthward with unparalleled speed. The reason for its swiftness lay in the difference in Jiryoku's approach. Previously, he had merely attracted the meteor and redirected it towards Konoha, liberating it from Earth's gravitational pull and guide it towards Konoha. In this instance, however, he maintained control over the meteorite, guiding it with astonishing velocity towards Asura.

Kakashi, a seasoned observer of battles and tactics, couldn't help but be astounded by Jiryoku's calculating precision. "His calculations are truly terrifying. Last time, when he targeted Konoha, he was well aware that the village lacked the means to halt the meteor. Deliberately slowing its descent allowed us to counter it. Not only that, but while we were countering the descent of the meteor, he had the time to deal with Danzo."

Jiraiya concurred, his expression reflecting a deep understanding of his Jiryoku's mind. "Indeed, he possessed comprehensive knowledge of the strengths and vulnerabilities of everyone present in Konoha. I suspect that the primary reason he chose to unleash the meteor upon Konoha was to provoke Guy into employing the 'Eight Inner Gates.' And we all know very well how much Guy loves Konoha, so he would have even given his life to protect Konoha. Jiryoku's disregard for us was palpable; Guy was the only one Jiryoku truly feared."

Kakashi nodded after hearing this.

"I concur," Tsunade acknowledged, her voice filled with an admiring tone. "Despite his outwardly reckless demeanor, every one of his moves is meticulously calculated."

With bated breath, every onlooker fixed their gaze upon Asura, awaiting the moment of his response. The anticipation was palpable as they yearned to witness the brilliance that would unfold in countering Jiryoku's imminent assault.

Asura, standing at the center of this spectacle, began to take action. He brought his hands together in a solemn gesture and invoked his formidable technique, "Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands." The environment bore witness to the explosive growth of wooden appendages, their emergence marked by wild, surging growth. The colossal form taking shape dwarfed even the wooden human that Asura had previously created using the 'Wood Release: Wood Human Technique.'

Upon hearing Asura's invocation, Jiryoku's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly recognized Asura's intended move: "Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands." Jiryoku, determined not to allow Asura to execute this technique, realized that in his present state, he was ill-prepared to face Asura head-on.

With a decisive move, Jiryoku sheathed his sword and clasped his hands, initiating the gathering of natural chakra. This marked the commencement of his transformation into "Sage Mode." However, it was a process that demanded time and focus, a span of approximately one minute.

As Asura observed Jiryoku's transition towards 'Sage Mode' through the heightened sensory perception of his 'Sage of Six Paths Mode,' he comprehended the imminent surge in Jiryoku's power. Understanding the profound challenge that lay ahead, Asura grappled with the realization that defeating Jiryoku, once he had entered 'Sage Mode,' would be an even more daunting task.

Amidst the escalating battle, six 'Truth Seeking Orbs'floated ominously behind Asura, each harboring immense power. However, he now deployed two of these orbs with a rapidity that defied the eye, directing them towards Jiryoku. Remarkably, these orbs took on an unexpected transformation, assuming the appearance of two razor-sharp kunai, their dark forms contrasting against the backdrop of the impending clash.

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