29 Ch-29 No remorse, no rescue.

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Both Hiashi and the Hyuga Elder entered the Hokage's office. As soon as they entered, all eyes were on them. Hiashi was confused about why the Hokage had called him, and seeing the behavior of the ninjas only deepened his confusion.

Hiruzen asked them to take a seat, and once they were seated, Hiashi asked, "Hokage-Sama, is there something the matter? Why have you called us here along with so many members from the intelligence department?" Hiruzen proceeded to explain everything about what had happened during Jiryoku's mission. Hiashi was shocked to hear about the attack on Jiryoku, especially by members of his own Hyuga clan. The Hyuga Elder clenched his fist upon hearing what had befallen the Hyuga clan members. He had never expected Jiryoku to possess such strength, and all his calculations against him had failed.

Hiruzen continued, saying, "Jiryoku's location and every move were leaked in the black market, which can only be done by someone who has full knowledge of the mission. Among those people, I believe only the team leader, Hyuga Iroha, or high-ranking members of the Hyuga clan would possess such information. So, I would like to ask you, were you involved in this?"

Hiashi looked towards the Hyuga Elder, knowing that those who attempted to kill Jiryoku were subordinates of his father. It indicated a possible conspiracy involving his father.

Though flustered, the Hyuga Elder maintained his composure and replied, "These individuals are indeed my subordinates, but I was unaware of their actions, and no one from the Hyuga clan had any knowledge of their involvement. However, based on my assumption, they carried out these acts out of personal revenge and jealousy."

"Revenge? Jealousy? Please explain your statement more clearly," requested Hiruzen.

The Hyuga Elder elaborated, "During their time as Genins, Jiryoku's father always defeated Iroha, which left Iroha feeling humiliated. Even after Iroha's promotion from Genin, he was never able to defeat Jiryoku's father. This constant defeat may have fuelled feelings of resentment among others, especially considering their dissatisfaction with Jiryoku escaping the Cage Bird Seal. I suspect Iroha might have influenced them to carry out these actions."

After hearing the words of the Hyuga Elder, they realized that although there were some loopholes in his explanation, they couldn't refute it. Human nature is complex, and people can commit heinous acts over minor arguments, while also forgiving those who have killed their own relatives. Without any evidence implicating the Hyuga clan members, they couldn't counter the Hyuga Elder's statement.

At that moment, the door of the Hokage's office swung open, and Jiryoku entered accompanied by an ANBU ninja. He calmly stood before everyone in the room.

"Hmm, Jiryoku, you returned from your mission quite swiftly. Why?" inquired Hiruzen.

"Kakashi, the Jonin, must have informed you of everything, as he was there and I spared his life and he stands here in the Hokage's office before me," replied Jiryoku.

Upon hearing Jiryoku's words, Hiruzen nodded. "Does this mean you killed all your teammates? Is that true?"

"Yes, they attempted to kill me, and in self-defense, I had no choice but to eliminate them," explained Jiryoku.

"But couldn't you have incapacitated them instead of taking their lives? Perhaps they were under the influence of an illusion," retorted the Hyuga Elder in a sharp tone.

"Firstly, I am blind and unable to see. I could only sense their hostility, and I retaliated accordingly. Secondly, if they were indeed under an illusion, Kakashi, the Jonin, would have intervened to stop me," Jiryoku responded. He then turned towards Kakashi and continued, "Isn't that right, Kakashi, the Jonin?"

Upon being questioned by Jiryoku, Kakashi replied, "Yes, they were not under the influence of an illusion. Furthermore, I hold a strong disdain for those who betray their teammates, so I didn't see the need to save them."

"Alright, since Jiryoku's team members attempted to kill him, and Jiryoku acted in self-defense, he cannot be held responsible. This is my decision. Does anyone disagree?" declared Hiruzen.

In response to the Hokage's question, everyone shook their heads, signifying their agreement, and thus Jiryoku was cleared of all charges.

"Very well, Jiryoku, I will assign you a new team starting tomorrow," stated the Hokage.

"No need. My strength is evident, and I prefer to work alone. I never join any team," declared Jiryoku firmly.

Upon hearing Jiryoku's resolute statement, everyone nodded, acknowledging his exceptional strength that surpassed even that of an Elite Jonin.

"Alright, since everyone from your previous team is deceased, you may work as a solo operative," stated Hiruzen.

"Thank you, Hokage-Sama. If my business here is concluded, I would like to take my leave as I am tired from my journey," humbly requested Jiryoku.

"Very well, you may go and rest," replied Hiruzen.

After that, Jiryoku left the Hokage's Office.

Jiryoku headed to Ichiraku Ramen shop, paying no mind to the discussions that took place in the Hokage's office.

Meanwhile, Ino was sitting in the Ramen shop with Choji and Shikamaru, thinking about Jiryoku. It had become a daily routine for them to meet there, so his absence felt strange to her.

Shikamaru, observing Ino's reaction, shook his head. Suddenly, an idea for a prank came to his mind. He turned his head and said, "Hey Jiryoku, what are you doing here? I thought you were on a mission and wouldn't return so early."

Upon hearing Shikamaru's words, Ino immediately jumped from her seat and looked towards the entrance, expecting to see Jiryoku. However, there was no one there. Suddenly, she heard Shikamaru laughing. Her forehead started twitching, and her smile turned dangerous. Seeing this, Shikamaru's laughter quickly shifted from "HAHAHA" to "hehe." He raised his hand and said, "Just a little joke to lighten the mood."

"It seems like you've forgotten about the beating you'll receive," Ino retorted while rubbing her fist.

Just then, Jiryoku entered the Ramen shop and took an empty seat. He calmly said, "Same as before."

"Coming right up," responded Ichiraku, who then left to prepare the food.

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