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"Yes, we have acquired new information about Jiryoku," Jiraiya began, summarizing the details he had gathered from Kakashi and the others. He outlined Jiryoku's involvement in the mission, including his capabilities and the revelation that he possessed unique eyes.
Fukasaku, the sage, questioned, "So, this means Jiryoku possesses these eyes. Do they match the description of the eyes in the prophecy of the Grand Elder?"
Jiraiya confirmed, "Yes, they are an exact match."
Fukasaku acknowledged the importance of this revelation, expressing gratitude to Jiraiya. "I see. Thank you, Jiraiya. Your information will undoubtedly prove valuable when we confront Jiryoku."
Tsunade, feeling a deep sense of responsibility, stood up and addressed Fukasaku. "I am deeply sorry, Sage Fukasaku. It's due to my past decisions that you now face such a predicament, and I have inadvertently put the position of Mount Myoboku, our long-standing allies, at risk."
Fukasaku reassured Tsunade with understanding, "You need not apologize, Hokage. Jiraiya has kept me informed about the circumstances that led to your decisions. I don't hold you accountable in any way."
Tsunade expressed her gratitude, "Thank you for your understanding. Please, let us know if there is any way in which Konoha can assist."
Fukasaku declined the offer, showing great confidence in Mount Myoboku's abilities. "There's no need for that. We are capable of handling this situation, and your willingness to offer help is more than enough."
Jiraiya raised a concern, "I've been wondering from the start, wouldn't Lady Katsuyu be compelled to reveal the location of Mount Myoboku to Jiryoku?"
Fukasaku dispelled the worry, "No, she won't. Lady Katsuyu will never divulge the location of Mount Myoboku. From the very beginning, the three 'Sage places' decided that we would never disclose our hidden locations or paths to anyone. Consider it an unbreakable oath."
"I'm relieved to hear that," Jiraiya acknowledged Fukasaku's reassurance.
With that, Fukasaku departed Konoha in a swirl of smoke, leaving the village to contend with the impending threat.
-----
In the Daimyo Mansion of the Fire Country, Jiryoku and Shiromi (Jokan) engaged in a conversation about their relationship and Jiryoku's intentions.
"I didn't expect Ino to approve of our relationship," Shiromi remarked.
Jiryoku raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "And why is that?"
Shiromi explained, "The first time I met her, she seemed possessive about you. She even challenged me, claiming that it was a competition for your affection. However, you made it clear that you would only accept both of our love or none at all."
Jiryoku smiled at the memory of that moment.
Shiromi then shifted the conversation to a more serious topic. "Are you truly planning to attack Mount Myoboku? Consider the consequences; they've been long-standing allies with Konoha. Doing this might sever your ties with Konoha permanently."
Jiryoku acknowledged the potential repercussions but remained resolute. "I'm aware of that, but they meddled in matters they shouldn't have. They ignored my warnings, thinking themselves invulnerable. Now, they'll pay the price for their arrogance."
Concerned, Shiromi inquired further, "But annihilating all of Mount Myoboku, wouldn't that be excessive?"
Jiryoku's response was measured and uncertain. "It depends on my mood. I may decide to spare some, or I might decimate the entire Mount Myoboku and be done with it."
As Jiryoku concluded his conversation with Shiromi, he sensed the sensation of being reverse summoned by Katsuyu. He informed Shiromi, "It appears Lady Katsuyu is summoning me, which suggests something important. I'll have to leave for now."
Shiromi nodded in understanding and replied, "Of course, you should go."
With that acknowledgment, Jiryoku vanished in a swirl of smoke, leaving Shiromi behind.
----
In Shikkotsu Forest, Jiryoku appeared after being summoned by Katsuyu, but he sensed not only Katsuyu but also Tsunade present.
"Lady Katsuyu, did you summon me for something important?" Jiryoku inquired.
Katsuyu responded, "Yes, Lady Tsunade wished to meet with you, and I also have matters to discuss with you. That's why I called you here."
Jiryoku nodded in acknowledgment and awaited further dialogue, allowing either Tsunade or Katsuyu to begin the conversation.
Tsunade wasted no time, getting straight to the point. "Tell me, did you kill Homura and Koharu?" she asked.
Jiryoku replied without hesitation, "Of course, I did. You must have already reached that conclusion after your investigations."
"As expected," Tsunade acknowledged, pressing on with her questions. "Are you planning to attack Mount Myoboku?"
Jiryoku confirmed his intentions, "Oh, so you've figured it out. Yes, I will attack Mount Myoboku and will commence the search soon."
Tsunade questioned the motive behind this decision, puzzled by the severity of his actions. "But they didn't have any major enmity with you. They merely refused to hand over Koharu and Homura. Is this small reason enough to warrant an attack on Mount Myoboku?"
Jiryoku defended his stance, explaining, "To you, it may seem like a minor issue, but revenge was my priority at the time, and they obstructed my path. I warned them, but they didn't heed my words. For that, they will pay the price. They have confidence in their strength, so let's see just how formidable they truly are and how much strength they can muster to face me."
Tsunade made an offer to Jiryoku, attempting to find a resolution to the impending conflict. She proposed, "How about this: I will absolve you of any charges related to the deaths of Koharu and Homura. Furthermore, I will revoke your expulsion from Konoha, allowing you to live happily with Ino. In return, all I ask is that you refrain from attacking Mount Myoboku. As Hokage, I have the authority to make this happen."
Her offer hung in the air, waiting for Jiryoku's response.
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