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...
Anbu ninja, who was standing beside Jiryoku and answering Jiryoku's questions, saw Jiryoku appear behind Baki. Then, he witnessed Jiryoku, who was standing beside him, fade away. "Afterimage," he thought, realizing the incredible speed of Jiryoku.
As Baki caught sight of Jiryoku standing before him, beads of sweat cascaded down his forehead, evidence of his nervousness. However, he summoned his inner strength and mustered the courage to speak, breaking the tension in the air. "Hello," he stammered, his voice trembling slightly, "perhaps there has been a misunderstanding."
With a calm and confident demeanor, Jiryoku responded, his words carrying an air of wisdom. "I am a blind individual, perceiving the world solely through the prism of my senses. If my perception were flawed, I would not be known as Rajin no Jiryoku, don't you agree?"
"Alright, no need to say more. I'll give you a chance to fulfill your killing intent towards me. Attack me with your best attack, and I'll counter with one of my weakest attacks that I usually don't use in fights," said Jiryoku.
Realizing that Jiryoku harbored a desire to humiliate or incapacitate him without fatal intentions, Baki weighed his options carefully. Rejecting Jiryoku's proposition would inevitably lead to his demise at the hands of this formidable adversary. Therefore, Baki nodded solemnly, accepting the challenge presented before him.
Creating distance between himself and Jiryoku, Baki positioned himself strategically, preparing to launch his attack. Meanwhile, those present in the vicinity stood motionless, unwilling to intervene for two compelling reasons. Firstly, Jiryoku's overwhelming strength commanded respect and fear. Secondly, the unfolding events were an inevitable consequence of Baki's own actions, leaving them as mere spectators to the impending clash.
Baki began performing hand seals, initiating the technique known as "Wind Release: Blade of Wind Hurricane." A swirling hurricane of invisible wind swords took shape, capable of harming even those with sight. Recognizing its potency, Baki unleashed this powerful ninjutsu.
"Hmm, good. At least you possess strength," remarked Jiryoku, who remained motionless without making a single move. However, his entire body became enveloped in Armament Haki. When Baki's ninjutsu collided with Jiryoku, causing widespread destruction in its wake, everyone watched in astonishment. Despite the chaos, Jiryoku stood unharmed, not a single scratch marring his person. As he retracted his Armament Haki, even his clothes remained intact.
"Now that you're finished, it's my turn. I rarely resort to taijutsu, so brace yourself for a strike," declared Jiryoku. With those words, he vanished from his original position, reappearing right in front of Baki. Before Baki could even react, he was struck by Jiryoku's palm, sending him hurtling through the air.
"Teacher!" cried out Temari and Kankuro, their voices filled with concern. Gaara, standing on the sidelines, wore a ferocious expression, ready to launch an attack on Jiryoku. However, before he could act, he found himself subjected to an immense gravitational force imposed by Jiryoku. At this moment, Jiryoku spoke, "Your teacher is alive, and you may go see him."
After saying that, he disappeared from the place and reappeared beside the ANBU ninja, taking him along to meet the Hokage.
At the location where Kakashi, Guy, Kurenai, and Asuma stood, complete silence enveloped them. Guy broke the silence, remarking, "That is his base speed without any chakra support. It's almost equal to my speed at the fourth gate."
"Yes, throughout the entire time, he relied solely on his physical strength, except when he destroyed the meridians of the Elite Jonin from Sunagakure," Kakashi stated, his Sharingan activated. Since Jiryoku disappeared, Kakashi had been closely observing his every move.
"What!? But how?" Asuma expressed his surprise.
"The method he employed is similar to the Gentle Fist of the Hyuga clan, but different. He converts wind into fine needles and upon striking the opponent's body with his palm, they penetrate inside, causing internal destruction," Kakashi explained, providing everyone with a detailed account of the process.
They then turned their attention towards their respective students. Mixed emotions played across their faces—some were happy, some were sad, some were filled with enthusiasm, while others seemed indifferent.
At that moment, Ino began to leave. Asuma questioned, "Where are you going, Ino?"
"To meet Jiryoku," Ino replied as she walked away.
"But he went to the Hokage's office. If you want to meet him, we should go there," Asuma suggested.
However, Ino didn't listen and ran away faster than ever. A sigh escaped Asuma's lips.
"She's heading to the right place," Shikamaru remarked.
"Huh?" Asuma became confused.
Seeing his teacher's confusion, Shikamaru elaborated, "Since childhood, Jiryoku has always eaten at Ichiraku Ramen shop and shares a deep bond with Ichiraku and his daughter. So, after meeting the Hokage, he will definitely go there."
Having explained this, Shikamaru also began moving in the direction of Ichiraku Ramen shop.
Finally, everyone gathered at Ichiraku Ramen shop. The sight of so many people surprised Ichiraku, who asked, "What's the occasion that brought you all here?"
Ino replied mysteriously, "You'll find out soon. It's a surprise."
Just as Shikamaru had predicted, Jiryoku arrived at the door of Ichiraku Ramen shop. Ayame and Ichiraku were both taken aback by his presence, particularly because Jiryoku now looked like a 16 to 17-year-old boy. Ichiraku smiled upon seeing him.
Jiryoku approached an empty seat and as soon as he sat down, silence settled over the place for a few seconds. Then, Jiryoku spoke, "Same as before."
Ichiraku, as if anticipating this, replied, "Coming right up."
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