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"Jiraiya, my boy, I understand that he's formidable, but it's hard to believe he poses such an immense threat to our Mount Myoboku. We're not that feeble," Shima asserted, her tone reflecting her confidence.
Fukasaku, however, interjected, addressing Jiraiya, "Hold on a moment, Ma. Jiraiya boy, tell us, has Jiryoku formed a contract with Katsuyu the Slug?"
Jiraiya confirmed with a nod, "Yes."
Fukasaku's concern deepened, and he posed a crucial question. "But isn't the Summoning contract usually held by the Fifth Hokage? How did Jiryoku manage to secure a contract with Katsuyu? How did such a vital scroll fall into the hands of an enemy of Konoha?"
In response, Jiraiya provided a detailed account of the circumstances in which Tsunade had traded the Summoning Contract scroll for his own life.
Fukasaku sighed deeply, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. "Well, it seems we have little choice."
Recalling Gamamaru's prophecy about the attacker possessing distinctive eyes, Fukasaku sought further clarification. "Jiryoku is blind, correct? He has no eyes, isn't that so?"
Jiraiya hesitated before responding, "I can't say for certain. During our investigation, we discovered that Jiryoku had taken eyes from the Hyuga Clan. So, there's a possibility that he transplanted those eyes and now possesses the ability to see."
"Jiraiya, my boy, I need you to conduct a thorough investigation within Konoha and gather any information related to Jiryoku," Fukasaku instructed, his tone filled with seriousness.
Jiraiya nodded in acknowledgment and then broached a question that had been weighing on his mind since his arrival at Mount Myoboku. "By the way, Two Great Sage Toads, why have you and so many toads gathered here?"
Fukasaku proceeded to explain to Jiraiya the prophetic vision Gamamaru had witnessed in his dream, providing all the details and forebodings it contained.
As Jiraiya absorbed the dire implications of the prophecy, his countenance grew increasingly solemn. Fukasaku and Shima could sense his unease, prompting Fukasaku to inquire further, "Is there something else you know?"
Jiraiya nodded gravely as he replied, "The description you provided about the assailant aligns perfectly with Jiryoku. His formidable strength makes an attack on Mount Myoboku plausible, and he has indeed mastered the 'Sage Mode' of the Shikkotsu Forest. The only missing piece of the puzzle is confirmation regarding his eyes."
Fukasaku and Shima exchanged knowing glances, acknowledging that Jiraiya's concerns were well-founded. It was becoming increasingly evident that their actions to save the Konoha council elders had potentially been a grave mistake.
Facing the Two Great Sage Toads, Jiraiya delivered additional information. "By the way, Two Great Sage Toads, Tsunade expressed Konoha's willingness to support Mount Myoboku and fulfill the duties of our alliance."
Fukasaku promptly dismissed the proposal, his determination unwavering. "Please convey our gratitude to the Fifth Hokage, but we won't require a ninja army. Allowing such a force into our realm would risk revealing the location of Mount Myoboku to those who shouldn't know."
Jiraiya nodded in understanding. "Understood. I will make it my priority to confirm whether Jiryoku possesses those eyes or not. Once I have verified the situation, I will promptly inform you."
Fukasaku and Shima nodded in agreement as Jiraiya prepared to depart Mount Myoboku.
----
Back in Konoha, as Jiraiya reappeared, he was met by Tsunade, who was waiting for him. Surprised, he greeted her, "Woah, Tsunade. You're still here?"
Tsunade responded with a determined expression, "Of course. I wanted to hear firsthand what the Two Great Sage Toads had to say."
Jiraiya proceeded to recount his conversation with the Two Great Sage Toads on Mount Myoboku, particularly focusing on the issue of Jiryoku's eyes.
"Eyes?" Tsunade pondered for a moment. "Yes, amidst the rush to complete my work, I forgot to observe him closely. But now that I think about it, I did notice some peculiarities in his eye sockets. I wasn't able to definitively confirm the details, though."
Jiraiya proposed their next course of action. "Alright. Once Kakashi and his team arrive, we'll gather more detailed information about Jiryoku, especially regarding his encounters with the Akatsuki members."
Tsunade concurred with a nod and left the scene, heading back to her duties in the Hokage's office, well aware that they had a pressing situation to address.
After two long days, Kakashi and his team finally returned to Konoha. They made their way to the Hokage's office to report the successful completion of their mission.
As Kakashi entered the office, he found Tsunade engrossed in her paperwork. Naruto was about to speak up, but Sakura quickly intervened, recognizing the Hokage's ongoing tasks.
Aware of their arrival, Tsunade acknowledged them, saying, "I understand that you must be tired after such a lengthy journey, but please bear with me for a few more minutes."
She then instructed her assistant, "Shizune, please have someone summon Jiraiya."
Shizune promptly responded, "Of course, Lady Tsunade," and swiftly left the Hokage's office. Within a mere ten minutes, Jiraiya had arrived and was present inside the Hokage's office, ready to hear their report.
"Now, please proceed with your mission report," Tsunade requested, giving Kakashi the floor.
Kakashi nodded and began his detailed account of everything he had witnessed during the mission. He meticulously described their experiences, including their encounters with Akatsuki members and their interactions with Jiryoku.
Sakura followed with her own account, focusing on her intense battle with Sasori and the crucial role Jiryoku played in the fight, ultimately defeating Sasori.
As they listened to the report, both Tsunade and Jiraiya exchanged surprised glances. It was not only the confirmation that Jiryoku had eyes that startled them but also the extraordinary display of strength that Jiryoku had exhibited during the battle. The revelation left them both deeply intrigued and concerned about the implications of Jiryoku's newfound power.
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