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While Jiryoku took his time to rest and recuperate from his injuries, Raikage and Killer B were actively sprinting in the direction of Kumogakure. The sense of urgency arose due to the demise of a vital and formidable asset for Kumogakure, Yugito Nii, Two-tails Jinchuriki. For Raikage, Yugito Nii was perceived as nothing more than a strategic tool that could be wielded against rival villages, and his feelings about her passing were rather nonchalant. However, what truly incited his ire and remorse was the irrevocable loss of the tailed beast, a significant setback that would undeniably diminish Kumogakure's strength.
After embarking on an arduous journey lasting nearly 18 hours, Raikage and Killer B ultimately arrived at Kumogakure. The expeditious pace of their journey was driven by the battlefield's close proximity to the border of the Fire Country. Kumogakure happened to be conveniently near, allowing ordinary ninjas to cover the distance within a day and a half. Furthermore, Raikage, propelled by Killer B's assistance, surged forward at maximum velocity, ensuring their swift and prompt arrival at Kumogakure.
Upon Raikage's entrance into his office, where Mabui was stationed, he inquired of her, "Can you confirm whether the capture of the two-tails has indeed taken place?"
Mabui, in response, conveyed, "Yes, one of our ninjas bore witness to the event. However, out of trepidation for the Akatsuki members, this ninja refrained from intervening. Instead, feigning death, the ninja secretly observed the entire incident."
"I see," Raikage nodded in acknowledgment, yet the tension in his clenched fists betrayed his evident frustration towards the unfolding predicament. Despite his internal turmoil, he recognized the necessity of maintaining a composed demeanour if he were to successfully navigate the recovery of the two-tails. He proceeded to delve deeper into the matter, posing an additional inquiry, "Have you delved into their identities? Have you unearthed any relevant information about these Akatsuki members?"
Mabui responded, "Indeed, we have identified one of the Akatsuki members. His name is Kakuzu, a seasoned bounty hunter in the black market. According to the intelligence we've amassed, he stands as a missing-nin from Takigakure, having mastery over a forbidden technique that renders him immortal, and his current age seems to be more than 90."
"Bastard!" The exclamation burst from Raikage's lips, accompanied by a forceful punch that struck the table with seething anger, resulting in its shattering. Kakuzu wasn't an unfamiliar figure to Raikage; as the leader of a major village, he often resorted to employing black market bounty hunters for less savory tasks. Adding to Kakuzu's notorious reputation was his infamous attempt to assassinate the First Hokage. While this endeavor might circulate as a jest among ninjas worldwide, the audacity required to attempt the assassination of the First Hokage couldn't be dismissed as mere weakness.
"No wonder Yugito Nii was killed, and the two-tails were captured," Raikage remarked, frustration evident in his tone.
"Fool! Yeah, fool! Let me go; I'll capture those two culprits immediately," retorted Killer B, maintaining his characteristic rap-infused tone and eagerness to take action.
"Shut up! Don't even think about it. You won't leave the confines of Kumogakure. We've already lost two tails; Kumogakure can't afford to lose another Jinchuriki," declared Raikage firmly, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the necessity to protect Kumogakure's remaining assets.
Killer B could only stand helplessly, fully aware of the vast difference in strength between himself and his formidable brother. The knowledge that his brother wouldn't permit him to venture beyond the confines of Kumogakure further left him feeling trapped and powerless.
"Send a competent ninja team to launch a thorough search for Kakuzu and his accomplice. Additionally, dispatch a message to Konoha, urging them to share any information they possess about Akatsuki, given their extensive knowledge of the organization," commanded Raikage.
Mabui acknowledged the directive with a nod and promptly affirmed, "I will initiate these actions immediately." She followed up with another query, "Raikage, you were present to witness Jiryoku's battle. Could you share the outcome? The Daimyo is keen to know."
"What outcome could there be? Jiryoku is an absolute monster, a force of destruction personified. While I'm willing to make enemies with almost anyone, I'm reluctant to provoke someone of his caliber at this juncture in his life. Considering his current strength, I can't even begin to imagine the heights of power he may attain in the future. I'll furnish you with a detailed account of the battle later. In the meantime, issue a directive that if anyone encounters Jiryoku, an immediate and strategic retreat is the only course of action," cautioned Raikage, emphasizing the urgency and potential danger posed by the formidable adversary.
Upon absorbing this revelation, Mabui found herself in a state of utter astonishment. Having a keen understanding of Raikage's formidable power and the prideful persona he exuded, she was well aware that he wouldn't succumb to a cowardly retreat even amidst a full-scale ninja siege. This level of pride was ingrained in him. Hence, the unexpected evaluation of Jiryoku, delivered in a manner suggesting a departure from his usual assessment approach, left Mabui completely taken aback. The revelation not only challenged her perception of Raikage but also stirred a sense of curiosity about the nature of Jiryoku's power that could elicit such an uncharacteristic response from someone as resolute as Raikage.
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