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The trend of obliterating black market bases within the Fire Country gained momentum, as Jiryoku systematically targeted and destroyed each one known to him. This relentless pursuit did not escape the attention of those whose interests were intricately tied to the clandestine operations of the black market. Despite their awareness, they found themselves powerless in the face of Jiryoku's actions, acknowledging that attempting to oppose him would be foolhardy given his unmatched capabilities.
Throughout Jiryoku's systematic destruction of the black market, an intriguing occurrence unfolded. He consistently demolished every black market base using the same method employed in the destruction of the initial one. This established a discernible pattern; wherever a colossal, circular pit emerged, there was a staggering 99% probability that a black market base had previously occupied the spot. This revelation prompted numerous ninjas and civilians to try their luck, eagerly hoping to capitalize on the remnants of the razed black market bases and potentially amass wealth from the ruins.
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In the opulent setting of the Daimyo mansion in the Water Country, a crucial meeting unfolded.
"Daimyo-Sama, in accordance with your directives, we have escalated the bounty on Jokan's head from the Fire Country. The outcomes are deeply promising. Since the augmentation of the bounty on Jokan's head, there has been a notable surge in the number of attempts to assassinate him. If this upward trend persists, there is a conceivable chance that, by mere chance, an assassination attempt on Jokan might eventually succeed," conveyed the Finance Minister of the Water Country.
"This strategic maneuver will undoubtedly work to our advantage. Even if the assassination of Jokan does not come to fruition, the incessant threat she will have to live under will inevitably take a toll on her mental well-being. This sustained psychological pressure will effectively eliminate her from the contention for the throne of the Fire Country's Daimyo. Ultimately, our overarching goal will be triumphantly achieved. After all, we harbor no desire to witness her ascend to the position of the Fire Country's Daimyo," articulated the Daimyo, seated prominently in the heart of the meeting room.
"Indeed, and in the process, the Fire Country stands to lose the invaluable support of Jiryoku," contributed another minister to the discussion.
Seizing the moment, the General of the Water Country rose from his seat and offered a cautionary perspective. "It appears that some among us may be overlooking a crucial aspect. Let us not forget that Jiryoku is a person of volatile temperament. If he perceives any form of offense, there is a substantial likelihood that we might find ourselves contending with a monumental disaster."
"General, your concern may be excessive. At most, Jiryoku might engage in the destruction of a few black market bases. Beyond that, the bounty will persist on Jokan's head, and any losses incurred from the black market bases can be promptly recovered," reassured the Finance Minister.
However, a discernable anxiety lingered on the countenance of the General as he voiced his apprehension, "I do not fear the destruction of black market bases by Jiryoku. What truly concerns me is the prospect that, in his fit of anger, Jiryoku might launch an assault on all our major countries."
"Even in the event of an attack, we need not worry. We can entrust the situation to Kirigakure; after all, we provide them with ample funds, ensuring their allegiance in our favor," articulated another minister, expressing confidence in their strategic approach.
The consensus among others in the room echoed agreement with this ministerial perspective. To them, ninjas were perceived not as independent entities but rather as a military force created and sustained by their authority. Implicit in this belief was the expectation that ninjas should fight for their cause and, if circumstances demanded, make the ultimate sacrifice in service to their interests.
The Daimyo, maintaining a tone of unwavering confidence, affirmed, "Indeed, as esteemed Daimyo, we can rest assured that those ninjas will never dare to launch an attack against us."
However, the tranquility of the meeting was abruptly disrupted as faint yet urgent voices seeped into the room from the outside. The packed nature of the meeting space suggested that chaos and clamor had erupted beyond its confines.
The sudden turmoil cast the meeting attendees into a state of confusion, prompting speculation about the cause of the commotion within the Daimyo Mansion. Addressing the situation with an air of authority, the Daimyo instructed, "Investigate the source of the disturbance outside. Anyone causing a disturbance within the Daimyo Mansion must face consequences."
In response to the directive, the general promptly swung open the door of the meeting room. As the door creaked ajar, the voices from outside flooded the room, carrying messages of distress.
"Run... Help! Somebody help! We're all going to die! How can such a large meteor fall on the Daimyo Mansion?" echoed panicked voices, causing an immediate shift in the countenance of everyone present in the meeting room.
Reacting swiftly to the unfolding crisis, the general seized a nearby soldier, gripping him firmly by the collar, and urgently demanded an explanation. "Why is there widespread panic and chaotic movement? Enlighten me on the cause of this unrest," he insisted.
The soldier, initially positioned at the forefront, found himself taken aback by the sudden and intense reaction of the general. However, this momentary surprise swiftly transformed into an expression of unbridled fear as he stammered out, "A very large meteor is descending at an alarming speed towards the Daimyo Mansion."
The General, responding with incredulity, couldn't contain his shock and involuntarily loosened his grip on the soldier. Seizing the opportunity, the soldier wasted no time and made a hasty exit, leaving the general in a state of disbelief.
The gravity of the soldier's alarming revelation resonated with the ministers and the Daimyo. Without a moment's hesitation, they sprang into action, swiftly evacuating the meeting room. Their urgent retreat led them to an open area within the Daimyo Mansion, where they collectively directed their gaze toward the ominous descent of the meteor.
As the impending catastrophe unfolded before their eyes, a profound sense of terror seized everyone present. The sight of the meteor hurtling towards the very mansion they currently occupied left them frozen in place, grappling with the magnitude of the impending disaster.
In the midst of this collective horror, the General's keen intuition detected something unusual. With a swift glance in a particular direction, he beheld a 18-year-old man adorned in a black kimono, eyes closed, hovering in the sky. Recognizing this mysterious figure, the General promptly identified him with a sense of realization, exclaiming, "Raijin no Jiryoku."
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