Chapter 113: Ch-113 AAAHHH!
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Jiryoku's smile illuminated the battlefield. As his lips curved upwards, an ethereal transformation began to unfold around him. A shroud of white smoke enveloped his form, accompanied by a cascade of crackling thunder, and his hair danced in the air amidst the enigmatic mist.
At this very moment, Shikamaru couldn't help but crack a knowing grin. His gaze shifted to Ino, and he quipped, "It appears my suspicions were spot on. He's definitely developed quite the bad habit."
Ino nodded in agreement, and Shikaku, who had been observing the scene, chimed in, "Indeed, it seems you've hit the mark. We've identified a peculiar tendency in Jiryoku."
Tsunade and the others were quick to catch wind of their cryptic conversation. Tsunade inquired, "You're referring to Jiryoku, right? What kind of habit has he developed?"
Shikaku took a moment to clarify, "Hokage-sama, Shikamaru watched Jiryoku's battle with the Akatsuki closely. What he noticed was that Jiryoku seems to have developed the habit of holding back."
Tsunade, still puzzled, demanded further explanation, "I don't follow. Please elaborate."
Shikaku glanced at his son, Shikamaru, who understood the unspoken request from his father. He continued, "What father means is that during his fight, Jiryoku doesn't unleash his full power right from the start. He only exerts the strength he deems necessary to counter or defeat his opponent, and he'll escalate his efforts only when absolutely required."
Understanding slowly dawned on those present. After analyzing Jiryoku's battles with the Toads, it became evident that he deliberately refrained from giving his all at the outset, choosing instead to gradually unleash his capabilities. For instance, he withheld his future-seeing ability until later in the fights.
Tsunade frowned, displeased with this revelation. She turned to Shikaku and remarked, "This is indeed a bad habit. If we had known about it earlier, Jiryoku might have been at a disadvantage."
Shikamaru shook his head and offered a counterpoint, "Even if the Toads were aware of this tendency, it wouldn't necessarily give them an advantage. Jiryoku's caution doesn't equate to underestimating his foes. He maintains his full defensive capabilities throughout, as you've witnessed. So far, it seems nothing has been able to breach his formidable defences."
(A/N: Before you criticize me regarding the reason I provided for Jiryoku holding back, I would like to share something. Isshiki could have easily killed Naruto and Sasuke in a single shot, but he has a bad habit of toying with his enemies before finishing them off. The funny part is, he's aware of this habit, yet he refuses to change it. Similarly, Jiryoku, who has never lost a fight, having this characteristic should not be a problem. I would appreciate it if those of you who are reading this could share your thoughts on the matter.)
Jiryoku, cloaked in the 'Swift Chakra Mode,' vanished from his original position and materialized right in front of Iwayado. His extraordinary speed didn't go unnoticed, and even the formidable Raikage A couldn't hold back a remark, "He's faster than me, by far."
The ninja of Kumogakure were equally astounded. After all, Raikage A held the title of the fastest individual alive in their world. Before they could question how Jiryoku had surpassed their leader in swiftness, they witnessed Jiryoku's lightning-quick strike against Iwayado.
With a blinding flash, Jiryoku's blade cut through Iwayado. Although Gamamura had foreseen this attack, the ability to predict the future and the ability to react to it were two very different things.
Jiryoku's sword began its incision at Iwayado's left shoulder. The speed of the attack left Iwayado little room for reaction. He perceived Jiryoku's presence but couldn't respond in time. Before he could make a move, Jiryoku's strike landed with brutal efficiency.
As Jiryoku's sword inched closer to Iwayado's belly, he executed a swift retreat. In that very moment, Gamamura reached the scene and launched a 'Frog Kata' assault at Jiryoku.
Anticipating the future, Jiryoku saw himself on the receiving end of the 'Frog Kata' and expertly dodged the incoming attack.
Gamamura positioned himself in front of Iwayado, concern evident in his tone. "Sage Iwayado, are you alright?"
Iwayado bore a deep and extensive gash across his body. The wound spanned from his front to his back, leaving no doubt that Jiryoku's assault had cleaved through his entire being.
"You arrived just in time. If that boy's attack had gone any further, I'd have been cleaved in half, without a doubt," Iwayado gasped, wracked with pain from the profound injury.
Jiryoku had no intention of allowing Gamamura any respite. He launched an immediate assault, and Gamamura, ever determined, swiftly advanced to meet Jiryoku head-on.
Despite Gamamura's resolve, Jiryoku's superior speed brought him face to face with his adversary in a fraction of a second. He executed an attack of incredible speed, his sword closing in on Gamamura's neck. However, before Jiryoku's blade could find its mark, it was forcefully repelled, and Jiryoku himself was sent reeling backward.
Jiryoku, recovering from his surprise, remarked, "You can harness Natural Energy from any part of your body and employ it in your attacks. Your mastery over it is truly astonishing."
"I'm pleased to hear that something can still catch you off guard," Gamamura retorted.
In this tense moment, Jiryoku sensed through his 'Observation Haki' that Gamashiri was closing in on Iwayado, likely to provide assistance.
Jiryoku wasn't about to repeat the same mistake he'd made with Fukasaku. With swift determination, he took action. The ground beneath Iwayado began to rise, and as the sage realized the imminent danger, he attempted to leap from the ascending chunk of earth. However, before he could make his escape, an enormous, surrounding mass of stone erupted from the ground, encasing Iwayado in a web of solid earth.
Chunks of earth rained down on Iwayado from all directions, each one breaking free from the surrounding terrain. The injured sage let out a harrowing scream of agony, the sheer intensity of his pain evident in his voice as he cried out, "AAAAAAAhHHH!"
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