Ch-158 The real reason is.

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Finally, after an arduous journey, the group successfully reached Konoha. Although the mission was completed, there was a noticeable lack of enthusiasm among them, each individual harboring distinct reasons for their melancholy.

In due course, they found themselves at the Hokage Office, where, by an interesting twist of fate, Jiraiya and Tsunade were deeply engrossed in a conversation.

An Anbu ninja materialized in front of Tsunade, delivering the news, "Hokage-Sama, Team Shikamaru has returned from the mission."

"Let them in," Tsunade instructed.

Shortly thereafter, Shikamaru and his team entered the Hokage's office.

"How did the mission go?" Tsunade inquired with a keen interest.

Shikamaru replied, "The mission went well, and we successfully eliminated both members of Akatsuki."

Tsunade, expressing her approval with a nod, commended, "You all did a commendable job."

Jiraiya, positioned near the window, interjected, "We've received intel that Jiryoku set out to vanquish the immortal duo of Akatsuki. Did you happen to cross paths with him?"

Shikamaru, responding truthfully, stated, "Yes, we did have an encounter with him."

"Then tell us about the encounter," Tsunade asked.

"Jiryoku and Naruto had a fight, and even in the six-tail form, Naruto was defeated very easily. For the details of the battle, you can ask Kakashi-Sensei and Naruto," replied Shikamaru.

After hearing Shikamaru's words, Tsunade looked in the direction of Kakashi and Naruto. They didn't hide anything and shared every detail of the battle with Jiryoku. After hearing the details, both Tsunade and Jiraiya were completely shocked because they had witnessed the horror of Naruto's strength in the four-tails form, not to mention that in the six tails, Naruto's strength reached a whole new level.

"As I thought, the strength of Jiryoku has increased even more after so many days," said Jiraiya.

"By the way, did you ask Jiryoku about the reason why he hasn't destroyed Akatsuki till now?" Tsunade asked Shikamaru.

"He didn't say much; he just mentioned that he has his own plans. We were quite upset about the death of Asuma-Sensei, so we didn't talk too much. Jiryoku destroyed the body of Hidan and left on his own," said Shikamaru.

"Okay, all of you must be tired after the battle. Go and rest," said Tsunade.

After hearing Tsunade's words, everyone left the Hokage Office. Once the office was empty, Tsunade stood up from her seat, went to the window, and sighed, "I don't understand Jiryoku at all. Once, he attacked Mount Myoboku just because they stood in his way for revenge. Now, even after Akatsuki tried to kill him, he hasn't taken any action against them and has let them live until now, which is a sharp contrast to his nature."

"I know, but even if he doesn't take action, the actions of Akatsuki have angered all the major villages. Now, they see the Rain Village as a significant threat," said Jiraiya.

"Yes, but this won't help much. It will take at least three to four months to go to war with the Rain Country. And at the pace at which Akatsuki is currently capturing the tailed beasts, I fear that it will be of no benefit to us," said Tsunade with a tense look on her face.

"Don't worry; everything will be fine. After Naruto recovers, I will take him to Mount Myoboku. I think now is a good time for him to learn 'Sage Mode,'" said Jiraiya with a proud expression. He continued by saying, "And how can anything happen to Konoha as long as the most handsome and most powerful 'Toad Sage' is alive? HAHA."

After comforting Tsunade, Jiraiya also left the Hokage Office, and Tsunade continued to fulfill the paperwork. The pile of paperwork reached the height of almost one person. Seeing this, Tsunade really wanted to cry.

----

In the Nara Clan, at the house of the clan head, Nara Shikaku, Inoichi, and Choza were seated. In front of them were seated their successors: Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji.

"Hmm, based on what Jiryoku said to all of you, one thing can be confirmed: Jiryoku is using the Akatsuki as a pawn. This pawn will help him become even stronger. It also means that once the pawn loses its value, they will no longer be able to survive," said Shikaku.

"I can understand his craving to become stronger and stronger, but I think this has become his biggest obsession, which is not a good thing," said Shikamaru.

"He even called Asuma-Sensei trash, whose death isn't significant to him," said Ino with a sad look.

"We should tell them, don't you think?" said Shikaku, looking in the direction of Inoichi.

Inoichi nodded and said, "You are right; they have the right to know the truth."

"There is a significant reason for Jiryoku to dislike Asuma, and that is…" Inoichi began revealing the real reason behind Jiryoku's feelings towards Asuma's household.

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