32 Chapter 31: 17th Place
"I never thought it would be the long-lost Kaguya clan."
"The Shikotsumyaku, it was once flourishing."
"Kirigakure was established by the Kaguya clan after the Senju and Uchiha clans united to form it. Yet now, it has nearly faded into the pages of history."
"Speaking of which, the Senju and Uchiha clans aren't in the best positions either."
"That's not necessarily true. The Senju still have Tsunade-sama alive, and the Uchiha are on the brink of producing a Hokage. Perhaps they can rejuvenate the Uchiha clan on their own."
"This Mizukage is quite audacious, to allow the Kaguya clan to return to Kirigakure."
"It's just one individual, and Kimimaro's return won't change much."
"…"
Throughout the ninja world, after seeing Terumi's message, discussions erupted everywhere.
The renown of the Kaguya clan was substantial back in the day, even rivalling the political influence and unique status of the Senju and Uchiha within the Hidden Mist Village.
Yet, the First Mizukage, Byakuren, was not from the Kaguya clan, which eventually led to tensions between the clan and the village in subsequent conflicts.
The Kaguya clan was known for their inclination toward power and combat even more so than the Uchiha, earning them a reputation as a clan of battle maniacs in the ninja world. Consequently, their standing within the village and beyond was tarnished.
Ultimately, the Kaguya clan rebelled, resulting in the village wiping out the clan.
While the Uchiha clan's downfall can be attributed to political disagreements with Konoha's high-ranking officials and has positional reasons, their unpopularity can be considered only a contributing factor. In contrast, the Kaguya clan's fate seemed inevitable.
However, Kirigakure, with its waning talent pool, wouldn't miss the chance to retain such a young prodigy who had elevated the Shikotsumyaku to an advanced level, exhibited Jōnin-level strength, and displayed the potential to reach Kage-level power.
On the other side, neither Onoki nor the Fourth Raikage spoke.
The importance of the Kaguya clan to Mist Shinobi was self-evident, making them feel no need to voice their thoughts.
But in the next instant, their perspective changed.
Eighteenth Place: Kimimaro (Shikotsumyaku, Terminal Illness)
Option 1: Cure Terminal Illness
Option 2: 10-Year Lifespan Extension (can be used to extend anyone's life by 10 years)
Kimimaro's reward options surfaced.
The first option didn't appear to be a secret to anyone. The fear-inducing blood ailment that plagued Kimimaro was clear, but now, a solution was within reach.
Yet, it was the emergence of the second option that left everyone astounded.
Life!
"It's a lifespan extension."
"And it's usable by anyone!"
Daimyo from various countries immediately abandoned their card games, their eyes ignited with fervor.
If anything could stir the hearts of those in positions of power and prestige, it was the prospect of life—an eternal tune.
The wealthier, more influential, and mightier individuals were, the more they dreaded death and thus sought longevity.
When presented with an opportunity to add years to their lives, they were willing to go to great lengths.
"Ninja Guards, contact Kimimaro immediately and inform him that this Daimyo desires a lifespan extension card!"
"Take action at once, convey to Kimimaro that donating the lifespan card guarantees a title."
"Absolutely, offer official rank, riches, and even private territories as negotiation points."
"Meanwhile, bring up the topic to the Kages of the Hidden Village. If we secure the lifespan card, next year's funds will double; otherwise, they'll be halved!"
A cascade of orders tumbled from the mouths of the Five Great Nations' leaders, each with a craving for life foremost in their minds.
But they weren't the only ones driven into a frenzy. Even in small countries like the Land of Rain or the Land of Snow, the significant names there knew their worth was marginal, yet they too took immediate action.
And Onoki, advanced in age, felt a pang in his heart as well.
Should he obtain this lifespan card, he could shelter Iwagakure for at least a decade!
"Life!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe.
Transitioning from a ninja to an elderly figure had a lot to do with his body's aging and weakening.
If he could attain this lifespan card...
"Lifespan card, ten more years!"
Danzo pounded the ground with his cane, yearning for Kimimaro to appear before him right now so that he could use his right eye's Kotoamatsukami to manipulate Kimimaro's choice, securing the lifespan card.
The longer he held it, the higher his odds of Hokage candidacy would rise!
Just then, the Ninja world was shaken by the concept of the lifespan card.
Yet, before these individuals could put significant strategies into motion, they were left dumbfounded by the unexpected turn of events.
[Kimimaro : Orochimaru-sama, which option should I select? ]
[Orochimaru: Choose one. ]
[Kimimaro: Understood, Orochimaru-sama! ]
Before the collective gaze of the world, Kimimaro made his decision directly.
A golden radiance descended, enveloping Kimimaro in its glow before vanishing in an instant.
Then, the live transmission of the Gold List broadcast vanished.
? ? ?
A sea of question marks materialized over everyone's heads.
What in the world was happening?
What was the relationship between Kimimaro and Orochimaru that they would simply follow each other's judgments without any hesitation? Was this even the same Kaguya clan?
They were about to strike a deal, yet there had been no manipulation, no persuasion; it was done.
The lifespan card, a failure!
"Orochimaru, I've heard of him, a real scoundrel!"
"Put a bounty on Orochimaru in the black market!"
"Konoha needs to intensify its hunt for this traitor!"
The high and mighty, those in power, were outraged and furious.
Usually, their lives were comfortable, purely for their enjoyment.
But now, Orochimaru had managed to spoil their contentment, and they demanded retribution!
"How composed."
Uchiha Ran's gaze pierced Orochimaru.
His intentions were not difficult to decipher.
Should Kimimaro acquire the lifespan card, whether he used it or not, he would become the object of everyone's pursuit in the ninja world.
This didn't bode well for Orochimaru's interests.
There was also a cost-benefit calculus.
Kimimaro's illness was terminal, allowing him to live for only a few more months. Despite the presence of the ten-year lifespan card, Kimimaro was only extending his life in this fragile state.
Yet, if his body could recover, the pain subsided, Kimimaro could potentially enjoy decades more of life.
Viewed from this perspective, the ten-year lifespan seemed paltry in comparison to a full physical restoration.
But it wasn't quite so.
The value of the ten-year lifespan card differed greatly based on who wielded it, and the potential benefits it could yield were multifaceted.
Clearly, Orochimaru preferred Kimimaro to regain his health and live a few more years.
After all, Kimimaro was his devoted subordinate and his primary choice for an alternative vessel beyond Sasuke!
"Boom!"
The toll of the golden bell resounded anew, snapping back those whose thoughts had wandered.
A three-dimensional image materialized—a girl with violet hair.
Seventeenth place: Guren (Crystal Release Advanced)
Option 1: Arcane Crystal Teleportation (Space-ninjutsu)
Option 2: Primary Myriad Realms draw
[Guren: Orochimaru-sama, which option should I choose? ]
The entire Ninja world: ? ? ?
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