Chapter 34 : Which Reward to Choose?

The cursor glided across the remaining four options, finally coming to rest on the Kamen Rider section.

The new prize revealed is the regenerative ability of Kamen Rider BlackRX.

[Solar Regeneration: You can become a child of the sun. While fighting under the sun, any damage inflicted on your body can be instantly repaired, and you can infinitely regenerate (resurrect) using sunlight.

Gold List Version: Mechanical life forms can fully integrate solar regeneration.

For non-mechanical life forms, basking in the sun can rapidly heal wounds and restore physical strength based on their actual condition and strength. There's also a certain chance of resurrection after death (in areas with dense sunlight).]

"I didn't expect it to be Kamen Rider BlackRX!" A flicker of reminiscence crossed Uchiha Ran's eyes.

In his past lives, just like everyone else, he relied on bootleg CDs.

As a major part of his childhood, Uchiha Ran grew up watching Ultraman. He recalled purchasing an Ultraman Taro CD once, only to discover that it was Kamen Rider BlackRX instead. Although he felt displeased initially due to the pirated CD, he ended up finding it incredibly enjoyable after watching a few episodes. With this unique Ultraman CD, he had even crowned himself the "king of kids."

Unexpectedly, today he revisited those memories in an unexpected way.

In the Gold List livestream room, the commentary video began playing after the screen transition.

First, a rapid sequence of Kamen Rider Black taking on Gorgorm played out as the main feed.

The ninja world inhabitants felt a surge of newfound knowledge.

Mechanical life, the clash between good and evil, and the dynamic fighting style—each attack stance exuded a satisfying sense of exhilaration.

"Hey, should I come up with a special pose? It might make it easier to beat the Madara next time," Senju Hashirama pondered, considering the idea.

"Oh, I've got an idea to improve my Lightning Release Armor and Bee's Lariat," the Fourth Raikage exclaimed, swiping his arm in excitement.

"So cool!"

Naruto mimicked a pose from Kamen Rider Black.

Akimichi Chōji imitated the pose while carrying the nonchalant Shikamaru.

Sasuke flicked his fingers in readiness.

Not to be outshone, Rock Lee exclaimed "Youth!" as he attempted to learn the pose, playfully challenging Neji before dragging Might Guy along with him into the fun.

"Kakashi, I've made up my mind. Next time we fight, our pose will top everyone else's!" Might Guy declared to Kakashi with shining eyes.

"Hey there~" Kakashi responded nonchalantly, seemingly absorbed in reading his book while occasionally glancing at the cheerful scene.

Men remain teenagers at heart, forever susceptible to the allure of machinery. Girls, on the other hand, tend to have more balanced opinions, yet they do find Kamen Rider's aesthetics rather appealing.

The accelerated video playback reached its conclusion, transitioning to a carefully illustrated scene.

All attention converged as the main event—introducing the regenerative ability—unfolded.

[Half a year after the confrontation with Gorgorm, the peace that had been restored was abruptly shattered by the Crysis Empire, denizens of the monster realm. The Crysis Empire emerged with a colossal cosmic ship, and their commander, General Jack, sought to recruit Nanjiu Masked Knight Black Kotaro as his subordinate. However, his advances were met with rejection. Enraged, General Jack dismantled Kamen Rider BLACK's transformation function with ease, rendering him unable to morph. Subsequently, BLACK was cast into the cosmos, intended to become cosmic dust.]

Seeing this, many viewers couldn't contain their emotions.

"Hey, hey! How could Kamen Rider Black lose, and so quickly!" Naruto protested with evident frustration. As Kamen Rider fought to safeguard humanity, he felt a profound resonance with notions of courage and justice.

For the sake of friends, he would go to great lengths.

Yet now, a fresh crisis emerged, and BLACK was mercilessly defeated.

Would a new hero rise to the occasion?

Naruto wasn't alone in his unease and concern. Even Sasuke's eyes widened instinctively, anticipating the continuation of the story.

However, in contrast to the youngsters, the adults paid closer attention to the information divulged in the video. Their maturity led them to contemplate that notions of justice and evil often depend on one's perspective.

Amidst these contemplations, the focus shifted to the immense airborne ship, seemingly capable of traversing the cosmos and even approaching the blazing sun.

And those formidable, enigmatic monsters.

[Senju Hashirama: Unbelievable, Kamen Rider BLACK actually lost. I wish I could help. What are your thoughts, Madara?]

[Uchiha Madara: Mere perseverance doesn't measure up to my standards.]

Everyone: ? ? ?

At that moment, the Gold List livestream feed underwent a transformation.

[Kotaro was bathed in an enigmatic solar light, causing the Emperor Stone within him to transform. Consequently, Kotaro ascended as the new Prince of Light—Kamen Rider BLACKRX, the "Sun's Offspring."]

[A new background score resonated as the empowered RX engaged in combat with the Crysis Empire, continuously demonstrating the tenacity of a child of light.]

[The video concluded.]

"Amazing, BLACK triumphed."

BLACK's resurrection, followed by newfound strength leading to victories against villains, ignited excitement among Naruto and the other youngsters.

"Idiot, it's BLACKRX!" Sasuke corrected with a cool demeanor.

"Sasuke, do you like Kamen Rider too?" Naruto inquired excitedly.

"Hmph, I'm simply pointing out the mistake." Sasuke responded with a tsundere air.

[Senju Hashirama: Indeed, that's the spirit!]

[Uzumaki Mito: Hashirama, are you indulging yourself again? (Teasing level: Max)]

"…"

The room fell silent.

[You have one minute to make a choice from the list; otherwise, the second option will be chosen by default!]

[59]

[58]

The new gold list prompted Guren to select one of two prizes.

At this juncture, many individuals saw through Orochimaru's strategy.

It was a clever move on his part to delay Guren's redraw until the second round.

For prizes of lesser significance or enthusiasm, it wasn't a big deal to sacrifice them. However, when encountering an underwhelming reward, having a second chance to pick anew and acquire more knowledge about the world was invaluable.

Just like in Ranmaru's past reward, the selection was instant without room for deliberation, and Potala Earrings were chosen.

Now, though "Captain America Serum" was intriguing, Guren had another chance to decide.

Thus, what would Guren opt for?

Or, how would Orochimaru's choice unfold?

**********

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