Chapter 48 : Shinigami World

"Choosing the Shinigami world?"

"Understood, Ran-sama!"

Upon seeing Uchiha Ran, Haku, who had already changed into a new set of clothes, took the lead.

The tone of Uchiha Ran's words indicated that he had no intention of concealing the relationship between them, so there was no need to pretend not to know each other.

In fact, most of the onlookers observing the conversation between Uchiha Ran and Haku had long since deduced that the connection between the two was far from ordinary.

Combined with Uchiha Ran's impressive medical ninjutsu, it all made sense.

Uchiha Ran was the one who saved Haku from his fiery predicament.

Haku was now a subordinate under Uchiha Ran.

Ordinarily, individuals like Onoki would likely exhibit both surprise and jealousy in response, perhaps even instigating conflict among the high-ranking members of Konoha who weren't always in agreement.

However, Uchiha Ran's direct inquiries tapped into the doubt and curiosity lurking in their minds. Naturally, they refrained from interrupting and instead sought to glean information without cost.

And indeed, their endeavor proved fruitful as they possessed valuable insight.

To claim the inheritance reward, the consent of the inheritor was required.

After obtaining the inheritance, one could establish contact with the inheritor through the live broadcast of the Gold List and communicate across dimensions.

Acquiring the inheritor's agreement also granted access to the inheritor's world for a maximum of 24 hours before the next ranking assessment.

During this stay, one was obligated to engage in a set period of live broadcasting and could connect to the chat channel through the gold list.

Furthermore, the Gold List released a fresh ranking every other month.

Presently, Haku was prepared to choose an inheritance.

Nevertheless, most eyes were fixed on Uchiha Ran.

From Uchiha Ran's discourse, it was evident that he was immensely confident in persuading the Shinigami named Tōshirō from the Shinigami world!

This confidence raised questions: Did he possess the means to make Tōshirō grow taller or was there another factor at play?

If the former, then all was well. But if it were the latter...

"Could it be that Uchiha Ran is knowledgeable about the Shinigami world?" some individuals pondered privately.

At this juncture, beside Uchiha Ran, Naruto scratched his head and, upon realization, inquired, "Ran-sama? Ran Nissan, do you know Haku?"

"It was I who saved him," Uchiha Ran admitted candidly.

"No wonder!" Naruto suddenly comprehended, his mind making connections.

Although they had been on opposing sides initially, even coming to blows, once Naruto delved into Haku's history, he felt deep sympathy for this 'neighbor-next-door' brother.

It's good to save lives.

However, the expressions of many surrounding onlookers shifted.

Three individuals – Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura – discerned something unique in Uchiha Ran's actions.

"Uchiha Ran, why did you save that Mist Shinobi named Haku?" Utatane Koharu queried, a shrewd glint in her eyes.

Assisting an enemy village's ninja without cause might stain one's reputation if left unexplained.

It could challenge the temporary Hokage's authority!

"What!?"

Upon hearing Utatane Koharu's question, Uchiha Ran adjusted his glasses with his finger and calmly inquired, "Is a reason needed to take a life? But is there a reason necessary to save one?"

"We're not in a time of war; I'm saving lives, correct?"

Uchiha Ran's response left Utatane Koharu at a loss for words.

Indeed, all major ninja villages had entered into a peace agreement, and Suna Village and Konoha Village had reached an alliance, even jointly hosting the Chūnin exams.

Ninjas could not unjustly slay unless they encountered enemies while on a mission.

"I've heard of this 'Haku,' the ninja who tried to take down Kakashi and his students. He's an enemy; you saved an enemy!" Mitokado Homura chimed in, offering to support his old comrade.

Yet, this time, before Uchiha Ran could speak, Naruto stood up and retorted, "Grandpa, please don't talk nonsense. Haku never wanted to be our enemy. From start to finish, he possesses more strength than Sasuke and I. He merely used ninjutsu to put us to sleep, not to kill us."

"He's not a villain; he's a victim."

"Villains don't leave witnesses!"

"And the main enemy Zabuza is already dead."

With Naruto's declaration as the primary witness, and now that he had resumed his identity as the Fourth Hokage's son, Mitokado Homura found himself momentarily speechless.

Uchiha Ran smiled, recognizing the unmistakable traits of Naruto, "Pure Heart", and lightly said, "Haku isn't a Mist Shinobi; he's not a ninja of any village. He's a wandering soul betrayed and taken in by me His identity poses no issue."

"Does Elder Mitokado Homura suspect that I would engage in actions detrimental to Konoha's interests?"

Before the other party could respond, Uchiha Ran smiled and continued, "Do you believe a village's kage would undermine its reason for existence?"

Mitokado Homura opened his mouth, yet words eluded him.

He almost retorted that Uchiha Ran wasn't Hokage at the time.

Furthermore, safeguarding their incentives did not imply relinquishing their motives.

But he held his tongue.

In truth, everyone knew Uchiha Ran was poised to become the Fifth Hokage.

No one, however, foresaw this transition occurring imminently, potentially supplanting Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"Ah!"

A smirk played upon Uchiha Ran's lips.

Veterans like Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, who had survived up until now, had truly grasped the essence of the term 'counselling.'

And he could see through their act.

The festering matters needed resolution.

"I'll be away for a while!"

With those parting words, Uchiha Ran vanished from sight.

His movements were too swift to be tracked.

In Orochimaru's eyes, anxiety and hesitation flickered, though he ultimately suppressed his emotions.

Around this time, the entire ninja world noticed the figure behind Haku.

It was Uchiha Ran.

"Flying Thunder God Technique!"

Numerous gazes shifted.

By now, Haku had already made his choice.

Onlookers observed as the disc transformed into a radiant curtain, appearing half a meter away.

Simultaneously,

In the Shinigami world, Soul Society, within the Gotei 13's captain's quarters.

Just outside a door, Hitsugaya Tōshirō sat in a cross-legged position, his eyes clouded with solemnity.

"How did Captain Aizen die?"

"Momo's emotions are overly agitated, and an indescribable strangeness hangs in the air."

Ding!

At that moment, a voice abruptly resonated in Tōshirō's ears.

Turning his gaze, he realized a translucent, golden light curtain materialized before him.

"What!"

Tōshirō gripped the hilt of Hyōrinmaru, poised to activate Shikai at a moment's notice.

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