56 Chapter 55 : 9th Place
The Third Raikage is renowned as the mightiest Raikage in history, much like the Third Kazekage. Similarly, the Third Hokage is also recognized as the most powerful Hokage. Could this potentially involve the enigmatic Third Raikage?
"Darui, you must choose one!"
The Fourth Raikage urgently addressed Darui.
Darui was his trusted right-hand man and the favored heir to the position of the Fifth Raikage.
Currently, as the inheritor of the Third Raikage's legacy, Darui could attain the pinnacle strength of the Third Raikage within a month, even if leisurely done.
With this newfound strength, would it not be easier for Darui to propel the Hidden Cloud Village to greater heights?
"I choose one!"
Amidst the gazes of all present, Darui made an uncharacteristically swift decision.
Onoki, Terumi Mei, and the others exchanged glances, their expressions transforming.
The shinobi of the Cloud Village were already formidable, and now they possessed another formidable figure like the peak "Third Raikage" through Darui. It was clear this would make them even more formidable.
"Fascinating," Uchiha Ran's lips curved slightly.
Ran wasn't the least bit apprehensive.
In an "accidental" mission, he had crossed paths with this figure and even engaged in combat, leaving behind a "Flying Thunder God mark."
If the adversary wasn't vigilant, they might find themselves trapped in an eternal slumber during their dreams.
"Boom!"
The next person on the list emerged.
A young lad with short crimson hair, bearing the word "love" inscribed on his forehead, his countenance weary from the world's troubles.
"Is it the Fifth Kazekage following the Fifth Raikage?" Uchiha Ran murmured.
He harbored no apprehension towards Jinchūriki since he was aware of the eventual opportunity to acquire the Mangekyō Sharingan.
"Congratulations, Fourth Kazekage, your son has secured a position on the list," Uchiha Ran offered his felicitations in a manner befitting the Fifth Hokage's bearing.
Sarutobi Hiruzen moved his lips, then returned the pipe to his mouth.
Orochimaru inwardly held his tongue, bemused by the circumstances. He, too, had another son, yet outwardly he managed a smile and responded, "Fifth Hokage, your graciousness is appreciated."
In eleventh place: Gaara (Magnet Style Bloodline Limit - Advanced)
Option 1: Four Elephants Seal and Chakra Extraction (could slumber through adolescence)
Option 2: Inherit the Legacy of the Third Kazekage (Fusion in One Month)
Upon the presentation of the reward options, the world of ninja once again quaked.
Much like the Third Raikage, the Third Kazekage was hailed as the strongest Kazekage.
The third great ninja war's catalyst had been the Third Kazekage's disappearance.
The Third Kazekage could effortlessly quell the rampant Shikaku, the One-Tail.
The choice seemed to lack suspense.
[Fourth Kazekage Rasa: Gaara, opt for choice two, two!!]
In the Pure Land's Fourth Kazekage Rasa was brimming with excitement.
Yet, in reality, Gaara, even while grappling with uncertainty regarding the second option, narrowed his gaze and declared with indifference, "I select the first."
Ah, this…
The entire ninja world found itself confused.
A touching display of father-son filial piety.
Wasn't Rasa in Konoha? Why, then, was he still yelling on the Golden List?
"Damn it, I should've taught him better!" Fourth Kazekage Rasa lamented.
Beside him, Gaara looked at him with a mixture of understanding and judgment.
If not for Fourth Kazekage Rasa's desire to witness Orochimaru's orchestration of Konoha's downfall and his subsequent pleading, he would have contacted his beloved young son through Gold List.
This time, however, Orochimaru was in a precarious situation.
"Fourth Kazekage, what's the intent behind bringing your own Jinchūriki to other ninja villages?" Uchiha Ran inquired knowingly.
"Didn't your Nine-Tails Jinchūriki from Konoha also participate in the Chūnin Exams?"
"Indeed, you make a valid point." Uchiha Ran nodded.
The atmosphere grew heavy.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was elated, sensing the chance to display his capabilities, he signalled the Anbu members.
If the Fourth Kazekage was bringing a Jinchūriki to Konoha, there had to be something amiss.
A thorough investigation would likely reveal the Fourth Kazekage's Motives making Third Hokage look superior.
"This sensation, this sensation..."
"I can finally rest."
From the preparation stage, Gaara sensed a seal on his abdomen, subsequently experiencing an overwhelming suppression of Shikaku's presence. He instinctively lifted his head, tears glistening in his eyes.
At last, Shikaku's ceaseless clamor had been silenced.
Following this, ten minutes of anticipation.
The Golden List buzzed with activity as various factions moved behind the scenes.
"Boom!"
The Golden List's chime resonated once more, resuming the rankings.
An unfamiliar middle-aged figure made the list.
Tenth place: En Oyashiro (Blood Dragon Eye - High Level, Comparable to Mangekyō in terms of Pupil Power)
Yet, as individuals perused the detailed information, many found themselves surprised.
The successful entrepreneur, Merchant of Death, was unmasking his true identity, revealing himself as part of the Chinoike clan presumed to be eradicated. He also possessed a high-level Blood Dragon Eye (Ketsuryūgan).
"Go, recruit him, and have him join the Cloud Shinobi ranks!" The Fourth Raikage commanded.
This order stemmed from the fact that En Oyashiro's company was based in the Land of Thunder.
Surprisingly, this time, En Oyashiro faced no recruiters.
This was unusual.
They were in the Land of Thunder and had pushed the limits of Cloud Shinobi Village, leaving other factions no opportunity to exploit it. No one had dared to snatch Cloud Shinobi Village's resources. This was a provocation.
The second reason rested in En Oyashiro being a merchant. About 90% of their resources originated in the Land of Thunder. Why would they relinquish their current assets and betray the country?
However, while the absence of contact was telling, private inquiries were permissible.
After all, En Oyashiro hadn't joined Cloud Shinobi Village, hinting at minimal prospects.
Option 1: Possession of an Advanced Senju Physique
Option 2: Myriad Realms Primary Draw (One Time)
"I choose two!"
En Oyashiro opted for a lucky draw.
In the end, he procured a jar of Senzu beans from the Dragon Ball world, capable of producing one bean per month.
"Interesting, once the Bloodline Limit List concludes, I must acquire this."
Uchiha Ran jotted down En Oyashiro's name in his small notebook.
Senzu beans held tremendous value.
He'd need a few for Might Guy.
Curses, this Ten-Tails Jinchūriki business was insufferable!
"Boom!"
Unbeknownst to En Oyashiro, the ninja world's most influential figure had set their sights on him. He studied the Senzu beans in silence as the golden bell tolled once more.
A three-dimensional projection materialized.
The audience's expressions shifted, though not to their surprise.
As the figures on the Golden List had consistently demonstrated exceptional prowess, it was hardly astonishing that the Third Hokage's esteemed disciple, the interim Fifth Hokage, Uchiha Ran, made an appearance.
The three-dimensional projection assumed an avatar form, descending to the lower ranks.
The listing unveiled:
Ninth place: Uchiha Ran (Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Advanced Senju Physique - Upgrading)
Option 1: Mangekyō Sharingan (Exclusive Pupil Technique with Susanoo's Third Form)
Option 2: Uzumaki Advanced Physique (Master Kagura Mind Eye, Adamantine Sealing Chains, Profound Healing Ability)
Upon reading this information, observers' expressions morphed.
The focus wasn't on the choice, but rather on the detailed listing.
An advanced Senju physique... in a state of stimulation.
What could this signify?
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