Chapter 1 : Ninja World Gold List

The Land of Fire, Konoha Village.

Not far from the Hokage Rock, a vast arena stood as the grandest gathering place within the village, with the capacity to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators at once.

Currently, within this arena, the final round of the Chūnin Exams was unfolding.

The final round preliminaries consisted of four matches.

The first match featured Konohagakure's Uzumaki Naruto facing off against Konohagakure's Hyuga Neji.

The second match involved Sunagakure's Gaara pitted against Konohagakure's Uchiha Sasuke.

The third match showcased Sunagakure's Kankuro against Konohagakure's Aburame Shino.

Lastly, the fourth match highlighted Sunagakure's Temari challenging Konohagakure's Nara Shikamaru.

In the initial match, Uzumaki Naruto, the vessel of the Nine-Tails fox, performed brilliantly and triumphed over Hyuga Neji, a prodigious talent from the branch family of the Hyuga clan, a prestigious noble family of Konoha. The audience roared with excitement.

However, during the second match, contestant Uchiha Sasuke was conspicuously absent, leading to his disqualification according to the regulations. Yet, under the "goodwill" suggestion of the "Fourth Kazekage," the match was postponed.

In the third match, Kankuro opted to abstain, resulting in the direct progression to the fourth and final match.

"I concede!"

Following a battle that was not fervently intense but abounded with strategic highlights, Nara Shikamaru skillfully employed his Shadow Imitation Technique to control Temari. With a raised left hand, he signaled his surrender.

This spectacle left the audience stunned.

After meticulously calculating and demonstrating his wisdom, he successfully employed a secret technique to ensnare his opponent, yet he chose to forfeit?

It was an unexpected turn of events.

"Nara Shikamaru concedes defeat. The victor is Sunagakure's Temari!" Genma Shiranui, his voice resonating through the arena, declared the result, accompanied by an approving gaze cast upon Shikamaru.

In reality, aside from most commoners and some Genin, the majority of the ninjas present expressed their appreciation for Shikamaru's decision.

The Nara family was indeed known for their intellect.

Based on the display he just showcased, Shikamaru possessed a higher likelihood of ascending to the rank of Chūnin than both Hyuga Neji and Uzumaki Naruto.

"It's quite regrettable, don't you think, Ran-kun?"

Observing Shikamaru who was leisurely tending to his muscles and bones, Ino Yamanaka, his teammate, understood the situation, yet she couldn't help but feel a sense of pity.

After striking Akimichi Chōji playfully, she directed her gaze towards the young man on the opposite side, hoping to glean his agreement.

The teenager wore a pristine white shirt accompanied by black trousers. His fair skin was graced by delicate features and short black hair. Black-rimmed glasses adorned his face, and his eyes, as dark as the night sky, radiated a warm and gentle smile. An air of approachable charm surrounded him, rendering him quite appealing to the opposite gender, evident from the numerous glances he garnered from women nearby.

"What a waste indeed."

The youth offered a gracious nod, turning slightly to regard Ino.

In that moment, a breeze swept by, carrying with it a faint whiff of soap from the boy's shirt.

Ino was momentarily captivated by the aroma, momentarily losing herself.

Was this the scent of Ran-kun?

Uh~

"Shikamaru, despite his constant lack of enthusiasm, exhibited superior command and strategic prowess in this bout, surpassing many Chūnin."

"Should this have been a team mission, Temari would have been subdued once he initiated the capture."

"In my opinion, Shikamaru has both won and lost."

The boy's gentle voice roused Ino from her reverie, refocusing her attention to the present.

Upon meeting his warm gaze, she instinctively blushed, murmuring softly, "Yes, it's quite regrettable."

"It's not a regrettable outcome." The boy shook his head, shifting his gaze back to the arena.

"Taking into account the psychological attributes essential for a Chūnin, Shikamaru already possesses key leadership qualifications. Should a Chūnin be selected from these exams, he is indeed a strong contender."

The Chūnin Exams prioritized qualities displayed in combat rather than mere outcomes. While Uzumaki Naruto and Hyuga Neji both showcased Chūnin-level strength, during times of peace, they needed to accumulate the necessary credentials for promotion. Conversely, Shikamaru could advance more smoothly... assuming all proceeded as anticipated.

"You really hold great confidence in your students, Ran-kun."

Seated beside the boy, another woman with luscious black hair and striking ruby eyes spoke softly.

Her voice carried a smile, and her eyes exudes warmth.

"Shino isn't too shabby either." The boy replied, mirroring her smile.

The woman with the red eyes smiled and shook her head.

"Ugh!"

Abruptly, Uzumaki Naruto's voice resounded from above the arena.

Every ear caught the sound, and all eyes turned toward the demon fox boy who wore an expression of irritation. Perched atop the railing, it appeared he was on the verge of leaping into the battlefield.

"This guy." The black-haired boy adjusted his black-rimmed glasses, a glint of light reflecting in his dark pupils.

Next, Naruto would engage in conversation with Nara Shikamaru. It seemed Shikamaru's concession had left a sense of dissatisfaction within the former.

Following their discussion, Kakashi would escort Uchiha Sasuke to the stage, his presence commanding and intense.

"Boom!"

Just as the youth anticipated the continuation of this notable scene, a sudden explosion rocked the sky. The very heavens appeared to tremble.

Yet, this sound didn't jar the ears but pierced straight into the hearts of all who heard it.

In that moment, countless beings across the ninja world gazed skyward.

Concurrently, within the Pure Land world, innumerable slumbering souls roused, instinctively raising their heads.

In both the Ninja world and the Pure Land's skies, a purplish energy permeated the atmosphere. An enormous list bathed in golden radiance materialized, its presence looming.

"Boom!"

Another reverberation followed, capturing the attention of most individuals as they looked upward. The golden list emitted a brilliant light, forming a gilded curtain that encapsulated its surroundings, akin to a dream.

Across the entire expanse of the Ninja world, whether beneath a scorching sun or amidst torrential rain, none could obscure this gilded illumination.

Dominating the pinnacle of the list were four characters—'Ninja World Gold List.'

"The Ninja World Gold List?"

The black-haired boy was taken aback.

His smile subsided, replaced by a contemplative glint within his deep eyes.

After twelve years of relative tranquility, such a drastic upheaval had transpired.

Could it be that the script the transmigrator carried was veering off course?

At this moment, an announcement materialized upon the surface of the Ninja World Gold List.

[Ninja World Gold List Announcement: All souls within the Ninja world and the Pure Land shall appear on the Gold List.]

[Ninja World Gold List Announcement: Speech restrictions apply. Those with power exceeding or equal to Kage-level are granted free speech.]

Jōnin: One hundred allowed statements daily. (Note: Elite Jōnin is an unofficial distinction, categorized based on task completion, success rate, while Special Jōnin is an official rank. Similarly, Elite Chūnin denotes command capability, strength, mission accomplishments, yet falls short of the criteria for Special Jōnin.)

Chūnin: Ten statements daily.

Genin: One statement per day.

Ordinary individuals: Limited to observation only.

[Gold List Announcement: Future entrants to the list shall enjoy unrestricted speech.]

[Gold List Announcement: In ten minutes, the World Bloodline Limit Successor List shall be unveiled, featuring thirty placements. Those who secure a spot shall be rewarded!]

[9:59]

[9:58]

...

…

Time flowed gradually.

The entirety of the ninja world seemed to be paused in suspended animation, a tranquil hush pervading.

After several heartbeats, the world erupted into chaos!

"The Ninja World Gold List—what in the world!?"

*****

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