Chapter 128.1 : Sasuke's Rank!

After a period of time, the Gold List reached the twentieth spot on the Kage-level list.

[20th place on the Kage-level list: Hyuga Neji]

Hyuga Neji felt a surge of excitement upon seeing his ranking.

A year ago, he wouldn't have even been considered for this position. Throughout the past year, he had devoted himself to mastering Conqueror's Haki. 

Presently, he had successfully honed his skills in Armament Haki and Observation Haki. Yet, despite his efforts, the elusive Conqueror's Haki remained beyond his grasp. 

Nevertheless, his strength had soared significantly, earning him recognition as a formidable contender in the super Kage-level.

"Perhaps Hinata-sama is even stronger than I am and would rank much higher," Neji mused aloud.

He couldn't deny the incredible transformation in Hinata's abilities following her remarkable reward. It seemed to have fundamentally altered her potential, whereas Neji had merely enhanced his existing strength.

Nevertheless, he felt content.

In the past, he could never have envisioned reaching the super Kage-level, surpassing even the esteemed Third Hokage!

[Hyuga Hiashi: Neji has achieved remarkable progress to secure the 20th spot on the Kage-level list!]

[Hyuga Hizashi: Son, I couldn't be prouder!]

[Rock Lee: Neji's prowess knows no bounds! I'm filled with admiration!]

[Tenten: I envy Neji's progress; mine feels insufficiently paced.]

Soon, the Kage-level list announced the eleventh position.

[11th place on the Kage-level list: Hyūga Hinata]

[Uzumaki Kushina: Ah, just shy of the top ten!]

[Uzumaki Naruto: Hinata came close to breaking into the top ten!]

[Hyūga Hinata: I'm already content with my placement!]

[Hyuga Hanabi: Big sister is truly remarkable!]

[Hyuga Hiashi: Her achievement is a source of pride for our Hyuga clan!]

Anticipation mounted as the announcement for the top ten approached.

Before long, the tenth spot on the Kage-level list was revealed.

A figure materialized on the live broadcast screen—none other than Tsunade.

[No. 10 in Kage-level: Tsunade]

[Senju Hashirama: Our little Tsunade has ascended to such heights, securing the tenth spot on the Kage-level list!]

[Tsunade: I owe a debt of gratitude to Grandpa and Katsuyu-sama for their invaluable aid. Without them, my progress would have been much slower!]

[Senju Hashirama: Regrettably, aiding you has left me at a standstill. I doubt I could defeat that fellow now.]

[Uchiha Madara: Hah, you couldn't take me on even at your peak! What excuses are you conjuring now?]

[Senju Hashirama: Heh, had I not been thorough in my inspection during our duel, you might not be here to boast!]

[Uchiha Madara: Reminiscing the Past, Embracing the Present]

In the tense atmosphere of the competition, the Fourth Raikage, Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Obito all harbored aspirations for the top position, their nerves taut with anticipation.

The announcement of the ninth position on the Kage-level list drew everyone's attention.

Displayed on the screen was the silhouette of the Fourth Hokage.

[Ninth Place on the Kage-level List: Namikaze Minato, Konoha]

Namikaze Minato couldn't help but feel a twinge of surprise at his ranking.

"Am I really ninth? Quite high," Namikaze Minato muttered to himself.

At that moment, Naruto piped up beside him, "Dad, your strength is formidable. With your current transformation into the realm of the soul, and mastery over the Nine Tails, coupled with years of cultivation, your power far surpasses your previous peak."

Namikaze Minato pondered Naruto's words. Indeed, his soul form granted him a quasi-immortal status, allowing him to utilize only a fraction of his true might for now. 

Yet, his inherent strength remained fearsome. With the resilience of a soul being, fear of death scarcely hindered him, transforming his combat style into a relentless force, one bordering on the terrifying.

It became evident that the Golden List took into account his enhanced abilities. 

In realms like the Pure Land, he could unleash the full extent of his power. Disregarding this would render the strength of deceased shinobi inconsequential.

Hence, his ninth position seemed justified.

[Fourth Raikage: The Fourth Hokage securing the ninth spot is a testament to his immense strength. It appears he's earned his place through sheer prowess, an unexpected revelation indeed!]

[Third Tsuchikage: Do not fear the Fourth Hokage, for he now exists as a soul, incapable of exerting much influence in the ninja world. The Golden List undoubtedly acknowledges his formidable strength, else he wouldn't have attained such a high rank.]

[Tsunade: Minato's talent was truly exceptional, but his premature demise robbed him of the chance to ascend further. If he were bestowed with the current rewards of the Golden List, he might have reached the level of the Six Paths by now!]

[Fourth Raikage: I concur with Tsunade, though it's regrettable he was slain by his own student!]

After a brief pause, the eighth position on the Kage-level list was revealed.

*Hum!*

The visage of Second Hokage Senju Tobirama materialized on the screen.

[8th place on the Kage-level list: Senju Tobirama]

[Senju Hashirama: Tobirama, I hadn't expected your ranking to be eighth!]

[Senju Tobirama: Eighth isn't too shabby!]

[Uchiha Madara: Spicy chicken!]

[Fourth Raikage: With this, First Hokage Senju Hashirama's ranking should be even higher.]

[Senju Hashirama: Fourth Raikage, without your numerous acquisitions, how could your strength have surged so rapidly?]

[Fourth Raikage: That's also part of my skill!]

[Senju Tobirama: Our time has passed. Those who once wielded great power are mere ants in this era!]

[Uchiha Madara: Indeed, a new era dawns, yet some still boast of past glories. Preposterous!]

[Senju Hashirama: You're asking for trouble, I'll kick your ass!]

After a pause, the seventh position on the Kage-level list was declared.

[7th place on the Kage-level list: Uchiha Sasuke]

[Uzumaki Karin: Wow, Sasuke-kun has risen to seventh on the Kage-level list!]

[Jugo: That's an impressive rank, congratulations Sasuke!]

[Suigetsu: Hahaha, that's quite a high rank for Sasuke, and considering his youth, with a few more years of training, he might claim the top spot on the Kage-level list!]

[Uzumaki Karin: Suigetsu, what is the first place on the Kage-level list when Sasuke is practically guaranteed to enter into the Six Paths level!]

[Suigetsu: My mistake, Sasuke will surely ascend to the Six Paths list soon!]

[Haruno Sakura: Ah, my future husband is incredible!]

[Uzumaki Naruto: Sasuke's progress is astonishing!]

Many admire Sasuke's prowess, yet Sasuke himself remains unsatisfied.

"I still haven't surpassed Itachi," Sasuke murmured to himself.

His objective was merely to establish a foundation, and he didn't concern himself with his rank among others.

But currently, he still falls short compared to Itachi!

**********

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