Chapter 128.2 : No. 1?

On the opposing side,

"Itachi holds the seventh position on the Kage-level roster. Sasuke's progression is truly remarkable!" Uchiha Itachi expressed with a sense of relief.

However, following the tempering of his body by the Magic spring, he had nearly transformed his body into a half-demon physique. 

Consequently, activating the Mangekyō Sharingan no longer incurred any physical toll, and his body remained resilient, significantly enhancing his power.

He hadn't been overly fixated on enhancing his strength, yet it seemed to improve effortlessly, leaving him somewhat bemused.

"Sasuke, continue to grow. I eagerly await the day you surpass me," Uchiha Itachi muttered to himself.

Not long after, the announcement for the sixth position on the Kage-level list was made.

Uchiha Itachi's name flashed on the screen.

[6th Place on the Kage-level List: Uchiha Itachi]

[Hoshigaki Kisame: Hahaha, as expected of Itachi, securing the sixth spot on the Kage-level list!!!]

[Hidan: Congratulations, well-deserved!]

[Deidara: If I hadn't met my end, maybe I...]

[Hoshigaki Kisame: Deidara, let it go. With your prowess, do you still seek comparison with the elegant? Even Itachi's genjutsu could handle you, and you're unaware of how you met your demise.]

[Deidara: Hoshigaki Kisame, must you bring this up again?]

Regarding Uchiha Itachi's ranking, no one raised objections.

After all, Uchiha Itachi had showcased his might in the prior skirmish against the foremost figures in the pirate realm. Undoubtedly, his prowess was fearsome, nearing the level of Six Paths combat capability.

Given that a year had elapsed since then, it was only natural for Itachi's strength to have further burgeoned, thus justifying his placement.

"This fellow is just one step ahead of me. Our strengths are similar, giving me hope to surpass him!" Uchiha Sasuke exclaimed excitedly.

Before long, the announcement for the fifth position on the Kage-level list followed.

Obito was name flickering on the screen.

[5th place on the Kage-level list: Uchiha Obito]

Observing his rank, Uchiha Obito couldn't help but feel a surge of disappointment.

"I'm only fifth?"

Uchiha Obito grumbled.

Alongside the Kage-level list, there existed the Six Paths ranking. The ninja world teemed with formidable Six Paths-level ninjas, and finding himself not even among the top three on the Kage-level list left him disheartened.

[Fourth Raikage: Hmph, Obito's ranked fifth!]

[Kakashi: Obito possesses the Rinnegan, and his Kamui is exceptional. He's earned Conqueror's Haki and garnered numerous rewards, not to mention his recent acquisition of the magic spring. Naturally, his prowess has skyrocketed. So, his ranking isn't surprising at all! Rather, I am surprised he isn't Six Path level.]

[Tsunade: Obito's strength has surged. It poses a threat to us. His ascent could potentially alter the situation of the shinobi world. Changing his ways won't be easy!]

[Uchiha Obito: Change from evil to good? Hah, what defines evil and good? In my eyes, I stand for righteousness, while you all represent the darkness!]

[Nagato: Shifting Obito's resolve won't be simple. Let's entrust that task to Naruto in the future!]

[Tsunade: Can Naruto's Talk no Jutsu truly sway Obito's convictions?]

[Uchiha Obito: Impossible to sway me!]

(grumbling)

Amidst the tranquil landscape,

"Obito's progression is accelerating. He's on the cusp of reaching the Six Paths level," murmured Uchiha Madara, his brow furrowed.

Yet, he had ensnared Obito with a seal, ensuring that even if he attained the Six Paths level, he couldn't shake off Madara's control.

Satisfied with this assurance, Madara exhaled deeply.

Should Obito slip out of control, it would jeopardize his path to resurrection.

Moments later, the screen unveiled the fourth-ranking Kage-level warrior.

Senju Hashirama's image materialized.

[4th place on Kage-level list: Senju Hashirama]

[Senju Hashirama: What in the world? I'm only fourth in the Kage-level ranking?]

[Uchiha Madara: Hahaha, Hashirama, face the reality. You've been surpassed. What once held true in the past doesn't apply anymore!]

[Senju Hashirama: Blast it all! This is utterly vexing! To think I've fallen to fourth place... it's truly disheartening!]

[Tsunade: Grandpa, if you hadn't bestowed the rewards upon me, you'd be at the Six Paths level!]

[Senju Hashirama: Tsunade, I've made up my mind. I won't be granting you the rewards this time. It's time I bolster my own strength!]

[Tsunade: Understood, Grandpa!]

[Senju Tobirama: Don't fret, big brother. This ranking is merely transient. With our dedication to strength, we'll ascend further.]

[Uchiha Madara: Ah, relying solely on the rewards of the Gold List won't suffice. Your lack of cultivation hinders your progress, incomparable to others' growth speed in the ninja world.]

[Senju Hashirama: Madara, aren't we in similar boats?]

[Uchiha Madara: My strength exceeds yours, and my potential resurrection sets me apart. We're not alike.]

[Senju Hashirama: Perhaps your resurrection will never come to pass. The Golden List's future is mutable, and circumstances evolve. Your plans might change.]

[Uchiha Madara: Impossible!]

[Senju Hashirama: Let's cease this bickering. I'm more intrigued by the current top three.]

[Kakashi: Guy is undoubtedly one of them. Even without unlocking the Eighth Gate, he possesses Kage-level prowess. With it, he might rival Six Paths. Despite being a pure taijutsu user, his exceptional skills warrant high recognition.]

[Senju Hashirama: Guy might indeed be one, but who are the other two?]

Suddenly, a robust figure appeared—Fourth Raikage Ai.

[Third Place on the Kage-level List: Ai]

[Killer Bee: Big Brother, you're incredible, ranking third among the Kage!]

[Fourth Raikage: Hah, only third. My strength has surged this year, and my arm's recovery bolstered me. I aimed for first place, but landed third.]

[Third Raikage: You've far exceeded me, son.]

[Fourth Raikage: Thanks to my father's aid, my progress was swift.]

[Daruī: Raikage-sama is awe-inspiring!]

[Tsunade: The Fourth Raikage's improvement is remarkable. The Void Thunder Tree's impact is evident.]

[Fourth Raikage: Haha, the tree's efficacy is undeniable, but my training time was limited. Given more years, I'd claim the top spot.]

[Senju Hashirama: Only two spots remain. Madara, are you the first on the Kage-level list?]

[Uchiha Madara: If you believe so, then so be it.]

"I aspire to claim the top spot on the Kage-level list. The rewards for first place must be substantial."

Might Guy eagerly anticipated the announcement.

"This could be my chance!" he thought.

"Guy-sensei, you're going to be number one!" Rock Lee exclaimed.

"Absolutely!" Guy chuckled.

Finally, amidst everyone's anticipation, a figure appeared on the screen.

Many recognized him not as Guy or Uchiha Madara, but as a member of the Ōtsutsuki clan.

[Rank 2 on the Kage-level: Ōtsutsuki Toneri]

hovering above the moon.

Ōtsutsuki Toneri spoke coldly: "Second place. My aim is the Six Paths rank. Unfortunately, without the Tenseigan, it's challenging to reach that level. Yet, this second place might just provide the opportunity to forcibly ascend to the Six Paths rank."

He no longer feared Six Paths-level opponents, having created a Six Paths-level puppet. With its aid, he could confront ordinary Six Paths-level enemies without fear.

[Tsunade: Ōtsutsuki Toneri's strength is astonishing. His rank at the second level of Kage-level poses a threat to weaker Six Paths-level ninjas.]

[Uchiha Madara: As expected of Ōtsutsuki Hamura's bloodline. Remarkable strength!]

[Hyuga Hiashi: We must be cautious of this Ōtsutsuki Toneri. If he targets Hanabi, our Hyuga clan may struggle to defeat him.]

[Hyuga Neji: Uncle, while I may not be his match alone, Hinata and I together could rival him.]

[Hyuga Hiashi: No, the disparity in strength between the top ten rankings, especially the top three of Kage-level, is significant. They possess means to challenge Six Paths-level opponents.]

After a moment, the announcement for the first place on the Kage-level list was made.

Boom!

A figure appeared on the screen—it was Guy.

[Rock Lee: Incredible, Guy-sensei, ranked number one on the Kage-level list! Invincible!]

[Kakashi: Congratulations, Guy. Securing the top spot on the Kage-level list is a remarkable feat. What treasures await you as the No. 1? Perhaps you'll ascend directly to the Six Paths level! Imagine combining Six Paths power with the Eight Gates—it would be formidable!]

[Might Guy: Haha! Winning first place feels amazing!]

[Tsunade: Congratulations on claiming the first rank for the Kage-level list. A substantial reward awaits!]

[Nara Shikaku: With Guy's strength, even a Six Paths-level opponent would think twice. His mastery of the Eight Gates is lethal enough to dispatch weaker Six Paths-level enemies in an instant.]

[Senju Hashirama: I believe Guy should be considered for the Six Paths list!]

[Uchiha Madara: Guy only possesses temporary Six Paths-level combat capability through Forbidden Techniques, not conventional strength. How can he be evaluated so highly? One must possess true Six Paths-level power to be considered as such.]

[Senju Hashirama: So, you weren't the one topping the Kage-level list after all. Did you fail to make the cut? Have you sacrificed your skills for gold, losing your strength in the process?]

[Uchiha Madara: Hashirama, I have indeed reached the Six Paths level.]

[Senju Hashirama: What?! You've reached the Six Paths level???]

[Uchiha Madara: Hehe, I'm on the verge of Six Paths level and have received a small reward. Is it challenging to ascend to the Six Paths level?]

[Senju Hashirama: I have no desire to converse with you.]

At this moment, Senju Hashirama was truly exhilarated!

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