Golden List Live Room.
[Nagato: Suddenly, I find myself feeling a twinge of pity for Obito.]
[Fourth Raikage: Hmm, what's troubling you? Or perhaps my own mindset is off. Is it natural to seek vengeance against the whole world when a loved one perishes? How many have lost kin in the throes of war? If all were to react as he did, would the ninja world endure?]
[Tsunade: This time, I concur with the Fourth Raikage. I've lost family one after another. Would I seek retribution against Konoha, against all who care for me? Preposterous.]
[Terumi Mei: Indeed, what sympathy is there to offer? He slaughtered countless ninjas in our Kirigakure. Now, knowing he was deceived, he might as well end his own life.]
Numerous voices echo sentiments akin to Terumi Mei's, condemning Obito, yet few comprehend his plight in the same era.
Of course, there is no shortage of condemnation aimed at Uchiha Madara, the mastermind behind the scenes.
"Unfortunately, the third question was answered incorrectly!"
Uchiha Sasuke's disappointment is palpable. A correct answer would have yielded remarkable rewards.
"I didn't expect Obito to be manipulated by Madara. Poor guy," Sasuke mutters.
At that moment, Suigetsu remarks, "Akatsuki must be in disarray."
"Whether Akatsuki stands with me or not, I must eliminate Danzo," Sasuke declares.
"And how will you handle your relationship with Itachi?" Suigetsu inquires.
"..."
Sasuke finds himself at a loss for words. He once sought Itachi's demise, yet now, he grapples with conflicting emotions. Itachi did slay his parents and clan members, but he did so to protect Sasuke.
"For now, I shall avoid meeting Itachi," Sasuke decides.
"Fair enough," Uzumaki Karin nods.
Soon, Sasuke's reward is unveiled.
Having answered only two questions correctly, his reward proves average.
A glowing fruit materialized on the screen, its allure heightened by its promise to bolster one's Chakra reserves. Though a boon for most, for someone of Sasuke's caliber, its appeal paled in comparison to his standing.
Without hesitation, Sasuke plucked the fruit and swallowed it whole, feeling a surge of power coursing through him.
Shortly thereafter, the announcement for the eighth-place reward on the Kage-level list echoed through the room.
A hush fell as two additional items materialized on the screen.
The first was a boon to one's constitution.
[Mysterious Water Body: Bestows an incredibly robust physique, enhancing physical prowess and expanding the Chakra capacity. Particularly effective for water ninjutsu and facilitates rapid regeneration.]
The second offering was a talent enhancement.
[Intermediate Velocity Talent: Significantly amplifies speed and attack rate.]
Both were formidable rewards indeed.
[Senju Hashirama: Brother, opt for the Mysterious Water Body. While the speed talent holds allure, your mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique renders it somewhat redundant. The Mysterious Water Body, however, will augment your strength substantially."
[Senju Tobirama: Indeed, brother. I shall choose the Mysterious Water Body."
And so, Senju Tobirama promptly selected the Mysterious Water Body, absorbing its essence into his being.
With the newfound power bestowed upon him, Senju Tobirama ascended to greater heights, though he remained shy of attaining the status of the Six Paths. Nonetheless, it was a marked improvement, akin to the strength of Senju Hashirama prior to his ascension.
For Senju Tobirama, it was satisfying enough.
After all, his achievement this time was modest, merely securing the eighth position. Thus, the treasures he obtained were not overly extravagant.
Before long, the reward for ninth place in the Kage-level list was unveiled, befitting Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato.
Upon the screen flickered two enticing rewards.
The first was a pill for strengthening the soul.
[Soul Pill: Enhances the soul's fortitude and augments spiritual strength.]
The second reward treasure is a large seal.
[Soul Seal: Harnesses the power of soul, enabling deceased person to unleash their full potential in the ninja world with their soul, and can maintain their presence within the ninja world indefinitely!]
[Tsunade: The Soul Seal is indeed remarkable. It allows Minato to utilize his full power in the ninja world."
[Uzumaki Kushina: Honey, it's wiser to select the Soul Seal. This way, you can remain in Konoha indefinitely, without periodically returning to the Pure Land."
[Uzumaki Naruto: Dad, choose the Soul Seal so you can use your strength to protect Mom!"
[Jiraiya: Indeed, for Minato, the Soul Seal power holds greater significance."
[Fourth Hokage: Hahaha, I'll certainly opt for the Soul Seal. Though the Soul Pill may enhance strength significantly, if it can't be utilized, it's meaningless. The Soul Seal allows me to wield formidable power. Besides, in the future, if I acquire other treasures, I can further enhance my strength, which will be fully utilized!"
Thus, the Fourth Hokage promptly chose the Soul Seal.
Konoha.
Naruto and Namikaze Minato's residence.
Namikaze Minato promptly obtained the Soul Seal.
A seal materialized in Namikaze Minato's grasp, and he promptly infused his own spiritual energy into it.
Instantly, the Soul Seal transformed into a black aura, embedding itself between his brows, forming a distinctive mark.
In the following moment, Namikaze Minato experienced an overwhelming sense of relief, as if a burden had been lifted from his shoulders.
Previously, he had been unable to unleash his true potential, suppressed by the ninja world's regulations. Now liberated from these constraints, he could naturally harness his full power.
Furthermore, he felt a newfound sense of peace, as though he were truly alive, rather than existing as a mere spirit.
"The Soul Seal is truly invaluable."
Namikaze Minato was immensely content with his choice of treasure, affirming it as the right decision.
Opting for the Soul Pill, even if it elevated him to the Six Paths level, would have been futile.
Before long, the reward for the tenth position on the Kage-level list would be unveiled.
[Tsunade: The tenth place reward is about to be announced. I hope it's something good! Maybe this time, I'll finally make it to the level of the Six Paths in one shot!]
[Senju Hashirama: Tsunade, you're still far from reaching the level of the Six Paths. And aiming for the tenth place reward to get there might be overly ambitious.]
[Tsunade: Grandpa, don't jinx it! What if I end up getting something amazing?]
Two bonus items materialize on the screen.
One is a Rank Three Golden Pill.
The Rank Three Golden Pill is a potent concoction, capable of significantly boosting Tsunade's chakra and enhancing her strength exponentially.
Choosing the Rank Three Golden Pill would bring Tsunade very close to the level of the Six Paths. With dedicated effort in the future and mastery of certain abilities, she might eventually break through the barriers and ascend to that level of power.
However, the second reward stirs Tsunade's curiosity and excitement to the brim.
It's a talisman.
[Resurrection Talisman: It can bring the dead back to life, albeit with limitations. It cannot revive those at the level of the Six Paths, and each revival exacts a decade of the user's life.]
[Tsunade: A resurrection item! I can't believe it's here!]
[Senju Hashirama: Unfortunately, it won't work for someone at the level of the Six Paths.]
[Senju Tobirama: Brother, even if it did work for them, do you have the courage to vie for that revival opportunity?]
[Senju Hashirama: Naturally, there's no need to compete for the revival slot. There are already too many instances of resurrection in the world! Besides, Konoha has already welcomed Six Paths-level powerhouses. One more won't make a significant difference, and one less won't be a loss. I'll continue relying on my own strength!]
In Konoha,
Atop a tall building, Jiraiya sits, sipping a small drink.
He glances towards the Hokage's office.
"Tsunade, who will you choose to bring back to life?"
Jiraiya understands Tsunade's dilemma well; she'll undoubtedly choose the resurrection charm. The two individuals she most desires to revive – Nawaki and Kato Dan.
But the Resurrection Talisman can only resurrect one person, forcing Tsunade into a heart-wrenching decision.
One is her younger brother, the other her former lover.
Jiraiya knows it'll be a tough call for Tsunade.
Yet, deep down, he hopes she doesn't choose to revive Kato Dan, perhaps selfishly.
Nevertheless, whatever decision Tsunade makes, he'll stand by her.
Hokage's Office.
Tsunade's expression was clouded with hesitation, torn by the weight of her decision. She grappled with the choice of whom to resurrect, her heart heavy with uncertainty.
After a tense silence, she finally spoke, her voice firm with resolve. "Retrieve the Resurrection Seal at once!"
With swift efficiency, Tsunade retrieved the Resurrection Seal from the chamber.
**********
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