In that moment,
Sasuke activated the talent card.
Though unsure of the talent it would bestow, he knew it would bolster his strength regardless.
As the talent card was employed, it transformed into a beam of light and merged into Sasuke's body.
Moments later, Sasuke shut his eyes, sensing the emergence of his newfound talent.
Jugo and Suigetsu waited in anticipation.
Finally,
Sasuke opened his eyes, brimming with joy.
"Sasuke, what talent did you get?" Karin inquired eagerly.
"Follow me," Sasuke beckoned.
He led everyone to an open area.
With a surge of chakra, Sasuke shaped lightning into a spear, thrusting it through distant trees.
He then directed the lightning into tiger forms, charging forth and obliterating everything in their path.
Next,
Sasuke manipulated the lightning into a protective barrier, resisting Suigetsu's attacks effortlessly.
"Sasuke, what's your ability?" Suigetsu asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It's energy manipulation," Sasuke explained. "This ability is quite advanced. It allows me to control any form of energy. For instance, I specialize in thunder energy. I can manipulate objects to transform into various shapes and greatly enhance their power. Additionally, even when employing Fire Style ninjutsu, I can utilize energy manipulation to diversify the forms of fire power."
"That's a remarkable ability," Jugo remarked.
"It truly is," Sasuke agreed enthusiastically. "It has expanded my combat versatility, enabling me to adapt to different situations."
Acquiring the ability of energy manipulation had undeniably bolstered Sasuke's prowess, though he still fell short of the Six Paths level.
In the Golden List live room, a notification regarding the next rankings appeared.
[Next rankings will be revealed in a year's time.
[Senju Hashirama: Another year of anticipation for the new rankings!
[Uchiha Madara: Hopefully, I'll secure a spot in the top ten next year!
[Senju Hashirama: I aim to maintain my position in the top ten as well!]
Shortly after, those not on the list were restricted from chatting in the live broadcast room, causing conversation topics to dwindle.
A few days later, Yaya and Kumoko completed their transformation simultaneously.
Having fully refined the Ten Thousand Years Ice Lotus, Yaya's Ice Element abilities had significantly strengthened, elevating her combat prowess to the top tier of the Six Paths level.
Similarly, Kumoko had completed her evolution into a demon species after assimilating the heart of evolution, marking a substantial improvement in her abilities.
"Master, I've completed my transformation into a demon species, and my overall strength has greatly increased!" Kumoko exclaimed.
"Excellent," Yasao nodded approvingly. "However, you're still considered a relatively weak demon. Focus on enhancing your strength. With a favorable reward from the gold list, you might even ascend to the Immortal Dao level in a short time."
"I hope to maintain my position in the top ten on the next list," Kumoko expressed her anticipation.
For the following year, peace prevailed in the ninja world.
Akatsuki refrained from stirring trouble, as the Fourth Raikage's power had surged, nearly reaching the level of the Six Paths. Even Uchiha Obito had to retreat in the face of the Fourth Raikage's might, refraining from direct confrontation.
The Infinite Tsukuyomi plan was indefinitely postponed, as they dared not rush into conflict.
In truth, the Akatsuki organization was ill-prepared for war at the moment and would likely face defeat if they engaged in it.
Even if Uchiha Madara were to be resurrected, he would struggle to withstand Uzumaki Naruto's onslaught.
Under such circumstances, how could they muster the confidence to battle?
This year, Yasao devoted himself to rigorous training, delving into the Time Chamber. This endeavor equated to a decade's worth of practice in the outside world. With his burgeoning potential and fortified cultivation, his prowess within the Immortal Dao realm burgeoned significantly.
Presently, Yasao stands several times more formidable than when he first attained the Immortal Dao level.
In the blink of an eye, a year had elapsed.
Ninjas across the major ninja villages brimmed with anticipation for the new rankings. Remembering how, in the previous listing, a cohort of seemingly feeble individuals ascended to Jōnin, Kage-level, and even super Kage-level combat prowess through the "handsome man list" and the "beauty list," excitement mounted.
This year, as the rankings refreshed one by one and rewards were disclosed, many ninjas experienced a surge in strength. For them, these intermittent rewards rivaled months, even years, of strenuous training!
Especially for those ninjas who had reached their zenith, stagnating for nearly a decade, these rewards promised to elevate their limitations!
Consequently, a surge of Kage-level talent pervaded the ninja world, rendering it awash with formidable figures.
Within the Golden List live room:
As the broadcast commenced, a multitude of ninjas flooded in, engaging in animated discussions about the impending rankings.
At that moment,
An announcement resonated from the Golden List live broadcast room, unveiling the title of the forthcoming list.
[The Power List will be disclosed in ten minutes!]
[Note: Nations and villages are excluded from the Power List, which will focus on individual forces like the Hyuga clan. Extinct forces will not be considered.]
This time, the Gold List's directive was explicit.
For instance, defunct forces had no place in the list.
[Senju Hashirama: Hence, this reward pertains only to the living. The deceased should not partake in its spoils!]
...
[Uchiha Madara: It appears I shan't be eligible for the reward this time!]
[Uchiha Madara: Akatsuki could have made the cut, but alas, Nagato and the others defected. Otherwise, Akatsuki would undoubtedly stand stronger!]
[Tsunade: Why isn't the village included in the power rankings? Otherwise, Konoha would definitely be at the top!
[Gamabunta: I wonder if Mount Myōboku is considered one of the factions? If so, then Mount Myōboku should rank very high!
[Great Toad Sage: According to the criteria, it should be included. We stand as a distinct faction!
[White Snake Sage: Hahaha, Ryūchi Cave will surely rank high this time!
[Hyuga Hiashi: The Hyuga clan holds considerable power, though we're a part of Konoha. My daughter, Hinata and Neji, are exceptionally skilled and can surely earn a high ranking!
[Kakashi: Is it too late to establish a faction now?
[Might Guy: Kakashi, let's form a faction!
[Tsunade: I'm afraid it won't be possible. The prompt mentioned that a faction needs to be acknowledged by a certain number of individuals to be recognized as legitimate. Otherwise, it won't count. If you form one now, it's too late!
[Kakashi: What a shame!
"Master, this time the power rankings are being revealed. Aren't your factions about to be exposed?" Kumoko frowned.
"Let them be exposed. If we can gain some rewards, it's not a bad outcome," Yasao remarked.
He didn't expect the secrecy of the factions he established to last forever. Sooner or later, they would be exposed, albeit a bit earlier than anticipated.
Hong Hong added, "Master, if those people knew the true extent of the factions under your command, they'd be shocked and speechless!"
Yaya chimed in, "Indeed, they'll be utterly bewildered. I can already picture their expressions!"
As time ticked by, ten minutes flew past. Everyone anxiously awaited the live broadcast, eager for the Golden List to unveil the power rankings.
Amidst the anticipation of countless viewers, the 100th spot on the power rankings was finally revealed.
[No. 100 on the Power List: Fūma Clan]
[Jiraiya: "So it's the Fūma Clan. They're a force from the Land of Rivers. I recall there was a Fūma Clan ninja among Nagato's Six Paths of Pain."
[Fourth Raikage: The Fūma Clan still holds some renown, particularly in the region of Sichuan. However, being from a smaller nation, their strength remains moderate, though being ranked 100th in power isn't shabby at all! As for my Clan, we wield considerable might. I wonder how many spots we'll secure.]
[Uzumaki Kushina: The Uzumaki clan once boasted great power, but alas, it has been decimated. Only a handful of us remain, rendering us insignificant in terms of power."]
Konoha.
The members of the Nara clan congregated, their attention fixed on the live broadcast.
"Clan Head, it's likely our Nara clan will make the list this time. However, with only one reward, how should we divide it?" inquired a Nara shinobi to Clan Head Nara Shikaku.
"If we acquire an asset beneficial to the entire Nara clan, it shall be utilized for all. Should the treasure be singular in use, we'll vote on its most deserving recipient," replied Nara Shikaku.
There were no objections, not even from Nara Shikamaru.
Simultaneously, the Yamanaka, Akamichi, and other prominent clans pondered over the list's implications.
For them, this occasion presented an opportunity for substantial gain!
With their sizable membership, fair distribution of rewards posed a significant challenge. Discussions ensued, aware that unfair allocation would inevitably breed discontent among their ranks.
**********
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