In the vast sky, a three-dimensional number display flickered.
The possessor of this display was a young man with pale skin and long, snow-white hair. His willow-leaf eyebrows were slender, and he wore pristine white garments adorned with a jade emblem around his neck. However, his most striking feature was his eyeless face.
This young man was undeniably handsome.
But what truly captured one's attention were his eyes, which resembled endless black voids.
This young man had no eyes.
[Onoki: How is this possible? Isn't top spot the old man? The old man possesses the Bloodline Limit, Dust Style. How can he not be at the top of the list?!]
[Uzumaki Naruto: Dust Style? Are you referring to the powerful Bloodline Limit similar to First Hokage's Wood Style?]
Naruto, already well-versed in the lore of the First Hokage's Wood Style, spoke with the confidence of a seasoned scholar.
[Uchiha Ran: Naruto, while Wood Style is indeed formidable, it cannot be compared to Dust Style in the same way. You've misunderstood.]
[Uzumaki Naruto: Oh? Ran-san, could you clarify my misunderstanding?]
[Uchiha Ran: It's just simply because the First Hokage wielded Wood Style that everyone reveres it as the most powerful Bloodline Limit among ninjas.]
[Senju Hashirama: Ahaha, Ran, you articulate it so well, you're making me blush, hahaha!]
[Tsunade: Grandfather, you see, Ran-kun is quite knowledgeable and composed. He is a smooth talker.]
[Uchiha Ran: Sister, do you remember that?]
[Tsunade: Hmph, kidnapping Shizune, who's been with me for nearly 20 years, and lying to me, that's quite the feat.]
[Uchiha Ran: *sigh* *cough* @Hashirama, Shodai, I don't mean to undermine your legacy, but to educate Naruto about the truth. Second Hokage Water Style is, in fact, exceedingly powerful, surpassing even the Mizukage of Kirigakure. This speaks volumes.]
Uchiha Ran wasn't one to overly praise others; if he did, he would do so cautiously.
Yet, the facts he presented were irrefutable.
Both Bloodline Limits had their own merits.
While the Bloodline Limit might have some advantages over single-attribute Chakra, the Hashirama's Wood Style was a force to be reckoned with.
This was especially evident in the aftermath of Naruto and Sasuke's destructive display following the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Even if Hashirama hadn't possessed Wood Style but instead had Lava Style, it would still be incredibly potent.
Wood Style's strength lay in its ability to maximize the benefits of Yang Release, complementing and invigorating the user. The same Ashura chakra reincarnation, when channeled through Naruto, manifested differently.
If Naruto had used Wood Style, it might have been merely average.
[Senju Tobirama: If you have more to say, speak up.]
The Mizukage rolled her eyes.
The Senju family had a penchant for being stubborn.
[Uchiha Madara: Keep quiet. You are as weak as an ant for me.]
[Namikaze Minato: Indeed, Ninjutsu, Bloodline Limit, and the like are formidable abilities, but true strength lies in self-awareness. Can Uchiha Madara, or any other Uchiha, truly compare to themselves?]
[Uchiha Madara: All right. You are telling truth. You can speak more freely.]
[Tobirama: ?]
Madara was indeed quite inconsistent in his views.
[Uzumaki Naruto: Dad, I'm not sure I completely understand. *shakes head*]
[Namikaze Minato: For example, Flying Thunder God Technique, created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama-sensei.
Even without your father's innate talent, I can master it.
Specialized techniques have their own distinct charm. Flying Thunder God Technique isn't just about flashy maneuvers and roaring about.]
[Uzumaki Naruto: Ah, I see, I see!]
[Senju Tobirama: You guys are truly natural talents.]
[Onoki: So, are we going to discuss Dust Style or not? Why are we going off-topic?]
As time passed, more individuals added their voices to the Golden List's discussions. The ANBU, the Kages, and the limitless Jōnins were chatting, shifting the tone of the conversation.
"It seems that sand-sculpting netizens are always in high spirits," Uchiha Ran mused inwardly. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure outwardly.
[Uchiha Ran: Third Tsuchikage, the reason you're not on the list could be one of two possibilities.]
[Onoki: Do you know the Fifth Hokage? Your thoughts?]
[Uchiha Ran: The first possibility is that this list is only for Bloodline Limit users. Not just for Bloodline Selection (Kekkai Tota) that transcend Bloodline Limits, integrating three attributes: Wind, Fire, and Earth. It surpasses the conventional Bloodline Limits.]
[Onoki: I understand...]
In truth, it wasn't only Onoki who reacted this way. When Uchiha Ran made this assertion, those in the know about Dust Style nodded in agreement.
Dust Style wasn't simply a Bloodline Limit; it was a Bloodline Selection, a fusion of three elemental attributes, surpassing typical Bloodline Limits.
It was a one-of-a-kind ability in the ninja world. When Bloodline Limit List was revealed, many believed it would claim the top spot.
That's because Dust Style's Bloodline Limit had the power to overpower other Bloodline Limit.
Against opponents of the same level, whether they possessed Mangekyō Sharingan, Second Hokage's Chakra nature transformation ability, or Hashirama's Wood Style, Dust Style's power would prevail.
It was important to clarify that having the upper hand in a specific area didn't make one superior overall.
Onoki was undoubtedly formidable, but in the face of Uchiha Madara, he was like a younger sibling. However, Onoki possessed the strength to subdue the entire Uchiha clan.
Of course, Rinnegan and the Sage Body would likely overcome Dust Style, even if it has superior attack power.
These two can also be considered another form of Bloodline Selection.
Yet, Onoki didn't make it onto the list.
Uchiha Ran's initial assumption appeared correct. However, he had another hypothesis.
Just as Onoki was about to inquire further, a three-dimensional projection in the sky transformed into a streak of light, merging with the Golden List and updating the rankings.
Following this, the identity of the top-ranked individual and information about their Bloodline Limit were revealed.
Rank 1: Ōtsutsuki Toneri ( Ōtsutsuki Physiology · Top Tier, Byakugan Intermediate · To Be Confirmed)
Reward options:
1: A pair of advanced Byakugan eyes
2: One intermediate Myriad worlds Draw
The entire ninja world fell silent.
Then, it erupted into chaos.
[Uchiha Madara: Ōtsutsuki? So, is the Byakugan truly comparable to the Sharingan? Perhaps even the Rinnegan?]
[Hyuga Hiashi: Fifth Hokage's words seem to have been vindicated!]
[Senju Tobirama: The Ōtsutsuki clan still exists in the ninja world. Their physiology has evolved to a top-tier level at such a young age. But what about the intermediate Byakugan? Does anyone have any idea what that means?]
[Senju Hashirama: Tobirama, if you can't fathom it, who can?]
[Uchiha Madara: Ah, Tobirama, you're like a fiery hotpot. It's time to @Uchiha Ran.]
[Senju Tobirama: Look at you, Ran is now blessed with Uzumaki Physiology. It appears the dormant Senju Physiology has been awakened.]
[Uchiha Madara: Let's go, let's personally congratulate Uchiha Ran, who has been certified by the Golden List and go to change his name.]
[Golden List Tip: Since Uchiha Ran possesses two Bloodlines and is on the list, he is granted the opportunity to change his name.]
[Senju Hashirama: Hahaha, Madara, you're on fire. The Golden List is about to roast you.]
[Senju Tobirama: @ Uchiha Ran, change your name. I suggest "Senju Ran," and you'll become the top ninja in the world. Revive the Uchiha clan's glory!]
[Tsunade: Ah, well, if it's for the clan... ] *cough*
[Jiraiya: ???]
[...]
'Hey, Second Hokage, aren't you using a beauty trick on me?'
Uchiha Ran's heart skipped a beat.
Who could resist a warm-hearted woman like Tsunade?
Love knows no age boundaries!
And speaking of age, considering his past life, he wasn't particularly young himself. Moreover, if he could reach the level of Six Paths and become the Ten Tails Jinchūriki, living for several centuries wouldn't be an issue.
Most importantly, the Golden List!
If future lotteries ventured into fantasy worlds involving immortality and eternal youth, these concerns would be insignificant.
However...
[Uchiha Ran: Second Hokage, you jest. Although I don't know my true heritage, it's undoubtedly rooted in the Uchiha clan.]
Uchiha Ran's declaration was not a result of Konan's somewhat resentful gaze directed at him. He genuinely advocated for the Uchiha clan's legacy.
Brotherhood!
He was a true Uchiha, and his dream was to provide warmth to every girl who needed it.
[Senju Hashirama: Never forget your roots. You shouldn't change your name. Tobirama!
[Senju Tobirama: Big Brother... Fine!]
[Orochimaru: Little junior brother, what's the situation with this squinty-eyed fellow?]
Orochimaru was convinced that Uchiha Ran had answers. After all, he possessed an awakened Bloodline Limit, a circumstance that surely paralleled his own.
However, before Uchiha Ran could respond, Orochimaru's snake-like pupils contracted, and he instinctively extended his tongue to lick his face.
But no one present paid any heed to the peculiar behavior of the "Fourth Kazekage."
They were all captivated by the images broadcast live.
In the center was Ōtsutsuki Toneri.
Behind him loomed an enormous castle, and beyond the castle was an inky void, save for a single suspended planet.
This planet, unlike the moon, was vast and azure.
Could such a place exist within the ninja world?
One of the three sacred locations.
Mount Myōboku.
The Great Gamamaru, who had been dozing with his eyes closed, stirred.
"It appears he's a descendant of Hamura," the sage mumbled.
[Terumi Mei: The location of Ōtsutsuki Toneri seems peculiar. I've never seen anything like it in the ninja world. Does anyone know where it is?]
[Gamamaru: On the moon.]
[Terumi Mei: Wait, on the moon!?]
[Jiraiya: Uh, Toad from Mount Myōboku, your jokes aren't hitting the mark at all.]
[Gamamaru: Believe it or not.]
Gamamaru had no intention of revealing his true identity as the Great Toad Sage. For now, he preferred to remain incognito. After all, within Mount Myōboku, not even Fukasaku and Shima knew his real name.
[Senju Hashirama: Hahaha, this little toad has quite the character.]
Gamamaru's aged face twitched, almost exposing his true identity.
Little toad?
Not even Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo would address him in such a manner!
[Uchiha Ran: There's no need for speculation; let's ask directly. @Ōtsutsuki Toneri, are you really on the moon?]
Ōtsutsuki Toneri promptly responded, "That's correct!"
And he affirmed his statement.
[Orochimaru: How is that possible? Based on my research. Surviving on the moon is impossible. How did you even get there?]
As expected of a ninja scientist, Orochimaru was well-informed.
[Ōtsutsuki Toneri: Mortal, your vision is limited, preventing you from seeing the true scope of the world.]
[Ōtsutsuki Toneri: But broadening your horizons won't matter. Soon, I will fulfill my ancestors' will by eliminating this flawed world, created by the Sage of Six Paths, and you will all perish.]
Eliminate, not destroy.
What Ōtsutsuki Toneri aimed to do was cleanse the world of all life.
But this had a profound meaning to everyone in the ninja world.
They were all taken aback by Ōtsutsuki's declaration.
Was this guy really planning to destroy the world?
It sounded absurd.
But Uchiha Ran took it seriously.
He knew that Ōtsutsuki Toneri would undoubtedly follow through on his words, and he could do so quickly.
"If he chooses to, it won't be long before he awakens the Tenseigan."
"It won't be long before the world could be wiped out."
Uchiha Ran's eyes narrowed.
[Uchiha Ran: @Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo @Ōtsutsuki Hamura, Sage of Six Paths and his Brother, the two ancestors have awakened. Come forth and enlighten your descendants, who have misunderstood the ancestors' intent!]
**********
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